What types of arts programs are presented?

The organization presents diverse artistic programming including performances, exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events. With $4.2M in annual revenue and 235 employees, professional staff produce quality programs featuring accomplished artists and engaging content for community audiences.

How can audiences participate in programs?

Community members can attend performances, exhibitions, and events through ticket purchases or free admissions. The organization also offers membership programs, educational classes, and volunteer opportunities allowing deeper engagement with artistic programs and organizational mission.

What educational opportunities are available?

Arts education programs include classes, workshops, lectures, and learning experiences for various age groups and skill levels. Educational initiatives aim to develop artistic skills, deepen cultural appreciation, and expand access to arts learning opportunities in the community.

How does the organization serve the community?

Beyond presenting artistic programs, the organization contributes to community through arts education, outreach initiatives serving diverse audiences, and economic impact through employment and visitor attraction. Programs enhance cultural vitality and quality of life in the region.

Surprise Lake Camp

Cold Spring, NY · Founded 1902

Jewish overnight summer camp providing youth development and outdoor education

Primary audience

General Public

Work area

Arts & Culture

Topic

Cultural Programs

Contact

Sheryl Kirschenbaum

Website Contact

About Organization

Surprise Lake Camp is a nonprofit Jewish summer camp offering overnight camping experiences that build character, community, and lifelong friendships for children and teenagers. Based in Cold Spring, NY, the camp provides outdoor activities, arts, sports, and Jewish cultural programming in a supportive environment. Founded in 1902, it reported $10.9 million in revenue in 2022.

What They Focus On

Artistic Excellence

Presents quality performances, exhibitions, and programs featuring professional artists and high artistic standards engaging audiences.

Community Engagement

Expands arts access through education programs, outreach initiatives, and efforts reaching diverse community audiences.

Cultural Leadership

Serves as regional cultural resource promoting artistic vitality and contributing to quality of life through arts programming.

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2024)

$4.2M

+9.3% vs 2023

Expenses (2024)

$4.7M

+5.1% vs 2023

Assets (2024)

$13.8M

-1.6% vs 2023

Employees (2024)

235

+0.9% vs 2023

Year	Revenue	Expenses	Assets	Employees
2024	$4,164,880	$4,732,053	$13,817,801	235
2023	$3,811,413	$4,502,065	$14,047,406	233
2022	$5,365,699	$4,153,632	$13,985,275	205
2021	$3,893,782	$4,438,796	$16,694,153	184
2020	$2,112,940	$2,022,667	$15,517,461	34
2019	$4,537,981	$4,590,423	$14,175,790	293
2018	$4,183,994	$4,619,540	$13,244,275	170

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

01

Develop Programs

Plan artistic seasons, exhibitions, and programs featuring quality content aligned with mission and audience interests.
02

Present Arts

Produce performances, exhibitions, and artistic experiences through professional staff and qualified artists.
03

Engage Audiences

Market programs, sell tickets, and cultivate audiences through communications and community outreach activities.
04

Evaluate Impact

Assess audience response, artistic quality, and community impact to improve programming and organizational effectiveness.

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by Surprise Lake Camp

Performances

Presents concerts, theatrical productions, and artistic performances showcasing professional artists and cultural excellence.

Exhibitions

Displays visual art exhibitions, collections, and installations engaging audiences with diverse artistic expressions.

Education Programs

Delivers arts education classes, workshops, and learning experiences developing artistic skills and cultural appreciation.

Community Access

Removes barriers to arts participation through outreach programs, free events, and initiatives serving diverse audiences.

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind Surprise Lake Camp.

Contact the team Contact

Sheryl Kirschenbaum

Camp Director

Full-time

Compensation: $112,623

Charles Jainchill

President

1 hrs/week

Cindy Shmerler

Vice President

1 hrs/week

Eve Rubinstein

Vice President

1 hrs/week

Mark Levine

Vice President

1 hrs/week

Matthew Grosshandler

Vice President

1 hrs/week

Adam Bendeson

Executive Dir.

Full-time

Compensation: $194,389

Unforgettable Connections

Discover how counselors form deep bonds with their campers and fellow staff members.

Personal Growth

Explore the ways in which SLC fosters personal and professional development.

A Summer to Remember

Hear inspiring stories of counselors who have found lifelong friendships and memories at SLC.

Milestones

1902

Organization Founded

1902

Established to present artistic programs and serve as cultural resource for community audiences.

2024

Current Operations

2024

Operating with $4.2M in revenue and 235 staff presenting artistic programs.

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

Alan Hoffman Director 1.00 hrs/week

Alan Kleiman Director 1.00 hrs/week

Blair Klaff Secretary 1.00 hrs/week

Bret Tenenhaus Director 1.00 hrs/week

Dayle Henshel Director 1.00 hrs/week

Dr Joseph Goldberg Director 1.00 hrs/week

Eliot Senor Director 1.00 hrs/week

Gayle Doyle Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week

Joy Henshel Director 1.00 hrs/week

James Meyer Director 1.00 hrs/week

Jerry Meyer Director 1.00 hrs/week

Jordana Zbar Asst. Treasurer 1.00 hrs/week

Laurence H Rubinstein Director 1.00 hrs/week

Linda Markowitz Director 1.00 hrs/week

Margery Arsham Director 1.00 hrs/week

Michael Zbar Director 1.00 hrs/week

Michele Mark Levine Director 1.00 hrs/week

Patti Henshel Director 1.00 hrs/week

Peter Hirsch Director 1.00 hrs/week

Peter Baum Director 1.00 hrs/week

Robert Altabet Director 1.00 hrs/week

Seth Stein Director 1.00 hrs/week

Stanley Josephson Director 1.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2024)

$343K

Highest Paid

$214K

Adam Bendeson

Compensated Officers

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Adam Bendeson	Executive DIR.	$194,389	$20,011	$214,400	40
Sheryl Kirschenbaum	Camp Director	$112,623	$16,327	$128,950	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Adam Bendeson	Executive DIR.	$199,444	$16,381	$215,825	40
Sheryl Kirschenbaum	Camp Director	$109,947	$19,593	$129,540	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Adam Bendeson	Executive DIR.	$186,206	$17,816	$204,022	40
Sheryl Kirschenbaum	Camp Director	$108,628	$17,433	$126,061	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Bradley Solmsen	Executive DIR.	$126,127	$77,625	$203,752	40
Sheryl Kirschenbaum	Camp Director	$122,648	$17,208	$139,856	40

Name	Title	Base	Other	Total	Hrs/Wk
Bradley Solmsen	Executive DIR.	$118,785	$83,561	$202,346	32
Sheryl Kirschenbaum	Camp Director	$96,678	$9,035	$105,713	34

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$350 Total Given

Democratic $350 (100%)

14 Contributions

$25 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

1 Individual Donor

Anne Marie Nicholls 14 contributions • $25 avg

$350

Quick Insights

🏆

Most Active Donor Anne Marie Nicholls with 14 contributions

💰

Highest Avg per Contribution Anne Marie Nicholls at $25 each

🎯

Top Recipient FRIENDS OF JAHANA HAYES — $200

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

COVID-19 EIDL Loans

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (2020-2021)

1 loan

Total Borrowed

$150K

Subsidy Cost

$20K

14% of loan

Loan Count

Loan Details

$150,000

Subsidy: $20,430

Date Jun 17, 2020

Location New York, NY

Borrower Surprise Lake Camp

TO PROVIDE LOANS TO RESTORE AS NEARLY AS POSSIBLE THE VICTIMS OF ECONOMIC INJURY TYPE DISASTERS TO PRE-DISASTER CONDITIONS

Source: Small Business Administration • Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (2020-2021)

Partners & Funders

Grant funding relationships from IRS Form 990 filings

$25K Grants Received

3 Organizations

Top Funders

3 total

Foundation For Jewish Camp Inc.

$12K

American Online Giving Foundation Inc.

$7K

Fjc

$6K

Foundation For Jewish Camp Inc. American Online Giving Foundation Inc. Fjc

Source: IRS Form 990 Schedule I filings. Amounts may span multiple tax years.

Contact

Get in touch with Surprise Lake Camp

Email

[email protected]

Phone

(845) 265-3616

Social

Visit Website

382 Lake Surprise Road Cold Spring, NY 10516

Surprise Lake Camp

What They Focus On

Financial Information

How They Work

Develop Programs

Present Arts

Engage Audiences

Evaluate Impact

Programs and Initiatives

Performances

Exhibitions

Education Programs

Community Access

Team & Leadership

Sheryl Kirschenbaum

Charles Jainchill

Cindy Shmerler

Eve Rubinstein

Mark Levine

Matthew Grosshandler

Adam Bendeson

Unforgettable Connections

Personal Growth

A Summer to Remember

Milestones

Organization Founded

Current Operations

Associated People

Board of Directors

Executive Compensation

Individual Political Donors

Top Individual Donors

Quick Insights

COVID-19 EIDL Loans

Loan Details

Partners & Funders

Top Funders

Contact

Email

Phone

Social