By Kim Adler, Chief Operating Officer
Camp Yonnie, the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee’s new Jewish day camp, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Bethany Leinweber as its new Camp Director. Bethany’s track record of creating successful, innovative Jewish learning experiences, powered by her infectious passion, has earned her admiration across our community. Bethany will bring fresh energy to all aspects of camp operations. She will ensure that every camper leaves with wonderful memories, sustaining friendships, and valuable life skills.
Bethany brings over 20 years of experience in youth engagement and education. Previously, she served as the Director of Youth Education at Temple Sinai, Sarasota, where she successfully founded the early childhood school, The GAN at Temple Sinai, and developed and led their engaging youth, teen, and family programs. 
The programs she created are dynamic and safe environments where children can grow, explore, and thrive. Bethany joins Ethan Wolfson, Assistant Camp Director, who will be working together to ensure Camp Yonnie’s successful first 8-week camp session in 2025.
“I am honored to join Camp Yonnie as its new Camp Director,” said Bethany. “Parents throughout our growing community have voiced a pressing need for a premiere Jewish day camp to connect Jewish children from every corner of Sarasota and Manatee counties. In our second summer, we will build on our strong foundation, grounded in Jewish values, that will make this the best camp in our area. Your camper will create summer camp memories that will last a lifetime.”
Camp Yonnie started in June 2024 with the generous support of Geri and Ronald Yonover. It was established as a premier summer camp committed to offering local children from all backgrounds opportunities for experimentation, personal growth, and lifelong friendships, while celebrating Jewish values and Israeli culture. Parents and campers thoroughly enjoyed last summer’s abbreviated camp session last year and many have enrolled their children again for this summer!
For more information about Camp Yonnie and its upcoming camp season, visit campyonnie.org or contact Bethany Leinweber at bleinweber@jfedsrq.org.
Camp Yonnie is a project of the Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. The Federation seeks to connect Jewish people with one another as well as the greater community, provide for people in need, and promote support for Israel and her people. For more information, visit jfedsrq.org.