Meet Our New Board President Matt Korch!

It All Comes Back to Camp

Welcoming Board President Matthew Korch

When you ask Matthew Korch, our new Board President, what being Jewish means to him, his answer comes without hesitation:

“When I think about being Jewish, it all comes back to camp.”

For Matthew, Camp Solomon Schechter became more than a summer home over time. It evolved into the place where his Jewish story took shape and where his connection to joyful Judaism and Israel truly solidified. Schechter offered a blend of friendship, community, and tradition that left a lasting mark and shaped everything that followed.

“Camp was one of my most foundational Jewish experiences,” Matthew shared. “It gave me a sense of belonging and connection to something greater, to community, to our history, and to the idea that as Jews, we are never alone.”

That sense of connection set him on a lifelong Jewish journey. From Alexander Muss program in Israel, from AEPI in college to USY and March of the Living, Matthew can trace each step back to what he learned and felt at Schechter.

Leading with Purpose and Heart

Matthew has been part of the Schechter Board for eight years. During that time, he has helped guide our community through tremendous growth, including stronger programming, an increase in campers, a broader base of support, and renewed trust from families and alumni. Now, as President, he brings both professional skills and a deep personal investment.

“Our board is this amazing mix of alumni, parents, and people who simply believe in Jewish community and the power of camp,” he said. “We’re all tethered to the same idea, that Schechter is a safe, supportive space to explore identity and understand the lasting impact of Judaism.”

Matthew’s leadership is rooted in rigor and care. With a professional background in sales and coaching, he aims to continue refining the board’s processes and structure, enabling us to work even more effectively in support of our mission. With our updated strategic plan in place, Matthew is excited to help lead Schechter into its next chapter, reaffirming our connection to Israel, investing in staff and volunteers, expanding revenue streams, and ensuring the long-term financial health of our community.

A Life Shaped by Camp

For Matthew, this isn’t just professional. It is deeply personal. Camp is where he met his wife, and where his closest friendships began. His wedding party was filled with fellow campers and counselors; his community has been built through the bonds of Schechter.

“Camp has given me everything, my friends, my family, my sense of belonging,” he said. “It’s opened doors for me personally, professionally, and spiritually.”

Schechter has always been in the business of transforming lives. The joy and connection that start at camp ripple outward, shaping Jewish identity, inspiring leadership, and strengthening community across generations. As Matthew puts it, “The return on investment for camp is huge. It builds Jewish community and connection that lasts a lifetime.”

The Heart of Jewish Life in the Pacific Northwest

Under Matthew’s leadership, we’re excited to continue building on that impact. Camp is an amazing place for the best summers of your life. And it is also the center of Jewish life in the Pacific Northwest, where belonging and community come alive year-round through retreats, gatherings, and shared experiences.

Matthew chose to serve on the board because Schechter transformed his life. Now, he’s giving back to ensure every Jewish child has the same opportunity to find their place, their people, and their Jewish voice at camp.

“It’s important not just for my kids,” he said, “but that any Jewish kid can come to camp and feel proud of who they are.”

At Camp Solomon Schechter, we couldn’t agree more. Because when it comes down to it, for all of us, it really does all come back to camp.

Every gift, every hour volunteered, every act of support makes stories like Matthew’s possible. Together, we’re ensuring that Schechter remains a home for Jewish joy, friendship, and belonging for this generation and the next. Click here to give now.

Click here to learn more about our Board of Directors.