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Alanna Gaylord Resident Director
Alanna Gaylord Resident Director

Alanna is thrilled to return to the Downer State Forest as Camp Downer's Resident Director. Alanna has been part of the Downer family for over 20 years as a camper, counselor, village leader, program head, and assistant director. In the off-season, when she isn't preparing for the upcoming camping season, Alanna loves to hike, swim, do yoga, make pottery, and snuggle with her cat "Maybe". Alanna couldn't be more excited about summer 2023 at Camp Downer!

Katherine Bailey Assistant Director
Katherine Bailey Assistant Director

Katherine is overjoyed to be returning to camp for her 17th summer on staff, and her second as Assistant Director. Katherine fell in love with camp when she was eight years old and practically hasn't left since! These days, she has a passion for doing all the behind-the-scenes work to help ensure that camp runs smoothly so that others can fall in love with camp just like she did. When she's not at camp, Katherine works as an administrator at Vermont Commons School in South Burlington, where she also gets to do fun, camp-like things like going on week-long outdoor adventures that have ranged from biking over 200 miles around Lake Champlain to canoeing in the remote Adirondack wilderness. She can't wait to welcome you to the Downer Forest this summer!

Luke Burton Operation Director
Luke Burton Operation Director

Luke Burton has worked at Camp Downer for nearly a decade. In that time he has been a Counselor, Village Leader, Program Head, Staff Mentor, and Maintenance Person. He is now the Operations Director - working to keep Camp running safely and smoothly from the Dining Hall to the farthest corners of the Pond. He holds a degree in Written Arts & Experimental Humanities from Bard College. In his free time he engages in with art of all persuasions, writes poetry, and lifts weights.

Ella Pitonyak Registrar & Scheduler
Ella Pitonyak Registrar & Scheduler

This will be Ella's tenth summer at camp, and her third on staff! Ella is originally from Barre, Vermont, but she has spent the past year studying communication design and photography at Elon University. She is so ready to spend another 8-weeks singing loud and laughing louder with all of her favorite people in the beautiful Downer State Forest.

Camille King Administrative Assistant
Camille King Administrative Assistant

Jill Hutchins Arts Program Head
Jill Hutchins Arts Program Head

This will be Jillian's third summer as Camp Downers Art Program Head, and even though she wasn't a camper herself, she feels like she's been a part of Downer her whole life. When she isn't making friendship bracelets or dyeing the grass outside the arts and crafts cabin blue, you can find her in the office ordering lifetime supplies of pony beads or trying to unjam the button maker. She has spent the rest of the year counting down the days until she's back in Downer State Forest, but in the meantime she's enjoyed hiking, going to concerts, playing in the snow and working with a marvelous group of students who contribute to her gray hair count. She's super stoked to return to camp to laugh way too loud and eat too many tater tots.

Libbie Kirkpatrick Nature & Aquatics Program Head
Libbie Kirkpatrick Nature & Aquatics Program Head

Libbie is this year's Nature and Aquatics Program Head and is so excited for this summer! Libbie has been at camp since 2012 when she first began as a camper, and this will be her fourth year on staff. She is a recent graduate at Syracuse University where she studied Geography and Environmental Policy. She is also a lifeguard and high ropes course instructor during the school year! Libbie's favorite programs at camp are Outdoor Living, Water Aerobics, and Downer Wild. She can be found by the pool, pond, and possibly wandering the woods! She is so excited to plan our nature and aquatics programs this summer and make sure they are the most fun they've ever been!

Willem Ring Sports Program Head
Willem Ring Sports Program Head

Willem Ring is the sports program head this summer! He has been at camp for 9 years in all as a camper & counselor and is extremely excited to see what this year brings!

Rebecca Cook Nurse
Rebecca Cook Nurse

Becca is so excited to return to camp for the third year as a coming-and-going Nurse Assistant. As a camper once herself, Camp Downer feels like home away from home and she hopes to help campers feel the same way. She is looking forward to meeting new campers and seeing returning faces; as well as spending time with all of her Camp pals that she's made along the way, especially her best friend, head of the arts programs, Jill (you should check her bio out too!). Becca is an EMT and Pharmacy Technician at the University of Vermont Medical Center. Currently, she is studying for the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam as well as the MCAT to hopefully attend medical school in the near future. When she's not delving into the world of medicine you can catch her foraging for frogs (they're her favorite!) or crafting up something (her most recent endeavor is pottery).

Ellie Layman Nurse
Ellie Layman Nurse

Madison Spellman Nurse
Madison Spellman Nurse

Madison has been a nurse for four years, primarily working in acute care medical surgical and progressive care units. She has been a travel nurse for the last three years, working in Washington state, Maine, and Vermont, though she is originally from Ohio. In between contracts she has traveled internationally to hop between hostels, mountain huts, and high camps on the side of mountains! She previously volunteered in a clinic in Haiti and will soon be attending a clinic in Peru to further her graduate studies in global health. She used to be a youth leader and misses having that connection with kids, so for this summer, she has decided to combine her passions of healthcare, the outdoors, and wild kiddos into one opportunity as a camp nurse! Madison is incredibly excited to get to meet everyone and enjoy southern Vermont's wonderful landscapes!

Abigail Thow Nurse
Abigail Thow Nurse

Sarah Bartolomei Nurse Assistant
Sarah Bartolomei Nurse Assistant

Sarah could not be more excited to be returning to the Downer woods this summer for her third year on staff, and first as Nurse's Assistant. During the non-summer months, she attends the University of Vermont where outside of school she spends her time hanging out with friends, working at a chocolate shop, spending time outside and exploring Burlington. She cannot wait to see all of you this summer!

Hallie Bachman Woodside Village Leader
Hallie Bachman Woodside Village Leader

Hallie is a student at Trinity College in Connecticut, majoring in human rights and educational studies, and she is from Wayland, Massachusetts. Hallie took a year off camp, but is back!! She can't wait to see everyone and live in Woodtown for the summer. During the year, you can find Hallie backpacking in the woods with friends and running around between studying. Her favorite camp activities include checking in on the 500 pound leach and playing in the woods during downer wild. She can't wait to hangout with everyone in Woodside and have the best summer ever. She will see you all with your smiley faces so soon.

Ronan Myregaard Hillside Village Leader
Ronan Myregaard Hillside Village Leader

Ronan is super excited to be returning this summer as the new Hillside Village Leader! This will be his third summer on staff and his 10th summer at camp!! Ronan loves teaching fishing and archery, and has been known to lead epic fishing adventures across the pond. Ronan's favorite part about camp is the food and the new people! During the off-season, Ronan is pursuing a degree in global studies with a focus on economics. He is also in the process of learning Spanish! In his free time, Ronan loves to camp, boat, fish, and enjoy the natural beauty of Vermont. Ronan can't wait to show up and see all of your friendly faces this summer!

Erin Sullivan Lakeside Village Leader
Erin Sullivan Lakeside Village Leader

Erin has just finished her time at the University of Vermont, majoring in Dance with a minor in Psychological Sciences. This is her eleventh summer coming to Camp Downer, last year she acted as the, self-proclaimed, Mayor of Woodside. This year she's hopping the pond and leading Lakeside! She is so excited to finally get back to swimming in the Mitchell pool, hiking across the pond, and singing songs to finish every day. In the off season you can usually find her taking and teaching dance classes in Burlington and Montpelier, Vermont; she hopes to spend as much of the summer dancing as she can. Erin wants to create the same fun-loving and safe environment that Lakeside, and all of camp, is known for. She can't wait to see all your smiling faces this summer!

Lily Baumeister Counselor
Lily Baumeister Counselor

Lily is delighted to be returning to Downer for yet another amazing summer! This is Lily's second year on staff, but her first as a counselor! Her favorite part about camp is all of the amazing memories that are made. She enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling. She can't wait to meet you!

Isabella Bevins Counselor
Isabella Bevins Counselor

Bella is wicked excited to work at Camp Downer as a counselor this year. This will be Bella's 8th summer at camp and 2nd summer on staff. Bella loves to teach Downer Wild, Swimming, and Arts & Crafts. Bella's favorite part of camp is the secret hiking trails that are explored in Downer Wild! In the off-season, Bella is in school and works at a nursing home. In Bella's free time, she likes to run, paint, and take road trips. Bella can't wait to see everyone back in the best place ever this summer!

Willa Boglioli Counselor
Willa Boglioli Counselor

Willa started attending Camp Downer when she was 10 years old and is thrilled to return to camp for her third year as a counselor. Willa enjoys hiking, playing her guitar, making pretty flower crowns, and having a nice cup of tea. Her favorite camp activity is Downer Wild, and she is so looking forward to meeting all the new campers this summer. When she isn't at camp, she attends the University of Vermont studying anthropology.

Molly Bombard Counselor
Molly Bombard Counselor

Molly is very excited to be going into her 3rd summer on staff! She is looking forward to teaching Archery, Downer Wild, and Earth Art. During the rest of the year, she has been attending school, and she did a cross country road trip from Washington to Vermont! She cannot wait to be back in the happiest place on Earth and to see everyone returning.

Emma Bosma Counselor
Emma Bosma Counselor

This summer will be Emma's second year working at Camp Downer but she has been going to Camp Downer since she was 9! Emma's favorite programs are Recreation, Archery, and Journalism. She loves hiking across the pond, EAC, and swimming in the camp pond. In Emma's freetime she likes spending time with her friends, being outside and baking. Emma is so excited to be spending the summer in the woods of Camp Downer with all of you!

André Brown Counselor
André Brown Counselor

Hello Y'all! This is André Brown! This will be his 7th year at camp and his 2nd year on staff! He is excited to be going on some epic hikes around the Downer State Forest this summer! His favorite place at camp is The Lookout! In the off-season, He attends the University of Vermont studying secondary education with a concentration in history finishing up his degree this fall! In his free time, he love to read, and hang out with his friends! He can't wait to meet you all at camp!

Liam Chesley Counselor
Liam Chesley Counselor

Liam is excited to work at Camp Downer as a counselor this year. This will be Liam's 9th summer at camp and 1st summer on staff. In Liam's off-season, he is an avid skier and ski racer in his local town. Liam can't wait to get back out in the downer woods playing disc golf and fishing!

Cyd Edge-Gerrol Counselor
Cyd Edge-Gerrol Counselor

Cyd has been a long-time camper at Downer, but this summer she'll get to experience it from a different perspective as a counselor! When she is not at camp, you can usually find her painting, writing, playing her guitar, singing and performing locally, exploring nearby nature, being a fashionista, spending time with her friends, or planning her next adventure. She spent this past school year abroad. Cyd says if you're ever passing by this summer, she'll be sure to do her best and try to bring a smile to your face!

Keegan Fredette Counselor
Keegan Fredette Counselor

Keegan is very excited to be working at Camp Downer for his first year as a camp counselor. In his free time he enjoys working on cars, doing anything outdoors with friends, and spending time with family.

Aria Garceau Counselor
Aria Garceau Counselor

This is Aria's third summer as a counselor. Before being a counselor, she was a camper for 7 years! She is currently attending Clarkson University studying to be a Civil Engineer. Aria loves being outside and making music. She loves dinosaurs and likes to think that they would like her too. She is so excited to see everyone this summer!

Shannon Gillett Counselor
Shannon Gillett Counselor

Shannon is excited to work at Camp Downer as a counselor this year. This will be Shannon's 8th summer at camp and 2nd summer on staff. Shannon's favorite part of camp is the variety of programs and access to nature! In the off-season, Shannon will be attending Saint Michael's College. In Shannon's free time, he enjoys outdoor activities and the mountains. Shannon can't wait to see you this summer!

Lily Hankes Counselor
Lily Hankes Counselor

Lily is so excited to work at Camp Downer as a counselor this year, and to enjoy her third summer on staff! Lily enjoys swimming, hiking and any activity outdoors. She couldn't choose a favorite part of camp because it is all so great, but the pond and campfire spot are honorable mentions! In the off-season, Lily is a student studying Elementary Education, and she is so excited to see everyone this summer!

Madison Kirkpatrick Counselor
Madison Kirkpatrick Counselor

Maddie is excited to work at Camp Downer for her 2nd summer! Maddie is planning on attending SUNY Brockport in the fall to study PT and play field hockey and track! Maddie can't wait to see you at camp this summer!

Colin Langlois Counselor
Colin Langlois Counselor

Colin is thrilled to work at Camp Downer as a counselor this year. This will be Colin's 5th summer at camp and 2nd summer on staff. After coming as a camper, he fell in love with the camp, and wanted to be just like the counselors. He loves to teach ODL, Recreation, and Photography, or otherwise anything that lets him be outside! In the off-season, Colin plans on finishing his senior year of high school and attending UVM this spring, he enjoys sports, music, and hiking. Colin can't wait to see you this summer!

Maria Lovelette Counselor
Maria Lovelette Counselor

This is Maria's second summer as a counselor at Downer, and she is so excited to be back! In the off-season she is a student and works part-time in a restaurant. She is from Montpelier, and loves walking her dog and going to the movies. At camp Maria loves teaching Downer Wild, as well as starting trash can bands and picking flowers. This summer she hopes to finally learn how to make a friendship bracelet.

Gavin MaGill Counselor
Gavin MaGill Counselor

Gavin has been going to downer for 5 years and is very excited to start his first year as a counselor! He loves to run, play basketball and volleyball, long walks in the woods, listen to water, and his pets. Gavin's always had so much fun going to Downer and hopes that he can bring the spirit of camp to all the campers he meets!

Kaitlyn McNutt Counselor
Kaitlyn McNutt Counselor

Kaitlyn is excited to be at Camp Downer this summer as a counselor! This will be Kaitlyn's 7th summer at camp, and first year on staff. Outside of camp, Kaitlyn loves to ride horses, play the ukulele, and spend time outdoors. She is excited to be back in the woods this summer!

Matt Salazar Counselor
Matt Salazar Counselor

Matt's excited for his second summer on staff and ninth in total at Camp Downer. Matt is a recent graduate of Kutztown University with a degree in criminal justice. Matt can't wait to get back to the Downer State Forest where he enjoys everything outdoors. You can catch him at the pool, the archery range, or down on the rec field!

Hayden Smith Counselor
Hayden Smith Counselor

This will be Hayden's second year on staff and he is ecstatic about coming back to camp. Hayden is going to be attending Norwich University at the end of the summer. He enjoys teaching the recreational activities at camp and is ready for another amazing summer!

Nick Suchomel Counselor
Nick Suchomel Counselor

Nick is super super excited to be a camp counselor this year! Nick loves literally every part of camp they can't pick a favorite, but they really like hanging out with cool people which always is the people that end up going to Camp Downer so it works out great. Outside of camp, Nick attends school at Macalester where they are a theater major. They like cats. And Dogs. And other animals. And friendship. And colors. And animated TV shows like Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts and She-ra (the new one) and The Owl House (of course).

Connor Tewksbury Counselor
Connor Tewksbury Counselor

Connor Tewksbury is excited to work at Camp Downer as a counselor this year. This will be Connor's 12th summer at camp and 3rd summer on staff. Connor loves to teach kickball and dodgeball and swimming. Connor's favorite part of camp is Camp Fire! In the off-season, Connor goes to college at Central Connecticut State University. In Connor's free time, he likes to watch movies, play video games, and eat food. Connor can't wait to see you this summer!

Luke Vagt-Bendoski Counselor
Luke Vagt-Bendoski Counselor

Luke is excited to work at Camp Downer as a counselor this year. This will not be Luke's first summer at camp, but it will be Luke's first summer on staff. Luke loves to teach arts & crafts, lawn games, and outdoor living. Luke's favorite part of camp is the evening activity we do every night! In the off-season, Luke attends UVM studying computer science. In Luke's free time, he likes to play video games, hangout with friends, and play with his dogs. Luke can't wait to see you this summer!

Sam Watson Counselor
Sam Watson Counselor

Sam is a first-timer at Camp Downer, and he is so excited to get to spend the summer outside with awesome campers and counselors alike! He just finished his first year at Johnson College, where he was doing a lot of writing. While you can find Sam going all-in on classic things like sports, running around, card games, dancing, and talking epic fantasy sequences, he will probably lose his cool if he ever sees a cute dog.

Ryan Vallee Maintenance
Ryan Vallee Maintenance

Ryan is so excited to be returning for another year in the Downer State Forest. He has spent most of his off time attending school, going to the gym, spending time with friends in nature, and camping. Ryan spent his entire summers at Camp Downer when he was a camper, and it is one of his favorite places to be! You may have seen him previously working in the kitchen, or as a counselor in Hillside, but this year, keep an eye out all around camp for Ryan, as he is the newly appointed Camp Downer maintenance man! Ryan can't wait to be back with his fellow staff, and is so ready for another fun-filled summer at Camp Downer!

Bruce Albert Chef
Bruce Albert Chef

Lincoln Balch Chef
Lincoln Balch Chef

Jake Bartolomei Kitchen Aide
Jake Bartolomei Kitchen Aide

Jake is so hyped to work at Camp Downer as a kitchen aide this year. This will be Jake's first summer on staff but he has been coming to camp for years. Jake's favorite parts of camp are the Downer Olympics, swimming and the dances! When not at camp, Jake goes to school, and during his free time he enjoys basketball, fishing and camping. Jake is very excited to see everyone this summer at Camp!

Olivia Moran Kitchen Aide
Olivia Moran Kitchen Aide

Olivia has been coming to camp since she was 9, and is so excited to be working as a Kitchen Aide this summer!! This will be Olivia's 9th summer at camp, and first summer being on staff. Olivia's favorite part of camp is getting to know all of the new people, and becoming friends for life! In the off season, Olivia is attending school, and is recently graduated. In her free time, she loves to be in nature, take photos, and paint! Olivia can't wait to meet you all this summer.

Georgia Tanner Kitchen Aide
Georgia Tanner Kitchen Aide

Georgia is very excited to be joining the Camp Downer staff this summer as a Kitchen Aide. She has been attending Downer as a camper for 4 years, and this will be her first year on staff. As a camper, her favorite part of camp was all the friendships she made and still has to this day. When its not summer, Georgia spends most of her time in dance classes and spending time with her family and friends. She is a student at Montpelier High School and particularly enjoys her english and language courses. Georgia is looking forward to meeting everyone this summer!

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