Owners/Directors: One Family Ownership - Four Generations
CAMP HILLARD was founded in 1929 by Morris and Hannah Libman. The Libman family has continued to own and operate Westchester's first day camp and its tradition of excellence spans four generations of single family ownership. Hannah and Morris Libman pioneered the day camping movement and developed ideas and techniques that are now used in many camps throughout the country. Hillard and Elaine perfected these ideas and techniques as well as adding many new ones themselves and made Camp Hillard a leader in the industry. Today, Jim, Jon, and Kathleen continue to keep CAMP HILLARD "A Summer Tradition" by blending many of the concepts developed by the first two generations of Libmans with new programs and modern facilities that are experienced by all who attend CAMP HILLARD.
JIM LIBMAN
Jim has spent a lifetime at Camp as a camper, a counselor, a supervisor, and a director since 1991. He holds a BS in Physical Education from Ithaca College and an MA in Sports Marketing from Indiana University. Jim has a strong teaching and sports background. Jim is a former basketball and soccer coach at the Edgemont School in Scarsdale and the Dalton School in Manhattan. Jim has also served as a board member for the New York State Camp Directors' Association.
Jim meets with new and returning families throughout the year, oversees all of the camper grouping and counselor staffing, coordinates our sports and swimming programs and ensures that each camper receives the individual attention he/she deserves. His enthusiasm and professional expertise make CAMP HILLARD a fun and exciting place. Prior to directing camp, Jim spent 2 years working for the Anheuser-Busch Company.
ELAINE LIBMAN
Marriage to Hillard in 1961 started a new career for her as a director of CAMP HILLARD. A graduate of Temple University with a BS in Education and an elementary school teacher in Pennsylvania, she also brought with her a strong camp background. Her years of hard work and dedication since then have made Camp Hillard the special place it is today.
HILLARD LIBMAN
Sadly, Hillard Libman passed away in 2004 after dedicating a lifetime to Camp. So many of the activities, philosophies, policies, and procedures that are in place today were put into place by Hillard. He epitomized the hands-on director. He was out there teaching, motivating, and making sure everything ran just right. And he never missed a single day of camp before he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1986. While he will be missed by many, his legacy will live on.
JON LIBMAN
Jon has been a Director since 1994. Like Jim, Jon had previously been a camper, counselor, and supervisor at camp. He earned a BA in Economics from Duke University as well as an MBA in Management and Finance from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Jon has also served on the Board of Directors of the New York Section of the American Camp Association. Prior to directing camp, Jon spent 6 years working for the Walt Disney Company.
Jon manages the business activities of camp and oversees the off-season planning, to ensure that our program, staff, and facility are of the highest quality. Jon also works with Jim during the winter months to get to meet new and returning campers and their parents.
KATHLEEN A. LIBMAN
Kathleen has been our Creative and Performing Arts Director since 1995. She is responsible for Theater, all Creative Arts programs, Music, and Nature. In addition, Kathleen is involved throughout the season in planning many of the camp events, as well as interacting with campers, parents, and staff throughout the summer to ensure a safe, fun, and memorable summer.
Kathleen is a summa cum laude graduate of Hunter College where she majored in Art History and minored in French. She is also a graduate of the Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris, France, an ex-professional dancer and singer, and is very proud of her New Orleans heritage.
Jon and Kathleen are also proud to say that their daughter, Dylan, just finished her 16th summer at CAMP HILLARD and her 4th summer as a staff member. Also, Taylor Libman just finished her 12th summer and looks forward to being a staff member next summer!