Meet Emily, Assistant Director at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac!

Camp Mah-Kee-NacMar 31, 2023

Emily (known as “Suss” to many) joined the Mah-Kee-Nac family in the summer of 2021, as the Assistant Director. She grew up in Southern California and spent her summers at a sleep-away camp in Connecticut, where she quickly realized her passion and love for camp. She spent over 15 summers there, growing from camper to summer camp staff member, and eventually the full-time Program Director!

 

Emily’s passion for camp continues outside of MKN where she’s the co-chair of the Associate Board of SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education), an organization that provides summer camp opportunities to all children, regardless of socio-economic background.

We asked Emily about her Camp Mah-Kee-Nac experience, here’s what she had to say:

How did you get involved with Camp Mah-Kee-Nac? → As a lifelong camper and eventual professional, I had heard incredible things about Mah-Kee-Nac. When I saw the job was available I knew I had to jump on it!

Describe your role at camp: As the Assistant Director, I wear many hats. This question is always harder to answer for me than it should be…

I hire the majority of our staff each summer. This involves marketing, interviewing and onboarding and training staff. I also plan our day and overnight trips for all age groups. I run our social media accounts and create content to promote camp and try to keep families and campers engaged. Over the summer every day is a new adventure which is one of the reasons I love what I do. I am able to be out and about with our campers, watching them try new activities, overcome their fears and create memories and friendships for life.

What’s the best part about working at camp? → Easy, the people! Every summer I have the incredible opportunity to work with an extraordinary group of individuals, from campers to staff, from all around the world.

 

Favorite camp activity: Anything at the lake, but if I had to pick just one, wakeboarding.

Favorite evening activity at camp: I love our Friday Night Huddles because our entire community is together.

Favorite camp memory:  I think it’s the small things that happen at camp, the little moments filled with friends and laughter that make camp the best. It’s so hard to choose a favorite memory, but one that comes to mind is participating in our annual lake swim that supports SCOPE. Also, every dining hall dance party!

Have you learned any new skills at camp? → Does how (not) to catch a cake over a chimney count? We have a tradition where you are thrown a cake over a chimney on your birthday and you’re supposed to catch the cake…I’m zero for two, but it’s lucky number three right?

Fun fact: I’ve jumped off the highest bungee bridge in the world.

 

Working at an overnight summer camp is more than just a summer job. It’s the experience of a lifetime! The personal growth, rewards of working with children, excitement of an active community and close friendships that you build will stay with you wherever you go, long after the summer ends.

Camp Mah-Kee-Nac still has a few positions available for Summer 2023. Are you looking to make this summer extraordinary? Apply now!