MEET OUR STAFF
(Selected 2004 Pok-O-MacCready Staff Biographies)
Camp Administration
JACK SWAN - OWNER and PRESIDENT: Pok-O-MacCready Camps, Inc.
First Year at Camp: 1932
University: Westminster College
Profession: Camp Administration
Jack’s energy and passion for camp is unrivaled. Having spent his entire life at Pok-O, Jack has naturally worked in virtually every capacity. In the past, he also served as a teacher, lecturer and college recruiter. When not working at, or thinking about camp (which is rare), Jack, 46er #267, can be found buried in a history book. He and his wife, Ramona, live in Willsboro.
MARGARET SWAN REINCKENS - CAMP DIRECTOR: Finance and Administration
First Year at Camp: 1953
Profession: Camp Administration
After spending her first 16 years growing up at a “boys only” camp, Margaret was delighted when Pok-O-MacCready became co-ed in 1967. Thereafter, she worked as a staff member and later, at the 1812 Homestead. Since 1999, Margaret has headed up the finance and organization of camp. Her three sons and one daughter have attended, and worked for camp.
SHARP SWAN – CAMP DIRECTOR: Programming and Operations
First Year at Camp: 1955
University: Westminster College
Profession: Contractor
Sharp returned to camp full time in 2003, following a break which was spent advancing his company and furthering his personal research of Adirondack history. A long time camper, counselor, section head and Headmaster, Sharp is one of the most prolific climbers in the history of the Adirondack 46ers. He and his partner Wendy live in Essex, NY. His 46er number is 566w.
CHRIS DURLACHER - Director of Admissions / Program Director
First Year at Camp: 1992
University: Williams College
Profession: Marketing
Chris, age 22, is in his eleventh year at camp, the past two summers as the intermediate section head. At Williams College he was the captain of the National qualifiying Ultimate Frisbee team. His 46er # is 3896 and he is a former Tribal Chief and Coupe Colonel Cup Champion.
First Year at Camp: 2002
University: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Profession: Pok-O-MacCready Outdoor Education Center
Following many years as a Youth Minister, Ben arrived at Pok-O from St. Louis in 2002 and works as Director of the Outdoor Education Center: the year-round program at camp. During the summer, Ben assists in many facets of camp, including the teaching of first aid and C.P.R. certification courses and as resident magician.
DAVID SWAN – Partner and Consultant
First Year at Camp: 1960
University: Westminster College
Profession: Immigration
While not active in the year-round operations, David continues to advise and consult. After spending his childhood as a camper, Dave served as a counselor, section head and helped to devise our three-week and day camper programs. He lives with his wife Angela and their two children in Chazy, NY. Dave is 46er #1959.
LAUREN SWAN – Accreditation and Certification
First Year at Camp: 1987
University: State University of New York
Profession: Legal
Another “behind the scenes” staff member, Lauren works with the American Camping Association and the New York State Department of Health to insure that we meet all of the necessary standards of health and safety for our campers, staff and facilities. Lauren is a former camper, counselor and section head.
Camp Staff
ERIK ZIMMERMAN - Headmaster of the Boys Camp
First Year at Camp: 1978
University: Hobart College
Profession: School Teacher
“Zim” first came to camp as a ten-year old in 1978. He was a counselor, then Assistant Headmaster and Sports Director. In 1996 he married former MacCready counselor Kelly Daley. They have three children. During the off-season he is an eighth grade English teacher and basketball coach in Fairport,New York. His 46er # is 2558.
MELISSA LIVSEY - Head of the Girls Camp
First Year at Camp: 1982
University: University of Maine
Profession: School Teacher
“Missy” has been the head of CampMacCready for eight years, and has worked as a counselor, section head and boating director for a total of 18 summers. In the off-season, she teaches and coaches at St. Stephen’s School in Austin, Texas, where she lives with her husband, Mark, and their three children. She finished her Adirondack 46ers in 1999.
KEN (Squeaky) HERZ – Assistant Headmaster of the Boys Camp
First Year at Camp: 1969
University: Boston University
Profession: School Teacher
Ken first arrived at camp as a wild and energetic nine year-old in 1969. He was promptly given the nickname “Squeaky” and neither the name nor the description has changed in the thirty-four years he has been affiliated with camp. Squeak was the Section Head of Pioneer and Intermediate from 1981-2001. 2003 was his second year as the Assistant Headmaster. He and wife Marianne welcomed their daughter, Willow Herz, on October 12, 2003. Squeaky is 46er # 1334.
JEAN SIDARAS – Assistant and Advisor for the Girls Camp
First Year at Camp: 1973
University: West Virginia
Profession: Retired College Instructor
Jean continues to advise and assist in the direction of Camp MacCready. She served as director from 1973-1995, and now retains the most enviable positions…distributing money and running candy store! She spends the “off-season” in Cazenovia, NY.
TIM SINGER – Programming and Public Relations
First Year at Camp: 1967
University: State University of New York
Profession: Journalist
“Skip” first came to camp in 1967. He has served camp in many different areas: camper, counselor, section head, program director, and close advisor. In 2003 Tim was responsible for the creation of the Pok-O-MacCready web page. He lives in Shelburne, Vermont with his wife Augusta. When not at camp, you can often see Skip on television reporting sporting events for ESPN, Outdoor Life and various other networks. He is 46er # 1038.
Program Specialists
KEN First Year at Camp: 1979
University: Central Connecticut
Profession: School Teacher
Ken first came to camp in 1979. He has worked as a counselor, Outdoor Ed. Instructor and Director of both the boating and wilderness programs. During the off-season, Kenny is a high school science teacher. His wife Marilyn, and their two children Rebecca and Michael have long been associated with camp. Kenny is 46er # 1661w. (The w means that he has climbed the entire 46 during the winter season!)
LEANN EVELEIGH - Horseback Riding
First Year at Camp: 2000
University: Capel Manor College
Profession: Equestrian Trainer
2004 will bring Leann back to camp after a one-year hiatus during which she concentrated on equestiran competition. She served as riding staff and assistant riding director from 2000 - 2002 under then Riding Director Amber Taylor. Leann owns her own horse, and during the off season, concentrates on teaching children how to ride, and training other people’s horses.
ERYN COUGHLIN – Administration
First Year at Camp: 1990
University: Concordia
Profession: Geologist
In 2004, Eryn returns to camp following a three-year layoff. Previously, Eryn was a camper, counselor, section head, and assistant to the Boating Director, making her one of our most versatile staff members.
First Year at Camp: 2001
University: Durham University (England)
Profession: Student
2003 was Euan’s third at camp and his first summer as the section head of the Advanced Section. He is from Edinburgh, Scotland and is a former Scottish Junior Chess Champion. At camp, he is a skilled sailing, soccer and ultimate Frisbee instructor. Euan finished his 46 in August ‘03. In 2004, Euan will join the staff mid-summer to assist in a variety of functions.
SHAI WALKER- Swimming
First Year at Camp: 1986
University: Syracuse
Profession: Student
Shai has been at camp for nearly his entire life. 2003 was his second year as the head of the waterfront after serving as a counselor and a section head. In addition to his waterfront duties, Shai, 46er # 3914, also serves as the DJ at camp dances and co-producer of the camp slide show.
DREW SEITZ - Rock ClimbingFirst Year at Camp: 2003
University: Gettysburg College
Profession: Outdoor Education Instructor; Carpenter
A rock climbing enthusiast for as long as he can remember, Drew graduated from Gettysburg College in May, 2003. At Gettysburg, he was a student leader of college’s outdoor adventure program, G.R.A.B. He joined the staff of the Pok-O-MacCready Outdoor Education Center in August on the recommendation of former Director Greg Henderson, immediately becoming hooked on climbing in the Adirondacks. When not climbing or working, Drew enjoys playing recreational hockey.
BRADLEY GASAWSKI-Mountain Biking
First Year at Camp: 2002
University: Southern Illinois
Profession: Outdoor Education Instructor
2003 marked Bradley’s first summer at camp after working for the Pok-O-MacCready Outdoor Education Center for the past year. As head of mountain biking, he instructed, led several wilderness trips, coached racers and staged the Tour de Pok-O. He is from Collinsville, Illinois.
First Year at Camp: 2002
University: Adelphi
Profession: School Teacher and Studio Potter
Puneeta has been at camp for two summers as our pottery specialist. She has revolutionized our pottery program and offers both hand and wheel classes, multiple types of firing, and special activities for campers and counselors.
KELLY ZIMMERMAN- Academic Tutoring
First Year at Camp: 1990
University: State University of New York
Profession: School Teacher
Since her arrival at camp in 1990, Kelly has been an enthusiastic and versatile contributor. She has served as a counselor, waterfront director as well as tutor. Additionally, Kelly’s two sisters and one brother have worked as counselors and section heads, and her parents are among camp’s strongest supporters. Kelly became a 46er in 1994.
First Year at Camp: 1972
University: State University of New York
Profession: School Teacher
Ron is camp’s Iron Man. Having served as head of building and grounds since the 1970’s he knows the facilities like no one else. When not fixing things at camp, Ron is a teacher in western New York State. For the past 30 years, Ron has been an Adirondack 44er!
PHIL CORELL - 100th Camp Reunion
First Year at Camp: 1956
University: Franklin & Marshall
Profession: Retired School Administrator
What can you say about someone who has devoted his past 48 years to camp? It certainly qualifies him to take charge of our 100th reunion in 2004. Phil has served practically every position at camp, from wilderness, boating, section head and Headmaster. During the off-season Phil, 46er #224w, serves as treasurer to the Adirondack Forty-Sixer club, a volunteer position.
MATT LETO- Staff Assistant
First Year at Camp: 1978
University: Seton Hall
Profession: Chiropractor
A spontaneous visit to camp during the summer of 2003 led to a full-time return for “Matty”, following a 20-year absence. He assisted in all areas of nursing at camp, and in 2004 is hoping to again work with the nurses while branching out to other areas of the camp program.
Counselors
DAVID DURANT- Section Head
First Year at Camp: 1990
University: McGill
Profession: Student
After spending seven years as a camper and two years as a cabin counselor, David became a Section Head in 2002. He hails from Yardley, PA and is 46er # 4095. David is one of camp’s most creative and enthusiastic counselors and he organizes and runs many of the all-camp activities including the Revolutionary War Game. He teaches music, swimming, archery and campcraft. In 2004, David takes over as Intermediate Boys Section Head.
First Year at Camp: 1994
University: Lehigh
Profession: Student
Mimi has been at camp for ten summers (six as a camper, four as a counselor). She is the intermediate lodge (youngest campers) section head, teaches archery, and helps produce the camp slide show. She is a senior at Lehigh University, majoring in psychology and is focused on a career in early childhood education.
JOSH First Year at Camp: 2000
University: Siena
Profession: School Teacher
Josh has been at camp for four summers, all in the senior section and three as the section head. Josh is from Latham, New York and is a two-time winner of the Coupe Colonel Cup. He is a special education teacher. At camp, he teaches volleyball, basketball and conditioning. He is not yet a 46er, but he has climbed all of the Poko Patch mountains...many times.
SCOTT McINTYRE- Counselor; Sports Director
First Year at Camp: 1983
University: State University of New York
Profession: College Admissions
It was a treat to have “Scotty Mac,” as he affectionately known, back at Pok-O in 2003. He has been associated with camp for 20 years; he served in nearly every section, and returned to camp after a 14-year hiatus. Scott hails from Burlington, VT, and has degrees in Elementary Education from SUNY, and in Higher Education Administration from UVM. He is 46er #2557.
SARAH LOW- Section HeadFirst Year at Camp: 2002
University: McGill
Profession: Student
In 2003, Sarah ran the C.I.T. program at MacCready. She is from Toronto and is currently studying history at McGill University in Montreal. Being from Canada, Sarah loves to play hockey, and also teaches sailing. Sarah would like to become a teacher so she can work at camp forever.
TRAVIS GREENLEE- Counselor; Trip Leader
First Year at Camp: 2000
University: Hobart
Profession: School Teacher
Travis is an English teacher in Annapolis, Maryland. He has been an intermediate section counselor for a four consecutive years. A talented musician, Travis teaches music class and heads up the weekly service. He also is a skilled instructor in sailing, kayaking, rock climbing and archery.
KATE DURLACHER - Section Head; Assistant Wilderness Director
First Year at Camp: 1993
University: Williams
Profession: Student
Kate assists in coordinating the hiking program and weekly service at camp, as well as teaching conditioning and running classes. She became 46er # 4509 during her seven years as a camper, and was a second year counselor in 2003. 2004 will be her third year on staff, and first as a Section Head.
JON STRAZZA - Counselor; Outdoor Education Instructor
First Year at Camp: 1989
University: Colby-Sawyer
Profession: School Teacher
Jon was a popular camper for many years and counselor for one summer. He returns to camp after eight years. In 2004, Jon will spend the spring working at the Outdoor Education Center before spending the summer in the Pok-O Advanced Section. He is 46er # 3649, and was a tribal chief.
MARK CORELL – Section Head; Outdoor Education Instructor
First Year at Camp: 1984
University: Colgate
Profession: Geologist
“Marco” first camp to camp when he was just a few weeks old. After 11 summers as a camper, Mark served as a counselor, Section Head, and reliable trip leader. This is his first year back since 1999, when he ran the Advanced Section, as he will again in 2004. Marco is 46er # 2345, a former tribal chief, and veteran of the Super Marcy.
DANA BECK- Section Head; Indian Games Coordinator
First Year at Camp: 1993
University: Wesleyan
Profession: Student
Dana, the intermediate (farmhouse) section head in 2002 and 2003, has been at camp for 11 years (7 as a camper, 4 on staff). She is in her senior year at Wesleyan University, majoring in history. She teaches swimming and supervises riflery, as well as heading up Native American Days as the “White Woman”.
ISA KREIGESKOTTE - Section Head; Arts
First Year at Camp: 1995
University: Savannah College of Art and Design
Profession: Fashion Design
2004 will be Isa’s seventh at Camp MacCready, and her third as a counselor. She has been a part of both the Intermediate Farmhouse and Highlander sections, and will oversee the 2004 Highlander section. Isa finished her undergraduate degree in May. Isa is a former sachem of te Tuscarora.
FIONA DUBUSS - Counselor; Team Coach
First Year at Camp: 1994
University: Lehigh University
Profession: Student
Fiona returned to Camp MacCready after a six-year break in 2003 as an Intermediate counselor and Basketball instructor. A long-time camper and now a staff member, Fiona lives in Nova Scotia, and works towards a degree in Behavioral Neuroscience and Japanese when she’s not in the Adirondacks hiking. Only 28 peaks left until # 46!
(Biographies will be added as the 2004 staff further takes shape)
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