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!

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. 


Caleb “TBaum” Teitelbaum

Counselor

Caleb “TBaum” Teitelbaum is a sophomore at Deerfield High School, where he’s a two-year varsity golfer and a lifelong baseball player. Off the field, TBaum enjoys hitting the gym, lifting weights, and spending time with friends. Known for his love of sports, team spirit, and positive energy, he’s all about creating a fun and supportive environment. This will be his first summer as a counselor, and he’s pumped to bring the energy and make unforgettable memories with the campers!

Cooper “Milly” Millstein

Counselor

Cooper Millstein is currently a sophomore at Lynn University majoring in Sports Management. Cooper is a fan of all sports but absolutely loves the game of golf and has been playing since he was 5 years old. Cooper is beyond excited to bring his energy and passion of sports to camp. “Can’t wait for a great summer at Camp Cuamba!!!”

Kai “…” Geshelin

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)