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Summer 2011

Alumni

Outdoor Education

The Crux

1812 Homestead

Pok-O-MacCready Camps

KEN RYBA – Wilderness Director
First Year at Camp: 1979
University: Central Connecticut
Profession: Teacher

“Kenny” has worked as a counselor, Outdoor Education Instructor and Director of both the boating and wilderness programs.  During the off-season, Kenny is a high school science teacher and recreational home renovator.  His wife Marilyn, who graciously allows him to “work” every summer, and their two children Rebecca and Michael have long been associated with camp.  Kenny is 46er # 1661W.

SUE BAGLI - Horseback Riding Program Director
First year at Camp: 1976

Sue spent 9 summers at camp, and is reclaiming her position as Riding Instructor in 2011! Her favorite things about camp are horseback riding (of course), hiking,  but also the friends you make every summer.  Camp has always been a big part of her life and she now passes the torch to her children, Hannah and Brennan, who both attend Pok-O-MacCready Camps.  She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree inEducation at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga full time.

KELLY ZIMMERMAN - Boating Director
First Year at Camp: 1990
University: State University of New York
Profession: Prevention Educator for a Drug and Alcohol Council

Since her arrival at camp in 1990, Kelly has been an enthusiastic and versatile contributor.  She has served as a counselor, waterfront director, tutor, drama specialist and in 2009 will head up the boating program.  What Kelly  loves most about camp is that she met her husband here, her favorite people in the world have worked here (and many still do!) or were campers at Pok-O MacCready.  Additionally, Kelly’s three children will be campers, her two sisters and one brother have worked as counselors and section heads, and her parents are among camp’s strongest supporters. Kelly lives in Fairport, NY with her family and a plethora of pets, and is 46r #3511

BRIAN DeGROAT –Waterfront Director (WSI)
First Year at Camp: 2009
Profession: Outdoor Educator

Brian returns to camp for his third summer on staff, after spending the winter working as the Assistant Director of the Pok-O-MacCready Outdoor Education Center. He initially arrived on a 3-month instructor contract with the Outdoor Education Center in the Fall of 2008 and has stayed ever since. Brian  graduated from The College of New Jersey in 2005 with a BA in History and Education. Brian brings his waterfront experience to Pok-O this summer, having managed a state park beachfront in New Jersey and instructing swimming classes for over ten years.

GREG MELE- Sports Programming and Facilities Director
First Year at Camp: 2008
Profession: Teacher and Coach

Texas native Greg Mele debuted at Pok-O in 2008 as sports coordinator and this year he will add to that title.  As program director, Greg will be involved with weekly schedules, running special programs, while continuing to organize the inter-camp sports.  Greg is a private school teacher in Austin, his three children will be attending camp again this summer.

MARCY BERNSTEIN- Arts & Crafts
First Year at Camp: 2008
University: Parson’s School of Design; SUNY New Paltz
Profession: Art Teacher

A teacher at Newburgh Free Academy during the year, Marcy will be lending her considerable artistic talents to camp again this summer. During her free time, Marcy enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and making art of all kinds. Her two children will be campers this summer.

LIZ PIERSON - Assistant Wilderness Director
First year at Camp: 2010

Liz first came to Pok-O in 2008 from Unity College where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Education.  This qualification made her an MVP instructor at our Outdoor Education Center and she soon signed on for Summer Camp!  Liz spends a lot of her time in the Hike House during the summer and has therefore become an expert taste-tester for GORP quality control.  This true-blue Tuskie spends most of her “free time” at all-camp activities and can also be heard belting out tunes in the dining hall with the campers at lunch.  Oh, and in her spare time, Liz is persuing her Master's degree in Experiential Education.