What excites you about your particular role this summer?

I am really excited to be able to support staff and campers this summer, and to help camp run smoothly. I love to problem-solve with the people around me, and I think I'll be doing a lot of that this year. I'm also looking forward to sharing what I've learned over the years with new and returning staff, and can't wait to keep growing alongside all of the super capable and talented young people that make up the Camp Onas community. 

What memories or experiences from your camper days do you treasure the most? How do you try to create memorable experiences for campers now?

As a camper, I loved having variety in my day. I loved getting to curl up with a great book on Dellview porch when I was tired just as much as I loved being loud and silly at a Bears activity when I had the energy for it. I think something that makes Camp Onas so special is that we let campers choose their own adventure based on how they are feeling and what excites them four times everyday, plus two and a half hours of free time! I know that for me, it taught me to trust myself to make choices that feel right for me, and to know when to ramp up and when to slow down. Balance is the key to everything, and I really love giving campers the opportunity to be autonomous and to decide what "fun" looks like for them at different times and on different days.  

Why have you chosen to return to Onas each year? What keeps bringing you back?

This is such a hard question because there are so many reasons! It is a question I think about often though, given that I've been here since 2009 (can you believe it?) I think the short answer is that I believe every kid deserves to have a space away from their home life and school life and everyday community where they get to be themselves and explore what that means, where they are a trusted and important member of a community, and where they get to be empowered to make their own choices. There is also so much to be said for the fact that Camp Onas is such an outdoor space, and I think that can be massively transformative for city folk like me who might never have gotten so comfortable being outside without it. I also think that being in community with primarily young adults is a really powerful experience for kids who often spend most of their time in classrooms run by adults, as you gain role models that are not too far from where you are now, and get to watch yourself grow into those people for others.  

What aspects of the Onas experience do you find yourself carrying with you, no matter where you are? What do you hope campers and other staff members carry with them?

This might sound silly, but the very first thing that came to mind was how to properly clean a bathroom! The practical skills I've gained go way beyond toilets, but I do think there is so much to be said for the way camp teaches you basic life skills in a super fun environment that actually allows the information to stick. Along with that comes problem solving and critical thinking skills that we learn from a young age at Camp Onas. It takes every single person for camp to run, from campers doing crews and setting up meals and being good bunkmates, to counselors who run activities and guard the pool. All of us have a piece to play in maintaining our space, keeping everyone safe, and getting tasks done. Camp has been an amazing place to learn how to be the best piece in a community puzzle that I can be by showing me that every action, big or small gets us closer to our goals. 

What excites you about your particular role this summer?

I’m most excited to take what I've learned during the year and contribute to a place I love, as well as being able to see my own growth as I take on different roles at camp.

What memories or experiences from your camper days do you treasure the most? How do you try to create memorable experiences for campers now?

My favorite memories are mostly from my graduate year and the connections I formed that I still have to this day. I try to recreate that experience for campers by allowing them to be 14 year old kids but guide them whenever I can, as well as creating a safe environment for them to grow. 

Why have you chosen to return to Onas each year? What keeps bringing you back?

It’s a community and a space that unless you have directly experienced is hard to describe. I feel very connected to the people as well as the actual physical space. It's unlike any other community I have been a part of. 

What aspects of the Onas experience do you find yourself carrying with you, no matter where you are? What do you hope campers and other staff members carry with them?

I find myself carrying the confidence in myself and my instincts. I have done a lot of my personal growth during my summers at onas and the “me” who leaves every summer has always grown in a positive way . 

Anything else you'd like to include?

During this year I worked as a site coordinator in an afterschool program run by the YMCA. I can say with certainty that while I enjoy working with kids in general , my favorite place to do so is at Onas.

What excites you about your particular role this summer?

I'm super excited to lead the Blue Side with Zane! I'm especially excited to make connections with campers across all ages, as not having campers in my bunk will give me the opportunity to float around a lot.

What memories or experiences from your camper days do you treasure the most? How do you try to create memorable experiences for campers now?

My favorite memories from being a camper were the times that counselors thought of ways to have fun outside of the normal programming, like running around in the pouring rain as a bunk instead of staying trapped in our bunk. I carry that creative energy with me as a staff member, and always try to think of small adventures that can be had every day.

Why have you chosen to return to Onas each year? What keeps bringing you back?

I love living outside in such a beautiful place and having fun with amazing people.

What aspects of the Onas experience do you find yourself carrying with you, no matter where you are? What do you hope campers and other staff members carry with them?

Camp has always helped to make me feel sure of myself, and has given me confidence that I carry with me everywhere. 

Anything else you'd like to include?

I graduate from Carleton College next June and I'm strongly considering going to law school next!

What excites you about your particular role this summer?

I am really looking forward to being a role that allows me to continue working in the infirmary while taking on more responsibilities around camp. 

What memories or experiences from your camper days do you treasure the most? How do you try to create memorable experiences for campers now?

I continue to cherish the moments where fun is had in the more challenging times, like during blackouts or strong storms.  

Why have you chosen to return to Onas each year? What keeps bringing you back?

Everything and everyone!

What excites you about your particular role this summer?

I am very excited to be one of the heads of side because it is by far the most leadership-oriented role I have ever been in on staff. I think it presents an opportunity for having real influence over the things that are important to me at camp, which will be very new for me. I think one aspect of my previous positions at camp that have prepared me for this one is my role as a supervisor in the kitchen. Being in charge of other counselors, which is a big part of being the counselor head of side, can feel uncomfortable and unnatural at times. but since i already have the experience of directing a group of CITs in the kitchen, i think i have some good practice with figuring out that dynamic. 

What memories or experiences from your camper days do you treasure the most? How do you try to create memorable experiences for campers now?

The memories from my camper days that I cherish most are moments of spontaneity. Like showering with the hose on the gold side turning into a mud fight, or when an activity completely devolves into something new. As a counselor I try to facilitate these kinds of experiences for campers by remaining flexible and open-minded, and, within reason, letting whatever the kids want to happen happen.

Why have you chosen to return to Onas each year? What keeps bringing you back?

I have returned to Onas year after year because I feel a very strong sense of responsibility to the community. When I think about how much I have gotten out of my time at Onas, I feel compelled to keep coming back and keep trying to make it even better so that other people can continue to have such valuable experiences as I have.

What aspects of the Onas experience do you find yourself carrying with you, no matter where you are? What do you hope campers and other staff members carry with them?

One thing that camp has taught me that I now carry with me in all contexts is the idea that any obstacle is surmountable with enough patience and willingness to work together. So many times at camp, I’m thinking about the voyager in particular, things come up that make you feel completely stumped. I've learned that any of these types of things, either at camp or in the outside world, are always manageable if you sit with them for long enough. This is something that I hope both staff members and campers can take with them when they leave camp. 

Anything else you'd like to include?

I'm a rising junior at Bard College majoring in Written Arts. And I love camp!!

What excites you about your particular role this summer?

I am beyond honored and excited to be co-head of the Gold Side this summer!! I have always looked up to and learned so much from the people in this role, and I am so happy to step into that role for staff and campers this summer! I am really looking forward to working with counselors to create a super fun and safe space for campers, and to work with campers who bring the best energy to camp every summer. It's such a privilege to give back to the community that has given me so much!

What memories or experiences from your camper days do you treasure the most? How do you try to create memorable experiences for campers now?

The experiences that I treasure most from my camper years are those where I got to try new things and make new friends. It's cliché, but I have met some of my best friends at camp, and those bonds were made stronger when we got to do activities like the zip-line, critter catching, being in nature, getting dirty, and stepping out of my comfort zone. For me this summer, it's most important that I create those opportunities for campers, and make sure everyone is welcome.

Why have you chosen to return to Onas each year? What keeps bringing you back?

Truly the people!! The place is extremely important to me too, but my camp friends are my lifelong friends, and getting to have camp with them every summer makes it so difficult to leave. Plus, being able to give that treasured experience to new campers.

What aspects of the Onas experience do you find yourself carrying with you, no matter where you are? What do you hope campers and other staff members carry with them?

The real question is what aspects of the Onas experience do I NOT carry with me?? I carry camp with me everywhere. A few aspects I'll highlight are the SPICES, and the peacefulness of meeting for worship, communal living (especially in college!) and being able to share space, kindness and fostering community. I look for camp values in everything I do. I really hope that this summer camp and staff can help teach those values to campers for them to carry with them as they get older.

Anything else you'd like to include?

Currently, I am a rising sophomore at American University in D.C. studying Communications, Language, and Culture, and I am hoping to pursue a certificate in Social Justice, Action, and the Performing Arts (a lot of words, I know!).  I'm in an a cappella group, too!

What excites you about your particular role this summer?

I am really excited for my role as a Communications Intern this summer because I will be gaining new experience that is different from my previous role as a counselor. I am also excited to be on Senior Staff to help make campers and staff's experience safe and inclusive!!

What memories or experiences from your camper days do you treasure the most? How do you try to create memorable experiences for campers now?

My best memories as a camper were on the G-Side just hanging out with my friends, playing cards, making friendship bracelets. I looked up to my counselors so much and just being on the side was such a formative experience for me.

Why have you chosen to return to Onas each year? What keeps bringing you back?

THE PEOPLE❤️The Onas community is so special. I’ve made amazing friends here and I know we will be friends for a lifetime.

What aspects of the Onas experience do you find yourself carrying with you, no matter where you are? What do you hope campers and other staff members carry with them?

I’ve learned so much from my experiences at camp. The most important experience is being able to be a part of such a strong and loving community.

Anything else you'd like to include?

I am a rising Senior at Fordham University and my major is Communications and Media Studies!

What excites you about your particular role this summer?

I'm really excited to work with and get to know everyone on staff, especially the new CITs. I remember them as campers, so I'm grateful for the chance to see how they have grown and to be able to work with them on staff.

What memories or experiences from your camper days do you treasure the most? How do you try to create memorable experiences for campers now?

My most treasured camper memory is spending time with friends during two-hour free time. I remember loving the tire and rope swings and spending all of two hour swinging on them. Now, I am able to recreate my most memorable camp memories for campers by creating a schedule that includes the same activities and EAs that I loved as a camper.

Why have you chosen to return to Onas each year? What keeps bringing you back?

Definitely the people. Camp has given me lifelong friends and each year I get to spend my summer working with them. I also come back for the campers, I love seeing them summer after summer and catching up on how their year has been.

What aspects of the Onas experience do you find yourself carrying with you, no matter where you are? What do you hope campers and other staff members carry with them?

Onas has given me a love for nature and all things outdoorsy. At school, I love spending my free time outside. I also have an indifference towards bugs, so outside of camp, I'm the designated "bug remover".

Anything else you'd like to include?

I have a twin sister also on staff, so don't be alarmed if you think you see two of me!

What excites you about your particular role this summer?

I am really excited to work closely with staff, especially the new CITs, helping them learn the ropes and develop their skills as counselors. It is always rewarding to invest in the future of camp, and many of these kids were campers of mine at one point. In the past I have worked closely with CITs in the kitchen, and built rapport with staff members who are now taking on supervisor roles. This will help me be there as a mentor and mediator for all of staff, hopefully being seen as someone any staff member can come to with concerns or general advice.

What memories or experiences from your camper days do you treasure the most? How do you try to create memorable experiences for campers now?

Counselors putting in effort and including everyone in activities. I try to create memorable experiences by putting in effort and dramatizing the fun.

Why have you chosen to return to Onas each year? What keeps bringing you back?

The community, it feels like home and grows every year!

What aspects of the Onas experience do you find yourself carrying with you, no matter where you are? What do you hope campers and other staff members carry with them?

I take the Quaker values with me in my everyday life, thinking carefully about how I treat the Earth, my community, and the people around me.

Anything else you'd like to include?

I am trying to outlast the shower trailers!