Welcome Back: Ellie Maloney

We’re excited to welcome Ellie back to her summer home after a year hiatus. Ellie first joined our camp family as a camper in 2015 and has stuck around ever since! After a few summers as a camper, and then as kitchen staff, she is now about to embark on her third summer as an Orton-Gillingham tutor. We’re so proud of the woman Ellie has become.

Tell us about where you’re from! 
I was born in Washington, DC but I grew up in Auburn, Alabama until my senior year of high school when I moved to Madison County NC. I recently moved to Asheville, NC. 

What do you do during the school year?
I just graduated from Mars Hill University (MHU) with a BA in History and minor in Creative Writing. I plan to attend UNCA for a teaching certificate in Special Education beginning in August. I tutor through Camp Spring Creek during the school year and the past 3 years I have been an RA at MHU.

What keeps you coming back to Camp Spring Creek?
I love the community and the people I get to meet. I first came as a camper when I was 11 years old and attended every year until I could become staff, and finally, a tutor (with a one-summer hiatus to be an international archeology student at St. Andrews University in Scotland!) 

What are some of your best memories from camp, as either a camper or staff?
Some of my best memories as a camper was making friends with the counselors and the adventure outings and all the activities I got to try for the first time—like falling in love with spelunking! As staff, I love getting to see the kids make the connections with their counselors and really letting their personalities show! 

How do you think your experiences as a camper has influenced your years as a staff member? 
As a camper, and now a staff member, I understand the first week when the campers are hesitant and scared to really engage because they miss home but know that when that first week is over they will forget all about home and embrace the moment! 

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
I am looking forward to seeing returning staff and campers and observing how they have grown since I last saw them, and meeting the new folks!

How did you become interested in getting trained in Orton-Gillingham?
I started as staff doing kitchen aide and then cooking; over time, Susie suggested I train to be a tutor. As someone who benefitted from my summers when I would grow more in a couple months than in the whole school year prior, being part of that growth really appealed to me! 

Who was your most influential teacher? What made them a great teacher for you?
At MHU my nemesis as a professor was actually my most influential. He pushed me to my limits to be better and it paid off (even though it wasn't always fun!) 

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I am petrified of snails, no matter how small they are. And, I'm not afraid of hawks!

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
My favorite author is Jane Austen. My favorite series is probably Lockwood and Co. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Graduating from MHU magna cum laude in four years! 

How do you like to spend your free time?
My favorite activities are running, doing pottery, reading, cooking, and spending time with my family and their many animals (goats, chickens, dogs and cats!)

Ask me about the time I… dug up a medieval toilet in Scotland. 

What advice would you give a camper trying something new for the first time?
Understand that it might not be the easiest thing and you might have to work and push through it, but most of the time it's worth it. Even if you didn't love it, you learned something about yourself! 

Meet the Counselor: Sam Ianson

Meet our sports-loving counselor from Leigh, a small town near Manchester where the local Tesco is practically a landmark! Studying Sports & Exercise Science, he's passionate about football, loves meeting new people, and isn't afraid to step outside his comfort zone. He’s looking forward to bringing fun and laughter to camp.

Tell us a little about your hometown, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I’m from Leigh which is quite a small town outside of Manchester. We have two retail parks and a town centre which probably has about 5 total shops haha. The main attraction in my town is a big Tesco (our version of Walmart); it is probably the staple piece of my town. For any newcomers I would definitely take them to the big Tesco and probably explore the town centre.

What do you do for work/studies?
I am at university studying sports and exercise science.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I used to be the biggest Justin bieber fanboy when I was younger

What is an experience you're looking forward to this summer?
I’m just looking forward to meeting new people and potentially making new friends. Also stepping out of my comfort zone a lot more.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you do? Who would you go with?
Well I have always wanted to go to America so I am excited for this opportunity. Another place I would love to go is to Italy to watch a football game with my friends from back home.

What advice would you give a camper who’s nervous about their first day?
That it’s okay to be nervous. It’s also my first time at camp so I’ll be nervous too which is a good thing as we are doing new things. It’s these nerves and new experiences which help us grow and become better people.

If you were to invite three people (dead or alive, real or characters) to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Rocky Balboa

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
I love football (soccer) and I love to chat all day about it so any football fans you are in luck 😂

Ask me about the time I...  climbed a mountain called Helvellyn which has the 3rd highest peak in England. This is my first and only ever time doing something like this so safe to say it was a little bit scary at times but I really enjoyed it and would gladly do it again

What is your favorite book you've ever read? What made it your favorite?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I just think it’s great for whatever mood you’re in and it’s guaranteed to make you laugh.

Meet the Tutor: Nancy Knor

We’re thrilled to welcome Nancy to our 2026 tutoring team at Camp Spring Creek! Nancy is an experienced educator who discovered Orton-Gillingham through her own son’s dyslexia journey. She is excited to help our campers build confidence while exploring the outdoors of western North Carolina.

Tell us about where you’re from!
I’m from Maryland!

How did you become interested in tutoring and Orton-Gillingham?
My very bright and creative son could tell me all the capitals in the world, but he had trouble spelling the word “fish.” Even though I had studied special and elementary education, I realized I didn’t yet have the right tools to teach him to read. That journey led me to Orton-Gillingham and changed the way I teach forever.

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I lived in a thatch hut in the jungle for two years with no electricity or running water!

What made you want to spend your summer at Camp Spring Creek?
There’s nothing I love more than helping kids learn to read—and helping kids learn to read while exploring the great outdoors? Amazing!

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
Meeting wonderful people, learning from my fellow tutors, and going on lots of fun adventures!

What do you do during the school year?
I’m the neurodivergent specialist at Fusion Academy, where I teach middle and high school students. I’m also excited to be launching my own business next year: Beautiful Brains Literacy.

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
I love The Outsiders, The Hunger Games, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Book Thief, and Hinds' Feet on High Places. I also love nonfiction and am currently reading Who You Were Meant to Be—so good!

How would your closest friends describe you?
Adventurous, creative, and thoughtful.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
“Your two legs to stand on in life are Majesty and Endurance. Majesty, because you have a uniquely beautiful way about you that no one else in the universe has ever had or ever will have. And Endurance, because life can be hard.”

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Helping my students publish their books...and publishing my own!

How do you like to spend your free time?
Playing games with friends and family, traveling, caving, hiking, paddleboarding, speaking, reading, and writing.

Ask me about the time I… had to face a creepy, crawly tarantula … by myself … in the dark.

Welcome Back: Kyle Henry

Kyle has become a very familiar face at camp, returning for his fifth summer this year! He joined our camp family as a counselor in 2022, got trained in Orton-Gillingham in 2024, and is furthering his training this summer as a clinical level tutor. We’re excited to welcome Kyle back to camp and watch him continue to grow as he inspires growth in our campers.

Tell us about where you’re from! 
I'm from Melbourne Australia, biasedly the best city in the world. We have such a multicultural city that our food and drinks are second to none. Between the care free nature of Aussies and the beaches it's hard not to fall in love.

What keeps you coming back to Camp Spring Creek?
The community. I have met some of my favourite people in the world at csc. The growth I've seen in campers aswell is something truly inspiring and one of the many reasons I myself trained with Susie to be a tutor.

What was one of the highlights from working at Camp Spring Creek last summer?
Reconnecting with familiar faces and creating friendships with new ones. Corny, but I genuinely love the community that's built at camp.

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
Further challenging myself as a tutor, taking the next step in being able to aid the campers further in their learning journeys. Also the biking Virginia Creeper trail! I think I about cried when we couldn’t go last year. My favourite weekend activity by far.

How did you become interested in getting trained in Orton-Gillingham?
I was previously a teacher back home and was seeing first hand the struggles that some of our dyslexic students were going through, so to be able to be apart of the change and assist these students was something I knew I wanted to be apart of.

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
Favourite book is probably Once by Morris Gleitzman

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Moving abroad for more than a year.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I'm a incredibly social, I spend as much time out and about with friends and family. If I'm at home I'm probably sleeping.

What advice would you give a camper trying something new for the first time?
You'll never regret giving something a go, even if you only try a bit. You might learn you love something new. Or you might just get a funny story to tell later to your friends. Win win in my book.

Meet the Counselors: Chelsea Scott

Say hello to Chelsea, one of our amazing counselors joining Camp Spring Creek this summer! Traveling all the way from South Africa, Chelsea brings a love for adventure, the outdoors, and working with kids. She’s excited to spend her summer swimming, trying new things, and making unforgettable memories with campers and staff.

Tell us a little about your hometown, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I’m from a small valley in South Africa surrounded by mountains and many beautiful beaches. Fish Hoek has a calm, family friendly beach on False Bay where people actually swim. Simon’s Town adds history and charm with cafes, a working harbor, and the penguins at Boulders Beach. Kommetjie, on the Atlantic side, is wilder long, quiet beaches, good surf, and the iconic Slangkop Lighthouse. With visitors, it’s simple beach walk in Fish Hoek, penguins and coffee in Simon’s Town, then sunset in Kommetjie.

What do you do for work/studies?
I just finished high school at the end of last year. I started coaching water polo at the beginning of this year working with kids from about 7 to 13 years old.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
That I was named after the football team Chelsea by my dad’s best friend.

What is an experience you're looking forward to, or something that you're hoping happens this summer?
I’m really looking forward long days outside, swimming, trying new things, and ending with late night laughs in the cabin. Working with the children and helping them grow. Mostly, I just hope it’s one of those summers where the little moments turn into the best memories.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Your greatest weapon is your mind. Train it to see opportunities, not obstacles.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
The Amalfi coast in Italy, I would explore every street, try new foods and spend most of the day at the beach or on a boat with my best friend Holly.

What advice would you give a camper who’s nervous about their first day?
That it’s normal to feel nervous on day one. I would also remind them that everyone else is new too, even if they don’t show it. Encourage them to try things, be themselves, and give it a day or two it gets way easier once they settle in. If something feels off, talking to a counselor really helps.

If you were to invite three people (dead or alive, real or characters) to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Paul Walker, Spider Man and Shrek

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
My biggest passion is water polo. I have so much love and appreciation for the sport and would love to share that with the campers and staff.

Ask me about the time I... went sky diving for my 18th birthday.

Welcome Back: Taylor Styles

We’re excited to welcome back Taylor, our talented art teacher, for her second summer at Camp Spring Creek! A high school art teacher from Charlotte, NC, Taylor is passionate about helping students express themselves through creativity and connection. As someone with dyslexia and ADHD, she understands the unique learning journeys of many campers and is excited to create a supportive, inspiring space for art, growth, and adventure this summer.

I am a full time high school art teacher at Phillip O.Berry Academy of Technology located in Charlotte, North Carolina. I enjoy teaching art and learning with my students. My friends and students describe me as a calm person. They would also say that I am headstrong, stubborn, and determined. I am always willing to help and offer my knowledge to assist those close to me. My campers might be surprised to learn that my mother had two sets of twins. I have a twin sister and a set of younger twin brothers. Just like some of the campers, I have dyslexia and ADHD. Becoming a first generation graduate and earning my masters are my proudest moments.
As a child who struggled with dyslexia and other learning difficulties, I turned to art to express my thoughts and feelings. Images could capture what I struggled to convey in words and writing. As a child, I was blessed to live in Mitchell County where local artists and art programs brought about community collaboration and art exposure. Some of my favorite childhood school memories involved taking trips to Penland School of Craft. We would explore a wide variety of artistic processes including clay, bookmaking, painting, paper mache, etc. Penland would send in artists to work with the students at the local schools. I have forged life long friendships and mentors through those experiences whom I often contact to ask for professional guidance in my field.
Camp Spring Creek offers its staff training and experiences working with campers who have unique learning needs. The camp offers so many adventurous activities to its campers including hiking, swimming, woodshop, art, and field trips. This creates a fun summer vibe. I am impressed with the camp’s ability to provide these experiences to its campers. I look forward to working with the campers in this special place where we can share unique experiences together. 

Meet the Counselor: Abi Conner

The next counselor in our Meet the Counselors series is Abi! She won’t be traveling far this summer since she’s a Bakersville local. After seeing the impact Camp Spring Creek had on one of her family members, Abi knew she wanted to be part of the experience. She’s excited to meet all of the campers and staff and make this summer one to remember!

Tell us a little about your hometown, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I am actually from the little town of Bakersville! My family and I have been in Bakersville since 2006 so going on 20 years. I never thought much of my town until I left it. In my first year of college I had the opportunity to go on a weekend trip back to the mountains. I remember seeing the Blue Ridge Mountains alongside my friends who had never seen them before. I felt such pride and happiness to have grown up in those very mountains. I would love to someday take my friends to Carvers Gap. I think this location perfectly represents where I grew up because it shows off the beauty of the town and makes you feel apart of something bigger than yourself.

What are you studying in university?
I am currently at Meredith College in Raleigh studying Psychology. I actually came to Meredith originally for fashion design (I know this is a crazy switch). I took my first Psychology class freshman year and fell in love with it. I’ve always been able to connect with others so this major felt very natural to me. I’m still unsure what area I want to go in after graduation but I know I want to work with the youth.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I think the campers would be surprised to learn that I’ve got a good sense of humor. I’ve heard from a lot of people that they originally didn’t see me as a funny person but were pleasantly surprised. I love to make others smile and laugh but this trait seems to shock people sometimes.

What is an experience you're looking forward to this summer?
I’m looking forward to not only connecting with the campers this summer but also the other counselors. I love building relationships and trust with new people so I’m very excited to get started this summer. I’m also looking forward to seeing my personal growth whether that be learning new things or trying more adventurous activities.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Your current situation is not your final destination. Sometimes I find myself worrying about where I am in life academically or career wise, and I get fixated on how this will impact my future. When I first heard this advice it instantly made me relax and realize that life is not a linear path, and challenges will come and go. I began to focus my energy on living my life instead of worrying about it!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
If I could travel anywhere in the world I would probably go to Germany. My nana is the first generation in our family to be born in America. Both of her parents lived in Germany and I think it would be really awesome to see where my family started. I would most likely go to Frankfurt, which is where my great grandmother was born, and just take in the sights or listen to the sound around me. I’ve always been fascinated with my families history and I would love to see what they saw a hundred years ago. I would definitely take my nana with me not only because she knows the family history, but she also speaks a bit of German. I think this would be an amazing and eye opening experience to share with my nana.

What advice would you give a camper who’s nervous about their first day?
I would be very transparent with them and probably tell them I am a bit nervous as well. I would tell them that I am a new counselor here and that we can figure things out together. I think sharing similar emotions and feelings with people can make them feel less alone and know they aren’t doing something alone!

Ask me about the time I... had oysters in New York! (it was fairly traumatic, but made for a funny memory)

Meet the Tutor: April Maria

Welcome April to our amazing team of summer tutors! With 15 years of teaching experience and a passion for helping readers grow through the Orton-Gillingham approach, she brings adventure and creativity to camp. From hiking the Appalachian Trail to singing at Carnegie Hall, she’s excited to learn, explore, and make memories with campers this summer!

Tell us about where you’re from!
I am a Florida Conch. I presently live on a sailboat in Indiantown, Florida. My husband and I are adventurers, and he is hiking the Pacific Crest Trail while I am at camp.

How did you become interested in tutoring and Orton-Gillingham?
I love helping struggling readers and writers. I have been teaching English for 15 years, and I started tutoring students who needed help in my classes. Susie was my first Orton-Gillingham Fellow, and she started my training when we met in 2023. I will finish my Orton-Gillingham Associates in the fall of this year. I have seen the Orton-Gillingham approach change my students' lives over the years. It empowered them to grow, learn, and reach their dreams. 

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I spent twenty years teaching music and drama. I founded Beginnings Music Academy to give young people a place to perform year-round. I directed shows ranging from Cinderella, Jr. to The Sound of Music. I also sang at Jimmy Buffett's 50th birthday party as a member of a Caroling Company. In December 2025, I sang in a chorus at Carnegie Hall for the first time. It was SPECTACULAR! I love music too.

What made you want to spend your summer at Camp Spring Creek?
I hiked the Appalachian Trail last year with my husband. That 2000+ mile hike was one of the highlights of my life. The opportunity to combine my passion for helping students improve their reading skills and going on adventures with them sounded inspirational!

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
I can't wait to meet the campers. I know we'll make memories while white water rafting, hiking, and reading together.

What do you do during the school year?
This year, I taught 8th and 9th-grade writing at Treasure Coast Classical Academy. I have taught every grade level, preschool through 12th grade. I am currently a part-time Clinical Supervisor for student teachers at Western Governors University, too.

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. But I love them all. I am currently reading True Spirit by Jessica Watson, On Trails by Robert Moore, and Homer's Iliad. I love learning, so I read a variety of genres, and I am always looking for book suggestions.

How would your closest friends describe you?
My closest friends describe me as an adventurous book nerd who writes. They were shocked when I decided to hike for 2000 miles and live in a tent for seven months last year. I wear dresses most of the time, and they couldn't imagine me staying dirty for that long.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? 
Just keep moving your feet 'til you get there.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My three children are my proudest accomplishment. They are all hard-working, healthy, and happy adults now. 

How do you like to spend your free time?
I don't have a lot of free time right now, but when I do, I visit my friends and family all over the country. I love to travel. I am traveling to California to visit my husband on the PCT before camp. 

Ask me about the time I…came face to face with a 500-pound black bear in New York or about the time I met a pod of 50-ton whales off the coast of Rhode Island.

Meet the Counselor: Carl Hendrikse

Carl is joining us this summer all the way from South Africa. He has some mad table tennis skills and loves all things outdoors. He’s looking forward to getting involved with everything at camp, even if it means he has to leave his two Jack Russell dogs back home.

Tell us a little about your hometown, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I was born in Cape Town, South Africa but I grew up in a small town in the eastern cape, King Williams Town now known as Qonce. It’s a lovely small town most of the buildings have this old-style look to it like the place has been frozen in time. Everyone knows everyone there, almost like everyone is distant family. This is where I did most of my schooling up until I finished high school

What do you do for work?
I work at Gadget Time, a retail store that sells tech and anime merch.

What is an experience you're looking forward to, or something that you're hoping happens this summer?
Everything looks really cool to try out. I would be lying is there's one specific thing about camp I'm excited about. Bring it all on! I'm hyped for all of it.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Approach life with a more positive view on life, and life will be brighter.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you do?
I’ve always said I wanted to travel to underprivileged countries to teach English, swimming, and other basic life skills while also experiencing everything the world has to offer.

What advice would you give a camper who’s nervous about their first day?
Just have fun

If you were to invite three people (dead or alive, real or characters) to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Jeremy Clarkson, Mikel Arteta (just because I wanna ask him what's going on with Arsenal), and Johnny Depp

Ask me about the time I... climbed up table mountain in the middle of a storm with crazy weather. When I got to the top in was hailing! One of our friends had sings of hypothermia. It was a wild hike.

Welcome back: Maggie Luthi

Maggie is back for her second summer at Camp Spring Creek. She’s always eager to continue growing as an educator and makes learning fun! She blended seamlessly into our camp family last summer and we’re looking forward to seeing her both in her tutoring room and enjoying all of the activities of camp.

Tell us about where you’re from! 
I’m from Greenville, SC, in the Upstate. We’re nestled close to the mountains and just about three hours from the beach, which makes it easy to enjoy both. Our downtown is especially charming—a place where people of all ages can explore unique shops, visit an incredible toy store, and search for the tiny mice hidden throughout the area. It’s become a fun scavenger hunt, even inspiring a whole book dedicated to finding them. 

What do you do during the school year?
During the school year, I teach at Lakes and Bridges Charter School, one of the first public charter schools in the country, established to support students with dyslexia. I’ve been there for seven years and have loved watching it grow. A fun fact: a documentary was filmed at the school, and my classroom was even shown in it.

What keeps you coming back to Camp Spring Creek?
What I love most is the close-knit community the camp creates. The tutors truly support one another, helping each other grow while also pouring that same care into our students. I also enjoy taking part in some of the camp activities, like capture the flag and tubing. As someone who used to work at a traditional camp, I still find those moments bring a smile to my face most days. 

What was one of the highlights from working at Camp Spring Creek last summer?
It’s hard to choose just one highlight from last summer. As one of the new tutors, it definitely took me some time to settle in and adjust to camp. I loved watching how much the campers grew over the summer—both in tutoring and in all of the activities. I also really enjoyed the chance to go glassblowing at Hearth.

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
This summer, I’m looking forward to continuing to learn and grow as a tutor, watching the camp come together as a close-knit family, and, of course, having many adventures together in North Carolina. 

How did you become interested in getting trained in Orton-Gillingham?
As a dyslexic myself, I spent my first through eighth-grade years at a specialized school for children with dyslexia, then when I got to high school, I realized just how lucky I was to have gotten the help I needed and that not everyone was that lucky. At that point, I made it my goal to give students who couldn't afford private schools access to Orton-Gillingham methods. Now, I work during the school year at a public charter school designed to support students with dyslexia, which is where I was originally trained. 

Who was your most influential teacher? What made them a great teacher for you?
I believe this question is quite fluid for me. I was fortunate to have many incredible teachers throughout my education, especially at a school designed for children with dyslexia, where the staff truly understood my needs. Currently, I have the privilege of working with two of my favorite teachers from my childhood. One is my principal, who trained me in the Orton-Gillingham method, and the other teaches math just down the hall. I consider them among the most influential figures in my life, as they continue to support my efforts to help students succeed and grow as a teacher. 

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I think campers would be surprised to learn that I wasn’t a happy camper growing up—ironically, as someone who now literally counts down to camp from the moment I get home each year. I really struggled with homesickness, and camp just wasn’t for me. That all changed right after college, when I got my first opportunity to work at a camp in Pennsylvania. I fell in love with the experience and now can’t imagine my life without camp each summer. 

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
As an elementary school teacher, I am forever reading children's books! I love Charlotte's Web. Last summer, I also really enjoyed reading Crenshaw to the middle girls each night. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment recently was competing in my gym’s competition. It was very challenging, and even when I wanted to give up, I kept showing up and practicing—even when things got hard. The experience gave me a powerful reminder of what it feels like to struggle as a student while still pushing yourself to improve. 

How do you like to spend your free time?
I'm not very good at sitting still, but I love going to the gym, hanging out with family and friends, and watching movies or television. 

Ask me about the time I… traveled to Europe.

What advice would you give a camper trying something new for the first time?
You eat an elephant one bite at a time. Sometimes things seem big and overwhelming but breaking them into small chunks makes them more manageable.  You can do hard things, and your counselors and tutors have your back at camp!

Meet the Counselor: Daniela Juarez

Please join us in welcoming Daniela to our 2026 counselor team! Daniela hails from the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico and brings a great love for travel and new experiences to camp. She’s looking forward to a fun-filled summer at Camp Spring Creek!

Tell us a little about your hometown, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I've been living in Merida, Yucatán for the past 7 years. Mérida is a really warm city where you can do a little bit of everything, perfect for family plans like walking at the downtown area, a bunch of good restaurants but also a lot of options for the young ones. At the outside areas of Merida you can find a bunch of touristic places, like the famous chichen itza, beaches, cenotes, and many others

Tell us a little about your family.
I've always lived with my parents and my two older sisters. We are a very traditional family and we love spending time together but we also enjoy and prioritize our individual time and our careers so we try to balance both. I also spend a lot of time with my grandparents and aunts who live 2 streets away from my house, we try to share meals every other weekend and play board games

What do you do for work/studies?
I am currently studying psychology full time and working a few hours during the week as a nanny

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I think it would be fun to share some histories about the places that i have visited, also to share histories about books that I've read or to teach them how to play a sport

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
"Everything happens for a reason". I can't remember if i read it or if someone said it to me, but at the moment my brain received it, it made sense. I truly believe that things, people or situations are presented into your life because you are capable of resolving them or letting them go.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go to the Dolomites in Italy to do a bunch of hiking. I love outdoors plans and even more if mountains are involved!

What advice would you give a camper who’s nervous about their first day?
I would tell him/her that it's okay to feel nervous because being at new places and trying new things sometimes can feel scary. But we are there to have fun and enjoy all the fun things that we are going to do. Also i would say that the counselors team would always be right there to support

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
Traveling and how much i've learned from it

Ask me about the time I... traveled alone to another country for the first time!

Welcome Back: Rose Conchar

We’re pleased to welcome Rose back to our fantastic tutoring team for her fourth summer! We feel lucky that we get to see Rose year-round as she tutors virtually for Camp Spring Creek and joins our initiative to facilitate the use of Orton-Gillingham in the local public schools.

Tell us about where you’re from!
I was born and raised in a small town in Northern New Jersey called Mendham. Everyone is always quick to assume I grew up in a big city environment, but alas, I did not. I am from a small town where playing in the woods and making magical mud concoctions is how I spent my childhood.

What do you do during the school year?
I work for Camp Spring Creek and going into the local schools, helping students, as well as providing virtual tutoring. I also teach yoga at our local studio.

What keeps you coming back to Camp Spring Creek?
Being able to help students who struggled like me. I am Dyslexic/ADHD, and school was very hard for me.

What was one of the highlights from working at Camp Spring Creek last summer?
One of the highlights from working at Camp Spring Creek last summer was going to the lake with the kids. Also any time we are able to make memories and bond outside of the tutor room.

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
I’m most looking forward to seeing both the returning staff and campers as well as meeting all the new faces, and I’m especially hoping we’ll have the opportunity to go on the Virginia Creeper Trail this year.

How did you become interested in getting trained in Orton-Gillingham?
Being dyslexic myself, I became interested in getting trained in Orton-Gillingham because it gave me the opportunity to help children who face similar challenges.

Who was your most influential teacher? What made them a great teacher for you?
Mrs. Staada was the one who truly recognized how much I was struggling and looked into training opportunities to help me more. I was her ‘guinea pig’ to get trained in Wilson.

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I love watching hockey and football. I even traveled to Prague to attend NHL games!

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Completing the training for Orton-Gillingham and finishing my 200-hour yoga teacher training, while currently working on my 300-hour certification.

How do you like to spend your free time?
Hanging out with my dog or cats. Quality time with loved ones. I enjoy being outside when the weather permits.

Ask me about the time I… traveled to Ireland solo. I've been to a film festival in Traverse City, MI. 

What advice would you give a camper trying something new for the first time?
New experiences can be scary, but they can also be incredibly exciting! These emotions can easily get mixed up. So what's the worst that's going to happen... you don't like it? That's just information. But what's the best possible outcome? YOU MIGHT LOVE IT! That too is also just more information about what you might enjoy!

Meet the Woodshop Teacher: McGuire Hill

Welcome McGuire to our 2026 Camp Spring Creek team! McGuire is looking forward to sharing his passion for woodworking with the campers and seeing what innovative designs emerge from their imaginations. The Woodshop this year is sure to be teaming with energy and enthusiasm for creating!

What do you do during the school year?
During the school year, I attended Appalachian State University studying industrial design with a concentration in furniture design. In school we are tasked with the complete process of design ideation to final fabrication.

What made you want to teach woodshop at Camp Spring Creek?
I have always had an interest in teaching tangible skills to kids which can be used to empower and inspire confidence within them. I look back to all my most pivotal memories, and every single one of them involves a teacher/ mentor, and to fill that role for a young person would bring me immense gratitude. 

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
This summer I am most excited to introduce the process of design to a group of unique campers in order to facilitate the creation of their ideas. I can’t wait to get the kids pumped on design so they can start to build the world they wish to live in. 

Who was your most influential teacher? What made them a great teacher for you?
My academic career has been full of amazing teachers, but there is one in particular that comes to mind. My kindergarten teacher Ms.Gaines. I was a very shy kid, always afraid to share ideas or speak up in class. Ms.Gaines knew I was able to articulate ideas, but simply lacked the confidence to do so. She would sit with me for longer than anyone had before to pull out what she knew was already inside. Ms.Gaines taught me what patience meant, not in definition, but in practice.

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
I am a huge fan of the late David Foster Wallace, my favorite book of his is a collection of essays called “Consider the lobster (and other essays)” which analyzes seemingly dull pockets of American subculture, ultimately unraveling as a profound exploration into the American zeitgeist. 

What's one of your biggest passions, outside of woodworking, that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
Outside of woodworking, my biggest passion is the outdoors. Being able to connect with the material (wood) in its natural element brings me closer to the medium and allows me to familiarize myself with the intentions of the tree. 

How do you like to spend your free time?
In my free time I love to be outside running, skateboarding, or going for a swim. 

Ask me about the time I… ran from North Carolina to Tennessee 

What advice would you give a camper trying something new for the first time?
When trying something new it is completely normal to struggle, however, it's the ability to keep coming back where growth and learning occur. So, as long as you are having fun and staying safe, keep trying, because soon it will click.

Welcome Back: Ollie O'Connor

We’re happy to have Ollie back at Camp Spring Creek this summer! Hailing from Scotland, this returning Camp Spring Creek counselor brings a strong sense of adventure and warmth to everything they do. After an unforgettable first summer, Ollie is excited to reunite with familiar faces, meet new ones, and make this season even more memorable.

Tell us a little about your hometown, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before.
I live in a village called Scone in Perthshire. We are lucky to have a palace where they used to crown the kings of Scotland. There are lots of lovely places for walking and hiking.

Tell us a little about your family:
Well as someone who spends a lot of time with there family and is family oriented. I live with my grandparents and spend majority of my time with them and our 2 dogs. I don’t live with my mum or dad anymore but continue to have a great relationship with them. They are separated and are both in very happy relationships with other people.

What do you do for work?
I work as a Swimming Instructor and Lifeguard at my local pool, I also coach football to young children on a Saturday morning and occasionally work in the gym teaching classes.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
That i’m a great listener and that if anyone has any problems they can come to me.

What is an experience you're looking forward to this summer?
I have an accident free summer and to do every single weekend trip this summer, like hiking, the lake and tubing.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Something my Nana used to say was - Do things that you want when you’re young as you have all the time in the world.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you do? Who would you go with?
I would love to go to Nashville - Tennessee and drive Route 66 with my dad and step mum.

What advice would you give a camper who’s nervous about their first day?
That everything’s going to be okay and we will have an amazing summer together.

What were some of the highlights from your first summer at Camp Spring Creek?
Trying new things that i’d never dreamed of doing.

What do you most look forward to for your second summer?
I’m most looking forward to seeing all the people returning from last year as well as meeting new campers and counsellors. I am returning due to the amazing opportunity i had last summer and had the time of my life.

Meet the Counselor: Gerard Cullen

Next up in our Meet the Counselor series is Gerard Cullen, joining us all the way from the small village of Rhode in Ireland—a place full of community spirit and a big love for sport. He’s excited to spend the summer getting to know campers, building connections, and being part of all the fun. He’s ready to jump into camp life and make it an unforgettable summer.

Tell us a little about your hometown, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
Rhode is a small village with a few pubs, church, two shops, a playground and a GAA pitch. Gaelic football is big in Rhode as well have a highly successful football team. We rarely get out of town visitors as it is a small, positive and tight community where nearly everyone knows one another.

What do you do for work/studies?
I am in college in Maynooth university. I am studying an arts degree doing Irish and Sociology. I am currently in my second year out of three with the plan of doing a masters in primary teaching after I get my degree. On the weekends during college and time off I have a part time job. I work in my local Centra shop working weekends and during the time off I have for college.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you?
That my brother has dyslexia and that instead of looking from the perspective of dyslexia being a disadvantage, instead it can be used as a superpower.

What is an experience you're looking forward to this summer?
An experience I look forward to is creating and developing connections within camp between campers and other staff members. I am hoping that after camp, I can do some travelling and explore the beauty of the American countryside and towns.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Nothing changes if you don't. Meaning that if you want to make a change in your life, if you are not willing to put the effort in to make that change, then it will never happen.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you do? Who would you go with?
I would go to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. To see the beaches, carnivals and the Christ the Redeemer statue. Ideally it would be nice to travel with friends from home but if not, I would have no problem if I was to go by myself.

Ask me about the time I...  solo travelled to Morocco for three weeks.

What advice would you give a camper who’s nervous about their first day?
That it is perfectly normal to feel nervous about their first day trying something new. Every other camper is probably feeling the exact same as you are. I was nervous flying over to America too. You are surrounded by great and helpful people and that everything will be fine.

If you were to invite three people (dead or alive, real or characters) to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Lionel Messi, Michael Jordan, Shane Lowry

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
That I played many different sports as I was younger but the positive impact sport had on me mentally and physically and socially.

Welcome Back: Becky Chambers

Becky has been part of our fantastic tutoring team for the past few years and has quickly become an integral part of the team. This year, she’s stepping into the role of Academic Director! She will continue to tutor at camp and will also mentor and guide our other tutors to a fantastic summer.

Tell us about where you’re from!  
I live in Northern Virginia, but I grew up in California. I've also lived in Connecticut, Alaska, and Washington. 

What do you do during the school year?
I am a full-time tutor!

What keeps you coming back to Camp Spring Creek?
The mountain views are incredible, but it's the people.  It's a beautiful thing to see a bunch of people from around the world come together for a common cause. 

What was one of the highlights from working at Camp Spring Creek last summer?
My favorite moment last summer was watching the pool games.  A junior girl successfully jumped over a pretty high rope into the pool, and her first words when she popped back up out of the water were "My legs are SO STRONG!"  I loved seeing that self-confidence in action!

How did you become interested in getting trained in Orton-Gillingham?
My youngest child is dyslexic, and I saw what an impact Orton-Gillingham made on his education.  

Who was your most influential teacher? What made them a great teacher for you?
My seventh-grade English teacher, Mrs. Johnson.  She was quite "out of the box" and we did a lot of nontraditional activities.  She really brought stories to life and taught me how to be a good writer.  

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I'm a veteran, and once commanded a patrol boat. 

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
My favorite book is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
I'm really proud of my kids.  You'll see their pictures all over my room at camp. 

How do you like to spend your free time?
I have "busy hands" and enjoy quilting and knitting.  I also like anything that makes me laugh, like funny movies and books.  My family has a million pets, and I enjoy walking and petting them, too. 

Ask me about the time I… climbed to the top of a 147-ft mast on a sailing ship

What advice would you give a camper trying something new for the first time?
Go ahead and give it a shot!  It might be scary or hard, and you might not like it.  But you just might love it, and you won't know if you don't try. 

Meet the Counselor: Noemi Puerta

Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start introducing the incredible team that will make this summer so special. We’re thrilled to welcome a wonderful group of staff from different places and backgrounds, and we can’t wait for you to meet them. First up is Noemi Puerta, but all her friends call her Noe. She has a big love for marine life and has some pretty incredible stories to share with our campers!

Tell us a little about your hometown, describing it for those who are likely never to have been there before. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I'm from Spain, from a small town near Barcelona. Big cities have never been my thing, which is why I love my town so much. It's small and surrounded by nature. One of my favorite things to do is hike up to the castle to enjoy the views and reconnect with myself.

What do you do for work/studies?
I'm currently finishing my studies. I'm a veterinary assistant and animal caretaker, specializing in marine mammals and certified in marine biology. Animals and the ocean have always been a part of me.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I love scuba diving, especially in shark tanks.

What is an experience you're looking forward to this summer?

I'm really looking forward to experiencing a real summer camp, to living it to the fullest. To reconnect with the little girl inside me. To be able to experience things for myself that I have only read in books or seen in movies.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Life is a gift, enjoy every moment.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
My brother and I have always wanted to travel the world. Since he turned 18, we've started doing it, and it's one of the best decisions we've ever made. One place I'd love to take him is Africa, so we can fulfill our dream of going on safari.

Tell us a little about your family
For me, family is one of the most important things. I get along very well with my parents and my little brother (he's 19 years old). We're all very close. They've always supported me in all my dreams and goals. I don't know what I would do without them.

What advice would you give a camper who’s nervous about their first day?
It's normal to be nervous. Just try not to let your nerves stop you from enjoying what I'm sure will be a great summer and an incredible experience. By the end of the summer, you'll even laugh about having been nervous at the beginning.

Ask me about the time I... was able to see with my own eyes and swim just a few meters away from a whale shark. It's an animal that leaves you speechless.

Meet the Counselor: Luca Skidmore-Hoogerwerf

We’re excited to welcome Luca to the Camp Spring Creek team! Hailing from Wales, Luca brings with him a strong spirit of teamwork and discipline from his time in the military preparation college. With a love for the outdoors and high-energy activities, he’s passionate about motorbikes and enjoys watching football and rugby. Luca’s dynamic background and enthusiastic attitude make him a fantastic addition to our camp community!

Tell us a little about where you are from!
I am from Penyffordd in North Wales; it’s a village surrounded by woods and green fields. It’s in a nice area with buses and main roads to both cities that are in the area. It’s also not far from Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).

What do you do for work/studies?
I have just finished military college and currently work in a hotel.

What is a tradition from your country that you are excited to share at camp?
Sharing Welsh cakes

What made you interested in being a counselor in the States?
I have been interested in being a counselor for a while now. I really want to explore America and experience what camp is about.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I think people could be surprised to know about me is that I used to have skill at arms training on an L98A2

How would your closest friends describe you?
Funny, kind, and caring

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
The best piece of advice I have received is to do today what others won't do tomorrow, what others car’t. It’s helped me with going to America

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would like to go to the 7 wonders of the world and I would like to go with my best mate.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is when I helped someone who was injured

Share a fun, interesting, or daring thing you've done or experienced.
Whilst out riding around the beautiful North Wales, the sun decided to up and move to another part of the world for a while, and what was warm and dry became very wet very quickly. Normally, if rain is expected, a full set of wet weather gear is carried on the bike or backpack, but on this day, this lovely sunny day, no. No wet weather gear, no waterproof gloves, and, possibly worst of all, no waterproof boots. I arrived home to applause and laughter from my mum, who is a seasoned biker, as I carried half the North Wales sea into the garden.

What is your favorite book you've ever read? What made it your favorite?

My favorite books are the Liam Scott series by Andy McNab

Meet the Counselor: Franka Dreyer

Next up in our Meet the Counselors series is Franka from Germany! She is eager to ensure that our campers have their best summer yet! Her outgoing and positive demeanor will definitely be an asset this summer.

Tell us a little about where you are from!
I am from Leipzig, a city in Germany, pretty close to Berlin. We have lots of beautiful lakes and nice park areas, so summer is definitely my favorite season in the city. I would take out-of-town visitors on a little bicycle tour to one of the lakes.

What did you study at Uni?
I graduated from nursing school last summer.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I can’t wait to meet everyone and to be part of a typical American summer camp. This way, I will be able to experience the ‘real’ America.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
Campers would be surprised to learn I have already lived in California for a year when I was 18 years old.

How would your closest friends describe you?
They would describe me as a ray of sunshine who is always positive and smiles a lot.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Everyone is responsible for their own luck. It made me realize that only I can do the things I want to do and achieve, and no one is gonna do it for me.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I would go to Rio the Janeiro for New Year’s Eve. I think they have the most beautiful fireworks right by the beach, and I would take my friends with me.

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
I really enjoy cooking and baking, so hopefully I can share some German recipes.

Ask me about the time I… went to Costa Rica all by myself. I met the most amazing people while traveling solo.

Meet the Counselor: Ella Wall

We’re really looking forward to having Ella at camp this summer! Ella is joining us from Wales and is excited to share her passion for football (soccer to us Americans) with the campers this summer. Beyond the soccer field, she also loves motobikes and quads!

Tell us a little about where you are from!
I'm from Connah's Quay in Flintshire, a small town near Chester, Wales. It’s a friendly place with a lovely riverside walkway. If I have visitors, I’d take them to Chester to see the historic city walls, the Roman amphitheatre, and the beautiful cathedral. It’s a great mix of history and charm, just a short drive away.

What is a tradition from your country that you are excited to share at camp?
One Welsh tradition I’m excited to share at camp is the celebration of St. David’s Day on March 1st. It’s a special day to honor our patron saint, St. David. People often wear daffodils or leeks—both national symbols—on their clothes. There are parades, singing of traditional Welsh songs, and delicious Welsh cakes. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Welsh culture and heritage, and I can’t wait to share it with everyone at camp!

What are your hopes for this summer? What are you most looking forward to this summer? What made you interested in being a counselor in the States?
I hope that being a counselor at summer camp can be really exciting! I’m looking forward to making a positive impact on kids' lives, helping them learn new skills, and creating unforgettable memories. Plus, it's a great opportunity to develop my leadership skills, build friendships with fellow counselors, and enjoy the outdoors. Just think about all the fun activities I can lead and the chance to inspire young campers. I’m looking forward to all the fun activities that I join in on and learn new things, whether it's arts and crafts, hiking, or campfire storytelling. There’s just something special about making those summer memories with the kids. Plus, building friendships with other counselors. I guess what made me interested in being a counselor in the States could be the chance to experience a different culture and connect with kids from diverse backgrounds. Plus, working at a summer camp in the U.S. can be a unique adventure, filled with new experiences and opportunities to grow and experience.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I played girls’ soccer at a high-level academy.

How would your closest friends describe you?
Fun, happy, trustworthy, heart of gold, funny, joyful

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? How did it change the trajectory of your life?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is to always stay true to yourself and follow your passions. It really changed my perspective on life, encouraging me to pursue what I love instead of just what seems practical. It opened up so many doors and helped me find opportunities that truly resonate with me.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Thailand, I would go and see the elephant and wash and feed them, I would go with my best friend Liv, as it’s always been my dream.

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
Soccer has always been my biggest passion, and I can’t wait to share that love with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek. The excitement of the game, teamwork, and the friendship it creates are things I really cherish. I hope to teach the campers not just the skills and techniques of soccer, but also the values of fair play, perseverance, and friendship that come with it. Running matches and drills will be a fun way to get everyone involved, and it’s a great chance to make some lasting memories and friendships that go beyond the game. I’m excited to inspire others to love the sport and see how it can bring us all together!

Ask me about the time I went cliff jumping in college! It was the scariest but fun experience ever.

What is your favorite book you've ever read? What made it your favorite?
My favourite book is "Gangster Granny" by David Walliams. I love it because it’s a really fun and funny story that mixes adventure with warm, lovely moments. The characters are very special, especially the quirky grandma who turns out to be a retired jewel thief! The jokes and surprises keep me entertained, and the themes of family and friendship are very important to me. It’s a book that always makes me smile and reminds me to cherish our loved ones, no matter how unusual they might be.