Goodbyes and Hellos - Farm & Wilderness

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to sit on a panel with current and former Saltash Mountain Camp directors. Speaking to what we gained from our work at Farm & Wilderness, one participant, Becca Balint, Senate Majority Leader for the State of Vermont said:

“I learned about valuing the gifts that each staff member brought with them to camp. Any time I am asked to speak on my influences, I talk about F&W. I am a better, kinder, more thoughtful leader for having come to SAM.”

It is with those words in mind, that I say goodbye this year to F&W Directors Amy Bowen (Tamarack Farm), Megan Chamberlain (Indian Brook), Sarah Maney (Red Spruce Grove), and Tulio Browning (Timberlake). Each has worked tirelessly for their camp and the greater F&W community, educating campers with their wisdom, energy and love, and inspiring and guiding staff in the effort to make each summer magical. I am excited for them as they pursue their next quests – Amy developing and leading programming at Spring Lake Ranch; Megan heading to school to become a nurse; and Tulio will be taking TL’s “Anything is Possible” energy to youth and underserved populations while continuing his off-camp season work at F&W. We will miss them all this summer but know that they will each take their F&W gifts into the broader community.

I am also incredibly excited to be welcoming new members to our F&W Director dream team. For Tamarack Farm, Andrea Breen brings 18 years of experience working at and directing the Barn Day Camp, teaching leadership at the University of Minnesota, and she brings boundless amounts of energy and enthusiasm. For Timberlake, Jarod Wunneburger is returning to direct a camp where he has served in almost every possible staff role. He also brings insights gained from years of teaching at a New York City middle school, a passion for guiding young adults in how to teach, and lots of experience designing quality programming for young people. We are thrilled to introduce you to Theresa Serr whose life-long love of sharing the outdoors with children began over 30 years ago. And, please welcome Tori Heller back for her 4th summer at F&W and first as the Red Spruce Grove Assistant Director.

READ OUR NEW DIRECTORS’ BIOS ONLINE AT FARMANDWILDERNESS.ORG/STAFF

Change, especially in an institution that is so loved, can feel difficult. Thoughts perhaps on your minds, parents: Will the new director have that special sparkle like the old director? Will they know my child and my family in the same way? And, in your thoughts, campers: I have been looking forward all year to returning to a place I love — will my favorite programs and people still be there? I would like to reassure you, each of the new directors is working directly with the old director, and all the other behind-the-scenes players to make sure camp is camp, and that the connections remain. The new leaders will also bring their insights and enthusiasm, so although you will experience some differences, Farm & Wilderness will always be Farm & Wilderness. Kind of like adding slightly different spices to your favorite dish, or a mildly altered tempo to your favorite song. But because this is F&W, remember YOU play a major part in creating the summer. So, if you have something on your mind or in your heart that you are wondering about or want to share (anything from being curious if a trip or activity will still be offered, to questioning whether a favored ritual will be changed), please be in touch. All of our new directors look forward to hearing from you! You can reach them at:

Jarod@farmandwilderness.org

Andrea@farmandwilderness.org

Theresa@farmandwilderness.org

RedSpruceGrove@farmandwilderness.org

Expect some excitement when you do reach out. They are all as joyous as you about the upcoming summer!