An epic summer at camp begins with great camp counselors. YMCA Camp Santa Maria staff members are mature, responsible, caring, and are committed to youth development. Staff members are carefully selected through a rigorous hiring process and go through a federal criminal background check. All staff members complete an in-depth and thorough staff training and are Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified. Staff members also have training and certifications in specific program areas and all water and pool activities are supervised by certified lifeguards. YMCA Camp Santa Maria maintains a 1 to 6 counselor to camper ratio.
YMCA Camp Santa Maria Summer Staff 2011:
AND HERE THEY ARE! (Well some of them at least) More coming soon!
Adam Roberts-Counselor
Nickname: New York
Hometown: Fort Edward, New York
Where you go to or went to school: Fort Edward High School, SUNY-Adirondak
What did/do you study?: Adventure Sports
Favorite movie(s): Into the Wild, 127 Hours
Favorite type(s) of music: All
Who would play you in a movie?: Jason Statham
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: To gain more experience and move forward in the outdoor industry.
Favorite snack food: Cliff Bars
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: I have been exploring the outdoor world and moving to Colorado.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I am a fun and an outgoing guy, as long as we get our work done.
Anything else?: Remember life is an adventure, don’t be afraid of what is around the next corner.
Amy McAvinchey-Counselor
Hometown: Armash, Northern Ireland
Where you go or went to school: Queens University Belfast
What did/do you study?: English language and literature
Favorite movie(s): The Big Lebowski, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Good Burger, Requiem For a Dream
Favorite type(s) of music: Anything except country
Who would play you in a movie?: Danny Devito
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I wanted to spend the summer in the USA inspiring kids, and meeting like-minded people before going back to university.
Favorite snack food: Greg’s (our camp cook) cookies!
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: I finished my A levels and moved to Belfast to study for an English degree. I’ve also been working in a hotel and studying with the London School of Journalism.
Angel Ibarra-Counselor
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Where you go to or went to school: The Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
What did/do you study?: Politics
Favorite Movie(s): The Lord of the Rings
Favorite type(s) of music: Feel good music
Who would play you in a movie?: Brad Pitt
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I want to work at camp this summer because I had a great time last summer and I love the CSM family!
Favorite snack food: Chips and salsa!
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: Two years ago I moved to Washington, DC for college. This year I interned for senator Michael F. Bennet on capital hill. I also volunteer in local DC public schools as a tutor throughout the year.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I am really excited to see and catch up with all my campers from last summer and meet lots of new ones!
Arne Olsen-Unit Director
Hometown: Galesburg, IL
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): Marquette University and Knox College
What did/do you study?: Economics @ Marquette and Elementary Education @ Knox
Favorite Movie(s): Caddy Shack, The Goonies
Favorite type(s) of music: Bluegrass, Reggae, Rock
Who would play you in a movie?: Chris Farley
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I wanted to work at Camp Santa Maria because I get to work outside in the Rocky Mountains in a team atmosphere.
Favorite snack food: Cheese and Crackers
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: I’ve spent the last 5 years moving up and down the West Coast. I taught Kindergarten in Alaska; taught at an Environmental Science School in Big Bear, CA; spent a couple of summers working at a nature based day camp in Seattle; directed the community outreach day camp program with the Portland Audubon Society and worked as a substitute teacher in the Portland area.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I have worked at a variety of camps with campers ranging from 3 to 20 years old over the past 9 years. In my free time I like to ride my bike, hike, camp, play my banjo, work on my truck, cook, listen to music, and play with my dog, Perry.
Arnold Sychampanakhone-Counselor
Nickname: ARNIE
Hometown: Quakers Hill, New South Wales Australia.
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): Wyndham College
What did/do you study?: Dance, Drama, Information Technology, English, Visual Arts, Entertainment.
Favorite Movie(s): Meet the Robinsons, Mean Girls, Alice in Wonderland
Favorite type(s) of music: top 40, pop/rock, pop
Who would play you in a movie?: Chris Pang – he was in “Tomorrow, When the War Began”
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: To meet new people, travel, challenge myself, experience the American life-style and have fun!
Favorite snack food: Cinnamon donuts
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: The last few years I’ve been taking a gap year after finishing higher school in 2009, I’m working full time at boost juice bars at the moment saving money to come to summer camp. I’ve been teaching dance (contemporary and jazz) and zumba to children and adults at my studio which has been such a rewarding job and of course going to the gym and keeping fit.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you:
I’m a Young, Fun, Athletic and Energetic person that loves having fun and is willing to give everything and anything a go; only being 19, i love challenging myself and I’m self motivated, ask anyone I’m a driven young man that puts my heart and soul into everything i do and always with a smile. I’m a quick learner and can adapted to my surroundings, jobs and situations and can take on instructions and orders very well and I’m going to try and make every campers experience at camp the best summer they’ve had!
Anything else?: I’m going to have fun and smile and make everyone else have fun and smile 
Beth Daviess-Counselor
Nickname: Danger, Deth Baviess, Hamilton, Macbeth
Hometown: Golden, CO
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): Whitman College
What did/do you study?: Philosophy Major, Biology and Theater Minor
Favorite Movie(s): Pulp Fiction, The Darjeeling Limited
Favorite type(s) of music: Indie Rock, Folk, Classic
Who would play you in a movie?: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I want to be a in beautiful place with fantastic young people that can teach me new things. Camp was a very important experience for me as a kid and I want everyone to have as good, and enlightening a time as I did.
Favorite snack food: Frosted Circus Animals
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: Since 2009, I have been going to Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington studying Philosophy, Biology and Theater. I have been learning River Guide leadership techniques as well as Rock Climbing and playing Ultimate Frisbee competitively. WC has taught me what a group of interested, passionate people can actually do for a person who didn’t want to believe in community.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I can’t wait for this awesome summer.
Anything else?: I know how to carve spoons!
Caitlyn Weir-Counselor
Nickname: Cait
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): I went to Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves, MO. I go to college at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO.
What did/do you study?: I am studying Exercise Science and plan to go to graduate school for Physical Therapy.
Favorite Movie(s): The Sandlot, Inception, Forrest Gump, My Girl
Favorite type(s) of music: Pop/Acoustic Rock or Alternative. I like Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Goo Goo Dolls, Dave Matthews Band, Incubus, Jack Johnson. I can never say no to Nelly, my fellow St. Louie native.
Who would play you in a movie?: Jenna Fischer from The Office
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I had such a great experience attending a YMCA camp 3 summers in a row when I was younger. I wanted to be a camp counselor so I could help give a similar experience to other kids. I also think Colorado is a beautiful place and I can’t wait to spend my entire summer in the mountains!
Favorite snack food: chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, and Cheez-Its
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years:
In the summer after my senior year of high school, I traveled to Germany on a “friendship exchange.” I lived with a German family for a week, traveled to Munich, and saw the Alps—it was a blast! I spent most of last summer working, with the exception of my vacation to Colorado where I did mountain biking, paragliding, white water rafting, hiking, and horseback riding. This year, I have been very busy with school. I also work as a nanny for two families during the week. I am going to California for the first time right before camp starts—I’m going to learn how to surf! Pretty gnarly, huh? 
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you:
I am so excited for camp—it’s going to be good time! Can’t wait to meet you!
Charles Gregory Harris-Kitchen Manager/Chef
Nickname: Greg
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): St. Johns University, Queens NY. Johnson & Wales, Norfolk VA
What did/do you study?: St. Johns-Criminal Justice. Johnson & Wales-Culinary
Favorite Movie(s): Fort Apache, Casablanca, Philadelphia.
Favorite type(s) of music: Jazz, Blues, Pop, R&B, Classic Oldies, and Country/Western.
Who would play you in a movie?: Maleek Yoba
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?:
I want to use my experience as a chef to share my passion for food and how it all correlates with life. I also feel that I have a lot to learn in life and I feel that my experience at camp will help me along my way.
Favorite snack food: Haagen Daz Vanilla Fudge
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: I have actually been trying to figure out what the last chapter of my life will be. I worked as a Merchant Marine for a few years in the Gulf of Mexico. I got a chance to return to Europe (Bergen, Norway) last summer. I have also spent a lot of hours in the saddle enjoying my passion to ride.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you:
I would like parents to know that they never have to worry about their kids when I am around. The best interest of the campers and the camp will always be paramount in my decision making.
Anything else?: I am very honored to be part of the camp this year.
Daniel Delay-Counselor
Nickname: Dan
Hometown: Winchendon, Massachusetts
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
What did/do you study?: Parks and Recreation Management
Favorite Movie(s): Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Favorite type(s) of music: Alternative, Rap
Who would play you in a movie?: Casey Affleck
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?:
I was a camper at a summer camp in New Hampshire for 9 years and an employee for 1. I was impressed by the opportunities available at Santa Maria
Favorite snack food: Banana chips
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years:
I graduated from a prep school in Massachusetts in May 2010, and spent fall 2010 enrolled in a semester with the National Outdoor Leadership School in Wyoming. I spent 3 months backpacking, rock climbing, canyoneering, and skiing. Now I’m a full time student at Appalachian State in North Carolina where I spend a lot of time climbing and bouldering.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you:
My friends and I are avid candle pin bowlers, I type of bowling unique to New England. This summer will be my first visit to Colorado!
Donna Johnson-Office Manager
Nickname: Ladybug
Hometown: Walnut Creek, California
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): University of California, at Davis
What did/do you study?: Textiles
Favorite Movie(s): Lord of the Rings, Paint Your Wagon, Pirates of the Caribbean, Xanadu, Mama Mia
Favorite type(s) of music: 1970-80’s Oldies Rock & Roll
Who would play you in a movie?: Pioneer Woman
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I want to be outdoors in the mountains for the summer. I love camping and talking to young people.
Favorite snack food: Popcorn – I can’t resist!
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: I worked at Sky High Ranch Girl Scout camp near Woodland Park in summer 2009. I have had several temp office jobs since then. I spend most of my time at home with my two golden retrievers, “Sandy” & “Hannah Montana.”
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I camped on my honeymoon! I’ve always loved camping and I was a Girl Scout and Girl Scout Leader for my daughter when she was growing up. I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with young people at summer camps in 2003 & 2009.
Anything else?: I have lived in Douglas County, Colorado from 1986-1991 and 2002-2011 with my husband and adult son. My adult daughter lives near San Diego, California.
Eric Budd-Counselor/Kitchen Staff
Hometown: Boulder, CO
Where you go to or, went to school (College or Highschool): I am currently a junior at Fairview High School.
Favorite Movie(s): My favorite movies are Inception and Fight Club.
Favorite type(s) of music: Rock and hip-hop
Who would play you in a movie?: If I were in a movie I would play the comical sidekick to a superhero.
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I have been going to summer camp for a long time and when I finally got the chance to move from a camper to staff I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. It will be a lot of fun and I am looking forward to it.
Favorite snack food: Chips and guacamole.
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: School, school and more school, that’s about it I guess.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I really look forward to this summer and I am positive it will be a lot of fun.
Guy Robertson-Counselor
Nickname : Guyliath.
Hometown: Wordsley, United Kingdom.
Where you go to or went to school (College or High school): University of Worcester.
What did/do you study? Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Management.
Favorite Movie(s): “Pocahontas”, a Disney classic. “Taken” is an all-round favorite of mine.
Favorite type(s) of music: I will pretty much listen to anything, I’m not too fussed.
Who would play you in a movie? It would have to be Bryan Mills who is played by Liam Neeson in Taken.
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I have heard many great stories from people who have worked in summer camps abroad for the summer, and I wanted in on the adventure. I also feel that with my Uni course I should be out there experiencing and teaching outdoor adventurous activities to people.
Favorite snack food: Bananas if I’m feeling healthy or marmalade on toast if I’m not.
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: The last few years I have been trying new things, I have traveled across the globe from India to Iceland and tried to experience as much as possible. I became a University student, which I never thought would happen, and now I am working my way towards a top notch degree in outdoor adventure.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I’m looking forward to summer camp very much and cannot wait to meet you all. I hope I am able to impart some lasting memories of a fun summer together at Santa Maria.
Jade Morgan-Counselor
Hometown: Swansea Wales
Where you go to or went to school: Bishopston School, Gorsieron College, University of the West of England
What did/do you study?: Primary Teacher Training
Favorite movie(s): P.S. I Love You, Sweet Home Alabama, Pot C, Transformers
Favorite type(s) of music: EVERYTHING.. dubstep, R n B, and anything that I can dance or sing to!
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: Working with children is one of my favourite things and I thought that it would help me to develop skills that will support me in my future job as a teacher!
Favorite snack food: Mashed potatoes and gravy
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: I have been training to become an awesome primary school teacher!
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I am calm, supportive, enthusiastic and understanding! I will always put our campers first and am really excited to be working here!
Anything else?: Can’t wait to meet you all!
Jeanene Hitchcock-Counselor
Hometown: Stuart, Florida
Where you go to or went to school: Florida Atlantic University
What did/do you study?: Elementary Education
Favorite movie(s): Forrest Gump, UP, Sweet Home Alabama, Little Rascals
Favorite type(s) of music: Everything country!!!
Who would play you in a movie?: Nicole Kidman
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I have a passion for working with kids and the wilderness. Summer camp is the place for me.
Favorite snack food: Salt & Vinegar chips, chocolate covered pretzels, peanut butter & bananas
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: I have been studying elementary education. I cannot seem to sit still and have been traveling every chance I get.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I was a camper for 8 years, and a counselor for 2 years at camps in Wisconsin. I love meeting new people and am always energetic
Joe Kahler-Counselor
Hometown: Pine, CO
Where you go to or went to school: Lawrence University (in Appleton, WI)
What did/do you study?: Major in English / minor in Music
Favorite Movie(s): tough question…top 5? (In no particular order) Seven samurai, Rear Window, Unforgiven, Tootsie, and Wall-E.
Favorite type(s) of music: Anything from the 20th century (and by anything I mean absolutely anything, long as it’s done well). If I had to pick my favorite type of music from the 20th century though, it’d probably be classical music.
Who would play you in a movie?: Harpo Marx, though his being dead and all might pose a problem. In terms of living actors, Gene Wilder! Though he’s getting old…
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: “Let me get this straight…I spend my days outdoors, doing all manner of fun activities with a bunch of wild ‘n happy kids? Sign me up. Now.”
Favorite snack food: Carbs. All the carbs.
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: Well, I’ve been at Lawrence University working towards my degree.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I am happy always and as energetic as a hummingbird. I am an ardent nature lover; I love to hike and backpack and clamber up rocks like a mountain goat. I am a film and music fanatic. I am a writer (fiction and some poetry) as well as a pretty unsuccessful songwriter (I can’t for the life of me write lyrics). Finally, I am a child at heart; not to imply that I’m immature, just that I’m eccentric, love to play, and have an un-dimmed curiosity for the world around me.
Anything else?: With regards to my picture, one of my many superpowers is my ability to commune with bees and wasps.
JJ Simms-Counselor
Nickname: People get creative.
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): Lewis & Clark College
What did/do you study?: I’m a sociology/anthropology major, and a theatre minor.
Favorite Movie(s): Breakfast Club, The Goonies, Thelma and Louise, Shawshank Redemption, City of God, Love Actually, LOTR.
Favorite type(s) of music: R&B, piano rock, indie, jazz, hip hop, pop music in the right context.
Who would play you in a movie?: Either Thelma or Legolas.
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: Summer camp is indeed a calling, and I am one of those who has been called upon. I love the community of summer camp and all the fun that goes along with it. I grew up going to a YMCA camp, but did not grow up living in Colorado – so I thought it’d be the perfect opportunity to play in the outdoors.
Favorite snack food: Almonds or carrots.
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: Since I graduated high school I’ve traveled to Scotland with my theatre troupe to perform in the Fringe Festival, and I’ve studied abroad in Accra, Ghana for music and dance. In between I’ve been in school working with our College Outdoors program as an employee and trip leader.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I was a camp counselor in Wisconsin 2 summers ago and I craved the outdoors all summer long. I can’t wait to come to Santa Maria and get out on some trips with some new adventurous kids!
Katherine Ebeling-Counselor
Hometown: Topeka, KS
Where you go to or went to school: CU Boulder
What did you study?: Environmental Engineering
Favorite Movie(s): When Harry Met Sally
Favorite type(s) of music: Country
Who would play you in a movie?: Anne Hathaway
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?:I wanted to work outdoors and help children learn and grow.
Favorite snack food: Graham crackers and peanut butter
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years:
I graduated from Topeka High in 2010 and just finished my freshman year at CU Boulder. I love swimming, hiking, biking, and being outdoors. My other hobbies include reading and travelling. Some of my favorite memories from the past several years include taking the train to Chicago and staying in a hostel for spring break my senior year, competing in the Topeka Tin Man Triathlon last summer, and learning to ski and rock climb this year.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I’m so excited to meet all the campers and can’t wait to have some awesome adventures at Camp Santa Maria!
Anything else?: I have an older brother, a younger sister, and Brittany Spaniel named Polly.
Lamberto Franco-Counselor
Nickname: Lambo
Hometown: Los Gatos, CA
Where you go to or went to school: Florida State College at Jacksonville
What did/do you study?: Education degree
Favorite movie(s): Pulp Fiction, Zombie Land, Boondock Saints
Favorite type(s) of music: everything
Who would play you in a movie?: Jack Nicholson
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: To teach children the value of spending time outside.
Favorite snack food: Mac n Cheese
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: I have been in school full time in Florida for the past two years.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I understand the huge influence that we have on the kids.
Michaela Cunningham-Counselor
Hometown: Charleston, North Carolina
Where you go to or went to school: Shenandoah University
What did/do you study?: Occupational Therapy
Favorite movie(s): Forest Gump
Favorite type(s) of music: Acoustic rock, singer/songwriter, bluegrass
Who would play you in a movie?: Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I wanted to work at this camp to teach children about kayaking by supporting their strengths and abilities. I also want to help them discover how beautiful it is in the outdoors and how to truly appreciate what it can provide them.
Favorite snack food: Granola bars
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: I lived in Denver for two years where I really began to love the outdoors. I started kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, and backpacking. While I was here I also worked in Americorps and as a physical therapy aid. I moved to Winchester, VA last summer for graduate school. This May I completed my first fieldwork at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan exploring their culture and healthcare system.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I have a 7 year old daughter myself so you can be reassured that I will treat your child as my own while they are here at camp. I am very excited to be spending the summer in Colorado helping your child grow in the outdoors.
Molly Regan-Health Officer
Hometown: Montara, CA
Where you go to or went to school: University of Oregon
What did/do you study?: Sociology/Pre-Nursing
Favorite movie(s): For Love of the Game, Love and Basketball
Favorite type(s) of music: Folk, and most music
Who would play you in a movie?: Meg Ryan
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: Camp is a magical place. Its where I have learned the most and thrived. I am a camper for life.
Favorite snack food: Pita chips
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: Graduated college and became a camp medic. I am currently taking pre-nursing courses.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: This is my second summer as a camp medic. Your kids’ health and safety is the most important thing to me. I also have 8 years of YMCA camping experience.
Anything else?: CAMP ROCKS!
Nicholas Budd-Counselor/Kitchen Staff
Nickname: Nick
Hometown: Boulder, CO
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): Fairview High
Favorite Movie(s): Avatar, Toy Story 3
Favorite type(s) of music: Pop, Alternative Rock
Who would play you in a movie?: Nobody comes to mind
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: Each year that I’ve been at camp I feel like I’ve learned something new. Now that I’m too old to be a camper I have decided to get a job at camp so that I can try and give something back to all the other campers.
Favorite snack food: Snickers
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: In the last four years I’ve been in school when not at camp, during the winter I’ve been a part of my schools wrestling team. With a new found joy in reading, cause for a long time I hated books, I’ve joined the Fairview book club.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I’m a hard worker who will work until the job is done. However that doesn’t mean that fun isn’t important to me.
Peter Erard-Hero (Logistics)
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): University of Colorado at Denver
What did/do you study?: Studying Finance and Entrepuneurship
Favorite Movie(s): Finding Nemo, Fight Club, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Guns
Favorite type(s) of music: Alternative, Rap/Hip-Hop
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I wanted to work at camp this summer because I enjoy the atmosphere and showing kids the outdoors.
Favorite snack food: Cheez-Its or Goldfish
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: A few years ago, I moved from Chicago to Colorado and started attending the University of Colorado at Denver. While attending UCD, I continued to climb and get outside. After about a year of being here in Colorado, I started to work for REI as well as route-set at a climbing gym. Ever since then, that is what I have been doing. In addition to that, I started to travel abroad including Rwanda and Uganda with Nepal being in the very near future.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I am an avid rock climber. I have been climbing for about four years. On and off at first but now very diligently. I helped to developed the on-site climbing area last year at Camp Santa Maria.
Anything else?: Nope! Just can’t wait for summer!
Remy Decoster-Counselor
Nickname: Gambit
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): West Academy, Tarrant County College
What did/do you study?: Film, photography
Favorite Movie(s):“The Fall”, “City of God”, “I Heart Huckabees”.
Favorite type(s) of music: Anything that’s not mainstream
Who would play you in a movie?: Gael Garcia Bernal
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: It’s something awesome to do./ get out of the city for a while./being able to hang out with a diverse group of counselors and kids.
Favorite snack food: Beef jerky all the way
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: Taking classes at TCC, playing nazi zombies, 35mm black and white photography, hanging out with friends, ultimate frizbee, researching the internet, and counseling at Camp Sealth, on Vashon Island.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I’m a super guy
Anything else?: I love camp counseling.
Reva Labbe-Counselor
Hometown: Key West, Florida
Where you go to or went to school (College or High school): University of Florida! Go Gators!
What did/do you study?: I’m a Public Relations major; Family, Youth & Community Sciences minor.
Favorite Movie(s): Titanic and Gone With The Wind are classics!
Favorite type(s) of music: I really love all types of music from what’s on the radio right now, to country music, to Broadway tunes, to probably some stuff you’ve never heard of before!
Who would play you in a movie?: If there were a movie about my life, I’m not quite sure anyone would be able to get the part right, I might have to play it myself! I do know Tim Tebow would be the leading man, though!
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I grew up going to summer camp for 5 years in North Carolina. I’ve been stuck in school for the past couple years, but now that I have a free summer, I’m dying to get back to the mountains!
Favorite snack food: Oreos and homemade trail mix!
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: When I stopped going to summer camp, I spent a summer traveling and volunteering in Thailand. After I graduated high school, I was accepted early to the University of Florida and I have been cheering on the gators ever since!
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I have never been to Colorado before, so this is going to be a summer of new for a lot of us! I am so passionate about making sure your children have the best summer of their lives at camp! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make your weeks here at camp better!
Anything else?: I can’t wait to meet all of you! We’re going to have an amazing summer!
Sam Aisen-Counselor
Nickname: Sam
Hometown: Northbrook, IL
Where you go to or went to school (College or Highschool): Oberlin College
What did/do you study?: Tentatively I’m studying anthropology and Russian.
Favorite Movie(s): Big Fish
Favorite type(s) of music: Indie Folk
Who would play you in a movie?: Anne Hathaway
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I’m really looking forward to working at camp this summer because being at camp and getting outdoors are my favorite ways to take a break from school.
Favorite snack food: Pop corn
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and went to high school at the Chicagoland Jewish High School. While I was there I got interested in community service, student council, and being outdoors. My summers are usually spent lounging or being outside working on backpacking skills. I’m currently a freshman at Oberlin College in the cozy town of Oberlin, OH, spending my time studying, doing some photography, and enjoying school.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I always had the time of my life as a camper at every camp I went to so I’m really excited to have the opportunity to be a counselor!
Anything else?: If I could have dinner with one person it would be Joan Didion because her writing really makes me think.
Sandra J Carter-Counselor
Hometown: Denver, Colorado
Where you go to or went to school:
(WSC) Western State College of Colorado (now)
(CCD) Community College of Denver
(RMSEL) Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning High School
What did/do you study?
WSC- Recreation and Outdoor Education
CCD- Associate of General Studies
Favorite Movie(s): Gladiator, Seven Years in Tibet, and any movies about Ireland
Favorite type(s) of music: I like all types.
Who would play you in a movie?: Michelle Rodriguez or Jennifer Garner.
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: I want to work at Camp Santa Maria because I want to work with young people in a beautiful place!
Favorite snack food: Pickles, Peanut Butter, Tomato and Basil Wheat Thins.
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years:
I graduated from the Community College of Denver with an Associate degree and then moved up to Gunnison to go to Western State College of Colorado to work on a bachelor’s degree in Recreation and Outdoor Education. I joined the Mountain Rescue team, and guided for the student guiding service on campus. I have also spent a lot of time climbing, canyoneering, helping out at my church, and hanging out with my family.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you:
I can’t wait so spend another summer instructing rock climbing and seeing young people change as they grow in self-confidence through reaching their goals.
Stephanie Lantini- Unit Director
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona
School: University of North Florida
What did you study: Psychology/ Counseling
Favorite Movie(s): Dumb and Dumber, Hook, Waking Life
Favorite Type of Music: Indie
Who would you play in a movie: I’m not sure?
Why did you want to work at camp this summer: I wanted the opportunity to spend time in nature while using my knowledge of childhood development and psychology. This is the perfect combination of the two.
Favorite Snack Food: Cookies
Brief story of what you have been up to for the last few years: The last couple of years I have been trying to find my niche. At the beginning of this year I took off on a personal and spiritual journey from east to west coast. I worked in Colorado at a ski resort, spent a month in California camping, and now I am at Summer Camp. What more could I ask for?
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: I want everyone to have the best time they can and learn more about themselves in the process. Originality is underrated. We all need to discover and cherish our uniqueness!
Stephen “Ste” Dwyer-Counselor
Hometown: Preston, England
Where you go to or went to school: Walton le Dale Arts college
What did/do you study?: Personal Training diploma NVQ Level 3
Favorite movie(s): Prefontaine, Shawshank Redemption
Favorite type(s) of music: R n B, Dance
Who would play you in a movie?: Paul Walker
Why did you want to work at camp this summer?: To positively impact childrens’ lives and to draw experience from this opportunity.
Favorite snack food: Double Decker Oreos
Brief story of what you have been up to over the last few years: Studying at home in England for my Personal Training diploma.
Something you would like parents/campers to know about you: Scouted by Liverpool, Man city and Preston North End for soccer when I was younger.
Anything else?: Favourite quote, “To give everything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”
