In her new role, Perlin will help launch the Camps’ first capital campaign, raising funds for upcoming programs, infrastructure, and capital improvements. It is the first time in the 94-year-old Western Maryland camp’s history that it has opened up giving opportunities to its current families, alumni, and the public. Perlin will also focus on continuing to raise funding for Camperships, the popular scholarship program that helps ensure every potential camper has the opportunity to attend, a core value of the Camps’ founders, Aaron and Lillie Straus.

Perlin, who attended Camp Louise as a camper and is married to a Camp Airy alumnus, is looking forward to her oldest daughter attending Camp Louise for the first time. She joins the Camp family with over thirteen years experience as a development professional for educational and charitable organizations. She previously created and chaired the Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH) Storybook Gala as a volunteer, helping raise over $575,000 for MWPH over the past three years. Prior to MWPH, Perlin served as Director of Alumnae & Parent Relations and Special Events in the Development Office at Garrison Forest School for more than six years. Before that, she started her career as a Development Associate for Union Memorial Hospital.

“We are excited to have Lauren as part of our team. She brings bounding energy, impressive expertise and creative ideas and will help us to make even more magic and memories for new generations of campers for years to come,” says Lee Coplan, President of the Camps Airy & Louise Foundation and Vice President of The Straus Foundation.

“For nearly 100 years, The Straus Foundation’s generous support has helped Camps Airy & Louise become one of the top Jewish overnight camps in the country,” says Jonathan Gerstl, Executive Director of Camps Airy & Louise. “With their continued generosity, the launch of the Capital Campaign and the hiring of a dedicated Director of Development in Lauren Perlin, we will continue to grow, adapt, and provide an exceptional camping experience Jewish youth for the next 100 years.”