Restorative Camps started in 2023 with a conversation between Brett and Jonah about how much the summer camp world would benefit from the restorative justice work they had been doing in the New York City public schools. Since meeting a decade earlier, Brett and Jonah often discussed the parallel tracks their careers had followed to lead them to very similar work: Jonah, a former high school teacher who spent nine years running an overnight summer camp and outdoor education non-profit working in partnership with NYC schools; and Brett a social worker who spent his early career running after school programs and day camps across New York City both found themselves working as faculty for the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Cornerstone program, and as teacher trainers and coaches with Ramapo for Children where, together, they started working as restorative justice coaches in dozens of schools across New York City. In later 2023, Brett and Jonah led a virtual workshop series introducing their approach to Restorative Justice to the camp field and have been supporting camps in becoming restorative communities ever since.
Jonah Canner is an ambassador from the world we have not yet built. He believes in people, community, and the sacred obligation we have to make positive change in the world around us. Jonah’s primary areas of focus include racial equity, restorative justice, experiential education, identity development, and working with boys and young men. He has worked as a classroom teacher, a summer camp director, and a consultant offering mentoring, training, and support for individuals and organizations. Jonah has a Masters in Education from the New School University, was the 2024-25 Education Fellow in the Religion and Public Life program at the Harvard Divinity School, and is currently on the faculty of the Institute for Democratic Education in America, and the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Cornerstone Fellowship. He is currently most interested in conversation across difference, and building practices that align our actions with our values.
Brett Gurwitz is a social worker, trainer, coach, and consultant with over twenty-five years of youth development and team building experience. Brett believes in the power of relationships and that we learn and perform best when we feel connected to those we are working with. He offers interactive training and coaching in areas like community and team building, supervising staff, social emotional learning, restorative justice and conflict resolution. Brett has worked as a camp director, leadership coach, and staff trainer supporting summer camps, schools and youth-based organizations across North America. He has led teams and initiatives at organizations including: Foundation for Jewish Camp, True to Life Training, and Ramapo for Children. Brett lives in Queens, NY with his wonderful family and cat named Ginger Ale.