Meet Ryan
Ryan, Head of Training
When did your relationship with Green Chimneys Summer Camp begin?
As a camper, I started going to Hillside in 1999 when I was 7 years old. I’ve been on staff since 2006, and have only missed 2 summers … doing the math I think that makes this my 11th summer on staff.
How did camp make you feel as a camper?
Ryan in 2007
My family moved from Port Chester, NY to New Fairfield, CT in the summer of ’99, so camp was very pivotal in my transition to my new home. It was exciting to have so much space outdoors to play since I was used to a small indoor summer camp at a local school. Camp made me feel safe, and special … kind of like how home does. You get to act silly and rowdy without feeling judged.
Are there elements of your favorite counselor(s) that you try to emulate? If so, what are they?
- Australian accent – My first ever counselor’s name was Cailey, she was Australian. I have yet to master the accent, but I have all the lingo down like, “port-o-loo”, and I know the Australian National Anthem.
- Proud of who they are – I would have to say I learned from the best when it comes to never being embarrassed about who I am. I like to show my campers that they can be themselves without shame.
- Authentic – Again, my favorite counselors all felt very true to themselves. I could tell that they were always genuinely happy to see me, and actually cared about me.
What are 4 adjectives your campers would use to describe you? What are you most known for at camp?
I would hope that they would describe me as “caring, nurturing, enriching, and fun,” but my campers have described me as, “bearded, insane, too loud, and lit.” Lit was surprising, but I love it. I’m most known for my incessant singing, and my incredible PB&J making skills. I spread the peanut butter out perfectly and can cut them into any shape requested.
Get to know Green Chimneys Summer Camps! For more than 40 years, Green Chimneys’ day camp has blended great camp traditions with dynamic outdoor experiences to create exciting and educational summers full of memories to last a lifetime. Green Chimneys Summer Camps recognize each child’s individuality and support their desire to discover the world, and who they are in it. This simple philosophy helps to create meaningful summer experiences that keep kids returning year after year. Choose from two beautiful locations in Putnam County, home to some of the most spectacular features of New York State’s Hudson Valley region:
