Staff

Jessica Knoop, Co-Director

I’ve been playing with children in the Mad River Valley for over 15 years. When I took my first job as a camp counselor over 20 years ago, I realized right away that having fun with children and helping them grow was what I was meant to do. When I got the opportunity to co-direct Warren Camp in 2018, I jumped at the chance, and have been inspired by this opportunity to get back to my roots. Summer camp is the perfect chance for me to do what I love best: play with kids and be outdoors. I am currently enrolled in the Vermont Master Naturalist Program, and I am so excited to apply my knowledge to nature-themed learning and activities at camp this year! Music is also a big part of my life, and I enjoy incorporating my mandolin playing into fun camp sing-alongs.

You may know me from Fayston School, where I worked for 8 years, founding the Early Ed After School Program. Before that, I was the co-owner and director of the preschool program at Stepping Stones in Waitsfield. In the winter, I also work at Mad River Glen, where I have been a ski instructor for kids of various ages since 2003. My philosophy recognizes that children learn best through play and exploration led by their own interests, and camp is the perfect venue for that. In my free time, I enjoy being with my husband and my 14-year-old son, playing the mandolin, bird-watching, sailing, hiking, and live music.

Ashley Hall, Co-Director

This will be my third summer co-directing Warren Camp! I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, and spent the first two decades of my life playing and working at the summer camp where my father worked year round. Having spent so much time in a camp environment, it seems natural to find myself in a job like this one, but I’m still thrilled that I get the chance. There’s nothing better than a job that lets you play outside all day!

I first came to the Mad River Valley 6 years ago, after finishing a stint in the US Peace Corps (I served in Rwanda as an English teacher). Initially, I came just to visit a friend, but I loved it here and, wouldn’t you know it...I somehow never got around to buying a return ticket! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

For the last 4 years, I have worked as an instructional assistant for the 3rd and 4th grade at Warren Elementary (go I-Team!). I love getting the chance to get to know the kids of our community and trying my best to make learning as accessible, attainable, and fun for them as possible.

When I’m not working, you can often find me sitting in the woods, throwing disc golf discs in the school field, performing virtual theater with friends, or (in normal years) flying “home” to WA to visit my growing gaggle of nieces and nephews. At camp, my favorite activities are music, swimming, obstacle courses, and boring, normal games...but with SILLY TWISTS. I’m always on the lookout for ways to make things more fun and I can’t wait for you to join me. See you soon!

Colin Fennelly, Camp Counselor

This is my first year as a counselor for the Warren Camp, and I am so excited to meet all of the campers! I moved to Warren when I was ten years old, attending the Warren School from fourth grade on. Subsequently, I went to Harwood and just this spring graduated from Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH.

Some of the campers may recognize me from my role as a substitute teacher at the Warren School on college breaks. During term, I spent my time practicing medical skills with the Dartmouth Ski Patrol and tutoring K-3 students in reading through the America Reads program.

I am elated to be back in Warren for the summer and working with you all! After camp hours, you will likely find me trail running on the Mad River Path or up Mount Abraham, or lounging by the water at Riverside Park.

Keegan Riley, Camp Counselor

This will be my first year as a counselor at the Warren Summer camp. I am originally from Sandwich, Massachusetts, where I was a counselor there for 4 years. I moved to The Mad River Valley during the winter to work as a lifty at Sugarbush, which was only supposed to be a temporary thing. However, I fell in love with Vermont and the valley so I decided to stay around a little longer.

I tend to gravitate towards jobs where I am outside being active and working with children, so I decided the Warren Summer Camp would be an amazing position for me. I love having the opportunity to share my passion for nature and the outdoors with the growing community of the Mad River Valley.

When I am not at camp, you can find me shooting photography, sailing on Lake Champlain, or just exploring the world around me. I am super excited to have the chance to get kids excited for being outside and enjoying the world around them.

Benjamin Allen, Camp Counselor

I moved to the Mad River Valley last November from California, and I am super excited to be starting my first year at Warren Camp. I graduated with a degree in film and am taking some time to explore the world before diving into my career. I've always loved working with kids, fostering curiosity, creativity and confidence. I first discovered my passion for working with kids as a youth leader at my local church and later ran a series of film camps for disadvantaged youth.

I'm looking forward to exploring my passions in theater and film with the kids. When I'm not working you can find me snowboarding, playing board games or watching documentaries. I've truly loved my journey exploring the valley, meeting new people and discovering what the valley is all about.

Allie Brooks, Second Year Intern

I am so excited to be back for my second year at Warren Camp! I’m a 17-year-old high school student who loves spending time outside and working with kids. I’ve lived in Warren since I was 5 and am very involved in the community. You may recognize me from Town Meeting Day- for the past few years I’ve provided childcare while parents attended the meetings. I’m looking forward to a fun-filled four weeks!

Skylar Knoop, CIT

This is my third year at Warren Camp, but my first year as a Counselor In Training. I live in Fayston, Vermont, and I have lived there my entire life. I used to go to Fayston Elementary School, but now go to Vermont Commons School in Burlington, Vermont. I will be in Ninth Grade after this summer. I enjoy being in the outdoors and really enjoy skiing at Mad River Glen and sailing on Lake Champlain. I'm really excited to be able to be back at camp again!

Jack Adair, CIT