Our Team
Jake “Derf” Derfel
Owner
Jake “Derf” Derfel is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin, where he’s pursuing his passions both on and off the field. A lifelong athlete, Derf enjoys ultimate frisbee, sand volleyball, and has played soccer since childhood with his best friend and fellow counselor, Illy. When he’s not spending quality time with family and friends, you’ll find him organizing activities and embracing the outdoors. With his love for sports, teamwork, and making lasting memories, Derf is excited to bring his energy and enthusiasm to camp this summer! difference.
Jack “Illy” Illes
Owner
Jack currently attends Miami University of Ohio as a sophomore. His favorite sport is soccer and he played varsity soccer all four years of high school. He also enjoys spending time as a boxing coach for kids at his gym, Pulse. Besides sports, Illy is always down to spend family and friends. For the last three years, Illy has been a counselor at camp Cuamba and is excited to kick things off yet again this summer.
Will “Mittens” Vena
Counselor
Will is a student at the University of Missouri, where his love for football and adventure shines. When he’s not on the field or studying, Will enjoys spending time with his dog and heading to Chicago to catch a White Sox game. His passion for sports, animals, and fun makes him a perfect fit for camp life. Will is excited to bring his energy and enthusiasm to camp this summer, ready to help create unforgettable experiences for everyone!
Eli “Marz” Meek
Counselor
Eli is a student at The Ohio State University and has been playing hockey for as long as he can remember. When he’s not on the ice, he enjoys tossing the ultimate disc with friends and his dad, keeping his competitive spirit alive. Marz’s passion for sports and love for teamwork make him a great addition to the camp family. He’s looking forward to an exciting summer filled with fun, games, and new friendships!
Past Owners:
2023 & 2024 - Cooper “Chillz” Gimbel & Billy “Conway” Cohen
2022 - Aaron “Legend” Powers
2021 - Nick “Niz” Heilizer
2020 - Nick “Niz” Heilizer & Max “Koopa” Cooper
2019 - Jack “Ya-ya” Charrlin
2018 - Hallvard “Zed” Lundevall
2017 – Noah “Nacho” Pines
2016 – Jordan “Spam” Pastron
2015 & 2014 – Nick “Goose” Fiore & Todd “Slick” Schoenfeld
2013 – Joey “Bluto” Rudman
2012 – Tellef “Thor” Lundevall
2011 – Joey “Dozer” Noon
2010 & 2009 – Matt “Cyrus” Kornblatt & Doug “Fresh” Krefman
2008 – Oliver “Chubbs” Plotkin
2007 – Danny “Bear” Nathan
2006 – Adam “Gatsby” Krefman
2005 & 2004 – Brett “Bleb” Pessis
2003 – Eric “Lars” Schreiber
2002 – David “Biff” Pessis & Mike “Puck” Boettcher
2001 & 2000 – Ben “Quinn” Kanter
1999 & 1998 – Robby “Scruff” Mandel
1997 – Doug “Duke” Kessel
1996 – Mike “Woody” Mandel
1994 & 95 – Jesse “Cruzer” Criz
1993 – Joey “Juice” Aronson
1991 & 1992 – Jon “Butch” Gray and Jon “Loaf” Michelon
1990 & 1989 – Adam “Roodle” Rudman & Peter “Slick” Rudman
1988 –Teddy “Tweety” Wittenberg
1987 – David “Frid” Freidland
1986 – Doug “Crash” Belgrad
““I cannot express how wonderful Camp Cuamba has been for our family! All three of my boys have been apart of the Cuamba “family” for the past 5 years. It has been and will always be the best camp my boys ever attend. The level of comfort and confidence the counselors have given my boys cannot be replicated. The counselors/owners of the camp will take your kids under their wings and bring out the best in them! Not only does the camp have sports, outdoor games, beach outings and field trips (Great America, water parks, Cubs games, ect.), but the counselors enthusiasm and excitement about each and every kid is unmatched by any camp!! Love love love Cuamba!!”
–The Meyer Family (Cuamba Parents 2012-2017)
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