Kevin Lilley started at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac in 2002 as the Baseball Director. Kevin felt a warmth at MKN right away and continued spending his summers as Athletic Director, Program Director and Operations Director until becoming the year-round Assistant Director in 2009 for 7 years. Now as Associate Director, Kevin is involved in residential life at camp, staff recruitment, staff training, program development, IT, and facilities and has terrific relationships with campers, parents and staff.
Kevin lives in the beautiful Berkshires (lucky!) all year round with his wife Rebecca (HR at the historic Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge and founder of incredible cookies at Bliss Cookie Shop), and their two sons, Fletcher and Turner, who are Mah-Kee-Nac campers!
We asked Kevin about his Camp Mah-Kee-Nac experience, here’s what he had to say:
How did you get involved with Camp Mah-Kee-Nac? → I was looking for a new summer experience in between season coaching at the University of Guelph and came upon this amazing opportunity where I could take my love of kids, baseball and the outdoors and have a great summer. I fell in love with MKN and the rest is history.
Describe your role at camp: → If it happens at camp, I’ve probably been involved in it. Hiring staff, getting them to camp, guiding our year-round facilities team, and getting all the parts where they need to be to make it a great summer for campers and staff.
What’s the best part about working at camp? → The people I’ve met and get to see every summer. New and old, the spirit and energy of MKN is what makes me want to do all I can to pay that forward.
Favorite camp memory: → There are so many…our first world record is probably my favorite. We played baseball for 50 hours – crazy I know. We started intentionally with the fireworks at Tanglewood on July 4th but what we didn’t know was that two nights later as we were getting ready to end, Tanglewood had a second fireworks display. Wow! What a moment!
Have you learned any new skills at camp? → I’ve learned that unknown to me before, I’m a decent volleyball player. I can also dye my hair blonde to play Fred from Scooby Doo and be covered in white paint and love every second of it.
What is the most underrated camp activity? → Chill on the wee hill! Years ago we put a bench on the top of the Algonquin hill and since then it has become a great place to watch, chill and hang with campers and staff throughout the day. Amazing just “being” with like minded members of our community. Sometimes it’s silent, sometimes not so much, but it’s a place where good happens.
What is one thing everyone should know about Camp Mah-Kee-Nac? → The sense of community is unrivaled. From the moment I set foot in camp, I have felt home and a part of an amazing story. I came in at chapter 74 and I’m sure there will be many more chapters after my time.
Fun fact: I was born in Dunfermline, Scotland – Go Pars!
What Kevin didn’t mention:
At Mah-Kee-Nac we have an on-going competitive league called The Founders Cup. One our our Founders Cup teams is Team Lilley! In 2022, Team Lilley won their first Founders Cup championship. Here’s Kevin celebrating below:
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!