Highlighting Camp Echo Lake’s Summer 2014 Leaders
Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to high sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations. —Peter Drucker
Over the past few weeks we have introduced you to our Head Staff Leadership Team. We wanted to take some time today and tomorrow to introduce another level of important camp leadership, our 2014 Group Leaders of our camper groups and our 2014 Head Specialists of our activity areas. Group Leaders and Head Specialists set the tone, inspire the goals, and develop the on going growth of their campers and staff and / or of their lesson plans and skill building. We are thrilled to highlight this talented and passionate group of Group Leaders and Head Specialist that are going to work hard to make this summer one of tremendous safety, fun, and learning for everyone at Camp Echo Lake!
Today we highlight our Group Leaders…
Group Leader: Mike Bones
Where do you live now? Dover, England.
How old are you? 22.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 4.
What were you up to before camp? Back at home I have two jobs waiting tables, one being in silver service.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp?
Being a great leader takes a lot of patience, not just with the children but your staff too. I try to be as charismatic as possible and use my positive energy in hopes that it will rub off on the staff and children.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? Every summer I want the kids in my group to have the best and safest summer as possible! I hope that if nothing else my staff learns the merits of respecting one another and waking up with a smile on their face every day. As for the campers, I would love them to learn respect for one another as well as encourage them to take advantage of all of the opportunities camp has to offer!
Group Leader: Justyn Calestini
Where do you live now? Castro Valley, CA.
How old are you? 23.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 2.
What were you up to before camp? This year I finished up my AA in social and behavior science and worked for an Organic Apple Orchard on the weekends. When I’m not in school or working I’m usually at the driving range, or playing 18 with my friends.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think there are 3 things it takes to be a great leader; anticipate and prepare for changes that may happen, create relationships with people who think differently than themselves, knowing they can provide different solutions.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope the campers and staff leave with more meaningful friendships, and confidence in themselves. Having a BLAST along the way!
Group Leader: Sasha Chaifetz
Where do you live now? New York City.
How old are you? 20.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 11.
What were you up to before camp? I am an incoming Junior at Tulane University, majoring in Finance and minoring in Marketing.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp?
To be a great leader, you have to take the time to understand those you are leading as individuals as well as understanding how those individuals interact as a group. A leader also has to know how to push those who they are leading to be the best that they can be while balancing the fun with responsibility!
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope to both motivate and influence my campers and staff to let the small things slide, make new friendships while strengthening old ones, and to push themselves to be the best versions of themselves!
Group Leader: Jed Conroy
Where do you live now? Busselton Western Australia, Australia.
How old are you? 23.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 2.
What were you up to before camp? I have been travelling, mostly through Europe.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think one of the most important things to have, as a leader is compassion, the ability to put yourself in everyone’s shoes helps you make the right decisions.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I’m looking forward to this summer. My goals are to keep everyone safe and packing in as much fun as we can!!!
Group Leader: Rob Cooper
Where do you live now? Fort. Lauderdale, FL
How old are you? 24.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 3.
What were you up to before camp? During the year I attend Florida Atlantic University where I am majoring in Psychology. I also work at a tennis center where I string rackets and assist in teaching clinics.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I believe that a good leader must have commitment to his or her job, a positive outlook no matter what obstacles presented, the ability to inspire others, and a good sense of humor.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope that over the summer campers will learn to work together as a group, but also to make independent choices. I also hope that campers will learn to appreciate the small things that we overlook during the year, and of course make some new friends!
Group Leader: Jack Francis
Where do you live now? Marlo, Victoria, Australia
How old are you? 24.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 2.
What were you up to before camp? I recently graduated from Deakin University with a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Science (majoring in Marine Biology, with Honors) and currently work as a bartender, taking some time off study before I hit the books again next year at Monash University for a Bachelors Degree in Science (majoring in Genetics).
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? A great leader is someone who can listen to and consider all opinions on an issue, find a means to involve everyone in an action, promote team strengths and build on their weaknesses, and takes the opportunity to not only lead, but allow others to lead as well.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope that the campers and staff this year can come to support, cherish and rely on each other through the good times and the not-so-great times. As well as celebrate all the fantastic and unique things about themselves individually and as a group that make them awesome.
Group Leader: Rachel Glickenstein
Where do you live now? Bronx, NY
How old are you? 26.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 3.
What were you up to before camp? During the year I work at a Jewish day school in Riverdale, NY. I am the second grade science and math enrichment teacher and assistant in 4th and 5th grade. This coming year I will be an Israel Teaching Fellow, working in Ashdod, Israel, teaching English to Israeli children.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think a great leader has a lot of understanding and patience. They listen to others and encourage those he or she works with to try their best. They set an example for others to follow, and have a great passion for what they do.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope campers and staff always put in 110% into everything they do. I hope they all try something new, and challenge themselves to the best of their ability. I will encourage them to meet goals they set for themselves and as a group leader, I hope to help them accomplish those goals.
Group Leader: Hamish Grundy
Where do you live now? Swansea, Wales.
How old are you? 22.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 4.
What were you up to before camp? I am currently a student at Swansea University, studying History and American Studies.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? To be a great leader is to be a great listener; be willing to give advice, but also to accept it. To be a great leader is to be silent, but effective.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope to both inspire and be inspired. The coolest thing about being a counselor is that even though the campers are still learning and growing, they’re also often the best teachers.
Group Leader: Shelbi Jacobs
Where do you live now? Lithia, FL.
How old are you? 22.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 1.
What were you up to before camp? This fall will begin my last year at the University of South Florida, completing my BA in Psychology. I just finished a year of employment at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo as a zoo membership representative. My spare time could be filled with anything! (Currently, the ukulele.)
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think a great leader is charismatic, and they make others excited to be led by them. A leader succeeds at keeping the best interest of the group at heart, listening, and maintaining a fun, positive atmosphere.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope my light-heartedness and self-acceptance are contagious. It is such an awesome thing when your confidence and silliness outweigh the worry and self-consciousness, and I love when others can experience that!
Group Leader: Stephanie Jordan
Where do you live now? Chandler, AZ.
How old are you? 23.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 2.
What were you up to before camp? I just graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in Psychology and minors in Music and Brain & Cognitive Science.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? A great leader trusts the people they are leading to make their own decisions so that they too can grow and develop leadership skills. Camp is a place where everyone has the opportunity to become a great leader; they just need guidance and someone to believe in them!
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? It’ll be tough, but I hope that the campers and staff I get to work with this summer have an even better time than I do!
Group Leader: Daniel Labrovic
Where do you live now? Big Timber, MT
How old are you? 25.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 4.
What were you up to before camp? I just graduated from The University of Montana with a graduate degree in Speech Language Pathology. Beginning in August I will be joining a special education Co-op in Montana as a speech therapist in the public schools.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think to be a great leader you need to be able to take multiple perspectives and build a strong community. As a leader at camp I think it is important help each counselor and camper feel a part of the community and take responsibilities.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope the campers learn how important they are to our community at camp and have lots of fun!
Group Leader: Justine Landry
Where do you live now? Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada.
How old are you? 23.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 1.
What were you up to before camp? School is currently my fulltime job! I graduated from Dalhousie University with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and just finished the first year of my chiropractic degree from CMCC in Toronto, Ontario
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think being a great leader at camp is all about balance. You need to be fun, energetic, imaginative, and silly, while being responsible and putting safety first. A great leader should keep an open mind and be ready for new ideas and experiences!
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope that both the campers and staff will be able to enhance their skills this summer while creating lifelong friendships. Whether it be working as a team or trying a new sport, I am excited to encourage the campers throughout their experiences!
Group Leader: Casey Linder
Where do you live now? Rye Brook, NY.
How old are you? 19.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 8.
What were you up to before camp? I am currently a student at the University of Delaware. I just completed my sophomore year here and I am studying Human Services with a clinical concentration. I am the assistant to the VP philanthropy of my sorority, and a chair member of the 12-hour dance marathon to fight childhood cancer, UDance!
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think being able to create an environment for your campers and the staff that fosters a sense of community, openness, and respect is so important. I also think it’s key to understand that there is a time to be serious, but also a time to have fun! (It is camp after all!)
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope that the campers and the staff come away from the summer with a better understanding and a greater sense of confidence in who they are and who they are becoming as young women! I always left the summer feeling so much stronger than when I arrived, and it’s a feeling I will never forget!
Group Leader: Sean McGuinness Harvey
Where do you live now? Orbost, Australia.
How old are you? 24.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 3.
What were you up to before camp? I’m in the final semester of my university degree, majoring in journalism, and have been teaching swimming at a primary school, as well as working part-time for an online marketing company. I also spend a lot of time playing guitar, and hanging out with my kelpie puppy!
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think a great leader has the ability to recognize strengths in others, and help them to realize their potential. A great work ethic and a willingness to learn are also important!
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I’m looking forward to instilling a sense of camaraderie amongst staff and campers, which will provide an ideal environment for personal growth. I hope the campers gain confidence over the summer by stepping out of their comfort zone, and realizing what they’re able to achieve.
Group Leader: Amanda Mcilroy
Where do you live now? Watertown, NY.
How old are you? 23.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 2.
What were you up to before camp? I am currently studying Recreation and Leisure Management at SUNY Brockport to receive my Masters degree next Spring. I am also an assistant manager at the clothing store Express while away at school.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? To be a great leader, in my opinion, a person must be patient, ambitious, approachable, and understand the importance of teamwork.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? This summer I hope that the campers and staff appreciate the time we have at camp, and make the most out of our days. Be courageous, silly, and have fun! 🙂
Group Leader: Spencer Milton
Where do you live now? Sheffield, England.
How old are you? 21.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 2.
What were you up to before camp? I just graduated from University with a degree in Sport Management, and recently accepted a job with The Metropolitan Police (in London). I’ve kept myself busy this year with playing sport, running my first ever half marathon, and counting down the 10 months!
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? A good sense of humor, along with a good sense of responsibility and a strong sense of fun makes a good leader. Also the ability to delegate; at camp this would mean empowering the kids (and staff) to make their own decisions where possible so they can achieve a great amount of personal growth.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” I hope that this summer, I have a lasting effect on the campers and staff that I lead this summer; not just for the 2 months we’re at the lake, but far into the future as well.
Group Leader: Kaelyn Moore
Where do you live now? Orange, CA.
How old are you? 21.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 2.
What were you up to before camp? During the year, I study English and Film Production at Chapman University in Southern California. I also am very involved in my sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and I DJ for my school’s radio station.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think a great leader is someone that leads by example. At camp, it’s up to the counselors to embody the characteristics we want to teach the children, whether it’s confidence, patience, respect, etc. We have to really be the best versions of ourselves at all times!
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I think the biggest key to having a great summer is teamwork. We’re all in this together, so I really hope I can help my girls bond and create awesome memories with each other!
Group Leader: Caroline Rhodes
Where do you live now? London.
How old are you? 26.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 3.
What were you up to before camp? During the year I work as a travelling nanny. I meet families at the airport then travel to their holiday destination and look after the children. Although, I get to travel to some amazing places it also gets very tiring! I have just returned from 5 weeks in Egypt.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? A great leader is some one who can inspire others and enable them to be the best that they can be. At camp a great GL will support and encourage both the staff and children to excel at camp life and enjoy being Echo Lakers!
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope the staff and campers experience the incredible warmth and happiness Echo Lake has to give. From my first summer, I experienced such acceptance and inner happiness. I became a happier and better person. I hope that each staff member and camper feels this and has the best summer ever!!!!
Group Leader: Todd Seideman
Where do you live now? South Orange, NJ.
How old are you? 24.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 12.
What were you up to before camp? I have a Bachelors in Health Education and have been tutoring and substituting while looking for a full time teaching job.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? A true leader is one that can make the best of any situation and additionally get the best out of the group in which they are working with.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope that my co-staff and campers acquire the magical feel or warm inner glow, if you will, during these seven weeks at Echo Lake. I hope they grow and find things about themselves that they may have never knew before.
Group Leader: Bryan Snow
Where do you live now? Philadelphia, MS.
How old are you? 23.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 2.
What were you up to before camp? I graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication: Public Relations, and also obtained a religion minor.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I believe a great leader is patient, sacrificial, a great listener, and leads by example.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope my staff and campers learn what it means to live in true community, building one another up and encouraging one another in order to discover our true potential. I hope campers and staff alike gain personal growth within themselves. I hope my team and campers work together in community, learning to respect one another and function as a unit.
Group Leader: Macey Stockwell
Where do you live now? Syracuse, NY.
How old are you? 21.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 3.
What were you up to before camp? In May I received my bachelor of science degree in communication sciences and disorders from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think a great leader on camp knows how to have fun, while putting safety first. A group leader is dependable and cares for the people around them.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope the campers and staff have the best summer of their lives. Camp is place that allows you to step out of your comfort zone, and teaches you important values that you will use throughout your life.
Group Leader: Molly Tette
Where do you live now? Livonia, NY.
How old are you? 22.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 1.
What were you up to before camp? I just graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. In September, I will be traveling down to Orlando, Florida to work in Walt Disney World as part of the Disney College Program.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I believe that a great leader at camp is someone who is willing to go above and beyond in order to help out so that the kids can have an incredible summer.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope that the campers and staff are able to have a blast, and learn new things about themselves at the same time!
Group Leader: Alex Trost
Where do you live now? Philadelphia, PA.
How old are you? 27.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 2.
What were you up to before camp? I’m a senior at Temple University as an Elementary Education major. In addition to student teaching I also volunteer at elementary schools in Philadelphia to assist with classroom lessons and field trips.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? Good camp leaders create environments of respect, fairness, and positivity. When given healthy conditions, kids feel comfortable opening up and sharing who they really are and everyone benefits.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? Everyone at camp learns about friendship, sportsmanship, and ships, if they sign up for boating. I hope the campers and staff find me to be someone who they can count on, someone they can trust, and someone who is always trying to add fun and humor to any situation.
LIT Director: Corey Begly
Where do you live now? Bath, Maine.
How old are you? 24.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 17.
What were you up to before camp? I currently work at Hyde School in Bath, Maine as a US History teacher and Head Varsity Basketball Coach.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? A leader understands his/her own conscience. They operate through the understanding that leadership involves more than just ego based feelings or desires– instead, it is based on serving and inspiring others.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope every LIT starts to explore their own unique potential and gain confidence in their leadership ability. Most importantly, my goal is to help provide them with their best summer at the ‘lake’. Can’t wait!
LIT Group Leader: Matthew Glickman
Where do you live now? Port Washington, NY.
How old are you? 25.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 13.
What were you up to before camp? I have been working as a ski instructor for the past three winters in Vail, Colorado, I graduated from SMFA/Tufts University in 2011 with a BFA focusing in photography.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? A leader is someone who can set the example, is accepting of others, can bring people together, someone who is easy to talk to, and someone who is capable of being empathetic.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? This summer I hope that the campers and staff can come together and make the best of whatever the summer throws our way. Camp is a great experience and like most things in life you get back what you put in.
LIT Group Leader: Molly Leopold
Where do you live now? New Rochelle, NY.
How old are you? 20.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 11.
What were you up to before camp? A rising senior at Indiana University. Currently spent my semester abroad living and studying in Florence, Italy. I study apparel merchandising, business, and fashion design.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? I think a great leader is someone who can communicate effectively and have a positive impact on all of the people around them.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I want both campers and staff to step out of their comfort zones and become more confident in everything they do, and to create friendships/memories that will last a lifetime.
LIT Group Leader: Julie Zucker
Where do you live now? Montclair, NJ.
How old are you? 21.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 12.
What were you up to before camp? I am a rising Senior at the University of Michigan, studying Communications. I spent this past semester in Washington, D.C interning in Education Policy and taking classes.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? A great leader is someone who can see the positives instead of the negatives, someone who can bring out the best in those around them and someone that can also delegate while balancing fun and responsibility.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope that the LITs look back on Summer 2014 and remember it as the “best summer ever.” The summer that they tried new things, learned from their friends, laughed and accomplished a lot!
4n4 Trip Leader: Cal Meyers
Where do you live now? Traverse City, MI.
How old are you? 24.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 3.
What were you up to before camp? During the off-season I teach at a middle school. Currently I teach geography and German.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? A great leader needs the confidence to believe in their own decisions while retaining the ability to take help from others. All the while they must keep a kind and positive demeanor whenever possible.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope that everyone I work with this summer leaves with a little more joy in their heart and a little more respect for the world they live in.
4n4 Trip Leader: Amy Woods 
Where do you live now? Philadelphia, PA.
How old are you? 22.
How many summers have you spent at camp? 2.
What were you up to before camp? I graduated from the University of Rochester in 2013 with a degree in Public Health and International Relations and just completed a yearlong fellowship through U of R, spending half the year in Rome, Italy.
What do you think makes a great leader at camp? A great leader is able to get a group full of wildly different personalities come together as one cohesive unit and have a ton of fun in the process.
What do you hope the campers and staff learn from you or get out of this summer at camp? I hope everyone gains an appreciation for a part of the country so many wish to explore.
