Karen Meister

Karen Meister

South (Miami-Dade / Broward)

My first bunk

I attended every type of camp over many years. Traditional camps, both correct and incorrect. Specialty program in tennis. Pre-college program in Switzerland and travel. Loved each opportunity, the friends I made and the skills I gained in each situation.

From camper to camp expert

I have been a serial entrepreneur once I graduated with my MBA. I did promotions and special events for college campuses, the American Express Company, the Grand Prix of Miami, The Lipton (now Miami Open) and then ran a day camp for several years. But as a parent who raised three children, and now a grandparent of little ones, my greatest asset is having the perspective of hindsight that I can share with my clients.

Ultimate camp highlight

I was always a tennis player. But I remember being very little, got the nickname PS for pip squeak, and opening the water ski show at visiting day waving the flag on the shoulders of the ski instructor. But alas as a counselor and color war general?? Red Team was everything!!

Why I love this job

I love this job because it is so much more than just which camp is the right place to go. I love helping families, specifically young moms, gain perspective of what is important in life. To help them narrow down options and make a decision that will mean so much to their children. But then working with them over the years to help their high schoolers become truly college ready through annual growth and development -- helping bring their teens from identifying their passion to bringing them, through summer options, to become proficient in a wonderful area of interest.

My home bunk

My husband and I have 5 sons, 4 daughter in laws, 6 grandchildren and live our lives as campers. Both avid tennis players and musicians since childhood, we work hard, play hard and sing together often. We love life, enjoy people and hope our enthusiasm carries through to our wonderful clients.

Why I feel camp is a valuable experience

Time gives a wonderful sense of perspective. What the "old days" used to be like. And what I have found over the many years is that children are often robbed of the opportunity to run free, to fall, to fail, and to learn how to depend upon themselves to practice independent life. I have always said, "Our goal as parents is to create independent and productive humans. The rest is a bonus." Today, camp gives children an opportunity to separate from parents (who often protect from every challenge), from screens (that create a false sense of reality), and from challenges that may arise at home. Every summer, a child gets a fresh start "to try". If parents provide the strong roots making a good human, camp is the opportunity to spread their wings and truly gain self confidence and personal success.

"Karen not only helped find the perfect place for our kids, but she held our hand from selection to their safe and happy return."

"I was so afraid to send my kids to sleepaway camp. Karen not only helped find the perfect place for our kids, but she held our hand from selection to their safe and happy return. She is so much more than a camp adviser.

Stacey M.
Miami Beach

"I will definitely be reaching out to her in the future for my youngest daughter!"

Karen was incredibly attentive and easy to communicate with. She really got to know our family's needs and had great recommendations. I will definitely be reaching out to her in the future for my youngest daughter!

Amy S.
Florida

"she hit it out of the park"

Karen helped us find the perfect camp for both of our kids. She started by diligently listening to our wishes, and then worked with us to pair down a list she made until we found just the right spot! And she hit it out of the park.

Andrea G.
South

"I will definitely be reaching out to her in the future"

I will definitely be reaching out to her in the future for my youngest daughter!

Christina C.
Florida

"It was easy and you were super helpful narrowing down our choices"

It was easy and you were super helpful narrowing down our choices for camp. We're thrilled with where our daughter Lily ended up for camp

Paula B
Florida

"you understood what my child needed and connected us with 4 camps that were all appropriate"

Karen, you were exactly what I needed! In a 20 minute call, you understood what my child needed and connected us with 4 camps that were all appropriate. No wasted time or energy. Nothing superfluous. Just the right information and the right fits. Another camp advisor sent me a bunch of options, some of which weren't even remotely what I'd asked for! I've already told 2 of our friends to call you! My daughter had a wonderful experience at Camp Nah-Jee-Wah, and when we picked her up at the airport, she was already telling us about her plans and desires for next summer -- before we'd even left the airport! She's definitely going back to her new Home Away From Home.

Rachel C.
Florida

"you found the perfect program for our daughter"

Karen, you are amazing. Two years ago we gave you very specific criteria and concern and you found the perfect program for our daughter. You are the best!

Rachel G.
Florida

"we couldn’t have imagined a better experience for our daughter"

As first-time camp parents, we couldn’t have imagined a better experience for our daughter. You connected us with a place that not only welcomed her with open arms but gave her a summer filled with laughter, confidence, and unforgettable memories. It truly exceeded every expectation — and we’ll always be grateful to you for opening that door.

Zhanna A.
South

"Karen is the nicest, most knowledgeable and patient camp expert!"

Karen is the nicest, most knowledgeable and patient camp expert! She is willing to work with your schedule, even as it keeps changing. She is truly the best!

Ramona U.
South

Meet the team.

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