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.

Meet the Tutor: Nisha Kriangsaksakul

Nisha is new to our Camp Spring Creek family this year and brings years of experience as a tutor. She heard about Camp through one of her students and now she’s here to see what all the hype is about! She knew she couldn’t have all the fun, so she’s bringing her daughter along to get the Camp Spring Creek experience as well!

Tell us about where you’re from!
I was born in West Africa, then when I was 6 years old, I moved to India. I finished studying there and later got married in Thailand, where I live now.

How did you become interested in tutoring and Orton-Gillingham?
I was always interested in the topic of dyslexia — I wanted to learn more about it. I heard that Orton-Gillingham is a great method for students with dyslexia. It just happened… The path opened up for me, and here I am, following my passion to educate students with dyslexia.

What might campers be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a fun-loving teacher who loves to laugh, play, and make learning exciting!

What made you want to spend your summer at Camp Spring Creek?
Actually, it was my student Annabelle and her family — because of them, I’m here. My family also encouraged me. I want to learn more and go back home to help students who really need this approach.

What are you looking forward to the most this summer?
Having fun with the kids, learning from them, from other teachers, from Susie, and from everyone at camp. I feel like I’ll connect to my inner self here.

What do you do during the school year?
I tutor and I create lesson plans and spend time with my daughter.

What is a tradition from your country that you are excited to share at camp?
Dandiya — a fun and colorful Indian dance!

What is your favorite book or series that you’ve read?
I love reading stories that make me laugh and feel good. One of my favorites is Wonder by R.J. Palacio — it reminds me how important kindness is.

How would your closest friends describe you?
They say I have a great sense of humor and that I'm witty.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Be your authentic self. Be visible.

What is your proudest accomplishment?
My journey from unseen to seen.
Growing up, I sometimes felt invisible — like my voice didn’t matter. But I kept learning, growing, and believing. Now I use what I’ve learned to help students feel seen, understood, and empowered.

How do you like to spend your free time?
Gymming, tutoring, and spending time with my daughter.

Ask me about the time I… met a monkey at the beach in Thailand… and it tried to steal my daughter's snack!"

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!

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: 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.