Great staff make a great camp
Nobody does it better! Our staff are top people from all around the world who are selected after a rigorous selection process that includes a written application, a professionally conducted background check, a lengthy interview and at least three references. They also must pass a drug test, with on-the-job random drug tests conducted once they are hired. Staff are trained in accordance with principles and practices outlined by the YMCA, the American Camp Association and the State of New York. Our cabins house six campers and two counselors and that means a 3 to 1 ratio. This is unheard of in camping and contributes to our peaceful globally diverse community.
2010 Summer Camp Employment
For detailed information on our 2010 employment opportunities please visit our Employment Page or contact Chris Rasmussen with any additional questions.
Summer Camp Director
Chris Rasmussen
crasmussen@ymcanyc.org
Chris Rasmussen has been a camper since 1983. In fact, five generations of his family have been involved with YMCA camping. Chris is a native of Rhode Island where he met his wife, Maria, who herself was an international camp counselor! They have two children, Lukas and Louisa and a shaggy dog named Oscar. New York is Chris’ third camp having previously served at Flat Rock River YMCA Camp and YMCA Camp Fuller.
Program Director
Michael Landry
mlandry@ymcanyc.org
Hi everyone, I'm Landry and it's great to be coming back to camp this summer. I enjoyed last summer a lot, and got a chance to meet a lot of new friends and campers. Way back when, I got my start in camping at YMCA Camp Cosby in Alabama where I was a camper, CIT, counselor, ski director and weekend director. From then on the YMCA has been an important part of my life in bringing me joy and new friendships. I know it will be the same for your child and I hope to see you this summer.
Village Director
Anthony Unchangco
A native Californian, Chango will once again bring his Kobe Bryant jersey and Dodgers shirt back to the McAlister Village for a 2nd summer. With a plethora of YMCA experience and a love for camp, Chango hopes to bring a unique perspective to everyone while providing an environment of life-long memories and friendships. He is a Brown Ragger and a strong supporter of the YMCA Rags & Leathers Program and the 4 YMCA Core Values.
Since last summer, Chango has been teaching PE to Middle School students under the bright California sun and also managed to find time to complete his Masters Degree in Education. All the while patiently waiting to rejoin his summer friends, big and small, at McAlister for archery, waterfront fun, arts & crafts, and hiking. His favorite part of camp is Meat-itarian Friday night meals – it’s the closest thing to the California delicacy of an In-N-Out “Double-Double, Animal Style”
Village Director
Julia Haslauer
Hello! My name is Julia, and I’m coming to camp after living in Boston for two years, though I'm originally from New Hampshire. I love living in the city, but I am definitely ready to head back into the woods. I’ll be the Talcott Village Director this summer, which means I’ll be making sure everyone is safe and having fun! It will be my first time at the New York YMCA Camp and I am SO excited to help the staff and campers have the best summer ever. Until then, I’ll be counting down the days...
Leadership Director
Marino Frias
My name is Marino. This summer you’ll find me working with our CITs as the male leadership director. The first time I ever heard of the New York YMCA Camp was when I was 10 years old at my elementary school. I was lucky to be offered a scholarship and was able to come to camp. My first summer was filled with love, caring and learning. My favorite part of camp growing up was archery. Ever since my first year as a camper, I knew the New York YMCA Camp was the place for me. This summer will be my 8th year at camp and I can’t wait.
I come back to camp because I know I am making a difference in children’s lives.
Waterfront Director
Jon Browning
Hi everyone. My name is Jon and I originally come from the mighty county of Essex, England. This year I will be the waterfront director, a role I am really looking forward to. When I'm not at camp you can find me playing rugby for my local team, kayaking, waterskiing and wakeboarding. I enjoy travelling to different places around the world and camp is one of my favorite places to visit. This will be my third summer at camp and I am excited to make new friends and catch up with old friends. See you this summer!
Ropes Director
Phil Brown
Hey all! I'm Phil Brown and I hail from the beautiful yet sometimes wet England. I'm very excited to be coming back for my 3rd year at camp. For those who miss looking up in the trees to see the soles of my feet and the underside of my chin will be pleased to hear that I'll be in the position of Ropes Director, ensuring that everyone who challenges themselves at our ropes course leaves safely with a smile on their face. I'm really looking forward to seeing loads of new and old faces and plenty of people signing up for high ropes this summer. :)
Division Leaders, Counselors, Lifeguards and Staff
John Alden
Hello! My name is John and I'm going to be a Junior Camp Counselor for my first time this year. I'm from Syracuse, NY and am currently attending school at West Genesee High school. I can't wait for camp to start and I know it will be a great time!
Rafael Aviles
I was born In Puerto Rico, and am now living in New York City with my two beautiful girls ages 7 and 3. This summer I will be a Division Leader. I am so excited for summer camp and can't wait to get there and meet all the new people and catch up with the old ones. See ya'll soon!
Frankie Barretta
My name is Frankie Barretta and I currently work as an After School Program Coordinator for the Flushing YMCA. I've been a part of the YMCA since I was 8 years old. I started off at the Flushing Y Beacon Center in there Saturday programs. When I was 15 I started volunteering, teaching a magic class to 5-12 year olds. When I turned 17, I started as a after school counselor, summer camp counselor, head counselor, and now coordinator. I'm very happy to be coming to camp this summer. : )
Grace Cottrell
Hi, I'm Grace and I'm from Westfield, Indiana. I've been going to summer camp since I was little and I have always really enjoyed it. I'm going to be a sophomore at Indiana University, Bloomington and I'm still deciding what I want to do with my life. This will be my first time in New York and I look forward to seeing you this summer!
Nathan Fanton
Greetings! My name is Nathan Fanton and I will be the Division Leader for the 6 and 7 year old boys. I am so excited to meet you and your families this summer. I bring a wide variety of camping experiences from working for municipal day camps to residential camps for adults with special needs. I am from the town of Victor, NY; located in beautiful western New York, but currently reside in Homer, NY. Camp is my favorite time of year, and I cannot wait to share it with you. See you this summer!
Minwoo Gu
Hi everyone. My name is Minwoo and I am coming from South Korea. This camp will be my first time at camp and I'll be a counselor and lifeguard this summer. See you all at the CAMP :D
Jeanie Lam
Hey hey! I'm Jeanie, from Queens, NY. I am originally from a small country in Southeast Asia, known as Malaysia. This will be my second summer working at camp. I enjoy hiking, canoeing, and many other outdoor sports and activities. I love the nature and am very excited to be spending another summer in camp.
Ryann Lamphere
Hey everyone, my name is Ryann and this is my first summer at camp and I am very excited to be here! I'm from Syracuse, NY and go to SUNY Cortland for ESL with a minor in French. I love playing volleyball and meeting new people. I hope to see you this summer. : )
Juliette Lemereur
"Bonjour tout le monde! My name is Juliette. I come from Lille, a city in the North of France. This will be my first summer at the New York YMCA Camp but I've been a camper since I was a little girl. Summer camps run in the family, as my parents are both summer camp directors. This summer I will be a lifeguard and counselor.
Noémie
Hi everyone! My name is Noémie and I come from the wonderful city of Paris, France. This will be my second summer as the camp secretary. For the curious who love standing near the radio I’ll be sending drivers all around camp in order to transport kids from activities. I am very excited about returning to camp and will see you in less than a month!
Kristen Marshall
Hi, my name is Kristen Marshall and this will be my first summer at camp. I am from the loveliest state in the US, good old Virginia! I graduated from the College of William and Mary with a degree in Sociology and will be attending UPenn for a graduate program in Social Policy in the fall. I love working with kids and I have taught dance and gymnastics classes and substitute taught for the past year. I really enjoy playing sports and dancing and I am so excited to do just that this summer!
Cynthia Montalvo
Hola! My name is Cynthia and I will be a counselor this summer. I am from the Dominican Republic but I have been living in the Bronx for seven years. I attend Syracuse University and am planning to double major in Spanish, Earth Science with a dual degree in Teaching. I love the outdoors, sports, arts & crafts and new experiences that create friendships, which it is what camp is all about. I cannot wait for the summer to start! : )
Vanessa Mosqueda
Hi my name is Vanessa, I live in Long Beach, California. I'm about to receive a BA in Anthropology and Women's Studies and will start a master's degree in Social and Cultural Analysys of Education in the fall. I enjoy swimming, kayaking, reading, traveling and meeting new people. I will be coming to camp this summer as head lifeguard and counselor. So excited! : )
Katie Scheuer
Hi! I'm Katie, and I come from a tiny little town north of Madison, Wisconsin. I have a passion for music and nature, though I am up for just about anything new, exciting and fun. Next year, I will be a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I look forward to see you at camp!
Natalie Walker
Hi everyone I'm Natalie. I will be a freshman at the University of Iowa this fall and intend to major in integrative physiology and minor in Spanish. I was a camper for nine years and am very excited to be a counselor! I love all outdoor activities and can't wait to have an amazing summer. : )
Calum Ware
Ahoy there! I'm Calum and from Scotland. I'm a youth worker back in my region (or state) of Fife and really enjoy working with children. See you all soon.
Lauren Webb
Hi my name is Lauren and I'm going to be a counselor at camp this summer! I am from England and I am currently coming to the end of my first year at the University of Edinburgh. I really enjoy coaching and playing tennis and am excited to do that among other things this summer. Can't wait for it all to begin!
