A fun and highly qualified staff is essential in order for campers to have the best summer camp experience. We screen over 3,000 applications and interview close to 650 applicants for 175 positions. Once at camp, all staff members participate in a 10 day orientation and are re-interviewed by our Directors and Group Leaders ensuring we make the best cabin and program assignments.
Our staff is carefully assessed for their departmental achievements, and their experience working with children. All Department Heads are extremely qualified in their fields of instruction, and most are professionals in their particular skill area year round. Furthermore, girls at Camp Vega benefit from an outstanding counselor return rate every year, and our 2.5-to-1 camper-to-counselor ratio.
***
The 2012 staff is dedicated, experienced and excited. They are passionate about making this summer extraordinary for every girl at Vega! Below are messages from the 2012 staff, with more coming in every day!
Administration
Sandy Harris, Program Director: I am so thrilled to be back at Vega for my 11th summer! This will be my 2nd year as program director and I’m going to do my best to make summer 2012 amazing! Each year gets better and better with new activities, ideas, and staff. When I’m not at camp, I work as a Personal Trainer in Salt Lake City Utah. I also stay home with my son Will who will be Paxton’s partner in crime this summer. I can’t wait for those buses to drive down Echo Lake Road. Get ready Vega 2012!
Anthony Pyatt, Office Manager/Assistant Program Director: Hi! I am so excited to be joining all of the Vegans for the 2012 season (lucky number 7 for me). As always, it is guaranteed that there will be a wealth of phenomenal activities for each girl to experience and enjoy. Returning as Office Manager/ Assistant Program Director, my goal is to help make sure everything runs smoothly, from parent/ camper communication to the numerous special events.
During the winter, I am an Administrative Director for a private, non-profit school here in Austin, TX. While I work with children and their families all year, nothing compares to the passion and joy I get to witness on Echo Lake. I am counting the days!
Department Heads
Josh Lurkins,Landsports Department Head: Hello everyone from sunny Scottsdale, Arizona. Counting down the days to my 14th summer at Camp Vega. I spent the fall working my 4th caddie season at East Hampton Golf Club in New York. I am currently caddying my 6th winter season at the TPC of Scottsdale (home of the Phoenix Open). I graduated from Arizona State with a degree in physical education in 2000 and taught high school and coached varsity girls basketball and boys/girls cross-country for 4 years before switching for a career in the golf industry.
This summer the Landsports staff is excited and looking forward to seeing everyone again. We will be continuing several landsport traditions: the pop fly tour, 50 mile club, and cheetah club. Make sure to listen to Kyle during announcements to sign up for your favorite intercamp sports teams!
Scott Hall, Ropes Department Head: 2000 was my first summer at Camp Vega and like the campers Camp Vega has shaped who I am. Camp Vega opened my eyes to the field of education. Since then I have become an elementary school teacher, teaching in Arizona after graduating from Northern Arizona University. When I’m not in the classroom I am climbing, hiking or disc golfing. I started climbing when I was 13 years old and giving the campers the same passion to climb at camp has been a wonderful experience. It has been my honor to be a part of the Vega tradition for 13 years!
Summer 2012 is just around the corner and I can hardly wait! It is time to feel the warm sun on our backs as we climb to the top of the Vega canopy. I can already hear the cheers of encouragement as you push each other to new highs and goals that you did not dream possible. So get ready to have fun and excitement on the Challenge Course, because the trees and I are ready to having fun pushing you to reach your goals. Don’t stop till you are at the TOP!
Marcos Freitas, Tennis Department Head: Hello Vega. It is with a great enthusiasm that I return to Camp Vega for my 7th summer. Year after year camp magic and the exciting environment brings me many lifelong lessons and memories that I am always eager to share with new campers and staffs. For the past year I’ve been teaching tennis at a club near Boston, Massachusetts. I am certified by the USPTA and have graduated with a bachelor degree in Recreation. Previously, I have taught at the Evert Tennis Academy in South Florida working with ITF and WTA players.
The 2012 summer has a promising Tennis Department with many returning tennis pros. Vega will be hosting its third USTA Tournament and for the first time a Level 6. Early bird and coaches’ period will be expecting those passionate tennis players throughout the summer. New projects and ideas are also being developed to make 2012 tennis the best ever. The countdown has begun!
Michelle Tolson, Dance Department Head: Michelle continues to teach throughout NJ, and is currently at four studios. On the weekends she judges for three different national dance competitions when she is not running rehearsal. She also teaches active adults Tap and Zumba which she loves. Most recently, Michelle just competed and placed first runner up in the Mrs. New Jersey America pageant and was the interview winner.
Christine Barnard, Gym Department Head: Greetings fellow Vegans!!! I am from Sydney, Australia where I currently work as a Pre-School Teacher. I have been involved in gymnastics since I was 8 and have done it all competing, coaching and judging. I can’t believe I am back for my 5th year at Vega (3rd as DH) & I cannot wait for Summer 2012 to start! I have so many exciting ideas for Tumbledown, some new ones & the faithful oldies are back too, The Star Chart is back once again, Stunting, Handstand Competitions and of course the Gym Show will be spectacular! (no I will not tell you the theme yet!)
Vega Stars: I hope you are polishing off your routines because you have a busy summer, with our Intra & Inter-Camps keeping you busy!! I am counting down the days until I see all your faces again and I get to meet all the new campers!!
YEAH Vega 2012!!
Shannon Thurston, Music Department Head: FRIENDS!!!! I am super thrilled and so super wicked excited to be returning to Vega for my fourth summer and heading up the Music Department! I grew up in Maine and moved out of Maine to go to school in New York City where I specialized in Musical Theater and Vocal Training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy! At the moment I teach voice and audition preparation classes in central Maine. I am so excited for the new installments in the music program at Vega! Not only will campers have the opportunity to learn how to sing if they choose but they will also have a chance to audition for The Echos! An all camper vocal group that will be nothing short of amazing! ONE, TWO, ONE, TWO, ONE, TWO VEGA!!!!!!!
Jeremy Aiken, Media Department Head: It’s hard to believe that this will be my 3rd year at Vega… it’s obviously a place that people always want to return to! I hail from Australia and have lived in the US since my first Summer at Vega in 2010. In-between Summers I reside in New York City and work as a freelance Photographer, Videographer and Social Media Consultant.
Most of the work I do is corporate so coming to Vega makes the work a lot more action-packed and it’s always different.I love the outdoors so it’s great to have an office surrounded by the trees and fresh air and be able to capture these great memories for the Vega families. This year we’ll be filming a new video that will capture all the things that make Vega special and ‘extraordinary’ and possibly launching some campers into their careers as Hollywood stars… so look out!
Aaron Salazar, Theater Department Head: Hi everyone!! I am so thrilled to be back for my second year as D.H. of Theatre. This season has been jam packed with work directing and choreography in NYC and the North East. Im also thrilled to have my 2nd in command Ashley Joining me from “the city”. Once again we will bring the professionalism and energy of NYC to Maine. This summer will be filled with 4 awesome musicals that are sure to be crowd pleasers. Summer is almost here and we in the Theatre Department can’t wait to start working with all of you. See you soon!
Ashley Ings, Assistant Theater Director: Hello Camp Vega! I am so excited to be returning this year for my second season. As some of you know, my name is Ashley Kincaid Ings and I have been dancing for 28 years, and working as a professional Dancer/Singer/Actor in and around NYC for the past 13 years. I’ve competed, been in shows, judged, taught, and choreographed, so in a nutshell, I’ve done it all! I have worked for companies such as Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, Harley Davidson and Royal Caribbean just to name a few. I have also worked as an assistant choreographer for some of the biggest names in Choreography on Broadway and across the country. During the winter months I continue all of the above, plus I work with my husband, a figure skating coach at Wollman Rink, by teaching his competitive skaters Ballet/Off Ice classes.
Enough about me! Aaron and I are really looking forward to working with you ladies again this summer! We have some great shows up our sleeves, and can’t wait to see your smiling faces ready to learn and have fun at the same time down in the Lodge!! So come down and audition, and get ready for an amazing musical theater filled summer!
Dustin Weber, Outdoor Adventure Department Head: Hello! My name is Dustin Weber, and I am very excited to be coming back to Vega for my second summer. I am currently in my third year at the University of Maine in Farmington pursuing my bachelor’s degree in elementary education. When I am not studying, you can find me out on the lake fishing, riding my bike through the woods, or at the ice rink playing hockey. This is going to be my first summer in the Outdoor Adventure program and I can promise that there are going to be new adventures and we will have a ton of fun! I can smell the pine trees already!
Becky Peabody, Arts & Crafts Department Head: Hello all! My name is Becky, and I’m a recent graduate of Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston where I earned Masters in Teaching for Art Education. It has always been my dream to be able to share my love of art. I love to draw and paint and am often inspired by the beauty in nature. I am over-the-moon excited for my first summer at Camp Vega! I can’t wait to be inspired and amazed by the creative minds of the Vega girls. How lucky we are to be able to make art in such a gorgeous environment!
Allison Edwards, Culinary Department Head: Hello! My name is Allison Edwards and I’m so excited to join the Camp Vega team! I am currently going to Utah State University in the cold Logan, Utah. I am a junior majoring in Dietetics. I love to cook, but more importantly, I love to eat delicious food! I have always felt it so important to teach young girls through nutrition how to love who they are and feel comfortable in their own skin. I cannot wait to see the beautiful Maine summer and enjoy the warm weather!
JoAnn Flejszar, Equestrian Department Head: Hello from Western Michigan! I am looking forward to spending the summer with you. I am a high school physics and chemistry teacher and married to Chris Flejszar, who is also a teacher. While he spends the majority of the summer teaching a summer enrichment class, I get to spend mine with you, doing what I love, sharing my knowledge about horses. My love of horses began at an early age with my Grandfather as he allowed me to drive and ride his draft horse team. Over the years I learned to ride western, saddle seat, hunters and finally to my current focus, dressage. I was fortunate that my parents supported my passion for all things horses and I began to take lessons and show regularly, first in local circuits and ultimately in A rated shows. My horse journey has taken me from Michigan to California and back again both as a rider and as a coach. I have had great success in the area of coaching and look forward to helping each and every one of you in your riding pursuits. See you in June Vegans.
Anthony Adams, Water Ski Department Head: Coming soon!
Jamison Pike, Sail (Small Crafts) Department Head: Coming soon!
Kissy Crowell-Smith, Figure Skating Department Head: Coming soon!
Group Leaders
Kathryn Moore, Junior Group Leader: Hello! My name is Kathryn (Kent) Moore and I am 23 years old from Dayton, Ohio. Currently, I am in school at West Virginia University and I am graduating in May with my Master’s degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood. This will be my fifth summer at Vega and my second summer as the sub junior and junior group leader! I love the enthusiasm and energy that this age group displays and I am so thrilled to be their group leader again. I can’t wait for another amazing, fun-filled summer spent on Echo Lake. Yeah Vega 2012!
Nicole Kugler, Sub Super Junior Group Leader: Hi Everyone! I am back for another summer at Vega and I cannot wait! My name is Nicole Kugler and I am 22 years old. I will be graduating from Vanderbilt University this May with a major in Psychology andminors in Spanish and Managerial Studies: Leadership and Organization. Though I can hardly believe it, this will be my 10th summer at Vega! I was a camper for 7 years and a Landsports counselor during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Vega has played such a large part in my life and I cannot wait to be back with my Vega family again this summer! I am looking forward to taking on the important role as sub-super Group Leader and to seeing all the smiling faces again at camp. Camp Vega 2012! Woo!
Liz Lepere, Super Junior Group Leader: The “S” is for the super and the “U” is for unique…Can’t wait for Vega 2012 to get underway! I am so excited to spend my fifth summer on Echo Lake! I will once again be super junior group leader and couldn’t be more excited. I graduated from Washington State University (GO COUGS!) with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I am a preschool teacher during the school year and this past fall I made the big move from my hometown of Seattle, WA to Boston, MA. I have been loving east coast life and the best part is I am closer to my Vega family. I can’t wait for the buses to roll down the dirt road and the magic of summer 2012 to begin…see you soon!
Cait Ellis, Inter Group Leader: Hello Vega! I am counting down the days until I get to make another journey from California to my summer home. This will be my fifth summer in beautiful Maine and my second as the Inter Group Leader. I will be moving to Indiana this fall to pursue a Masters of Public Affairs at the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Bloomington. I am looking forward to jumping in the lake, rocking out at Interpalooza, and eating soy nut butter! This will be an amazing summer and I cannot wait to spend it will all of you!
Sammy Krieger, Senior Group Leader: Hi girls! My name is Sammy Krieger and I am thrilled to be your senior group leader! I am 21 years old, from Roslyn, NY, and back for my 5th summer at Vega 
I recently graduated from Vanderbilt University after majoring in Human and Organizational Development and minoring in Corporate Strategy. After summer 2010 at land-sports, I am ecstatic to reunite with all of you girls. I am looking forward to joining my two younger sisters and many friends for yet another summer. Camp could not come sooner!
Megan Schallom, Super Senior Group Leader: Hi Vega! I’m Megan and this will be my third summer working at camp! I am 22 and from St. Louis, Missouri. I am graduating in May with my Bachelors in Business Management. I’m counting down the days till camp starts. I’m looking forward to working with the super seniors and I plan to make it an amazing summer!
Whitney Glenn, Tamary Group Leader: My name is Whitney, I’m 25 and I currently double as an administrative assistant and graphic designer. I have a degree in communications from Emmanuel College and when I’m not working I volunteer at the YMCA, play basketball and tennis, and spend my Saturdays crafting. I started working at Vega in 2007 in the Landsports Department as the basketball coach. This will be my fourth summer and I love camp! Every summer I look forward to sunny days, memories made, and of course… my camp birthday! I am so excited about this summer, I’ve already started marking down the days 
Counselors and Specialists
Brooke Rascoff, Swim: My name is Brooke and I am from San Diego, California. I will be a sophomore at The University of Pennsylvania this fall. I was a camper at Vega for four years and absolutely adored the place. It was so much my home away from home that I couldn’t wait to return to every summer, so I can’t wait to finally come back as a counselor! I have been a swimmer my whole life, so I am very excited to be a swim instructor, and can’t wait to jump back into Echo Lake!
Kevin Stewart, Waterski: Hey everyone! My name is Kevin and I am 21 years old from Kansas City, Missouri. I am currently studying Engineering at Missouri University of Science & Technology. When I’m not studying I am doing something outdoors; swimming, jogging, mountain biking, canoeing, you name it. I am so excited for my first summer at Camp Vega as a waterski/wakeboarding councilor. It would be my pleasure to teach you how to shred some wakes, and I cant wait to be apart of all the fun filled traditions that Vega has to offer.
Shelby Johnson, Ropes: I am 21 years old from the Pacific Northwest and am studying science education at Western Washington University. I love hiking, rock climbing, gardening, snowboarding, skimboarding, painting, DJing, and exploring nature. Essentially anything that requires a board or being outside, I am down for. I can’t wait to get to Vega this summer and meet all the girls! Becoming a part of the Vega family is really exciting for me.
Christina McBride, Swim: I am sophomore at Utah Valley University. I have a passion to teach. I am majoring in elementary education and would really enjoy teaching kindergarten. I love swimming, swimming has been my passion since I was in the third grade. I also love spending time with my family, and I am the fourth child of a family of five. I am so excited to have fun and learn things from the girls I am going be with over for the summer.
Shayna Fader, Sail: Hi everybody! My name is Shayna and I’m from the Philadelphia area. I am heading into my sophomore year at the University of Pennsylvania and I plan to be a sociology major. I went to Vega for seven years and have been back to visit every summer since. I love rowing, swimming, and sailing but all of it is way better on Echo Lake! I can’t wait to be a part of all of the Vega traditions again. Tamary 2012: get ready for the best summer of your life!
Emily Cohn, Swim: Hi! My name is Emily and I’m from New York City, and I will be a sophomore at the University of Richmond this coming fall. I spent the best eight summers of my life at Vega as a camper and can not wait to continue that tradition this summer as a counselor. From the time my Tamary summer ended I have been awaiting the day that I get to go back to Echo Lake for the best two months of the year. I can not wait to teach swim and meet all of the new campers, as well as see some of the girls that were there when I was too!
Olivia Pucci, Sail: Hey Vega (hey what?)! My name’s Olivia, and I’m so excited to be returning to the sail shack at Vega this summer! Vega is truly my homeaway from home – I was a camper for six summers, and this will be my second summer as a counselor. My younger sister is going to be a super senior this summer so the love for Vega really runs in the family. I can’t imagine a summer without Vega – I’ve made so many amazing memories here I just can’t stay away! I’m currently a sophomore at Vanderbilt University studying Human and Organizational Development and Corporate Strategy. Can’t wait to get back on Echo Lake and see all of the campers again! Literally counting down the days,this summer is going to be the best yet!
Carlos Oyaga, Tennis: Hola! My name is Carlos Oyaga and I am from Caracas, Venezuela. Currently, I am in Western North Carolina studying Business Administration and Mathematics at Mars Hill College, where I will be graduating this coming May. At MHC I was part of the tennis team for four years and played on the soccer team (as my fifth year collegiate sport). As a tennis coach, I am really looking forward to share my knowledge and passion for the sport with everybody, especially with the campers! In addition, I am very excited to spend my summer in such an entertaining and beautiful place. See you at Camp!
Janey Asher, Sail: Hi! My name is Janey and I’m from the Washington, DC area. I will be a sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis this coming fall. I was a camper at Vega when I was younger and I loved every minute of it. I spent the best summers of my life at Camp Vega and I am so excited to come back as a counselor! I love sailing and kayaking especially in Echo Lake. I can’t wait for summer 2012 and to meet all of the new campers!
CJ Pelayo, Music: Hi Vega! I come from Mexico, I am 23 years old and I can’t wait to be back for my 2nd summer at the music department!! Where I feel like if I where at home, and there is always something new to learn everyday. For the past year I’ve been studying my bachelors degree on Finance, where I am one semester away from graduation. I’ve been working at an investment bank called “Grupo Financiero Actinver”as an investment advisor. I also spent most of my free time writing songs and composing new music for my band called “Close Fact City”. Vega is a place filled with lots of enthusiasm, team work, sharing, happiness and many other things that makes the girls and the staff feel in a different world apart from ordinary things we live everyday, that is what makes it so special.
Raine Gowan, Outdoor Adventure: Hi everyone! My name is Raine and I am from Brunswick, Georgia. I am currently a sophomore at Emory University studying Anthropology on a pre-med track. This will be my second summer at Vega. I am so excited to be going back! The girls are wonderful and I couldn’t imagine spending my summer any other way. I will be a counselor in Outdoor Adventure Department again this year. I love being outdoors, playing soccer and hiking. I try to be outside as much as possible. I look forward to meeting and seeing everyone this summer!
Kelley McQuillin, Landsports: My name is Kelley McQuillin, a junior at the University of New Hampshire, majoring in Women’s Studies and Elementary Education. I am energetic, caring, outgoing, and love to play sports. Last summer was my first summer at Vega and I look forward to being a part of the Landsports staff again! I also look forward to reuniting with all the wonderful campers who really make Vega so special. I am counting down the days until campers arrive so, get ready for the best summer ever! Yeah, Vega staff 2012!
Ellen Garr, Swim: I am really excited for this summer and I can’t wait to get out to Maine and start camp! I am 21 years old and from Salt Lake City, Utah. I am currently living in Logan, Utah and am a student at Utah State University. I am majoring in Dietetics and have a minor in chemistry. I love food and nutrition is my passion. I was a competetive swimmer throughout my entire childhood (started at age 8), and continued doing so throughout my high school years. I also played water polo for 4 years. I have been a lifeguard and swim instructor since I was 15 years old, first starting out as a junior guard, then at age 16 moved to a real lifeguard. I love running, being outdoors, hiking, camping and love being around any type of water. Skiing and snowboarding are both very important things in my life and I love to do them. I look forward to meeting all the campers and staff and being a part of Camp Vega!
Tati Dualiby, Tennis: Hi Vega, My name is Tatiana Dualiby (Tachi), I am from Brazil and I can’t wait to be back for my 2nd year on the Tennis Department. I am heading into my junior year in Mars Hill, North Carolina, where I play on the tennis team and I am a Business Management major. The girls are so wonderful and energetic and that is the best way I could imagine myself spending this summer. I am excited for summer 2012 and am looking forward to seeing and meeting everyone.
Mitch Beeston, Gym: G’day, I’m Mitch from New South Wales, Australia. I am currently a snowboarding instructor in Canada. I began coaching gymnastics when I was 16. I’m stoked to be returning to camp for my second year and look forward to being back down in tumble down. Cant wait for another amazing summer at Vega.
Sarah Purcell, Tennis: Hi, I’m Sarah! I’m 19 and from Dublin, Ireland. I’m just about to finish up my first year at University where I am studying Physiotherapy. I love all sports and I spend most of my free time playing tennis and hockey. This will be my first summer at Camp Vega! I can’t wait to get to know all of the campers and other counsellors. It will also be my first time to visit Maine, so I’m really looking forward to it!
Kelsey Davison, Office: I am 22 and a recent graduate from Keene State College in Keene NH. I majored in Sociology and minored in Psychology. I am from Hallowell, ME and can’t wait to be introduced to all that this camp has to offer, through activities and meeting new people. I love to dance, read, be outdoors and travel. I am looking forward to working at Camp Vega and am excited for the new experiences that await me.
Madison McCutcheon, Landsports: Hi, I’m Madison. I am currently a sophomore at Husson University, majoring in physical therapy. I am a very happy, energetic, and caring person. I have played sports all my life and can’t wait to meet all the campers and the staff members. This will be my first year at Camp Vega and I can’t wait to get started!
Alvaro Arizti, Landsports: My name is Alvaro Arizti, but I’m best known at Vega as Chino. I’m turning 23 at Vega this next June. This is going to be my second year at Vega in the Landsports Department. I’m so happy to return to one of the most extraordinary places on earth. Right now I’m a senior in International Business, and I graduate this next december. I love playing soccer (I have played professionally down in Guadalajara) and over this past year I’ve been working on so many new and fun drills and games for the girls to have the best time down at Landsports.
Samantha Belfer, Arts & Crafts: Hi Everyone! My name is Sammy and I can’t wait for another summer at my favorite place in the world, Vega! I am from Long Island and am going to be a sophomore at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC this fall. I am excited to contribute some new ideas to the Arts & Crafts department and see all of your smiling faces in Lily Bay and Cadillac. I was a camper at Vega for 6 years and this will be my first year as a counselor. I am counting down the days to be back at Echo Lake and meet all the girls! YeahVega 2012!!
Jessica Waller, Arts & Crafts: Hi! My name is Jess and I’m from Cincinnati, Ohio. I go to Georgetown College in Kentucky, and I hope to pursue a career in social work. I absolutely love children, animals, and everything about nature. Some of my favorite hobbies are running, painting,and spending time with my friends and family. I really hope to make good friends, and experience many new things while I’m at camp. I love kids, and I hope that I can help make this summer one they will remember for the rest of their lives
Sophie Gannon, Swim: HEY VEGA, I’m Sophie from New Zealand, this year will be my second year at Vega and I can’t wait to get back on to those swim docks. I have been swimming most of my life and also been very involved in waterpolo! I absolutely love Vega and I am so excited to be back on Echo Lake! See you all this summer!
Carrie Evans, Tennis: I live in South Australia, Australia, with my parents and one older sister. I love the outdoors and being active. My favourite sport is tennis, which I regularly play and I am a coach at the Hectorville Sporting and Community Club South Australia. I’m looking forward to new experiences on this camp and having the chance to make a positive impact on the kids.
Rachel Clark, Swim: Hey Vega! My name is Rachel and I’m from Raleigh, NC. Currently, I am a sophomore at NC State University majoring in Elementary Education. This will be my first summer at Vega and I cannot wait for June to finally get here. I am looking forward to meeting all of the awesome campers as well as my fellow staff members. I participated in swim team for a number of years growing up and absolutely loved it; so I am excited to get back into the water this summer and teach what I know.
Bruno Marques, Tennis: Hey! I’m Bruno from Santos, Brazil. Currently I’m in Alabama studying business at the University of Mobile where I´ll be a sophomore next fall. I love all kind of sports, especially tennis and soccer. This will be my first year in Vega. I´m very excited to be a tennis counselor in this summer. I’m looking forward to start working and meeting everyone!
Mary Hodge, Ropes: Hi everyone! My Name is Mary Hodge and I’m from Western New York. I work in a tropical greenhouse, and on my days off I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, doing yoga and playing with my dog. I love children and am attending college in the fall for early childhood education. I am so excited to come to camp, meet all the girls and have fun with them on the different elements in the ropes course. I’m very much looking forward to a summer at Camp Vega where I get to work outdoors all day and make lots of new friends!
Aubrey Miller, Arts & Crafts: Hello! My name is Aubrey Miller from Tucson, Arizona. I just finished up my freshman year at the University of Arizona and am so thrilled to be spending this summer at Camp Vega. I am looking forward to all the great experiences this summer has in store since it will be my first year at Camp Vega and also my first trip to Maine. It will definitely be a big change spending the summer by a lake instead of in the dessert, but what I’m really looking forward to is meeting all of the campers and fellow staff and creating wonderful memories and lifelong friendships together summer 2012!
Valerie Howell, Landsports: Hey y’all! I’m 20 years old, from Texas, and a junior at Lyon College. I’m majoring in Psychology, minoring in French and International Studies, and play softball for my school. Camp and softball are 2 of my biggest passions, and I cannot wait to visit Maine and be a part of the Camp Vega family for the first time!
Jacquelyn Schwartz, Ropes: Hey Vega!! I am so excited to join everyone for my first year on staff in the ropes department this summer! I will be coming to Maine from my home in Vermont, where I have enjoyed snowboarding, running, hiking with my dogs, and even practicing circus arts and trapeze. Over the school year, I attend Syracuse University, where I pursue my interests in child advocacy and education. Get ready to climb and make new memories, ladies!! I can’t wait to meet all of you and hear your cheers echo off of Echo Lake!!
Annalena Becker, Gymnastics: Hi, I’m Annalena. I come from Germany and I’m 19 years old. Since I’m interested in sports and music a lot, and I love to work with children, I’m really looking forward to my first summer at Camp Vega! I’ve been doing gymnastics since I was a young girl and I have been teaching children in tennis and gymnastics for about 5 years. I’m excited about the experience to learn how to live at Camp Vega and to get to know the girls and the staff from all over the world!
Tyler Brookings, Ski/LGI: Hey Vega, My name is Tyler Brookings and I’m heading into my 4th summer at the amazing Camp Vega for Girls since 1936. I’m a “Mainer, born and raised in Bangor, Maine and I’m currently majoring in Secondary Education at the University of Maine at Farmington and I will be heading into my senior year this fall. I’ve spent this past semester studying abroad in Rome and traveling all around Europe. Even with all I’ve seen over here, I’m excited to return to the shores of Echo lake. This will be my third year as a member of the water ski staff(I spent my first as a swim counselor) and I cannot wait to get back out on the water and continue coaching. I’ll see you soon!
Dean Agius, Waterski: Hey, I am most looking forward to seeing all my friends i made at camp last summer and catching up on how their winter was. I am also looking forward to seeing how much all the camper’s have improved on their waterskiing skills and how much they have grown. I cant wait to get back out on echo lake, waking up at 7am and looking across the still water and hearing nothing but a couple of Loons is the best way to start my day at Camp Vega!
Rebekah Roberts, Outdoor Adventure: Hey everyone! I am Bekah Roberts and I am about to turn 20 years old this month! I am originally from a small town called Decatur in Northern Alabama but I live in Pensacola, Florida and go to school at the University of West Florida. I am studying journalism and absolutely love it! I mostly write novels but enjoy writing songs and poems as well. Being from the South, I love hiking, knee-boarding, and surfing. I can not wait until my first summer at Camp Vega! I am so excited for this experience and meeting my new future best friends!
Emily Schulman, Outdoor Adventure: Hi everyone, I’m Emily and I am from Hewlett, New York! I am so excited to finally be coming back to camp. I went to Vega for eight summers and had the most amazing time year after year. After I finished my Tamary 2008 summer I knew that I would be becoming back to camp as a counselor and am so happy that it is finally coming true. This summer is going to be amazing, and I cannot wait to share in the old Vega traditions once again.
Carolyn Scheinberg, Outdoor Adventure: HELLO VEGA! My name is Carolyn Scheinberg and I will be a sophomore this coming fall at Cornell University. I am from New York City, but with my past experiences at Vega and my current home in Ithaca, NY, I have come to LOVE the outdoors! Outdoor Adventure was my favorite activity as a camper and I am so excited to be back at it again. I was a camper at vega for six summers, growing and learning with my friends and counselors. I am so thrilled to be coming back to get to know Vega in a new way, and I can hardly wait to enjoy my summer surrounded by both new and old friends. Get ready for an awesome summer! Yeah Vega 2012!!!
Thiago “Chi-Chi” Dualiby, Tennis: Hello! I am very happy to announce that I will be able to come back this year for my 4th Summer down at Vega. I just turned 23, from Sao Paulo, Brazil. I have been playing tennis and competing since I was 12, in college I played 2 years for Martin Methodist College and finished my last 2 years at Mount Olive College, Mount Olive, NC, where I will be graduating in May with majors in Business Management and in Environmental Science.
I have been teaching during the Winter and this semester I have been helping to coach the tennis teams here at MOC, which has been as great experience. I am even more excited this year as my 1st year campers are now in Tamary! Also my little sister is coming back with me for her second year. I can’t wait for this summer, see everyone soon!
Alexandra Friedman, Rowing: Hello Vega! My name is Alexandra and I am thrilled to be coming back to Vega as a counselor after having been a camper for six wonderful summers! (Needless to say- they were the best summersof my life!) Currently, I am a coxswain for the women’s crew team at Connecticut College where I am a freshman. I began the sport in high school and have over ten seasons of experience. I can’t wait to get a Vespoli four out on Echo Lake!! (I may be recruiting some campers during the first week!) I am really looking forward to returning to Vega to reunite with old friends, make new friends and memories and gain another perspective of what has become my summer home!
Olivia Cote, Sailing: Hello Camp Vega! My name is Olivia and I’m a rising junior in the nursing program at the University of Michigan from Bloomfield Hills, MI. Being from the Great Lakes State, I love being on the water and especially sailing. Although I’ve had many experiences at summer camps, both as a camper and a counselor, this will be my first summer at Vega and I’m so excited. I can’t wait to meet all of the girls and to share a great summer with them! See you in June!
Jordan Emlyn – Jones, Photographer: G’Day Camp Vega!! My name is Jordan Emlyn – Jones. I’m a 27 year old Australian currently residing in New York City. I have lived in these beautiful United States off and on for about 4 years now. I consider myself a bit of a nomad and have traveled and lived all over the world. My passions are travel and photography and I think the two go hand in hand. I can’t wait to meet the staff and campers and to be apart of the vega team and to work along side my good pal Jeremy Aiken in the media department all summer long
Alba Vega-Ruano, Arts & Crafts: Hi, my name is Alba Vega-Ruano and I’m from Stamford, Connecticut. I’m currently a sophomore in college and planing to major in secondary education. I simply love kids and everything about them. This will be my first summer at Camp Vega. I look forward to making this years campers time at Vega enjoyable, but mostly importantly making sure they have the best summer that they’ll never forget. I can’t wait for camp to start, let the countdown begin!
Rachel Cook, Waterski: My name is Rachel Cook and I am from Granite Bay, California. I will be a junior in the fall going to Cal Poly, and studying graphic design. I am looking forward to the adventure this summer, and also the chance to help make this summer unforgettable for the girls! I love the outdoors and I spend all of my summers on the water. This will be my first summer at Camp Vega, and I cannot wait to meet everybody!
Lauren Harris, Ropes: Hi, I ‘m Lauren Harris this will be my first year at Camp Vega! I am really excited to travel to Maine and spending time with the girls. I love working with youth and plan on becoming a teacher. I am currently going to Candler Gilbert community College to start my education as a teacher and Sign Language Interpreter. I can’t wait to be trained in ropes and building friendships at Vega. This will be a fun new experience for me and I can’t wait to get started! I’ll see you all at camp!
Ashley Ropolo, Office: Hi! I’m Ashley Ropolo and I’m a junior at Utah StateUniversity, studying Dietetics. This will be my first year at Vega and I’m soexcited to come spend the summer in Maine. I have worked at two other summer camps and I loved every minute! I have been looking forward to this for weeks and I can’t wait to meet all of you!
Manuel“Manny Pacman” Castillo, Tennis: Hello everyone, like some of the staff I’m eager to be back at the Vega Kingdom for my 4th summer. I’ll be 23 before camp gets here, I’m from and I live in Guadalajara, Mexico where I’m one year from graduating on Finances and Business Administration. I’ve been playing tennis all my life, I played one year for Grossmont College in San Diego, CA. and 3 more years at ITESO my current college.
I love to teach and play tennis in the beautiful environment of Camp Vega, this year we (Tennis Staff) feel stronger than ever to give you the best summer on the tennis courts where the heat doesn’t matter as long as you are having fun! See you soon.
Emma Horowitz, Landsports: Hey everyone, so I am currently a sophomore at the University of Vermont studying secondary education with a concentration in English and studio art with a concentration in photography. This will be my first summer at Vega as a counselor but my 8th summer there. I was the first of four family members who went to Vega and sadly all of us have “graduated” except my sister who will be in Tamary this summer. I spent almost every period at landsports as a camper, so I am super pumped to be back at the landsports shed. Camp Vega has been the best summers of my life, and I have made my closest friends there with my fondest memories, and I have no doubt that this summer will be just as amazing as my last seven summers as a camper were. I can’t wait to meet everyone and spend the summer yet again at the most amazing place on earth.
Kara McCutcheon, Nurse: Heyy Camp Vega! This will be my first summer at Camp Vega as a camp nurse, and I am nothing but excited to start out. I’m graduating from
the University of Southern Maine this May, and can’t wait to work in my field. As a native Mainer I love anything outdoors including kayaking, swimming, and hiking so I think this atmosphere will be a perfect fit. I have also always had a passion for working with kids
and am excited to gain more experience in this way. I look forward to meeting all of you, and am counting down the days until June!
