Founder & Director​

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Some people just love camp and others need time to warm up to it...or just need to be in the right camp. As a kid, summer was Rabbi Merrill's least favorite time of the year. Now, he lives and breathes camp. Rabbi Merrill founded Camp Al Haderech in the summer of 2003. He wanted a camp that would have lots of trips and get him to see places he never saw before. At the time, #1 on the list was Niagara Falls. He has since been there 5 times (at least). Over time, added to the list were rafting, alpine slides, and the world's tallest filing cabinet (only 3x so far). Before making aliyah in 2021, Rabbi Merrill spent 20 years in Jewish Education including 18 years at HANC where he taught, was the Director of Student Activities, and the Assistant Principal. 

While, he is no longer in the classroom his passion is still to teach and he does teach Navi online as well as teaching the campers of Al Haderech.

His greatest joy in the summer is seeing campers grow by taking chances at new activities. He has watched this thousands of times and gets the greatest satisfaction when some of those campers eventually become staff and help other campers overcome their fears!

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Assistant Director NY & Boys NY Head Counselor

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Eli Cohen entered Al Haderech the summer after fourth grade. He started as a camper in the travel camp. He continued with the camp until he graduated 8th grade. In 9th grade Eli joined the staff as a CIT. Although he was sometimes confused with his campers, that was only in size. In stature he clearly was a leader at a young age. Eli continued to grow as a staff member and would finish as one of the best counselors of all time. Eli went off to Shaalvim for 2 years of learning and then rejoined our head staff. As a head counselor he distinguished himself with his ability to stay calm no matter what. Eli's patience is most apparent when dealing with some of the more difficult campers. He listens to them carefully and is able to help get them back on track. He entertains campers on the buses with his tree trivia and random food facts. This summer Eli has added Assistant Director to his title where he focuses on the behind the scenes logistics and staff training.

When Eli is not busy working at Al Haderech he is learning at Yeshiva Gedolah of the Five Towns.

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Head counselor Boys Travel NJ

 

Yosef is originally from Teaneck, New Jersey. He currently is in Semicha in YU and also spends his shabbosim as a youth director, running the kids programming in a shul in Brooklyn. He loves all types of sports especially ice hockey which he played throughout his whole life up until this day for the YU ice hockey team! He also loves trips, singing at kumsitzes, and shmoozing. He is excited to meet all the kids and be at Camp Al Haderech as the Travel NJ Boys Head Counselor. 

Assistant to the Head Counselor - Boys Max

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Born and bred in the Camp Al Haderech world, Azi has been a part of camp for as long as he can remember. He's been a camper, counselor, and is so excited to step into his new role this summer. Azi is currently finishing up his senior year in Ahavat Yisrael High School, and plans to start hesder yeshiva this coming year. He can't wait to make this summer the best one yet!

Director

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Malkie was born into a true camp family. Her father lived and breathed camping—so much so that he owned and directed his own camp for seven summers. When her parents eventually stepped away from the camping world, Malkie realized just how much she missed it. Free to explore other camps, she gained a wealth of experience, learning what makes a camp run smoothly—and even met her future husband along the way.

After getting married, Malkie took one summer off, but her father soon encouraged her to start a camp of her own. With a bit of persuasion, she got Rabbi Merrill on board, and Al Haderech was born.

In the early years, Malkie worked behind the scenes—serving as both the director and the first summer’s cook! As the camp grew, so did her role. Today, she’s a steady source of support for all the head staff on the road, constantly contributing creative programming ideas and enriching the camp’s day-to-day life. She also accompanies the girls all week long on the Max program.

Before making aliyah in 2021, Malkie taught at Bais Yaakov of Queens for 20 years, where she was known as a beloved Morah whose patience and care left a lasting impression on her students.

Head Counselor Girls Max & NJ Travel​

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Aviv is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Stern College for Women and was previously in Migdal Oz and Central. She is passionate about fostering connections, bringing fun to every situation, and learning new things. She loves all things camp and was a Morah in Camp Funshine of North Woodmere for eight summers. All of her brothers had the zechut of being a part of Al HaDerech and she is excited to join them as part of the Al HaDerech community.

Aviv's first summer was a blast, she realized how happy she was to join her brothers' camp. More importantly, Al Haderech realized how lucky they were to have found her. Her creativity and patience have truly made her an integral part of the Head Staff. For this coming summer Aviv will be even more involved in the running of Max Girls while also adding the role of Girls NJ Head Counselor.​

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Head Counselor Girls Travel NJ

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Chaya Rochel has spent the last bunch of years at Yeshivat Noam. She is the Director of Student Activities and is always on the lookout for another great activity to liven up the school. We are happy to have Chaya Rochel bring that experience and joy to Al Haderedch Travel NJ Girls where she will be the Girls Head Counselor working closely with Deena Lewin, our Assistant Director.

Assistant to the Head Counselor - Boys Max​

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Moshe has been part of the Al Haderech family since he first joined in 6th grade, spending three amazing summers as a camper before joining the staff in 9th grade. Now, four summers later, he’s excited to step up as an Assistant Head Counselor and help create an unforgettable experience for everyone at camp! A proud graduate of Mesivta Chofetz Chaim, Moshe loves trips, meeting new people, and bringing great energy to camp every day. Whether leading activities or just spending time with campers, he’s always looking to make the summer more exciting and meaningful for everyone. Next year, he will be learning in Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Miami, continuing his growth in Torah and ruchniyus. He can’t wait for another incredible summer at Al Haderech and is looking forward to making this the best one yet!