Julio Garcia
Courtney Kassinger
Courtney Kassinger has spent her summers at Usdan since 2002 when she first attended as a student. On staff, she has served as a Discovery counselor, a member of the administration/transportation staff, Transportation Manager, Associate Director of Student Affairs. and is now the Associate Director of Camp Administration. Courtney holds a B.M. in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia and a M.S.
Lauren Brandt Schloss
Lauren Brandt Schloss joined Usdan in 2015. With her appointment, she became Usdan’s third leader in a half century and the first woman to hold the position. Bringing 20+ years experience in arts education, at the Queens Museum, MoMA, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Lauren is committed to ensuring that Usdan is at the forefront of educational and artistic practices.
Chess
Usdan’s Chess Department is uniquely designed to meet the needs of each player, whether that student is a new or experienced competitor. The Usdan Chess Ladder groups students in varying levels, from absolute novices to advanced tournament players.
Theater
Usdan’s Theater Department is committed to educational excellence and promoting wonder and understanding in the world. Students perform in a full theatrical production and/or focus on specific skills, including acting, singing, physical movement, and auditioning.
Recreational Arts
The Recreational Arts Department supports students’ creative development by encouraging physical activity and play. Set in an idyllic forest, Usdan’s campus is designed for optimal enjoyment of fresh air and natural light. Children swim, play sports, and practice yoga and archery.
Nature & Sustainability
Usdan’s forest is an ideal place to experience and learn about the natural world. Led by experienced nature educators, this hands-on program helps students foster a connection with the environment through exploration, creativity, and mindfulness.
Music
Usdan’s Music Department features large ensemble concert bands and orchestras, in addition to vocal ensembles, jazz ensembles, and piano and guitar classes of varying levels, all led by our incredible music faculty, made up of experienced educators and professional musicians and conductors.
Dance
Dance instruction is rigorous but caring. Studios are spacious and mirrored, with soft floors and generous skylights that give an open-air effect. In culminating performances for the entire community, including friends and family, each class presents a new piece of choreography on Usdan’s main stage.
Creative Writing
Whether their preferred form is poetry, drama, short fiction, the novel, or nonfiction, our young storytellers have the opportunity to practice their writing in small, collaborative groups. Working in peaceful, open-air studios, writers build imaginative narratives and find their creative voices, while experimenting with the core elements of storytelling.
