Family-Owned, Small in Size and Big in Heart

Wendy has a master’s degree in education and was a teacher for 20 years before becoming the full-time owner and director of Willow Lake in 1996. Willow Lake Day Camp has been in her family since 1980. Wendy has seen firsthand the positive impact a camp experience has on children- developing independence, confidence and competence. The mother of 3 children and now also a grandmother, Wendy realizes that selecting an appropriate camp program can be difficult. She is happy to answer any questions and discuss any concerns you might have regarding Willow Lake specifically or your child’s readiness to begin a day camp experience.

Charles Maltzman has spent his entire life at camp and has spent over 15 years at Willow Lake Day Camp. Charles is a graduate of Boston University and attended graduate school at Springfield College. His extensive background in day and resident camp makes him a valuable friend and advisor to our campers, staff and parents. Charles is passionate about camp and is committed to providing a healthy, safe and fun camp experience. He is actively involved with American Camp Association and is a former member of the Tri-State Conference Steering Committee and a former committee member of SCOPE, an organization that helps send disadvantaged kids to camp. Charles has two daughters and two stepdaughters who are former Willow Lake campers.

Jake Weissman is a third-generation Director of Willow Lake Day Camp. His grandmother, Bea Weissman, founded the camp in 1980, and Jake first came to Willow Lake as a camper at age 4. He has spent his summers here ever since. Willow Lake helped him build confidence, discover hidden strengths, and develop a lifelong love for the outdoors. It exposed him to many meaningful activities and experiences he would not have encountered otherwise. Today, with a background in environmental science, recreation management, and education, Jake is passionate about passing on that gift by creating a safe, fun, and nurturing place where children can unplug, explore, make friends, discover their strengths, and become their best selves. Jake and his spouse, Khusbu, have two children, Avion (“Avi”) and Ambeaca (“Bea”), who love spending their summers at Willow Lake, where they continue to grow, learn, and make lifelong memories, while having the Best. Summer. Ever.

Kim grew up in Short Hills and has been attending or working at camp for much of her life. After graduating from Lehigh University, Kim spent her early years in the corporate world. Feeling unfulfilled, she returned to her first love, working with children. Kim is a certified teacher who has years of experience working with children including as the Director of a private preschool. Kim also has a professional background in camping having previously been a Unit Leader and a member of the year-round team at another New Jersey day camp.

Kim loves and is inspired by the magic of summer camp! She relishes helping to provide that experience to campers and their families. Kim especially appreciates helping families to grow to love Willow Lake as she has. Her role as Assistant Director allows her to be hands-on with many important aspects of camp. For Kim, camping is a family affair – her husband Andy is a unit leader at Willow Lake during the summers and her daughter also calls Willow Lake her summer home!

A graduate of Beloit College with a degree in Environmental Studies, Lincoln grew up immersed in the magic of summer camp on the shores of Lake Tahoe. He discovered a passion for the outdoors and helping young people grow into the best versions of themselves.

With nearly two decades of experience leading overnight camps across the country, Lincoln brings a deep love for camp life, community and connection. When not at camp he can be found strumming sing-along songs on his guitar, biking or adventuring with his wife Sarah and their young son, Levon.

“Coach Zach” as he is known, grew up in North Caldwell and has spent almost every summer of his life attending camp. Zach is a Montclair State graduate and has spent the past 10 years coaching children of all ages and abilities in a variety of sports. He has led classes, been the “commissioner” of sports leagues, hosted birthday parties, led team training and taught private lessons.

Zach is excited to join our year-round team as Athletic Director. He brings with him a wealth of experience and is passionate about the camp experience and the benefits it can have on children. Zach is committed to the Willow Lake Day Camp philosophy of believing the best way to coach sports is to help campers build confidence while teaching fundamentals in a fun, safe and supportive environment.

Zach is an avid Jets and Yankees fan and resides with his wife and daughter.

With over 10 years of experience in both overnight and day camps, Alena held various positions from counselor to director which helped form a strong foundation in creating meaningful camp experiences and being part of successful teams. Before joining Willow Lake, Alena worked as a staffing and recruitment director overseeing the hiring for 240 camp locations. Her ability to find, connect with, and support exceptional staff has played a key role in shaping positive experiences for thousands of campers and team members.

Outside of camp, you can find Alena spending time with her fiancé and their mini Goldendoodle, Jett, watching motocross and enjoying all things Harry Potter (team Slytherin!).

Siobhan grew up in Englewood, NJ, but really believes that a lot of her development was really done in the Pocono Mountains attending and working at residential camps. The six summers she spent as a camper showed her that she always wanted camp to be a part of her life, and the best way to do that was to make it her career! In 2022 she graduated with honors from Manhattan College with a degree in Psychology.

During her time at Manhattan College Siobhan was captain of the cheerleading team, coached a competitive gymnastics program, and spent her summers working at a residential camp. Working with children has always been one of her passions, and camp has been the other. Siobhan believes that camp is not only a place to be in the summers, but that it truly is a way of life!!