Tour Winadu

There's No Place
Like Winadu

At Camp Winadu, we are thrilled to call the heart of the Berkshire Mountains home. Here, our city lights are replaced with constellation-filled skies and skyscrapers are substituted with rolling mountainsides. Every Winadu summer brings new adventures, but a couple things remain the same – time flies and camp friends become family.

The Berkshires - Why Camp Anywhere Else

Perfect Location; Beautiful Surroundings.

WINADU: Our Summer Home

3.4 Miles from Berkshire Medical Center – Largest Hospital in Western MA

Directly across from the Pittsfield State Forest

2-3 Hours fom New York City

2-3 Hours fom Boston

We Hire Great Staff

Winadu’s success is credited to our incredible staff because we don’t just hire great coaches, we hire great people. Each individual brings something unique to the team, but there’s one thing all have in common – a passion for teaching life lessons through sports in a warm and nurturing environment.

  • 12,000+ Miles Traveled

    We travel across the world to find a staff of talented men and women who value working with and mentoring our campers.

  • 416 Collective Summers

    This number grows every year along with our knowledge of what it takes to have a safe, successful, and memorable summer.

  • 185 Staff Members Hired

    Our incredible staff will give your son a summer to remember.

  • 90% Return Rate For Key Staff

    We pride ourselves on our team’s superior level of experience and exceptional rate of return.

  • 8 Medical Professionals On-site

    This includes a doctor who lives on camp, plus 6 nurses and a trainer who reside in our health center.

  • 1 Goal For Our Camp Family

    Provide your son with a summer to remember in a healthy, safe and supportive atmosphere.

Leadership

The Camp Winadu family is led by a unique leadership team comprised of husband and wife duos. Our leaders are parents, which gives them the unparalleled capacity to care for children as if they are their own.

Jared & Jill Shapiro

OWNERS/DIRECTORS – The Shapiro’s history with Camp Winadu dates back to 1984 when Jared began as a camper. He spent 12 consecutive summers as a camper, counselor, group leader and then returned years later as director/owner. Today, Jared and his wife, Jill live in Millburn, NJ with their three sons. Together, they carry on the beauty and traditions of the unique Winadu culture. Jared directs all aspects of camp life, while Jill oversees office operations, transportation, and communications. They enjoy camp with their sons Ethan, Reid (Winadu campers) and Bennett.

Alissa & Mike Girling

DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – Alissa, our director, joined the team in 2010 after a career as a school guidance counselor. Today she works closely with families to ensure a seamless camp experience. Alissa met her husband, Mike, the camp’s associate director, at sleepaway camp in 2002. Mike also joined the team in 2010 and oversees staffing, food service, maintenance, and ensuring that the “behind the scenes” aspects of camp life function smoothly. Alissa, Mike, and their daughters Hannah and Emma reside in New City, New York.

Mark “Bennie” Benerofe

OWNER/DIRECTOR – Bennie joined the Winadu leadership team in 2009 after 10 years of service as a teacher, basketball coach, and athletic director in the New York City public school system. Bennie brings his passion for sports and working with youth to the team. Bennie is proud to share the camp experience with his wife, Helena, son, Javier (Winadu camper), and daughter, Ava.

Shelley & Arleen Weiner

DIRECTORS EMERITUS – Shelley and Arleen acquired Camp Winadu in 1974. Shelley spent his entire life serving children, first as a teacher, then as owner and director of an after school program, and later as owner/director of Winadu. Today, Shelley and Arleen continue to lend their insight and wisdom to make each summer better than the last. Shelley and Arleen live in Boca Raton, Florida during the winter months.

Jared & Jill Shapiro

OWNERS/DIRECTORS – The Shapiro’s history with Camp Winadu dates back to 1984 when Jared began as a camper. He spent 12 consecutive summers as a camper, counselor, group leader and then returned years later as director/owner. Today, Jared and his wife, Jill live in Millburn, NJ with their three sons. Together, they carry on the beauty and traditions of the unique Winadu culture. Jared directs all aspects of camp life, while Jill oversees office operations, transportation, and communications. They enjoy camp with their sons Ethan, Reid (Winadu campers) and Bennett.

Alissa & Mike Girling

DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR – Alissa, our director, joined the team in 2010 after a career as a school guidance counselor. Today she works closely with families to ensure a seamless camp experience. Alissa met her husband, Mike, the camp’s associate director, at sleepaway camp in 2002. Mike also joined the team in 2010 and oversees staffing, food service, maintenance, and ensuring that the “behind the scenes” aspects of camp life function smoothly. Alissa, Mike, and their daughters Hannah and Emma reside in New City, New York.

Mark “Bennie” Benerofe

OWNER/DIRECTOR – Bennie joined the Winadu leadership team in 2009 after 10 years of service as a teacher, basketball coach, and athletic director in the New York City public school system. Bennie brings his passion for sports and working with youth to the team. Bennie is proud to share the camp experience with his wife, Helena, son, Javier (Winadu camper), and daughter, Ava.

Shelley & Arleen Weiner

DIRECTORS EMERITUS – Shelley and Arleen acquired Camp Winadu in 1974. Shelley spent his entire life serving children, first as a teacher, then as owner and director of an after school program, and later as owner/director of Winadu. Today, Shelley and Arleen continue to lend their insight and wisdom to make each summer better than the last. Shelley and Arleen live in Boca Raton, Florida during the winter months.

Over 90 Years of Traditional Camp History

Winadu was founded in 1927 by camp pioneers, “Doc” Winnick, Mac Nadelson and Irv Dube, hence the name “Winadu.” At that time, the camp mainly focused on Indian lore, offering programs like arts & crafts, nature studies, woodworking, and sports. Doc, Mac, and Irv ran the camp until it was purchased by Shelley and Arleen Weiner in 1974. Under their guidance, Winadu established itself as the premier, traditional boys sports camp in the nation.

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