Experience

Camp Emerson

• United States
• Recreational Facilities
• 1 - 100 Employee

• President

  • Jun 1990 - Present

  I came back to Camp Emerson after many years in Human Resources. I knew I wanted to work with my parents and to nurture our family business. Someone once said that "it takes a camper to run a summer camp". Camp people understand the power of the experience and how lives are forever changed through this shared immersion. Camp was always were I felt best about myself, where I challenged myself and found my unique strengths. I want to help each child (and staff member) find those same feelings.Managing a seasonal business has unique demands when it comes to cash flow and staff recruiting. Caring for a property that is dormant 8 months of the year requires planning and detailed site management. My corporate experience in HR, marketing and service along with my expertise in planning have contributed to bringing camp forward. I’ve grown enrollment, developed a master plan and expanded the facility, increased activity offerings and been recognized for leading the camp industry in STEM programming and support for children with food allergies.Each summer I share my days with children who are kind, smart, talented, wise and strong. I personally get my inspiration from them and my compensation is measured in smiles, friends made, independence gained and skills mastered. Our camp is built on amplifying each child’s strengths, helping them to explore new activities and to grow outside of their comfort zone. To do this, children must feel safe and know that we understand who there are as an individual. That confidence starts with my partnership with their parents. Together we prepare for separating and the host of feelings that come with it. The children learn to trust me and my staff and to acknowledge the steps required to go away to camp. Once they do, they find a second home for life.Assembling a team of passionate, skilled and genuine adults is the foundation for our magical world. Together we build a community that is respective, inclusive, fun and nurturing.