Brand New Head of Camp MacCready

     Cindy Stahley Watson (left) is proof that camp really stays in your system.  Following a 20 year break, Watson returns to Pok-O-MacCready to take over running the girls camp. She replaces long-time Director Missy Livsey; In fact, only three woman have held this position over the past 34 years.

The Pok-O-Mac Times spoke with Watson as she was closing out just her second full day on the job.

     “Coming to the reunion and seeing old faces just gave me the urge to come back!”

     The timing could not have been better, as Cindy Watson’s visit to the last year’s 100th reunion coincided with camp director Sharp Swan’s search for a new head of Camp MacCready.

     Watson first came to Pok-O-MacCready’s staff in 1980 but here’s a little known fact:  “I was a camper for one week in 1973.” On staff, she served as a section head, assistant head-of-camp, crafts instructor, caretaker of the 1812 Homestead and director of the Outdoor Education Center, from 1980-1985.

     “Many things have changed,” since she was last here.  ”Minor things, specific things. But some things, the most important things don’t change at all.  Like the ‘aura’ of camp.  People who get it, understand.”

     Was the new director prepared for the rigors and yes, even stress of the camp’s packed and nonstop schedule?  “It’s very busy! I’ll tell you, it’s great to have Missy (Livsey) here to orient me. She’s been a saint.”

     Foremost among her responsibilities is the supervision of over 125 campers and staff. “She’s very excited about everything,” said third year counselor and first-time section head Fiona Dubuss.  “It’s cool that she plays guitar for kids, and she says ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m here after 20 years!’ She’s doing a good job so far.”

     A third grade teacher, Watson is a resident of Painted Post (no kidding), New York.  Camp is truly in her blood: She met her husband while working here, and “we have family who have been campers, counselors and board members. I would have never imagined it’d be this far reaching.”

     “I like her,” stated 12 year-old third year camper Christina Fink.  “... like she’s nice and funny.”

     Cindy Watson’s new career at Camp MacCready is just beginning, but “I am definately already enjoying it.  It’s so much work but it’s so rewarding to plan an activity and see the kids enjoy it.  Nothing like it!”

CAMP NEWS- Classes begin today. The heads of camp have been busy scheduling: 192 campers; five periods per day; five days a week. (Click Here for a comprehensive camper class list)......  The first round of Wilderness trips was a success with nine trips leaving camp on Tuesday.  The hot weather forced some trips to rearrange their itineraries, but every camper returned safe and happy, and eager to take part in this weekend’s overnight trips. (Click Here for a full list of camp trips and selected trip reports)......  The biggest of all camp events, Indian Games, kicks off tonight with the opening council fire. New campers will be assigned to tribes and everyone will be educated in Native American history, while learning the rules of the upcoming competitions.

[Home] [Campers] [Activities] [Staff] [News] [Gallery] [Parent Information] [Contact Camp]