Meet the Counselors: Henry O'Brien

Next up in our Meet the Counselors series is Henry O’Brien! Henry is joining us from Wales, and should not be confused with the Henry joining us from Northern England. With double Henrys, that’s one less name for our campers to learn! Henry has a passion for sports of all kinds and also has a creative side!

Tell us a little about where you are from!
I'm from Swansea, Wales, where there are lots of nice beaches. Mumbles, in particular, is a good place for tourists to visit.

What do you do for work/studies?
I study film at the University of South Wales. I work as a lifeguard at Cardiff International pool

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I’m looking forward to meeting people from different countries and sharing different cultures, as well as revisiting the US for the second time.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I do boxing and MMA.

How would your closest friends describe you?
Epic

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? How did it change the trajectory of your life?
Find something you're passionate about and you enjoy, and work extremely hard at it.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
There are many places I would like to visit, although Japan stands out because it's so unique and different from the West. Would like to go with my mate Dylan, who lives in Dallas.

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
I like sports. Football is something I've played my whole life, so I have a passion for it.

Ask me about the time I... went cave diving with my mates for my 17th birthday!

If you were to invite three people to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Joe Rogan, Theo Vaughn, and Ricky Gervais

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

Maze Runner by James Dashner. An absolute page turner!

Welcome Back: Will Whitehead

Yet another familiar face, back for another round of Camp Spring Creek fun! Will is joining us for his second summer after spending the last year traveling around Europe and Canada. We’ll certainly have some good old-fashioned fun with Will around, and who knows, maybe we’ll get to see him do a flip on the wakeboard again this summer!

Tell us a little about where you are from!
I'm from Melbourne, Australia. I live right next to Blackburn Lake Reserve and a 40-minute drive to the closest surf beaches where I spend most of my time

What is a tradition from your country that you are excited to share at camp?
Aussie slang

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I was a gymnast for 15 years

How would your closest friends describe you?
Outgoing and hard working

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? How did it change the trajectory of your life?
If your going to do something no matter how small do it to the best of your abilities. I still apply this to everything I do in life

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you do?
Asia as its one of the areas of the world I still haven't been. I would love to go snowboarding in Japan with my partner

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
Woodworking.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Qualifying for the Australian gymnastics team and traveling the world

Ask me about the time I... jumped off cliffs into shallow water in Italy

If you were to invite three people (dead or alive, real or characters) to a dinner party, who would you invite?

Steve Irwin, Dave Grohl, and Chicken Joe

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

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

What advice would you give to campers coming to camp for their first summer?
Make sure you clean your rooms properly!

What do you most look forward to for your second summer?
I hope to be able to inspire the campers as I also have dyslexia and have been able to overcome the difficulties. I was a counselor last year at camp and had the most amazing time and can't wait to be a part of camp again this year!

Meet the Tutors: Maggie Luthi

Maggie is new to our Camp Spring Creek family this year! Her love for summer camp paired with her experiences as a person with dyslexia will make her fit right into our tight-knit community. She is excited to combine her passion for teaching with the fun of summer camps this summer.

Tell us about where you're from!
I'm from Greenville, South Carolina. In Greenville, we have an amazing downtown area with lots of fun restaurants and a park with a large walking bridge and waterfall right in the middle of it. My favorite part of downtown is the Mice on Main scavenger hunt, where nine little mouse statues are hidden around the city. There has even been a children's book written about them. 

How did you become interested in tutoring and Orton-Gillingham?
I also have the superpower of dyslexia and grew up going to a school that used Orton-Gillingham for the first through 8th grades. This method was a game-changer for me, as it provided the support and understanding I needed to thrive in my studies. My real interest in learning about the method started in high school when I transitioned to public school and realized that not everyone who struggled with reading was getting the instruction they needed. At that point, I realized I wanted to change that and started researching. After college and my first two years of teaching, I accepted a position at a local charter school that was started to support students with dyslexia; at that point, I attended my first training. I still teach fourth grade there during the school year. 

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I became an adult who loves summer camp but struggled to be away from home for long periods as a child. This makes me an expert in talking to campers who get homesick! 

What made you want to spend your summer at Camp Spring Creek?
Summer camp is my happy place, and I've been working at a camp in Pennsylvania for the last seven summers. I wasn't ready to give up this passion, but I also wanted to grow as a tutor and teacher. That's when I discovered Camp Spring Creek. The idea of being part of such a wonderful community was so appealing that I knew I had to be a part of it. 

What are you looking forward to the most this summer? 
I am looking forward to being a part of the Spring Creek community, getting to know everyone, and helping my students become more confident readers. I'm also looking forward to going on great summer trips and adventures. 

What is your favorite book or series that you've read?
As an elementary school teacher, it is impossible to choose just one favorite book; it would be a tie between Thank You Mr. Falker and Charlotte's Web because my mom had to read both of them to me at least 100 times growing up. I still read both of them in my classroom each fall.

How would your closest friends describe you?
My friends and students would tell you that Diet Dr. Pepper powers me. I love to laugh and have a good time, but I am also very driven.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
It's more of a quote: “An elephant is eaten… one bite at a time!” I find it very relatable in many aspects, from helping children learn to read, challenging workouts,  and even working on large projects myself. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
One of my proudest moments was becoming a teacher at a school for children with dyslexia—and now a tutor at a camp for kids facing the same challenge. Despite the doubts of many, I persevered and am now fortunate to support and cheer my students on as they achieve their goals.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I don't sit still well. I go to the gym most nights and take a group exercise class. I also spend a lot of time with my family. 

Ask me about the time I… did a polar plunge jumping in a lake two different times on New Year's Day!  

Meet the Counselors: Andrea Saises

Join us in welcoming Andrea into our Camp Spring Creek family! Originally from the Philippines, Andrea brings a love for adventure and seeing what the world has to offer. She is now living and studying in Hungary and finding new ways to live life outside of her comfort zone. We’ll have to make more room in our pool house for the Filipino flag!

Tell us a little about where you are from, describing it for those who have likely never been there before.
I am originally from Catbalogan, Philippines but I've been living in Budapest, Hungary for the past 3 years. Philippines - a tropical country in Southeast Asia with 7,641 islands, known for its stunning beaches, warm people, and rich culture. My hometown, Catbalogan, an island in the Visayas region. Life there is laid-back, with a mix of modern city life and traditional Filipino culture. The seafood is incredibly fresh, and the city is known for its vibrant festivals. If I'm taking people around the Philippines, it will definitely be to a stunning white-sand beach, and will definitely devour fresh seafood.
Hungary - for the past 3 years, I’ve been living in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. It’s a completely different vibe from Catbalogan but equally beautiful in its own way. Budapest is famous for its grand architecture, historic thermal baths, and the stunning Danube River that divides the city into Buda and Pest. If I'm taking people around Budapest, I'd take them to one of my favorite places—Citadella. It's best at sunset, where you can watch the city lights of Budapest come to life in a truly majestic view.

What is a tradition from your country that you are excited to share at camp?
Since I’m from the Philippines, one tradition I’d be excited to share at camp is "Bayanihan"—the spirit of community and helping each other. At the camp, I’d love to show this tradition through team-building activities, where we work together, support each other, and build a strong sense of community—just like in Bayanihan.

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 to gain valuable new experiences, push myself in a different environment, and make a meaningful impact on the camp. I’m thrilled about the adventure—being outdoors, bonding with both campers and fellow counselors, and immersing myself in American summer camp culture.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
Campers would probably be surprised to learn that I'm an athlete and a gamer. Even though I may come off as an academic achiever (mainly cause im wearing glasses), I actually love playing sports, especially badminton and volleyball. On top of that, I’m also into playing video games.

How would your closest friends describe you?
I asked my friend to describe me and I got this as a response: "If I were to describe Andrea, she would be a lake in a forest—calm, steady, and deeply nurturing. She is like still waters, with a gentle and calm soul that brings a feeling of safety. A friend you can confide in, always there to truly listen, understand, and nurture the connection. She is someone with whom you find ease and comfort—a safe harbor—steady and reliable, where you can find rest. In her presence, you discover both solace and warmth."

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? How did it change the trajectory of your life?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is: "Andrea, you are always where you are meant to be." No matter where I am in life or what phase I’m going through, whenever I start to wonder or feel uncertain, I just remind myself of that phrase. It has become a powerful reminder that I’m exactly where I need to be, and that everything, even the challenges, serves a purpose. It’s been a comforting reminder that everything happens for a reason.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Who would you go with?
Since I’ve been living in Budapest and had the chance to explore other European cities, I would say I’d love to do a European tour with my family—my parents and brothers. My life in Europe has been truly life-changing and eye-opening, and I’ve had the chance to visit incredible places I never imagined I’d be able to. I want my family to experience that same magic, to see and experience the places I’ve been to—and hopefully even more

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
I have a deep passion for learning and growth, constantly seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge, refine my skills, and make a difference. I’m excited to share this mindset at Camp Spring Creek, inspiring others to embrace learning as a lifelong adventure.

Ask me about the time I... went to China alone.

What is your favorite book you've ever read? What made it your favorite?
My favorite book is Somedays You Can't Save Them All by Dr. Ronnie Baticulon. It’s incredibly close to my heart. The book is both inspiring and saddening, as it offers a raw and honest look at the realities of healthcare. It beautifully captures the challenges and triumphs that come with being in the medical field, reminding me of why I want to pursue a career in healthcare, despite its emotional and sometimes heartbreaking nature.

Welcome Back: Ella Gray

We are pleased to welcome Ella back to camp for her second summer. Ella is like the cool older sister who dominates on the footie pitch, shreds on the snowboard, and knows all the best music. Since camp, she’s been traveling around the world and will surely have tons of stories to tell. We’re looking forward to many more songs around the campfire with Ella on the guitar.

Tell us a little about where you are from. If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?

I’m From Melbourne Australia, which is the home of Australian Football Rules, and the best coffee! I would take out-of-town folks to the river for a swim in the Yarra'

What is a tradition from your country that you are excited to share at camp?
I’m bringing vegemite, the good stuff!

What are you most looking forward to for your second summer?
As a returning counselor, I’m excited to see the old crew again and also meet the new members, too. Playing guitar for the kids was my favourite part last summer, so I can’t wait to play again

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I’m a songwriter

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Showing compassion and understanding to yourself first will let you radiate that positivity to others. Sometimes, we can be hard on ourselves, but it serves as a reminder that we are all learning and improving every day

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
Definitely Aussies rules footy and singing songs for the kids

If you were to invite three people to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Keanu Reeves and Billie Eilish

What is your favorite book you've ever read? What made it your favorite?
The Tattooist of Auschwitz. It was a very sad book but a true story with a good ending.

What advice would you give to campers coming to camp for their first summer?
It’s okay to be nervous at first; just be open to meeting new people and going on all these exciting adventures. It’s the best of fun!

Welcome Back: Henry Dunning

Henry is back for his third summer! He’s looking forward to catching up with all the returning campers and getting to know the new faces as well! We love Henry’s go-get-um attitude and his willingness to try anything and are thrilled to have him as part of our team again this summer.

What were some of the highlights from your first summer at Camp Spring Creek?
Going to the lake was amazing; it was a good way to chill out and have a play about at the same time. But also, just the general camp ethos is amazing to be part of

What do you most look forward to for your third summer?
I'm just looking forward to getting back amongst all the camp traditions again, a big part of coming back for me is wanting to help the kids realize how amazing their dyslexia actually is and help them grow within themselves. Originally, my interest in camp came from wanting to leave the UK, but now it is about spending time with the kids and helping them grow.

Tell us a little about where you are from!
I’m from a place called Carlisle in the very north of England and on the edge of the Lake District. It is a fantastic place to go hiking around and have some incredible views. It can be a bit wet, but in summer it's loads of fun to go swimming in all the lakes!

How would your closest friends describe you?
Kind, hard-working, compassionate

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? How did it change the trajectory of your life?
Do it for you, whatever you do in life make sure it is truly what you want to do and it is something that you have a real passion for.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? What would you do? Who would you go with?
I would want to go all over, but at the minute, Japan is at the top of my list. Their culture is fantastic and has so many layers to delve into; it would be an amazing solo trip to go on.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is more of an ongoing thing of trying to say 'yes' to as much as I can to experience everything there is out there.

What is your favorite book you've ever read? What made it your favorite?
My favourite book would have to be The Odyssey by Stephen Fry because it's centred around Greek Mythology which I am a massive fan of.

Meet the Counselors: Max Tacke

Next up in our Meet the Counselors series is Max, joining us from Germany! Max is excited to share his passion for all things sport related. He’s outgoing and always wants to be part of the action. We’re looking forward to having this self-proclaimed “bad weather hater” in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains this summer.

Tell us a little about where you are from!
I am from Düsseldorf, which is a city in the west of Germany. We are famous for the pleasant atmosphere in our old town that is located at a big river called "Rhein". Furthermore, my hometown is famous for its clothing industry and its beer that is called "Altbier". Finally, I want to add that this city is obsessed with sport and proud of its soccer team currently playing in the 2nd German division.

What are you studying in university?
I am studying English literature and sports science. My personal goal is to work as a high school teacher in the future.

What is a tradition from your country that you are excited to share at camp?
I will probably bring our typical mustard. Generally, we have a lot of Christian traditions, such as Christmas or Easter same like in America. There are also a lot of smaller celebrations. Germans love having good food and drinking beer together.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I really don’t have many wishes and hopes for the upcoming summer at camp. I just want to have a good time, making new friends from different countries, getting to know different cultures, and of course, I want to spend a lot of time with the campers! I am probably most looking forward to the lake and boat trips at the weekends and for a good sunny summertime! I love spending my free time with children. To see them smiling and having good times is what makes me feel very happy and proud! Every camper is special in his own way and really deserves to have an awesome summer at camp!

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A dream already comes true for me with my voyage to America this year! I love places and countries that have a wonderful nature. That is why I would also be very impressed and interested in visiting the national parks in South Africa!

If you were to invite three people to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Cristiano Ronaldo because he is my sports idol since I was a little child. Lady Gaga because she is my all-time favorite singer. Albert Einstein because he was one of the most intelligent German physicists

What is your favorite book you've ever read?
I love reading all kinds of thrillers and horror stories. When I was younger, I always loved reading and watching Greg’s Diary (Diary of a Wimpy Kid).

Ask me about… vacations I spent with my parents and friends. I have already visited Indonesia, Thailand, and the Seychelles!

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Treat the people in the way you want to become treated!

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
That´s very easy! Soccer! Soccer! Soccer! I am playing soccer in a team since I was 5 years old! Generally all kinds of sport activities are my passion!

Meet the Counselors: Olivia O'Connor

It’s that time of year again when we can start introducing our summer staff! We’ve got a great group of folks this summer from all over the world and we’re excited for you to all get to know them. First up is Olivia from Scotland. She brings boundless energy and a love for football (soccer).

Tell us a little about where you are from!
I live in a city called Perth in Scotland. Used to be the capital of Scotland many moons ago. We have Scone Palace where they used to crown the kings of Scotland. Lots of lovely wee places to visit such as Pitlochry (where my Nana stays), Dunked, Crieff and many more. Home to St Johnstone F.C. (best football team in Scotland).

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Meeting new folks and broadening my coaching and teaching experience. I’ve always wanted to become a camp councillor ever since I learnt about Camp America.

What is a tradition from your country that you are excited to share at camp?
Highland Games, where they do lots of different sports such as tug-o-war, caber toss, and highland dancing.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Thailand, Bali, Australia, and New Zealand to visit the country and the different cultures in the area. As well as visiting beaches and making memories with one of my best mates.

How would your closest friends describe you?
Probably like a child who can’t sit still and has never-ending energy. Gets excited over the little things in life and is very food-oriented.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Winning the Scottish Schools Football Cup in 2021

What's one of your biggest passions that you hope to share with the campers and staff at Camp Spring Creek?
Scotland teams in football (soccer)

Ask me about the time I... went bungee jumping with my dad!

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received? How did it change the trajectory of your life?
Live a life you will remember because you never know what will happen in the next one.

Meet the Counselors: Will Whitehead

Last in our Meet the Counselors series is Will. Will hails from Australia, making him our fourth Aussie staff member this summer! Will is looking forward to sharing his many passions, hobbies, and talents and helping our campers find their natural gifts.

Tell us a little about where you are from, 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 the outer suburbs of Melbourne in a town called Blackburn. It's a very bushy area and we live a two minute walk from Blackburn Lake, about a 10 minute walk from the station, and five minutes from the local football club.

What do you do for work?
I am a carpenter

It's karaoke night, what song are you singing?
September by Earth, Wind, and Fire

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I am also dyslexic

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Taking the kids on activities and meeting new people.

How would your closest friends describe you?
Outgoing but quiet

Which house would the Sorting Hat place you in if you were a student at Hogwarts?
Gryffindor 🦁

Tell us a little about your family.
I have a big family. I'm the oldest and then there's my brother Kynan, then my sister Tayona, and then my youngest brother Torin, and my mum and dad.

What’s something you’d like to teach the campers?
A new skill that they have been wanting to achieve

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Coming 2nd all-around at the Australian gymnastics championship and qualifying for the Australian team

Ask me about the time I... broke my foot at nationals and continued to compete the rest of the competition when I was 16.

You have a unexpected day off at home; how do you spend your day?
Waves are pumping, sun's out, and I'm down at the coast surfing.

Meet the Counselors: Kata Csenke

We are pleased to introduce you to Kata from Hungary. After loving her first summer camp experience in 2022, Kata is looking forward to embarking on a new adventure at Camp Spring Creek. She is ready to make this summer the best summer ever for our campers and gain some lifelong friends along the way.

Tell us a little about where you are from, 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 come from Hungary, which is located in the middle of Europe. Budapest is a capital city with beautiful architecture. In the old times it was two small towns, Buda and Pest. The Buda side has hills with a famous castle and churches. The Pest side is flat with the beautiful Parlament building. Between this two areas we have the Danube river with 7 bridges. If I had a visitor I would take him/her to see the Parliament building, which is well known for it’s unique architecture.

When it’s your turn to control the tunes in the camp van, what kind of music will we be listening to?
I really enjoy Hungarian folk music, however, when I’m in the US I’m really forward to listening to famous American country music.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
In my freetime I like to prepare tasty Hungarian meals such as Gulyas soup

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
My hope is to form a really good connection with the campers and I’m really looking forward to enjoying the slip and slide activity which will help me get to really know them.

Which house would the Sorting Hat place you in if you were a student at Hogwarts?
Gryffindor 🦁

How would your closest friends describe you?
My friends call me MAMA, because I prepare tasty takeaway dishes for all my friends.

Ask me about the time I... traveled to Australia this year and saw the kangaroos

If you were to invite three people (dead or alive, real or characters) to a dinner party, who would you invite?
Gordon Ramsay, Mickey Mouse and Selena Gomez

You have a unexpected day off at home; how do you spend your day? What would your perfect day look like?
I have a dachsund (hotdog) whose name is Willie and we love walking around, relaxing in the park and enjoying a tasty cappucino. At the end of the day and in the evening I would prepare a good meal for my friends.

Meet the Counselors: Filip Durbas

Summer is just around the corner now! Next in our Meet the Counselors series is Filip. Filip is excited to jump in the deep end of camp and help coach the campers in swim class! He loves learning new skills and having new experiences and is ready to venture to the United States for the first time.

Tell us a little about where you are from, 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 from Wysoka, little village near Krakow. If I have some visitors I would take them to Wadowice. Wadowice is the town that is famous for being Pope Jan Pawel II’s hometown.

What do you do for work/studies?
I have my own swimming school in Wadowice. Before I started my bussines I finished Economic High School in Wadowice.

It's karaoke night, what song are you singing?
A few weeks ago I was with my girlfriend in the cinema and after the film she started singing “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield all day and now this song is stuck in my mind. So if it karaoke night i would sing this song.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
All the kids will be laughing at me because I look like a 40 years man but I am only 21 😂

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I’m looking forward to meeting new people at camp of course and also gaining experience in teaching children swimming. After camp ends I’m excited to visit NYC.

Which house would the Sorting Hat place you in if you were a student at Hogwarts?
Gryffindor 🦁

What is your favorite book you've ever read?
The Art of War by Sun Tzu.

Tell us a little about your family.
My mum Ania works in office and my dad Jasiek has his own building company. My sister Asia jas just graduated school.

How would your closest friends describe you?
Athletic, calm, funny, and charismatic

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Opening my own business

Welcome Back: Ellie Maloney

Let us introduce you to Ellie. Ellie first joined our camp family in 2015 as a camper and quickly nuzzled her way into our hearts. After spending four summers as a camper, Ellie returned to us as kitchen staff and helped keep her fellow kitchen helpers in line. Once she got to college she was ready for a new challenge and got trained in Orton-Gillingham by Susie. Because of her vast knowledge of camp and her own experiences with dyslexia, Ellie can resonate with our campers like no other tutor can.

What do you love most about working at camp?
I love the tight knit community that is always is willing to help when your need something

What made you want to become a tutor?
I had so many great tutors growing up attending Camp Spring Creek and I hope to have the same impact on other kids

What are some of your best memories from camp, as either a camper or staff?
As a camper, my favorite memories are all the amazing activities like going spelunking. As a tutor the best memories that I have are watching the kids slowly coming out of their shells and showing their personalities

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I am terrified of snails

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
Seeing all the people that I don't get to see during the rest of the year

You were a camper for four summers, and have now been on our staff for four summers. How do you think your experiences as a camper influenced your time as a staff member?
I think it gave me the ability to let kids be by themselves, the first week of camp every year I wanted to be left alone and I think that helps me understand when kids are standoffish

What do you do during the school year?
I am currently getting my bachelor's degree in History at Mars Hill University and tutor on the side

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
My favorite books are all of Jane Austein books, in order its Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park and then Northanger Abbey

How would your closest friends describe you?
“Big youngest child energy”

What is your proudest accomplishment?
I think my proudest accomplishment was being able to push through high school and doing well in college

What advice would you give a camper or staff member who is coming to camp for the first time?
Susie is not as scary as she seems.

Meet the Art Teacher: Charlotte McClaren

We’re delighted to introduce you all to Charlotte. Charlotte hails from Australia and heard about Camp Spring Creek through family friends. We’re excited to see the many creative projects that take place in the North Art barn this summer!

Tell us a little about where you are from! If you have out-of-town visitors, where do you take them?
I am from a town called Hurstbridge it’s a small town about an hour from the city of Melbourne, Australia. I am surrounded by many trees and beautiful bush walks it is definitely a place I would recommend.

Tell us a little about your family.
I have a beautiful family. A twin brother and older sister and brother and my beautiful dad who I still currently live with.

What do you do for work?
I have worked many jobs and haven’t studied since high school. At the moment I work for a small family business.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I am most looking forward to meeting all the campers and making new connections.

How would your closest friends describe you?
They would probably say that I am outgoing, very social, and someone who will always support them through anything.

What can campers do to win your heart?
Campers can win my heart by being themselves and most of all having fun!

What’s something you’d like to teach the campers?
I would like to teach the campers that they should always be themselves.

Which house would the Sorting Hat place you in if you were a student at Hogwarts?
Hufflepuff! 🦡

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment would be traveling to camp in America.

Ask me about the time I... jumped off a cliff into a rock pool.

What is your favorite book you've ever read?
My favorite book would be Andy Griffiths’s books; he is actually a Melbourne author!!

What made you want to come work at camp this summer?
I always wanted to work at Camp Spring Creek as it’s something different and I can meet new people and most of all have fun!

Meet the Tutors: Becky Chambers

Becky is new to our Camp Spring Creek family this year, but brings years of experience not only as a tutor, but also as the parent of a dyslexic child. She’s live all over the place and will surely share a plethora of stories from her time hopping between the east and west coasts.

Tell us about where you’re from! 
I grew up in Northern California where it is flat and hot, then I joined the Coast Guard, married another Coastie, and bounced between the coasts for 25 years.  My kids say they are from Alaska!  We lived in Sitka, Juneau, Connecticut, Ketchikan, Kodiak, and Seattle before settling in Northern Virginia a few years ago.

How did you become interested in tutoring and Orton-Gillingham?
My youngest son is dyslexic!  When I saw how much OG helped him learn and grow, I wanted to get trained and be part of the team for other kids. I also love that it's an area where I can keep learning- there is always something new to discover about our language.

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I live in a rural area and we have goats, chickens, and rabbits.

What made you want to spend your summer at Camp Spring Creek?
I went to training at Camp Spring Creek in March, and it was amazing to spend a week learning with people who are so passionate about this work.  The property is gorgeous and it looks like everyone has so much fun.  I'm really excited to grow my skills, get to know new people, and help kids have an awesome summer. 

What are you looking forward to the most this summer? 
I am looking forward to becoming part of the community at camp.  It will be my first time at summer camp, ever!

What do you do during the school year?
I am a private literacy tutor.  

What are some of your most memorable moments as a teacher?
I love it when a kid makes a crazy connection between two ideas that I never would have thought about.  I learn from my students every day.

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
My favorite book is The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas, and my favorite series is Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan. 

How would your closest friends describe you?
I asked a few friends and they said calm, helpful, smart, kind, patient, fun and hardworking. 

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Raising my three kids to be good humans!

How do you like to spend your free time?
I love spending time with all of our animals, getting outdoors, reading,  knitting socks, and quilting.  I also play flute in my local community band. 

Ask me about the time I was captain of a ship in Alaska!

Meet the Counselors: Weronika Filek

Weronika is joining us this summer all the way from Poland. When she’s not busy studying in hopes of becoming a pediatric surgeon she loves to spend time in nature or being creative. She is deeply empathetic and is looking forward to drawing from her own experiences at summer camp as a child to help support our campers this summer.

Tell us a little about where you are from, 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 come from Poland from the small town of Wadowice. Every day you can meet a tourist here because Jan Paweł II was born in this city.

It's karaoke night, what song are you singing?
I think I would sing "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield for karaoke.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
Hmmm maybe that I have red hair underwater 😂

What are your hopes for this summer? What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Most of all, I'm looking forward to working with people from other countries. I can't wait to meet you all because I love meeting new people

How would your closest friends describe you?
They would describe me as funny, responsible, and self-sufficient but that I sometimes think too much.

What can campers do to win your heart?
Highlight your intelligence and show your value!

What’s something you’d like to teach the campers?
I would like to teach children to work in a group of general cooperation. I would like to talk to children about values in life that are important but also drawing because I'm good at it.

What is the most courageous or adventurous thing you’ve done?
It seems to me that the most courageous thing I have done is traveling to the other end of the world and more specifically to North Carolina to work at Camp Spring Creek

If you were to invite three people (dead or alive, real or characters) to a dinner party, who would you invite
Jack Sparrow, Angelina Jolie and David Goggins

What is your favorite book you've ever read?
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Tell us a little about your family.
My close family consists of my mother who is a teacher, my older brother Kacper who is currently working in another country, and my younger brother Nikodem who is studying drumming at a music school. I don't have my dad because he died when I was one year old but I can also add my Aunt Ela because she is also very close to me, she works as a teacher at school.

What made you want to come work at camp this summer?
Firstly, I want to work in another country that speaks English because I want to master it to perfection. Secondly, America has been my dream for as long as I can remember. Thirdly, I like children and camps, because I attended camps quite often as a child.

Welcome Back: Zuza Glica

When we first spoke to Zuza in 2020, we knew she was a perfect fit for camp, but we could have never imagined the lasting impact she would make on our camp family. Zuza perfectly embodies the Camp Spring Creek spirit and has an infectious love for life. Anyone who has had the joy of getting to know Zuza loves her, and we’re so glad she’s continuing her journey at Camp Spring Creek this summer as a tutor!

Tell us where you’re from. If you have a first-time visitor, what would you make sure they experience in your city?
I'm from a lovely city called Milanówek, located in central Poland. Great things about this place are nature and old villas, so the first thing that comes to my mind is a long walk or a bike ride along green streets.

What do you love most about working at camp?
That no matter how prepared you are, there is always something unexpected coming :)

What made you want to return to Camp Spring Creek for a third summer?
People make camp such a wonderful place, that you feel at home and you want to come back as soon as you leave.

What do you do during the school year?
Currently, I work as a pricing analyst in a transport company.

What advice would you give a camper or staff member who is coming to camp for the first time?
You can eat bacon with your hands! And remember you have to eat at least one salad to get a dessert!

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
It's Na fali i pod prąd, unfortunately, I couldn't find an English version. It's an autobiography written by Aleksander Doba, who as the first person in the world that kayaked the Atlantic twice.

What are some of your best memories from camp?
Caving in Tennessee, all trips to Lake James, Virginia Creeper Trail biking, all the smiles and hugs in the morning, every reading hour, pool games with kids, and so much more.

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
I can't wait to see all the familiar faces and all the new ones :)

How did you become interested in tutoring and Orton-Gillingham?
I stumbled upon the OG method for the first time at camp. What made the biggest impression on me was the improvement that kids had made while working hard with tutors for six weeks. That made me feel like I wanted to be a part of it.

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I don't like milk chocolate:)

You worked as a counselor for your first summer, then came back as our typing teacher, and are now transitioning into a tutoring role. How do you anticipate your experience as a tutor will differ from being a counselor?
Being a tutor is way different from being a counselor. The biggest challenge and the most interesting thing will be working with each kid separately and preparing lessons every day.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
I flew to the US alone for the first time in my life, and I didn't lose anything!

Ask me about the time when... my duvet had been stolen.

Meet the Counselors: Iu Teixidor

We are thrilled to introduce Iu to our Camp Spring Creek family. Iu lives in Spain, a country we haven’t had represented at Camp Spring Creek in nearly 15 years! Iu is eager to get involved in everything at Camp and share more about himself and Catalan culture.

Tell us a little about where you are from, 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 Catalonia in Spain, which is the northeast part of Spain near France. Here we have a culture of very good food, particularly paella, and enjoy the beautiful coast we have. Also, we have Salvador Dalí, an amazing artist, and here we have the museum. Girona is the biggest city we near have, is a charming city with a medieval old town and cobblestone streets. Girona's cathedral stands out for its Gothic architecture. In addition, the city is known for its gastronomy and lively festivals. Every corner has something special to discover.

What do you do for work/studies?
I was working as a lifeguard in a water park and as a waiter. I love to communicate with clients and talk about their lives and where they come from. I studied Animation physical-sportive and Animation sociocultural and touristic.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
That I can touch my nose with my tongue!

What are your hopes for this summer? What are you most looking forward to this summer?
I hope the summer will be great, that I will enjoy it like a child, and that I will learn many things about the campers and the staff. I hope to make relationships that can last for years and create bonds that cannot be destroyed.

How would your closest friends describe you?
I just asked my friends, and among all their words they describe me as a loyal, humble, kind-hearted person, always trying to take care of others, when I have to ask for forgiveness I ask for it, even if it takes me some time of relaxation to understand that I was not right.

What can campers do to win your heart?
In the end, we have a relationship of great trust. If one day they are sad they let me know, and on the days they want to sing and dance, they tell me too; a lot of transparency.

Ask me about the time I... I took a flight alone to Portugal! It was my first time alone in another country.

What is your favorite book you've ever read?
If it were possible to choose a manga, One Piece by Eiichiro Oda. There is a lot of background in just a few drawings. My favorite novel would probably be Holes by Louis Sachar, but I read it in Spanish in high school.

Which house would the Sorting Hat place you in if you were a student at Hogwarts?
Gryffindor

Welcome Back: Rose Conchar

Great news! Rose is returning for her second summer at Camp Spring Creek. During the school year, Rose works for our One-By-One initiative and goes into the local school system to support children with dyslexia.

Tell us where you’re from!
I was born and raised in New Jersey, but I’ve been living in Little Switzerland, NC for just over a year.

How did you become interested in tutoring and Orton-Gillingham?
I was tutored in Wilson, which is different than OG but follows similar principles that really helped improve my reading and writing as a child. I’m honored to now be able to do the same for kids at camp and in the local schools.

What do you love most about working at camp?
Getting to see all the kids shine; their growth in confidence in reading and writing is amazing. It’s great to witness everyone making lifelong friends and bonding over struggles that will someday become their superpower.

What are some of your best memories from camp?
The Virginia Creeper biking and ice cream stop is one of my favorite memories. On the night we went camping before the Virginia Creeper Trail I enjoyed watching all the kids play together in the field like a little family after getting to know each other for the past six weeks. It was beautiful how their friendships and bonds had grown and their personalities had fully come out.

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I’m also dyslexic and ADHD. I was in special educational classes all the way through my senior year.

What made you want to return to Camp Spring Creek for a second summer?
I really enjoy what I do and love the family that camp becomes.

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
I’m looking forward to seeing returning campers, tutors, and counselors from last year and meeting all the new faces as well.

How do you think your experience with dyslexia impacts your teaching style?
I have a lot of empathy for the kids. I know the struggle a lot of them face since I have been in their shoes.

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
Holes by Louis Sachar, only because it was one of the first books I was able to read completely on my own. Reading was difficult for me as a child.

How would your closest friends describe you?
Selfless, resilient, strong, intelligent, loving, compassionate

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment was becoming an OG tutor. School was incredibly hard for me. Being able to assist kids in a similar way that I was assisted in making school easier is something I couldn’t have imagined.

Ask me about the time I… traveled from Scotland, Ireland, and Alaska in a span of a month.

What advice would you give a camper or staff member who is coming to camp for the first time?
Be kind and be yourself. My first summer here as a tutor turned out to be one of the best summers of my life.

Welcome Back: Anthony Chavez

For anyone who attended camp in 2022, Anthony will be a familiar face! This summer, Anthony is putting his art apron away and chanelling his creativity into tutoring. We’re thrilled that so many of our past staff are returning - many of them taking on new roles and getting to experience camp from different perspectives. We loved how involved Anthony got in the full summer camp experience and can only expect that he’ll still find the time to join our capture the flag games after his tutoring sessions.

Tell us where you’re from!
I grew up in Hendersonville, North Carolina. My dad is from Chihuahua, Mexico, and my mom grew up in Waynesville.

How did you become interested in tutoring and Orton-Gillingham?
I work for Asheville City Schools and first heard about the methodology from some of the tutors who came to our school. My wife became friends with a tutor who started working at Camp Spring Creek, and she is the one who introduced me to the camp. 

What do you do during the school year?
I am a behavior specialist for Asheville City Schools. I work with students who have various disabilities and challenges to ensure that they are successful in the classroom. 

What do you love most about working at camp?
Everything!!! The kids and staff are amazing, the location is beautiful, there is always something to do, and it's a great atmosphere.

What are some of your best memories from your first summer at camp? 
The evening games that I volunteered to play, and getting to interact with the kids from different parts of the world. 

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I was in the Air Force for 12 years as an aircraft mechanic. I was deployed and traveled a lot while I was in.

What made you want to return to Camp Spring Creek for a second summer?
The atmosphere is just relaxing, and it offers a disconnect from the outside world.

What are you looking forward to the most this summer? 
Meeting the kids and watching them grow as readers.

You worked as our art teacher for your first summer and are now transitioning into a tutoring role. How do you anticipate your experience as a tutor will differ from being the art teacher? 
Being a tutor is going to be more focused. Instead of having a class of 10 students, I am going to be one-on-one with a student. Each lesson is going to be tailored to that student and their growth. As the art teacher, I had group lessons and then gave the students the freedom to work on a project that they were passionate about.

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
I have always been a fan of the older Star Wars books. I read them when I was a kid and still read them as an adult.

How would your closest friends describe you?
Outgoing and humorous, I always try to find a way to make people smile.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
Enlisting in the Air Force and working with challenging students.

Ask me about the time I… anything, I literally have a story for everything and will be glad to share it with anyone.

What advice would you give a camper or staff member who is coming to camp for the first time?
It's a fun place to work and attend. I am so surprised that they are paying me to be there to talk, teach, and have fun with kids. Best job I ever had.

Welcome Back: Naomi Fitzpatrick

We are pleased to welcome Naomi back to camp for her second summer. Naomi brought a warm, big-sister energy to camp last summer and we know so many of our returning campers will be comforted with Naomi back in the cabins.

Tell us a little about where you are from, 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 little village, fore in County Westmeath, Ireland. It has a beautiful lake and monastery dating back to the 7th century. Thousands of people visit every year. When the weather is nice, everyone goes for a walk and gets an ice cream in the coffee shop.

What do you do for work?
I am an Irish and Geography teacher.

What would campers be surprised to learn about you? 
I can play a song on the piano just by listening to it

How would your closest friends describe you?
Funny, musical, adventurous

What’s something you’d like to teach the campers?
An Irish dance

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is becoming a teacher at 23.

Ask me about the time I... held a baby alligator last summer when I was traveling!

What is your favorite book you've ever read?
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

Tell us a little about your family.
I have two older sisters, Yesim and Alisha. Yesim is currently living in Australia and Alisha works as a Veterinary nurse here in Ireland. They were always big role models to me growing up. My mam is very funny and hardworking. She runs our farm. She is a true inspiration!

What made you want to come work at camp this summer?
I made so many new friendships last year with both campers and counselors and made so many amazing memories, I just have to go back to do it all over again!

What were some of the highlights from your first summer at Camp Spring Creek?

Meeting all the counselors; by the end of camp, everyone is like family.

What advice would you give to campers coming to camp for their first summer?

It can be scary going on your own, but there are others feeling the exact same way you are, after a couple of days, it will feel like you’re at home with all these new people.

What do you most look forward to for your second summer?

Getting to know the kids was very special. At first, they are only a name, but by the second week, you’ve built such a special connection with them and they look up to you. The memories that I made last year are unforgettable and are something I’ll always carry with me. As soon as I got home last summer, I missed it and knew I wanted to go back.