SCATICO BLOG
Meet the 2025 DLs
We are incredibly excited to introduce the 2024 Division Leaders— 18 Scaticonians who combined have spent 150+ summers at Scatico!
We are incredibly excited to introduce the 2025 Division Leaders (DLs)— 17 Scaticonians who combined have spent 150+ summers at Scatico!
Division Leaders serve as a “head counselor” for each group in camp. They live in cabins with their campers, travel to virtually all of their activities with them, plus oversee the other counselors in the group. Each group has one DL with the exception of the Sophomore boys who are lucky to have co-DLs.
Get to know this year’s team below!
Jenna Fass, Juniors (Rising 3rd + 4th)
Jenna Fass
Number of summers at Scatico: 14
When I’m not at camp I… am receiving my masters in Early Childhood and Special Education at Teachers College, Columbia University (graduating in a few weeks :))
A fun fact about me is…I don't know how to ride a bike.
A camp memory I love is… the 4th of July, when the whole camp comes together, and we get to experience the BBQ, talent show, and fireworks together.
This summer, I’m most excited to…be back at the most special place and have my campers create lasting memories.
Henry Max
Henry Max, Freshmen (Rising 3rd + 4th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I…am a rising sophomore at Tufts University planning to study English.
A fun fact about me is… I have three first names (including my middle name...)!
A camp memory I love is… The social hall after color war. Every summer it is a giant release of emotion that has been building up throughout the weeks, and that moment is always the annual time in my life where I feel most connected to a place and group of people.
This summer, I’m most excited to…See all of my best friends again, and help as many people as possible make their best friends.
Nile Cather (left)
Nile Cather, Sophomores (Rising 5th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I…am a Sophomore at Tulane University.
A fun fact about me is…I am an experienced whittler and enjoy carving wood at the waterfront.
A camp memory I love is… Listening to free bird with all of boys side each summer.
This summer, I’m most excited to…play recreational hoops.
Jack Wasserman
Jack Wasserman, Sophomores (Rising 5th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I…am going into my Sophomore year at Syracuse University.
A fun fact about me is… I run a jam band focused college radio show.
A camp memory I love is… my division’s Upper Senior sweat lodge with Ishai and Ken.
This summer, I’m most excited to…spend as much time outside as I can.
Julia Metzendorf
Julia Metzendorf, Jinters (Rising 5th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I…am finishing up my gap year that I have spent traveling and preparing to start my freshman year at Vanderbilt University.
A fun fact about me is… I spent two weeks working on an olive farm in Tuscany.
A camp memory I love is…my senior summer when all of girls side upper hill went mudsliding on back campus and then jumped in the lake!
This summer, I’m most excited to…take my campers caroling.
Lexi Schwartz
Lexi Schwartz, Inters (Rising 6th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I…am a freshman at the University of Maryland studying psychology and recently joined the sorority Phi Sig!
A fun fact about me is…I was a tennis counselor for the past 2 summers and I even won the camper counselor tennis tournament last summer!
A camp memory I love is… stargazing with my division on the last night while listening to camp songs.
This summer, I’m most excited to… dance in the U with girls side every day before lunch!
Jacob Metlzer
Jacob Metlzer, Sub Juniors (Rising 6th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 9
When I’m not at camp I… am a student at Indiana University studying Finance and Business Analytics.
A fun fact about me is… the lake is my favorite spot at camp.
A camp memory I love is… Sitting in chair circles outside 1-A-B-C with my division mates.
This summer, I’m most excited to… have an amazing summer with the Sub-Juniors and spend quality time with my division mates.
Lexi Katz
Lexi Katz, Centers (Rising 7th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I am not at camp I…am going into sophomore year at Emerson College with a major in Business of Creative Enterprises.
A fun fact about me is… I'm in an acapella group in college!
A camp memory I love is…White water rafting with my division (twice)!
This summer, I’m most excited to… Play Scatico Ball on the hill.
Adam Steifel
Adam Steifel, Juniors (Rising 7th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I… am a student at Northwestern University.
A fun fact about me is… I am a third generation Scaticonian.
A camp memory I love is…walking down to ballfields for T-league at sunset.
This summer, I’m most excited to…have a great summer with the Junior boys.
Vivi Loigman (center)
Vivi Loigman, Debs (Rising 8th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 11
When I’m not at camp I… am entering my Junior year at Vanderbilt University studying child development.
A fun fact about me is… I have the same birthday as both my parents!
A camp memory I love is… Whole girls side mudslide followed by an impromptu GS on back campus my Sooper summer!
This summer, I’m most excited to… help create the most incredible summer of memories for the Debs at the best place on earth!
Emmet Miller (right) in a game of capture the flag.
Emmet Miller, Inters (Rising 8th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 11
When I’m not at camp I… am a rising Junior studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Florida.
A fun fact about me is… I am a huge baseball fan, and I have been to over half of the MLB ballparks
A camp memory I love is… hitting my first slapball homerun.
This summer, I’m most excited to… get to make lifelong memories with my campers as their DL.
Katie Pargament, Subs (Rising 9th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 11
When I’m not at camp I… just graduated from Boston University and am going to graduate school at Adelphi University this fall to get my masters in mental health counseling.
A fun fact about me is… the day I was born was my brother’s first ever day of camp! Scatico is in my blood!
A camp memory I love is…all of the down time spent with my camp friends in the bunk, they are all still my best friends to this day.
This summer, I’m most excited to…connect with a new group of campers and counselors.
Ellis Zuckerman (right)
Ellis Zuckerman, Sub Seniors (Rising 9th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 12
When I’m not at camp I… am a sophomore at Northwestern University studying data science and mathematics.
A fun fact about me is… that I'm allergic to cold water.
A camp memory I love is… the buzz of the mess hall before a T-League game.
This summer, I’m most excited to…build lasting memories for my campers and help them grow as a group.
Emma Krasner, Seniors (Rising 10th)
Emma Krasner (right)
Number of summers at Scatico: 13
When I’m not at camp I… just graduated from Syracuse University and will be attending Columbia Teacher’s College in the fall!
A fun fact about me is…I am obsessed with Flying Eagle and Green.
A camp memory I love is… seeing my old campers on the first day of camp!
This summer, I’m most excited to… be back with my amazing Senior girls for another incredible summer!!!
Sam Ranzer (second from right)
Sam Ranzer, Seniors (Rising 10th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 12
When I’m not at camp I… am a junior at Indiana University, studying sports marketing and management.
A fun fact about me is…I have hit a backwards half-court shot on the A, B, and C courts.
A camp memory I love is… Sitting around center campus in adirondack chairs with my divisionmates.
This summer, I’m most excited to…experience Lake Placid with the Seniors, since my division never got to go because of Covid.
Sophie Rosen
Sophie Rosen, Soopers (Rising 11th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 11
When I’m not at camp I…am a student at Indiana university.
A fun fact about me is… my favorite activity at camp is slammajamma!
A camp memory I love is… walking to meals with my division every day.
This summer, I’m most excited to…have my first campers again, be back with everyone, and experience the DR for the first time!
George Richardson, Upper Seniors (Rising 11th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 4
When I’m not at camp I…am training to become a teacher back in England.
A fun fact about me is… I’ve been to 23 different countries across 4 continents.
A camp memory I love is…having the privilege of being the closing act to the July 4th talent show the last three years and seeing the whole camp community together having a good time.
This summer, I’m most excited to… Make the most of being at Scatico and giving the upper seniors a final summer as campers that they will remember.
George Richardson
Meet Scatico Senior Leadership + Program Staff
We’re excited to introduce our leadership and program staff for summer 2025 ! These are members of our community who do not live in cabins with campers (as Counselors and Division Leaders do) but who help oversee camper life, program areas and activities, special events, and operations. We want to share a little more about these key Scaticonians! Who wants to do the math on how many combined Scatico summers represented, or how many total miles travelled to get to the 12523?
HEAD COUNSELORS
Kerri
KERRI WINDERMAN, GIRLS HEAD COUNSELOR
Number of summers at Scatico…26.
I travel to camp from… Rye, NY.
When I’m not at camp I… am an Instructional Math Coach for the Rye City School District, where I focus on curriculum and professional development for elementary teachers.
Audrey (left)
AUDREY FLEISCHNER, GIRLS HEAD COUNSELOR + ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Number of summers at Scatico…25.
I travel to camp from… Brooklyn, NY.
When I’m not at camp I… still work for camp as an Assistant Director! I also have my own NYC education consultancy, BetterEd.
Mark
MARK GRETENSTEIN, BOYS HEAD COUNSELOR
Number of summers at Scatico… 7.
I travel to camp from… Brooklyn, but I grew up in Miami!
When I’m not at camp I… teach middle school math in East New York, Brooklyn.
Dusty (right)
DUSTY FOX, ASSISTANT GIRLS HEAD COUNSELOR
Number of summers at Scatico… 27 this summer.
I travel to camp from… Asheville, NC .
When I’m not at camp I’m… a middle school English teacher.
Quinn (right)
QUINN CROLAND, ASSISTANT BOYS HEAD COUNSELOR
Number of summers at Scatico… 22.
I travel to camp from… Hawthorne, NJ.
When I’m not at camp I…work as a special education middle school teacher. Specifically, I’m teaching 8th grade resource room social studies and language arts; science in LLD room; and co-teacher for 6th and 7th grade science.
Jane
JANE ROSENFELD, ASSISTANT HEAD COUNSELOR
Number of summers at Scatico… #18!
I travel to camp from… NYC.
When I’m not at camp I… am a 4th-grade teacher at Spence in New York.
Moe
MOISES “MOE” TORRES, ASSISTANT BOYS HEAD COUNSELOR
Number of summers at Scatico… This will be my 12th summer.
I travel to camp from…the Czech Republic, but I am from Washington Heights, NY.
When I’m not at camp I’m… a Spanish teacher and Co-Director of the after school program at a school in Prague. I also play semi pro basketball in the Czech Republic.
WATERFRONTS
Ishai
ISHAI ESHED, BOYS WATERFRONT
My first summer at camp was… 2019. 7 summers at Scatico!
I travel to camp from… Ecuador, where I have been living for the last 20+ years. But I was born and raised in Israel.
When I’m not at camp… My wife and I own a Green School in our home town in Ecuador.
Juli
JULIETA MARTOS, GIRLS WATERFRONT
My first summer at camp was… 2021, summer #5.
I travel to camp from… Córdoba, Argentina.
When I’m not at camp I… work as a swimming teacher and lifeguard. I also dance and work as a physical education teacher.
ATHLETICS
Randy
RANDY AU, BOYS ATHLETICS
My first summer at camp was… 1984, 24th summer.
I travel to camp from…Columbus, OH.
When I’m not at camp… I work for Pickerington North and Central High School as a 504 coordinator. In this role, I develop and maintain students’ 504 plans. I used to be a school psychologist.
ELIANA PISETZNER, GIRLS ATHLETICS
Number of summers at Scatico… 12.
I travel to camp from… New Jersey.
When I’m not at camp I… am a full-time student, getting my Masters in Social Work. This past year I interned at a center for family services with 8-18 year-olds.
Vinod
VINOD DOGRA, BOYS TENNIS
Number of summers at Scatico… 23.
I travel to camp from…India.
When I’m not at camp I… run tennis and pickleball programs for adults and kids.
Ben (and Henry)
BEN LEW, GIRLS TENNIS
Number of summers at Scatico… 14th full summer, but I’ve got some 1-3 week stints from another 5 to mix in.
Travel to camp from… very close by! I now live in Clermont, NY but grew up in Ardsley.
When I’m not at camp… I run a small business and take care of Henry (Lew).
PJ
PJ MAPUMULO, TENNIS
Number of summers at Scatico…3! Get my jacket this summer.
I travel to camp from… California, but I’m originally from South Africa.
When I’m not at camp…I am a professional USPTA tennis coach. The high school team I coach in California, won the state championship!
Emi
EMILIANO PRIETO, TENNIS
Number of summers at Scatico…four.
I travel to camp from… Argentina.
When I’m not at camp…I work as a physical education teacher and tennis coach.
Michael
MICHAEL OCSHER, SOCCER
Number of summers at Scatico…3! Coming for that jacket.
I travel to camp from… England.
When I’m not at camp…I work as an outreach officer for a community energy organization— so delivering talks and workshops about things related to energy efficiency. I also coach football!
CREATIVE + CULINARY ARTS
Laura
LAURA GOLD, GIRLS ART
Number of summers at Scatico… 18 summers and counting.
I travel to camp from… the beaches of Ecuador. Originally from Queens, NY.
When I’m not at camp I… am the director of Ayni Green School, a holistic educational community dedicated to fostering regenerative practices and sustainability.
Ken
KEN VALLARIO, ART
Number of summers at Scatico…12!
I travel to camp from…Asheville, NC.
When I’m not at camp I… do art and teach kids.
Mar
MAR VAZQUEZ, BOYS ART
My first summer at camp was… 2019, this will be my 6th summer.
I travel to camp from… Mexico City.
When I’m not at camp I… model and host events for companies :)
Ale
ALEJANDRO CASTILLO, COOKING
This will be summer number… 5!
I travel to camp from… Puebla, Mexico.
When I’m not at camp I… work at a culinary school as a chef instructor for university students. In my teaching, I specialize in pastry and baking.
Ally
ALLY MCARTHUR AKA CHEF ALLY, COOKING
My first summer at camp was… 1983 / 22.
I travel to camp from…Norwalk, CT.
When I’m not at camp I… cater and plan events in NYC and tri-state with my company, Herb-n-Peach.
Jamie
JAMIE SEGAL, PERFORMING ARTS
My first summer at camp was… 2007, this will be summer 17!
I travel to camp from…New York.
When I’m not at camp I… teach second grade in NYC!
Sam
SAM ANDERSON, GIRLS CERAMICS
Number of summers at Scatico… 2.
I travel to camp from… Catskill, NY.
When I’m not at camp… I'm teaching Pre K - 5th grade art at the Hudson City School District. When I'm not working, I'm usually spending time with my dog, Kikko, or crafting.
Bianca
BIANCA MYRON, BOYS CERAMICS
Number of summers at Scatico… 2!
I travel to camp from… Kingston, NY.
When I’m not at camp… I teach ceramics and work for a small business in Red Hook (very close to camp).
Daniel
DANIEL DALY, WOODSHOP
Number of summers at Scatico… 4.
I travel to camp from… Ireland.
When I’m not at camp… I am a product designer. I specialize in products made out of sheet metal.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Will
WILL BUSSERT, OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
My first summer at camp was… 2021, so this will be my fifth summer at Camp Scatico.
I travel to camp from… Niskayuna, NY.
When I’m not at camp I…teach PE for grades NS-6 in Woodstock, NY.
Steve, back left
STEVE LEWANICK, ROPES + TOWER
My first summer at camp was… I took Scatico groups caving 15-20 years ago but started running the Tower five years ago. (I rode down to check out the camp but had no intention of taking the position. Then I met David…)
Travel to camp from… Albany. Lived in the the capital district all my life.
When I’m not at camp I’m… trying to learn how to stay out of trouble. ;) I rock/ice climb, cave, golf, scuba dive, ski, ride my motorcycle.
Josue
JOSUE LORA, ROPES + TOWER
Number of summers at Scatico… this will be my fourth!
I travel to camp from… Washington Heights (but I’m studying in Michigan).
When I’m not at camp I’m…about to pursue my Masters in Athletic Training.
PHOTO + MEDIA
Cory Schwartz
CORY SCHWARTZ
My first summer at camp was… 1988, in bunk 4 as a sub-junior. This will be summer 26.
I travel to camp from… Rye Brook, NY.
When I’m not at camp … am currently a stay at home dad to both Sebastian (6) and Peyton (4). I am also a photographer shooting events, concert, parties, family portraits, etc.
JJ
JOHN HICKEY
My first summer at camp was… 1982 / 41 summers at camp.
I travel to camp from…Los Angeles. Originally from Elizaville!
When I’m not at camp I… write and direct films and provide IT support to a large law firm. I also mentor early-career and emerging screenwriters.
Jesi (in the middle)
JESI PEDROCCA
Number of summers at Scatico… 4! I took last summer off, but started in 2021.
I travel to camp from… Argentina.
When I’m not at camp I… take photos at events and teach AcroYoga classes. I also travel and study computer programming. I just spent over a year living in New Zealand!
SUPPORT STAFF
NURSE AMY, HEAD NURSE
My first summer at camp was… 2018.
I travel to camp from… Pennsylvania.
When I’m not at camp … I work at Mercersburg Academy– a boarding school in Pennsylvania– where I am an RN at the Student Health Center and (fun fact!) a Head Varsity Volleyball Coach.
BK
BEN KLEIN, MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
My first summer at camp was… 1988, 19 summers at Camp
I travel to camp from… Maplewood, NJ.
When I’m not at camp I… live with my wife Sara, children Harry and Maddy and dog Archie. I am the lower school psychologist at Collegiate School in NYC.
Teddy (middle)
TEDDY LYDON, MAINTENANCE
My first summer at camp was…1997/ 26 summers.
I travel to camp from… I live on camp! And am originally from the 12523.
When I’m not at camp I… I am still at camp, working as Scatico’s year-round caretaker.
Ricardo (left)
RICARDO TURNBULL, KITCHEN
Number of summers at Scatico…16
I travel to camp from… Boca Raton, Florida.
When I’m not at camp I… run my own catering and event planning business, A Catered Affair.
Preparing for Camp With School in Mind
If my kid is struggling in school, will they struggle at camp?
Original post by BetterEd NYC
Tulips are in bloom, cherry blossoms are peaking, and your parental focus is likely starting to shift from the school year to the summer ahead. Though your child is still enmeshed in standardized tests, social studies projects, and preparations for end of year celebrations, for many families Spring also marks the final push towards that camp goal line. Camp is increasingly valued as a unique opportunity to return to “kiddom” – to unplug, reset, be outside, and overall de-stress from the school year. Whether your child lives the fabled “ten months for two,” or is just embarking on their camp journey, it is tempting to embrace camp as a catchall solution to school year woes. While camp can and should be an empowering opportunity for kids to reconnect with their “best selves” (another camp maxim...), achieving that requires intentional preparation.
Remember, your kid is still the same kid, even in a different environment. And so, will struggles from the school year carry over into camp? The answer is, maybe, but they don’t have to. Here are some tips for setting your child up for success this upcoming summer.
Gather information to identify potential causes of struggles
Whether flags are raised from your child’s teacher, or you have a kid that is complaining at home, dig deep, and ask for help in identifying potential causes of the challenge at hand. Are issues related to social dynamics? Academic confidence? Sheer workload? Executive functioning? Boredom at school?
Talk to your child’s teachers, therapist if they have one, or anyone who may be able to provide insights. And, of course, talk to your child! The goal is to have a strong sense of when and where problems are occurring, not just how they are manifesting, so you can unpack potential triggers. Not all struggles have concrete root causes (in fact, most don’t), but a better understanding of the range of contexts and behaviors will help frame the problem in the camp world.
Apply the struggles to the camp setting
It’s easy to write off “school problems” as just that, but there is more overlap between camp life and school life than meets the eye. Like school, days at camp can be structured and busy with routines, transitions, and things you have to (but may not want to) do. Like school, camp involves constant social interactions and the navigating of relationships with a wide range of peers whom you didn’t “choose” to be sharing space with.
Ask yourself, how might school challenges manifest themselves in the camp environment? Some school to camp parallels are evident. Students that act out when losing (whether it be during a math game or P.E. kickball), will likely carry that with them into daily camp competitions. Difficulties during group projects or recess, could signal a need for additional support in navigating unstructured, peer-led, social settings. Other classroom challenges require a little more parental detective work. Consider those potential underlying factors at play: time-management, persistence through challenging tasks, stamina, etc. For example, the student who regularly leaves their homework folder at home, is likely the camper that leaves their water bottle at the dining hall. Of course, an occasional misplaced item is not a major source of stress or tension at camp. However, camp is jam-packed with tough transitions that involve keeping track of belongings from activity to activity, so if your child consistently struggles in similar contexts, that is a behavior worth exploring.
Share with camp (ask about the “Camper Care Team”)
Even if the school problems don’t seem directly applicable to the camp setting, share your concerns. If your camp has a camper intake sheet, “confidential,” or other similar form… treat this document as a helpful tool! Be simple and direct in writing (keep in mind this is often information reviewed by bunk counselors, and not just senior leadership).
Contact camp and ask how camper concerns or challenges are addressed and managed. There may be specific systems and structures in place. For example, it is becoming increasingly popular for camps to have some form of a Camper Care Team, which often includes a mental health specialist, to support and coordinate the overall wellbeing and success of campers. If there are specific ways you want your child to be supported (extra transition time, help with socializing during unstructured time, etc.) make sure to have a sense of who is implementing and overseeing these supports on the ground, and how/when deeper concerns would be shared with you.
Practice routines at home:
Regardless of your child’s specific challenges at school, practicing ways of camp-life at home is key to ensuring success over the summer. Whether it is your child’s first summer or eighth, camp is outside many comfort zones, and requires a great deal of stamina. Feeling comfortable and confident with daily routines frees up brain power and emotional space for kids to demonstrate flexibility and resilience in trickier moments. Some key camp-life routines worth practicing could be starting a tech-free routine before bed, greater independence dressing/undressing and with personal hygiene, keeping track of belongings, serving themselves food, etc.
Instill Confidence:
Just as every student has the ability to thrive in the right school environment, every camper has the potential to uncover the power of that “ten-for-two” mantra. Remind your child that an incredible experience filled with growth awaits them, and that staff at camp are there to help them succeed. A certain amount of camp nerves is healthy, so if your child is expressing concerns, reassure them that this is normal! On the other hand, if your child isn’t overly worried about the summer ahead, there is no need to create worry. If they’re coming off a tough school year, it is okay to remind them that camp is not school and to embrace the change in environment and routine. Focus on the known positive aspects of the summer ahead: favorite activities, new friends, spirited traditions. Above all, your child’s confidence starts with yours, so stay positive and reassuring.
News from the Dining Hall
There are a lot of behind the scenes operations at camp– logistics that campers and counselors are not directly involved with, but are nonetheless essential to the Scatico experience. One of these key hubs of operations is… the kitchen! For most, the kitchen is a mysterious place glimpsed through the dining hall doorway, or overheard in the form of clamoring pots and music blasting from a wireless speaker. In this blog post, we are going to peel back the curtain a bit, and share information about two key people in the kitchen and the new sandwich bar for 2025!
Meet Head Chef and Head of Menu + Food Purchasing: Ricardo and Bri
In total, there are 30 people who work in the Scatico kitchen– from servers and dishwashers, to line cooks and salad bar preppers. There is even someone who’s job is just setting up food for Support Staff meals– a role fittingly called “Porch” as Support Staff eat on a side porch 45 minutes before campers.
While every kitchen staff is integral to Dining Hall success, no two people influence operations and food offerings more than Ricardo and Bri.
Ricardo is the Scatico kitchen frontman, ultimate vibe-setter, behind-the-scenes logistics coordinator, and (his official title) camp’s Head Chef. We like to say, no one in camp works harder or longer hours (ask him about his 5:30 AM coffee routine with head of boys athletics, Randy Au). In 2010 Ricardo was recruited to work in the camp kitchen by former Head Chef Jimmy Wexler, and has not missed a summer since (making this his 16th summer in the Scatico kitchen)! Ask campers what they know about Ricardo, and they will likely mention his huge smile, unwavering enthusiasm, and INSANE grilling skills (full camp BBQs are the consistent favorite meal of campers and staff alike).
A man of many talents, Ricardo is known to make appearances singing in staff cafe nights (and even once in a full camp talent show). He works as a chef year round, and spends most of his off-season in South Florida running his own catering and event planning business, A Catered Affair. When not in Florida, he’s in St. Thomas (we’re jealous!) where he is originally from and much of his family still lives.
Bri Cidras is the visionary behind Scatico’s menu redesign and new snack options. Though she only started in this role in 2024, her first job at camp was as a kitchen server back in 2011 (when she was just 18 years-old!). During the several-year gap in her Scatico career, Bri received her B.S. in Culinary Nutrition and M.S. in Leadership, and launched her now 10+ year career in school food services.
When not working at Scatico, Bri is the school food service director for the Auburn Public School district in MA, which serves a 2,600 student body (puts the 450ish person Scatico community in perspective)! Her focus is on Farm to School options, student/staff wellness, and student engagement with food (she always knows which snacks are popular with kids), and, of course, ensuring all USDA/ state requirements for school meals are followed. Bri also sits on the School Nutrition Association board, loves to be outside and garden, and has two children who make occasional appearances at camp (we don’t know how she has time for it all…). Additional fun facts: Bri is the daughter of Scatico’s Head of Security Anthony Cidras and older sister to member of the Office Team Marissa Cidras.
New Offering: Sandwich Bar!
From Taco Tuesdays to Bagel Sundays, there are many Scatico fan favorites and Dining Hall routines that our community has come to love and expect. But, as in all areas of camp, there is always room for improvement! In addition to greater variety at the salad bar, and some new “main courses,” perhaps the biggest change this summer will be the Sandwich Bar at lunch and dinner.
We’ll get straight to the point…
This is what the sandwich bar looks like! We just purchased two last week (one for each Dining Hall)!
The sandwich bar will always have…
Turkey cold cuts
Beef salami
Sun butter
Sliced cheese
Sliced tomatoes
Pickles
Mayo, mustard and occasional “surprise” condiments
Sliced bread
There will be a server manning the Sandwich Bar to ensure equitable and organized sandwich making.
The sandwich bar will be there every lunch and dinner… so no need for frenzy!
We’ll be tackling more behind the scenes news and FAQs in our new Instagram series, so check it out!
Camp Conference Recap!
A team of Scatico’s leadership headed to Atlantic City for the largest gathering of camp professionals in the world– the Tri-State Camp Conference– which draws close to 4,000 people united in their unwavering belief in the power of camp. Here are our Biggest Tri-State Tri-State lessons and highlights…
A team of Scatico’s leadership headed to Atlantic City for the largest gathering of camp professionals in the world– the Tri-State Camp Conference– which draws close to 4,000 people united in their unwavering belief in the power of camp. The three tightly scheduled conference days were spent attending professional development sessions, connecting with industry vendors (Audrey met the founder of 9 Square in the Air!), shopping for new camp products, finalizing summer logistics (all camp buses and vans officially secured!), resource-sharing with other camp “senior staff,” and enjoying Scatico staff-bonding meals out (shout out to Quinn and Mark for their inauguration into the annual tradition of eating at Atlantic City’s historic Chef Vola).
For us, Tri-State marks a turning point in the year. Our overarching “nuts and bolts” and big picture preparations are in place, and we are in full-blown, nitty-gritty, camp mode. We leave energized and eager to implement all we have seen and learned. We are here to share some of our top takeaways with you…
Our Biggest “Tri-State” Lessons and Highlights…
Camp's newest identity: “Thick Institution”
It can be challenging to describe the essense of camp, and the meaning behind the experience. David Brooks– an author who delivered the opening keynote– provided us with an apt term: “thick institutions.” Brooks explains the term in his New York Times Op-ed “How to Leave a Mark on People.” He writes:.
A thick institution is not one that people use instrumentally, to get a degree or to earn a salary. A thick institution becomes part of a person’s identity and engages the whole person: head, hands, heart and soul…thick institutions have a different moral ecology. People tend to like the version of themselves that is called forth by such places.
Brooks’ message resonates deeply with our vision of Scatico’s community and experience. And so, along with “second home,” we add “thick institution” as a way to capture camp’s identity.
Summer Shopping
An obvious Tri State highlight! Former athletics director Audrey very much enjoyed testing out all footballs, basketballs, kickballs, etc. This year's most exciting purchases include two new pyramid-like, slide Aquaglide inflatables (one for each waterfront), the physical sandwich bar to go with the new daily lunch option, and, yes, this summer’s Birthday Ball gift (no, we won’t tell)!
Food Tasting
Boy Side head counselor and assistant head counselor, Quinn and Mark, took to the food section of the vendor floor to taste test various products. Their takeaway? Scatico has the best available pizza and there may be some new snacks added to the rotation this summer…
Top Sessions
Collectively, Scatico staff attended over 15 sessions covering topics ranging from mental health and behavior management to games that promote inclusion to improved staff training techniques. The session we deemed this year’s “top” was one attended by Head Counselor Mark titled Bridging the Gap Between Positive Masculinity and Camp. For the past 4 summers, Mark has led a Boys Side staff training on how to intentionally foster a safe and positive camp culture that combats “toxic masculinity,” and so “positive masculinity” is already a topic we engage deeply with at Scatico. We were excited to see it explicitly covered during the conference for the first time! Mark’s favorite takeaway from the session was the metaphor of ‘rivers not dams’ - channeling the energy, enthusiasm and leadership of campers towards something positive and impactful rather than identifying all the “nos” or “behavior to stop”.
Audrey’s top session was with camp-industry celeb Michael Brandwein, who provided helpful frameworks for intentionally incorporating camp’s Mission, Vision, and Values into staff orientation week in ways that address top issues facing today’s children and teenagers.
Bonus highlight: Supporting our Scatico community!
A special shoutout to camp mom (and Scatico alum!) Lauren Dermody for leading her first ever Tri-State session on Staff Culture at day camps. David attended the session and reported that Lauren absolutely crushed it. Girl Side is giving her a huge “she’s got spirit, she’s got spunk” cheer from afar.
Plus, 40+ year Scaticonian John Hickey (JJ), led two sessions (no new feat). JJ’s sessions focused on valuing campers’ unique identities and how camp leaders and staff cope with difficult situations in the fast-paced environment of camp.
Scatico March Madness
It’s time for (drumroll please) the SIXTH ANNUAL SCATICO MARCH MADNESS!
It’s time for (drumroll please) the SIXTH ANNUAL SCATICO MARCH MADNESS! This year we reflected on the range of activity “vibes” at camp and the role different kinds of programming play in our camp lives. We grouped activities into “Competition”, “Silly,” “Relaxation,” and “Ceremonial,”… which one will take the gold?!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Fill out the bracket below with your picks and email it to audrey@scatico.com by Saturday, March 15. There’s also a blank bracket on the Scatico instagram, and you can fill it out via stories and DM it @campscatico_official.
Starting the week of March 10 we will be conducting polls on the Scatico instargram to decide which entries advance to the next round.
As always, the Top 3 most accurate brackets will win some Scatico prizes!
Submitted Brackets
Winter Break- Scatico Style!
It may be winter, but there is always a touch of summer spirit to be had! Check out some Scatico-inspired games/ activities for winter break.
It may be winter, but there is always a touch of summer spirit to be had! Check out some Scatico-inspired games/ activities for winter break.
Scatico Strands!
Last year we shared Scaticonnections, so this winter break we are running it back with Scatico’s own version of “Strands.” For those new to “Strands,” it is essentially a word search game. See the directions below!
Directions:
Find theme words to fill the board.
In this board example, the “spangram” is “fruit.” And the theme words are: “Banana”, “Apple” and “Lime”.
Theme words relate to the puzzles theme
Theme words contain letters that are touching (can be diagonal)
Theme words fill the board entirely (every letter is used once).
No theme words overlap (meaning each letter is only “used” once.
Find the “spangram.”
The spangram describes the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. It may be more than one word (eg. HOLIDAYTIME could be a spanagram).
Spanagram Theme 1:
Spanagram Theme 2:
Spanagram Theme 3:
Holiday Baking with Chef Ale!
For those who don’t know Chef Ale— full name Alejandro Castillo— he’s gearing up for summer #5 at Scatico in 2025! Ale hails from Puebla, Mexico and started out as a member of support staff working in the kitchen. For the last 3 years has been helping out Chef Justin and Chef Ally at Cooking, and now he’s a a program head, and very excited to bring some truly delicious creations to the Cook Shack!
Below, he is sharing a favorite holiday cookie recipe to try at home! He even demoed the recipe in his home kitchen for helpful pics and easy-to-follow steps.
Scatico Puzzles
Can you piece together the classic Scatico image?
Movie Night
Lots of good streaming options out there… but only one that was FILMED AT SCATICO! Check out Rally Caps on Peacock, a kids’ baseball movie that was, in part, filmed at camp after the summer of 2021. If you look closely, you will even spot cameos from Scatico campers and staff!
Stories from Scatico Senior Staff: Mark Gretenstein
Boys Head Counselor Mark Gretenstein reflects on the class trip to Japan he chaperoned, and how camp prepared him for the “out of your comfort zone” experience.
Mark gives out jackets at the 2024 Divisional Sing.
Continuing our guest blog series in the 2024-25 off-season, featuring reflections, lessons. and connections between camp and the outside world from Scatico Senior Staff. Up next… Boys Head Counselor Mark Gretenstein. For those who don’t know Mark, he’s been at Scatico since 2018 (starting out as then-Head-Counselor Cory Schwartz’s assistant). Mark grew up in Miami, and pre-Scatico had a long camper, counselor, and senior staff career at Camp Blue Star in North Carolina.
Throughout my life camp has meant many different things to me. As a first year camper, I experienced newfound freedom (which I promptly took advantage of to brush my teeth as infrequently as possible for 4 weeks). As I grew older, camp became a place where I developed leadership skills, built lifelong friendships, and eventually had my first job. At each stop along my journey one aspect of camp remained constant - camp as a place to experience new things and step out of my comfort zone.
During the year I work as a middle school math teacher in Brooklyn. It can be hard to find moments to step out of my comfort zone when confined to a classroom and curriculum. However, last year I was presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to chaperone a 9-day trip to Japan for 25 8th grade students. Most teachers were uninterested. Understandably they shied away from the 30+ hours of travel each way, long days exploring a foreign country with little to no ability to communicate, and responsibility for 25 middle schoolers. As soon as I heard about the opportunity, my camp persona emerged and I knew I couldn’t pass it up. Even though I felt like I was stepping out of my comfort zone, I had nothing on my students. About half of them had never been on a plane, the majority had never been outside of the country, and for almost all of them this would be the longest time away from their parents in their lives.
Once in Japan, I tried to model trying new things and students were eager to take that journey with me. On the first day that meant trying a strange flavor of broth in their customized Cupnoodles created at the Cupnoodles Museum. Soon we were participating in historic customs at a Shinto shrine with a group of Japanese locals. The second night I tried takoyaki (octopus dough balls for lack of a better description) which are an Osakan delicacy, although my stomach didn’t agree. A late-night trip to 7-ELEVEN for some plain rice was needed. We were reminded that trying something new doesn’t always go perfectly. For some students, stepping out of their comfort zone was snapchats going unread for long periods of time due to the time change, others tried sushi for the first time, and a few adventurers joyfully ate chocolate-covered insects.
As the trip progressed, students adjusted to the routine but never stopped noticing or exploring things that were different. From the incredible lack of trash on the streets, to an unbelievable lost and found culture (1 passport and 2 phones lost and more importantly found), as well as Tokyo’s eerily quiet subway cars, we tried to appreciate and embrace all aspects of the experience. After about a week, the camp side of me was just getting started. There was something familiar about going to sleep exhausted after long and unpredictable days but waking up excited and ready for the next adventure.
Back at school for the last few weeks in June, the days felt oddly calm and uneventful. Students who had been on the trip of course had lots of stories and pictures to show their classmates, but they also felt slightly changed - a little more confident in class, willing to take a chance and share something, or push through a challenging math problem.
This school year there’s unfortunately no Japan trip on the horizon. Even without the trip I try to find small moments of exploration and the unknown. One new challenge this year is I teach a math intervention class four times a week in Spanish. I don’t know where I would be without Google Translate and Duolingo, but even so I have no idea how a lesson is going to go until I am working through it with my students. Sometimes it goes great and sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s all a part of the fun.
Bringing Our "Camp-Self" Home
At camp’s close we ask the obvious yet poignant question: “How do we bring our ‘camp selves’ home?”
At camp’s close we ask the obvious yet poignant question: “How do we bring our ‘camp selves’ home?” In the concrete, bringing your “camp-self” home means seeking opportunities to unplug, to lean into a costume party, to play a sport or craft or make a bracelet just for fun. In the abstract, it is about capturing whatever it is that enables an otherwise reserved 9 year old to address the whole of girl side on friday night or publicly dance in a hot dog costume on stage.
Audrey playing tennis with a camper in 2023.
For me, for the past 9 summers, the end of camp meant the start of teaching in a classroom. Bringing my camp-self to my teacher-self came easily. Mornings started with circle games. I was prone to break into song or throw a friday afternoon dance party. I listened to kids’ recess conflicts, coached them through tricky moments with friends. My ethos of working with children at camp and in the classroom was much the same, and at the core was about fostering that safe community, where kids are empowered to be themselves, to take risks, and to leave the school-year somehow more grown.
Now, I find myself transitioning into an entirely different “school year.” Even though I am working for camp full-time, with campers gone, quiet grounds, and a long 10 months ahead, the answer to that age-old question is far less obvious.
It is easy to enumerate tangible manifestations of the camp-self. Everyone has their favorite. For my dad, it is boys side gathering on the HC porch, even in 2024, to listen to a baseball game on the radio. For me, it is being outside in the rain. When it is raining and meal time, we walk in the rain and we get wet. We don’t run or rush. We don’t complain. We just walk. At home, I would avoid going outside in the rain at all costs, but at camp, barring a full storm, it is business as usual. Most of the time, rain isn’t even particularly noteworthy. Yes, rainy days bring some of the most quintessential Scatico magic moments– mudslides and rainbows– but more often, rain brings routine divisional soccer games, casual conversations while puddle jumping with friends, the excuse to finally wear your five year jacket (even though everyone knows it’s far from waterproof). In the rain, campers seem to walk closer together, their shouts and laughter uniquely echo above the pattering white noise. At camp we do things that are, by outside world standards, uncomfortable, and we don't even take note. How is it that something typically worthy of complaint instead brings me comfort and joy? That is the intangible.
Soccer in the rain...
Here's the thing, I do not want to go outside in the rain in Brooklyn. Somehow, I don’t feel the smell of hot wet pavement will bring the same comfort. But school, work, home life, and camp, have more overlap than we give them credit for - busy schedules (much of which are chosen for you), community of peers, some of whom are lifelong friends, all of whom you have shared experiences with. Yes, there are tests and AP classes, but there are also talent shows, group projects, and dining halls. There are those routine transitions where the entire community moves from one place to the next. A lot of the key ingredients for magical moments are already there, we just need to intentionally work to see them in a camp-self light.
My first week back in New York City, I found myself at a dreaded juncture - a flashing orange “delayed” notice for my subway. As irritation took hold, I instead paused and asked “what would my camp-self do?” And so, I removed my earbuds and walked downtown through Times Square. I was immersed in an astonishing confluence of personalities and activities, and instead of keeping my head down and pushing through the crowds, I just walked. I stopped to give directions to a family from California, and shadowed a tour group for half a block to hear a brief history of Broadway. And it was here, a place so antithetical to camp, a place that is, in most ways, the absolute embodiment of what we are trying to escape when we enter the 12523, that I came closest to finding my camp-self. I was an hour behind what I had set out to get done, but I was energized by the experience.
Camp Sister Talent Show- 2024.
We can’t truly recreate the camp magic, but perhaps there are more opportunities than we realize to emulate some tangible manifestations of the camp-self. Maybe it is as simple as taking a small, uncomfortable, even unpleasant moment, and instead approaching it as an opportunity to connect, to try something new, to find joy in the mundane. And just maybe, perhaps, if we accumulate enough of these small moments, we can somewhat capture the intangible and abstract, and get closer to being the person who is willing to dance in a hot dog costume on stage.
Scatico Blog: Week 6 (August 1 - August 7)— 1, 2, 3, 4… We have Color War!
The culmination of weeks of camp prep and anticipation… Color War 2024 is here!
The culmination of weeks of camp prep and anticipation… Color War 2024 is here!
Sooper team leaders are read at the Color War break
On Girls Side, the break happened on Thursday when campers returned from lunch to find that their water bottles— which had been collected for a deep cleaning (shoutout to our amazing kitchen staff!)— were returned to them not just cleaner but also with a new addition: a Color War 2024 sticker!! The stickered water bottles had been placed in divisional crates on the HC porch, and it did not take long for the initial discoverees’ screams to reach all of campus! Quickly, girls camp gathered in front of Kerri’s bunk, with the Soopers — our leaders for the next week— eagerly seated in the front row. Judges Katie Pargament, Cara Howe and Emma Krasner read the Color War pledge, and we were off to the tennis courts for dodgeball and team splits.
On Girls Side, team Generals and Lieutenants— 4 Soopers who are voted for by their peers— first play a doubles tennis match to determine who gets dibs on color, Green or Grey. Ultimately, Fallon and Marissa beat Jess and Summer, and they chose GREY! Then, divisions are called one at a time for a dodgeball match: Soopers, Juniors, Seniors, Jinters… etc. and as campers are eliminated they line up in front of the Chief Judges and have their team color read. Green gathers on one half of the tennis courts, Grey on another, slowly growing and growing until each camper is on their respective side.
Al Viva once full teams are assembled
On Boys Side, the break happened Tuesday at evening lineup. As Mark made his pre flag-lowering announcements— acknowledging the amazing August weather, a roll call of various soccer league finals— a fire broke out in the garbage can in front of the Pixie House, just next to the lineup circle. Flames reaching over the edge of the can, counselor Emmett Miller sprung into action. Fire extinguisher in hand he put the fire out to a thunderous applause from boys camp (many people by now catching on to the break). Mark continued with his announcements but then…. smoke billows out of the Dining Hall door! Just as campers start to react, Moises and Upper Senior DL Justin Zucker burst through the Dining Hall with green and grey confetti poppers… “It’s Color War!”
To the A Court!
They haven’t finished shouting the words and everyone is already dashing to the A Court, where dodgeball and splits take place. On Boys Side, the sequence is similar: divisions are called up one by one for a dodgeball match and as campers are eliminated they line up in front of their DL who reads aloud their team colors. Grey assembles on one half of the court and Green on the other, with Upper Seniors and the Captains and Co-Captains called last. On Boys Side, beyond the Upper Seniors each team has three counselor Generals who serve as coaches and team leaders. The six Generals are revealed last, each one introduced by a peer and then making a “surprise entrance” (running in from some secret location, on a golf cart, to pump up music, etc.) and greeted by a loud “Al Viva” cheer from their team. The teams now fully assembled, and dinner in the Dining Hall way past done, the entire boys camp assembled on the ball fields for a BBQ “Tailgate” before Upper Senior Flag Football (the first, official, Color War event).
The next 4 days of competition encompass a little bit of everything. On Girls Side, Green Wreck it Ralph will face off against Grey Smurf Village (girls side does themes) in the Sing tonight— a presentation of songs, skits, and art projects. Other highlights include “Novelities” (small, fun, full team competitions like jump rope, and ball balance); The Relay; Track, Swim and Boat Meets; All Star Games (Softball, Volleyball and Basketball); Scavenger and Trivia Hunts and so much more. On Boys Side, top events are Mass Softball; The Relay; Swim Meet and Boating Regatta; The A Game (Upper Senior/ Senior Basketball) Rope Burn; Chicken Fights.
Perhaps the best parts of Color War are not the individual events, but the intangibles. Watching Soopers and Upper Seniors as leaders, encouraging and motivating younger campers. The all-out, earnest effort in each aspect of the competition, especially the ones that feel “absurd” to describe in writing: whether it’s blowing a ping pong ball across the tennis courts in The Relay, or sprinting to move blocks in the inexplicably named “Potato Races,” or filling a pitcher with water using nothing but your hands in Water Toting. The way teams burst into cheers, campers of all ages huddling up, after a win. How in a moment of downtime, perhaps on the walk back to the bunk after an activity, bunkmates on opposite teams come together and share a moment of laughter, entirely unrelated to the game that just ended. The heart and tears of the final night.
We’re excited to share photos of the next 4 days. Peek team splits and the full program below!