Growing up as a theatre kid with a passion for science and nature, I didn’t always feel like I fit in. Then I went to Catalina Sea Camp and to say my whole world changed would be an understatement. I found my people, became confident in myself, and began to blossom into the marine scientist I am today.

From building underwater robots to caring for sharks and endangered species in aquariums, I’ve been able to do a bit of everything and it all started at camp. I knew I wanted to be a summer camp counselor and give the next generation the same amazing camp experience I had but I also wanted to step out of my ocean-focused comfort zone. So when I was offered the opportunity to join the Astrocamp team in 2015, I jumped right in and the rest is history.

I’ve found a home on this mountain and have been able to bring all my eclectic personality to the table. A typical day might have me dancing with just my fingers at a campfire, leading campers on nature-focused Eco Hunt, or nerding out about Star Wars with anyone who will listen. I also help build the many multimedia elements of the camp from our variety of videos to our medley of music playlists. And when we couldn’t be together during the COVID-19 lockdowns, I worked with Diana to bring a bit of summer camp into our campers’ homes by digitally recreating some of our most popular camp events. The camp holds a special place in my heart and I hope to keep sharing that magic with our staff and campers for many years to come.

The future is in the hands of those who explore… and from all the beauty they discover while crossing perpetually receding frontiers, they develop for nature and for humankind an infinite love.

Jacques Cousteau