About Us

Brainy Camps began 27 years ago with a vision, an amazing group of parents and volunteers, and a committed team of professionals and medical providers. As its founder, it has been a privilege to grow Brainy Camps to address unmet community health needs and support the many children and families we serve locally and across the nation. 20+ years ago, the vision evolved into a campaign entitled, "Imagine a Campsite," where children could grow, connect, and become advocates and leaders. The following year, a partnership with Children's National was established. Over two and a half decades later, Brainy Camps has become an integral part of Children's National Hospital, providing community care in a camp setting, supported by scores of medical experts who see the impact of their treatment in real-time. As Brainy Camps of Children's National, we move forward to a new and exciting era of growth.

It has been my joy to be part of the Brainy Camps team since 2007.  Like all our staff, I started as a volunteer, offering my expertise as the camp psychologist where and when it was needed.  It was an extraordinary experience that first summer, seeing change happen in front of my eyes.  I  watched shy, withdrawn and lonely kids become animated and excited, I saw them making friends and testing their boundaries, I witnessed them reaching out and helping one another, and I was hooked. 

Since 2010, I have served as the organization's assistant director, raising funds through grant writing and spearheading fundraisers, representing Brainy Camps at various healthcare events, and spreading the word whenever and wherever possible.  Over the years, I also have had the privilege of being the contact person for families and volunteers interested in getting involved.  I love talking about Brainy Camps and all it has to offer.
 

My camp experience started in a tent with my parents who were in charge of the camps and a dog. It has been amazing to be a part of camp for the past 24 years and see the growth and development of our community. During the camp season, I have many roles including Program Director, Medical Staff and Prank approver! Throughout the year, in addition to my camp responsibilities, I am a nurse practitioner at Children’s National Hospital. My first love is Brainy Camps and cannot wait to return to camp each summer!

My Brainy Camps story is a little different from everyone else's.  I had attended and worked at day camps for years so, when I learned of the opportunity to work at an overnight camp, I was more than a little skeptical.  However, once I experienced camp for the first time, I was hooked.  It is wonderful to spend my summers with the Brainy Camps kids because of the happiness that eminates from everyone there.  After my first full summer at Brainy Camps, I was in for the long haul. 

I spend all year helping to make each summer better than the last. As Brainy Camps' Associate Program Manager, I wear a lot of different hats:  I head the enrollment process of both new and returning campers, interview new and returning CITs, am responsible for the Brainy Camps bi-monthly newsletter, act as camp photographer, coordinate fundraisers, and interview staff and volunteers, as well as a multitude of other administrative functions.   

If you have any questions about enrollment, would like to include something in the Brainy Camps Newsletter, or have a fundraising idea, please contact me at njosey@childrensnational.com or 202-476-4889