SCATICO BLOG
Meet the 2026 DLs
We are incredibly excited to introduce the 2026 Division Leaders (DLs)— 19 Scaticonians who combined have spent 150+ summers at Scatico!
We are incredibly excited to introduce the 2026 Division Leaders (DLs)— 19 Scaticonians who combined have spent 150+ summers at Scatico!
Division Leaders serve as a “head counselor” for each group in camp. They live in cabins with their campers, travel to virtually all of their activities with them, plus oversee the other counselors in the group.
Katie Pargament, Juniors (Rising 3rd + 4th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 12
When I’m not at camp I… am getting my masters in mental health counseling at Adelphi University.
My favorite place/activity at camp is… full girls side evening activities ending in the Czechoslovakia circle game.
A camp memory I love is…color war my Sooper summer.
This summer, I’m most excited to…share my love for camp with this new group of campers!
Itzel Rodriguez, Juniors (Rising 3rd + 4th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 2
When I’m not at camp I… am working as an English teacher in Mexico!
My favorite place/activity at camp is… arts & crafts! Sooo many things to do and create.
A camp memory I love is…when we would sing!! “I love the lakes” is probably my favorite song … also finally being able to sing the whole Alma Mater was a core memory.
This summer, I’m most excited to…BE WITH THE JUNIORS 💚 and working alongside my cousins and meeting new people!
Jake Zirolli (right)
Jake Zirolli, Freshmen (Rising 3rd + 4th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 9
When I’m not at camp I… am a rising sophomore at Miami University studying Sport Communication and Media.
My favorite place/activity at camp is…soccer in the rain.
A camp memory I love is…finishing the relay race for the Grey team my Upper Senior summer and running into the lake with the whole team to celebrate. I still have the baton!
This summer, I’m most excited to…give my campers the best summer I can and to spend time with my friends.
Sam Ryan, Sophomores (Rising 5th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 9
When I’m not at camp I… am an incoming freshman at Tulane University (Roll Wave!)
My favorite place/activity at camp is… Place: lake, Activity: T-league.
A camp memory I love is…when I first got up on the Camphitheater stage and sang on Open Mic Night during my first summer in 2017—it was my first time performing in front of an audience!
This summer, I’m most excited to…build meaningful, personal, heartfelt connections with my campers. I want to make an impact on them in the same way in which my counselors did for me (my friends and I talk about our former counselors to this day). Finally, I'm looking forward to spending another summer with my friends, who are my family, at our happy place (Shoutout 24s!!).
Alexa Tannenbaum, Jinters (Rising 5th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I… I am a rising sophomore at Tulane University studying Marketing and Design!
My favorite place/activity at camp is… The Hill on a sunny day when music is blasting and different divisions take a break from their activity and join in on a dance party.
A camp memory I love is…My first ever summer (when I was a Jinter in 2016), I was a four-weeker. The day my parents came to pick me up, I was so sad to be leaving camp and all of my friends, so I ran behind my bunk (cove b and d) and hid from them because I didn't want to go home. They had to come looking for me and drag me away from my bunk to take me home. Now, at the end of each summer, I feel the exact same way.
This summer, I’m most excited to… spend my 10th summer at my happy place :). Becoming a division leader was something I always dreamed of as a camper. I can't wait to step into the role of a DL and watch my division mates become crucial leaders in our favorite place.
Kate Miller, Inters (Rising 6th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I… am a rising sophomore at Ohio State studying Education.
My favorite place/activity at camp is… the lake because I love seeing all of girls side together for GS!
A camp memory I love is…playing in the rain and going mud sliding!
This summer, I’m most excited to…To make lifelong memories with my campers and to be a Co-DL with Maya!
Maya Lederman, Inters (Rising 6th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 6
When I’m not at camp I… am studying psychology at the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!).
My favorite place/activity at camp is… the lake.
A camp memory I love is…Winning color war jump rope with my younger sister.
This summer, I’m most excited to…take every opportunity to have a dance party!!!
Dylan Schmeidler, Sub Juniors (Rising 6th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I… am watching the Michigan Wolverines win a national championship!
My favorite place/activity at camp is… Slapball & Rec Hoops.
A camp memory I love is…playing T-League with my division mates.
This summer, I’m most excited to…hopefully win the 42 tournament.
Olivia Berk, Centers (Rising 7th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 9
When I’m not at camp I… am a rising sophomore at the University of Colorado Boulder hoping to pursue a career in sports marketing.
My favorite place/activity at camp is… Divisional Sing or Color War. I love a little bit of competition but also getting into the spirit!
A camp memory I love is…spending time by the lake with my division mates (who are my best friends in the whole world.
This summer, I’m most excited to…share my love for camp with the Centers and rock middle hill!!
Josh (left)
Josh Mazarin, Sub Juniors (Rising 6th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I… going into my second year at the University of Virginia studying Mechanical Engineering.
My favorite place/activity at camp is… T-league.
A camp memory I love is…hanging out with my division mates on the porch of 15-16.
This summer, I’m most excited to…help my campers have the best memories possible.
Emma Justus, Debs (Rising 8th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I… am a rising sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Human Development and Family Studies!
My favorite place/activity at camp is… The U right before a meal when everyone is together, listening to music, and having fun!
A camp memory I love is…stargazing with my Divison on the last night of Sooper summer.
This summer, I’m most excited to…connect with new campers and get to spend time with my old campers.
Robert Orseck, Inters (Rising 8th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 8
When I’m not at camp I… am entering my sophomore year studying at Brown University.
My favorite place/activity at camp is… walking to the ballfields after dinner for T-League.
A camp memory I love is…spending time sitting on the 15-16 porch with my division.
This summer, I’m most excited to…have an amazing time with the Inters and help make camp as special for them as it was for me as a camper.
Abby Malkin, Subs (Rising 9th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 9
When I’m not at camp I… am at Lehigh university studying Psychology.
My favorite place/activity at camp is… any sport on the hill!
A camp memory I love is…just being with my division laughing.
This summer, I’m most excited to…make so many memories.
Nick Mozga, Sub Seniors (Rising 9th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 12
When I’m not at camp I… am a rising junior at the University of New York in Prague studying IT.
My favorite place/activity at camp is… hockey.
A camp memory I love is…talking on the boy's HC porch late at night..
This summer, I’m most excited to…spend lots of time outside!
Kayla Schmeidler, Seniors (Rising 10th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 8
When I’m not at camp I… am down in New Orleans studying at Tulane!!
My favorite place/activity at camp is… the lake!!!
A camp memory I love is…all of the small moments with friends!
This summer, I’m most excited to…HAVE THE BEST SUMMER EVER!!!
Ethan (left)
Ethan Rosenberg, Seniors (Rising 10th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 10
When I’m not at camp I… recently graduated from Wake Forest University.
My favorite place/activity at camp is… Favorite Place: Center Campus, Favorite Activity: T - League.
A camp memory I love is…going to the lake on a hot day.
This summer, I’m most excited to…to meet the kids and the staff. To be back up at camp.
Justin Zucker, Seniors (Rising 10th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 14
When I’m not at camp I… am a senior at UNCW majoring in Communications.
My favorite place/activity at camp is… Field 4 T-League.
A camp memory I love is…it's hard to beat winning T-league but just being in center campus when so many different things are going on and everyone's just happy.
This summer, I’m most excited to…bring the energy for the second half of the summer and just being in on the hill with everyone.
“Kras” (right)
Emma Krasner, Soopers (Rising 11th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 14
When I’m not at camp I… am in graduate school at Columbia Teacher's College studying Curriculum and Teaching!
My favorite place/activity at camp is… The Social Hall.
A camp memory I love is…Teams breaking for my campers last summer and watching the excitement on all of their faces.
This summer, I’m most excited to…be back with my amazing girls to give them the BEST SOOPER SUMMER EVER!!!
Josh Thompson, Upper Seniors (Rising 11th)
Number of summers at Scatico: 4.
When I’m not at camp I… am planning my next trip to the Dominican Republic.
My favorite place/activity at camp is… the lake, after a fun, chaotic GS and just waiting for the dinner call.
A camp memory I love is…while conducting the Upper Seniors during Sing, a bat flew into the Social Hall and threatened to cause a ruckus but the lads stayed locked in and won!
This summer, I’m most excited to…return to camp for a new role. I’m honoured and stoked to begin another great summer with everyone!
Meet your 2026 Scatico Senior Leadership + Program Staff
We’re excited to introduce our leadership and program staff for summer 2026 ! These are members of our community who do not live in cabins with campers (as Counselors and Division Leaders do) but who help oversee camper life, program areas and activities, special events, and operations.
We are very lucky to have a remarkable number of returning staff at Scatico, but want to shoutout some new positions this year! Ken Vallario, Ben Lew and Ben Klein will all be focusing their talents on boys side (see positions below); we want to welcome back Rachel Levey and Santi Prieto (both back at Scatico after many year hiatuses); and a welcome to Kaitlin Jostad, joining us from the local community for ceramics!
HEAD COUNSELORS
KERRI WINDERMAN, GIRLS HEAD COUNSELOR
Number of summers at Scatico…27.
When I am not at camp… I work as an Instructional Math Coach in Rye, NY.
I’m most looking forward to… our first meal together, when we’ll sing “All Together Again” as we welcome new friends and reconnect with old ones.
AUDREY FLEISCHNER, GIRLS HEAD COUNSELOR + ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Number of summers at Scatico…26.
When I am not at camp I…still work for camp as an Assistant Director! I also have my own NYC education consultancy, BetterEd.
My favorite camp meal is…the pesto cous cous and lemon chicken :)
MARK GRETENSTEIN, BOYS HEAD COUNSELOR
Number of summers at Scatico… 8.
When I am not at camp I...teach middle school math in Brooklyn, NY.
I am most looking forward to...waterfront cookouts!
JANE ROSENFELD, ASSISTANT HEAD COUNSELOR
Number of summers at Scatico… 19!
When I’m not at camp I …am teaching fourth grade in NYC!
I’m most looking forward to …the opening campfire, and the first jump in the lake…and s’mores cookies.
QUINN CROLAND, ASSISTANT BOYS HEAD COUNSELOR
Number of summers at Scatico… 23.
When I’m not a camp I… work as a middle school special education teacher, teaching social studies and language arts. I’m a person that loves traveling, reading all the books I can, hanging out and playing with my dog Jenni, watching my Mets lose, hanging out with friends and family (especially my niece Ellie) and watching movies/reviewing movies with Scatico Alum Noah Levine.
My favorite camp meal is… tie between end of camp banquet meal or have to go with classic chicken patties.
I’m most looking forward to …seeing all the new campers and counselors, playing some t leauge, rec hoops, full campfires, College Bowl, and most of all just hanging out on the HC porch listening to some baseball games or playing random games and chess.
WATERFRONTS
ISHAI ESHED, BOYS WATERFRONT
Number of summers at Scatico... 7 !
When I’m not at camp… My wife and I own a Green School in our home town in Ecuador.
JULIETA MARTOS, GIRLS WATERFRONT
Number of summers at Scatico... 6
When I am not at camp I... work in a family business.
My favorite camp meal is... pizza
I am most looking forward to... seeing everyone again and seeing how much they've grown!
MINUET BARRAGAN, ASSISTANT GIRLS WF HEAD
Number of summers at Scatico…5!
When I am not at camp I... am a medical student studying breast cancer cell lines.
My favorite camp meal is... chicken nuggets with mac and cheese
I am most looking forward to... kayaking, polar bear swims and launching campers off the rave.
Ian (center)
IAN MOSES, ASSISTANT BOYS WF HEAD
Number of summers at Scatico…5!
When I am not at camp I... am working and living in NYC!
ATHLETICS
RANDY AU, BOYS ATHLETICS
My first summer at camp was… 1984, 24th summer.
When I’m not at camp… I work for Pickerington North and Central High School as a 504 coordinator. In this role, I develop and maintain students’ 504 plans. I used to be a school psychologist.
SARAH LYMAN, GIRLS ATHLETICS
Number of summers at Scatico… 2.
When I’m not at camp I…teach small humans and play pickleball.
I’m most looking forward to.. time by the lake and the Nat!
Santi (second from the left)
SANTIAGO PRIETO, GIRLS ATHLETICS
Number of summer at Scatico… 3!
When I am not at camp I… am working full time as tennis coach with kids and adults.
This summer I'm really looking forward to... reconnecting with people I haven't seen in 9 years, meeting new people, having another wonderful experience like the previous ones, and contributing as much as I can to make the activities and experiences both inside and outside of camp enjoyable for the kids and the Scatico community in general.
BEN LEW, BOYS PROGRAMING & ATHLETICS
Number of summers at Scatico… 15 (full summers, many more counting partial summers).
When I am not at camp I… am close to camp.
I’m most looking forward to…playing rec hoops!
CORY SCHWARTZ, BASEBALL & BOYS PROGRAMMING
Number of Summers at Scatico…27.
When I am not at camp I...am playing the role of dad to my son Sebastian (7) and my daughter Peyton (5). I also continue to pursue my photography work.
My favorite camp meal is…actually breakfast, cereal in particular. I love going up to the racks of cereal and having options. Some days its Cinnamon Toast Crunch or Lucky Charms. Most days it Cocoa Puffs.
I’m most looking forward to…being constantly busy in a way that is so satisfying. Have a catch, yes. Look for rainbows, yes. GS, yes. Tennis pop-ups, yes. Watch a sing practice in the woods, yes. Tired…yes. Slow down, no.
VINOD DOGRA, BOYS TENNIS
Number of summers at Scatico… 24.
When not in camp I … teach tennis/ Pickleball ...conduct tournaments & travel with tennis & pickleball teams throughout country...
I am most looking forward to… some exciting tennis/ Pickleball games at SCATICO WORLD.
EMILIANO PRIETO, GIRLS TENNIS
Number of summers at Scatico…five.
When I’m not at camp…I work as a physical education teacher and tennis coach.
CREATIVE + CULINARY ARTS
JAMIE SEGAL, GIRLS MEDIA & PERFORMING ARTS
Number of summers at Scatico… 18!
When I am not at camp I... teach 2nd grade in NYC!
I am most looking forward to... Leading the DR trip with Moe for the first time this summer!
KEN VALLARIO, BOYS ARTS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Number of summers at Scatico…13!
When I am not at camp I… am painting, writing, and spending time with my family.
I am most looking forward to… Legends 10.
LAURA GOLD, GIRLS ART
Number of summers at Scatico... 19.
When I am not at camp I... am the director of Ayni Green School in Ecuador
My favorite camp meal is... eggplant parm!
I am most looking forward to...another summer in Arts & Crafts — one of those places at camp where people slow down a little, get creative, make memories, and somehow always leave with a new friendship bracelet.
MAR VAZQUEZ, BOYS ART
Number of summers at Scatico… 7!
When I am not at camp I... am in Mexico city modeling and hosting events.
My favorite camp meal is... Anything I can put bbq sauce on.
I am most looking forward to... having a summer full of art with the boys!
ALEJANDRO CASTILLO, COOKING
Summers at Scatico… 5!
When I am not at camp I.. work at a culinary school as a chef instructor for university students.
I am most looking forward to …sharing the new sweet recipes that I have for the program!
ALLY MCARTHUR AKA CHEF ALLY, COOKING
Number of summers at Scatico...This will be my 23rd summer
When I am not at camp I...am catering events throughout the tri-state area, cooking and always listening to music. Usually at the same time.
My favorite camp meal is... Chicken & herby couscous and pretty much any soup Chef Ricardo makes.
I am most looking forward to...Seeing how much everyone has grown over the year and learning about the new experiences everyone has had.
SAM ANDERSON, GIRLS CERAMICS
Number of summers at Scatico… 3.
When I'm not at camp I …am teaching elementary art, crocheting, and snowboarding.
My favorite camp meal is… mac and cheese and nugs.
KAITLIN MEESE, BOYS CERAMICS
Number of summers at Scatico… 1!
When I'm not at camp...I'm probably covered in glitter and clay… and calling it fashion.
My favorite camp meal is... s'mores. Mallows + chocolate = pure joy.
I am most looking forward to... kiln surprises, muddy hands, and Art Show masterpieces made by campers.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
WILL BUSSERT, OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Number of summers at Scatico… 6!
When I’m not at camp I…teach PE for grades NS-6 in Woodstock, NY.
Steve (back left)
STEVE LEWANICK, ROPES + TOWER
Number of summers at Scatico… 7!
I am most looking forward to… Challenging and changing belief systems.
JOSUE LORA, ROPES + TOWER
Number of summers at Scatico...5
When I am not at camp I...DJ and breakdance.
I am most looking forward to...being back at the tower with campers.
PHOTO + MEDIA
JOHN HICKEY
Number of summers at Scatico…43!
When I’m not at camp I …am usually somewhere between a hiking trail and a sketch pad counting down the days until all my Scatico friends are back under the same summer sky!
My favorite meal at camp is… any meal served with a side of laughter and a table full of friends. To me, that's better than any meal at a five-star restaurant.
FRANCISCO GATINO (“GATO”)
Number of summers at Scatico… 2!
When I am not at camp I.. am in Argentina building my house.
My favorite camp meal is…mac and cheese!
SUPPORT STAFF
NURSE AMY, HEAD NURSE
Numbers of summers at Scatico…8.
When I am not at camp I… love to hang out with my grandkids!!!
My favorite camp meal is …THE TOFU!!! YUM!!
I am most looking forward to… seeing all of the campers and welcoming them to the Health Center for the BEST SUMMER EVER!
BEN KLEIN, MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
Number of Summers at Scatico… 20.
When I am not at camp I… live in Maplewood, NJ with my wife Sara, daughter Maddy, son Harry, and goldendoodle Archie. It is hard to be away from the nature of camp during the off season, but I try to get as much time as I can hiking and skiing with my family and friends up in the Hudson Valley and Berkshires.
I am most looking forward to… seeing all of the camp friends that I have not seen since August. While I miss swimming in the lake, playing hoops on the A court and hanging on the HC porch, it is all the people up at Scatico that really make it a special place.
RACHEL LEVEY, MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST
Number of Summers at Scatico…12!
When I am not at camp I...am at a playground with my kids or at a concert with my husband.
I am most looking forward to...seeing the next generation of Scatico in action!
Teddy (middle)
TEDDY LYDON, MAINTENANCE
Number of summers at Scatico…27!
When I’m not at camp I… I am still at camp, working as Scatico’s year-round caretaker.
Ricardo (left)
RICARDO TURNBULL, KITCHEN
Number of summers at Scatico…17!
When I’m not at camp I… run my own catering and event planning business, A Catered Affair.
Scatico Goes Global: Reflections from International Staff
Scatico fits differently into each of our lives and means different things to different members of our community. No two experiences are alike. But I feel confident that whether you spend one summer at camp or twenty - Scatico changes you in some way. I have a particular appreciation and admiration for staff that put their name into an international agency portal, take a leap of faith, and travel thousands of miles from their home, for that chance to experience their own camp magic.
Audrey and Moe manning the booth at the Camp America Hiring Fair in London.
If you’ve been to a college fair, or a job fair, or even a science fair…you have a general understanding of the Camp America London Hiring Fair. Except, imagine all of those, but with the energy and enthusiasm of camp people. There are t-shirt sling shots, welcome songs, and spontaneous bursts of applause – the first of which occurred at 10:04 when the first candidate was hired (doors opened at 10).
The Camp America fair is just one of dozens of hiring fairs that take place each year for the summer camp industry. Fairs take place in cities around the world, and are hosted by different J-1 Visa sponsor agencies (Camp America is just one), but these fairs share one thing… they bring ready-for-a-new-experience young people to work at summer camps in the U.S.
My first interview question is always: “Why do you want to work at an American summer camp?” Most struggle to pin down the exact words – how could you when you’ve never been – but the essence is always the experience. Though basic, I understand the broad answer. I have spent every summer of my life at camp, and am often at a loss for words in how to describe “the experience.”
Scatico fits differently into each of our lives and means different things to different members of our community. No two experiences are alike. But I feel confident that whether you spend one summer at camp or twenty - Scatico changes you in some way. I have a particular appreciation and admiration for staff that put their name into an international agency portal, take a leap of faith, and travel thousands of miles from their home, for that chance to experience their own camp magic.
So, we reached out to just a few of our returning international staff members to share a piece of their Scatico story and experience.
George leading the Senior Boys in sing in 2024. He came back to be their DL for their Upper Senior summer in 2025.
George Richardson
Home Town: Sheffield, England
Summers at Scatico: 2022-2026
Why did you want to work at an American sleepaway camp?
After COVID I wanted to have a summer that I would remember. I had been looking at American sleepaway camps since I was 18 and after two summers inside, I decided to take the plunge and do it. It seemed as the perfect way for me to start a gap year and make new friends!
Why did you choose Scatico?
When I applied, I was provided with a list of different camps and I could select a top three. When I first looked at Scatico, I knew it was the camp that I wanted to work at. The values, history and general vibe on the website appealed to me. However, it was how down-to-earth and refreshingly traditional that Scatico felt that really resonated with me. There was a sense of joy and community that made Scatico stand out in a really special way.
What about Scatico surprised you the most?
I think it was how welcoming Scatico was that surprised me the most. As I got closer to summer, I begun to hear lots of stories from people who had been to other camps, and not felt welcomed or enjoyed it. However, I knew as soon as the plane touched down that this was not Scatico. Nicki was waiting at JFK with a handmade sign and instantly I felt at ease, it was in the days when we still had to COVID test and being taken to a conference room with the other internationals was actually a really nice way to begin the journey. It was from here that the lifelong connections I have made at camp started and as camp became filled more with counsellors and campers, Scatico truly did feel like it was home away from home. Within a week I knew that I wanted to be back for a second summer!
How have you changed because of your experience at camp?
My intentions were to spend one summer at camp, now I am on summer number 5! When I left university I had applied to join the police, but I had to wait a year to start. It was during my second summer in which I realised that I wanted to work with and support young people. I took another year out in which I worked with young people who were struggling at school before coming back to camp again! Now, I am a qualified teacher and if I hadn’t spent a summer at camp then I don't think I would be the person that I am today!
Sophie at Catamount overcoming her fear of heights alongside her campers!
Sophie Leonard
Hometown: Grangemouth, Scotland
Summers at Scatico: 2025-2026
Why did you want to work at an American sleepaway camp?
I love working with kids but wanted to experience working in America and learning new skills that could follow me for life and learn what it’s like to spend an entire summer caring for a group of young people. Also time in the outdoors definitely was also a driving factor, especially to escape the Scottish weather!
Why did you choose Scatico?
I chose Scatico because of the overall camp ethos of time to be a kid. I feel like that is so important in a world where children are surrounded by the constant societal pressures of being on social media and having access to the whole world at their fingertips. I thought it was fabulous that kids just get to be kids at Scatico and try all these fun activities without any distractions and bond with their friends in real time. I also selfishly loved not having to be constantly online and getting to fully immerse myself in camp life. It ended up being so healthy for me.
What about Scatico surprised you the most?
The thing that surprised me about Scatico was the rich history and traditions that are still upheld today. I loved seeing how many kids had family members who are now alumni and pointed them out on the wall in the staff lounge and also got the chance to read the colour war booklets that had been kept from as early as the 50’s. It was pretty awesome to chat to some of the staff who had worked at Scatico and went to Scatico for years and hear their lovely memories from years gone by.
How have you changed because of your experience at camp?
Camp changed me for the better. I learned to appreciate being in the moment and treating every day as a new beginning. I also learned new things about other cultures due to the international staff (and campers!) that I met. Camp also pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and also get over a pretty big fear of heights (on our big trip to Catamount!) and I actually was able to try flying in my cheer team back home because I was no longer deeply afraid of heights. I also learned so many things from my campers and picked up some new craft skills from Laura! Camp is a place where you can learn new things without the pressure of failing, even as a staff member.
Josh as a Color War general in 2024.
Josh Thomson
Hometown: Ballymena, Northern Ireland… but currently living in the Dominican Republic!
Summers at Scatico: 2022 - 2024 + 2026
Why did you want to work at an American sleepaway camp?
During university/college, my friend had been at a summer camp in the US and when he came back, I admit, I was getting a little annoyed when he would bring up stories about his new friends he made all over the world and all the places he went to and all the fun he had. It irked me to the point where I thought I would have my own camp experience so I could bombard him with my own stories and shenanigans. I also needed a summer job, and I had previously travelled in Europe, so the USA looked like a new frontier for me.
Why did you choose Scatico?
I chose Scatico, honestly, because Scatico was the first camp to contact me! I liked that it was near New York, a city I’ve always wanted to visit, and the camp itself sounded like it was from a classic 90’s summer movie (particularly Parent Trap). I was sold on all the activities Scatico offers, the camp culture and camaraderie, and its long history made me excited for the potential to be part of something great.
What about Scatico surprised you the most?
What surprised me the most when camp was in full swing was how busy I would be, but in the best way. I was never bored at camp because it just wasn’t an option. Between working my program, lifeguarding, and camp events, and then hanging out with campers, fellow staff, going out in the evenings (or practice in the staff rock band) and day trips, I never felt stuck on what to do next or who to talk to. Camp has given me this energy of positive momentum and for me it is very addictive.
How have you changed because of your experience at camp?
One thing that has changed about me is my ability to adapt and adopt new things. During camp I was taking on responsibilities that I had never thought I could do previously, the confidence that gave me helped me take on challenges and work at home which I would have not considered before. Scatico helped me realise that you can truly have a home away from home,you just need to buy into the experience.
My love of travel has not changed however because as I am writing this I am in the Dominican Republic!
Camp, True Fun, and the 2026 Tri-State Conference!
Lessons on the power of True Fun and why camp needs to be screen-free.
In the off-season camp cycle there are two phases: pre-Tri-State and post-Tri-State.
In the former, our planning is big-picture. We are interviewing staff, reviewing building plans, researching new products, and reflecting on the previous summer as we lay the groundwork for the one ahead.
In the second phase, planning is no longer theoretical. Construction projects break ground. Staff hiring shifts to staff placements (...we’ll never tell). And it’s time to fine-tune the logistics for those exciting program ideas (an in-camp, coed soccer tournament is coming to Scatico in 2026) and systems (our master transportation spreadsheet is a work of art).
We imagine a similar shift occurs in your homes just as Spring Break comes to a close. Duffels taken out of storage. Green shorts swapped for the next size up. And that “when I’m at camp…” conversation starts to carry a little more weight.
While the logistical preparation for summer is exciting, the conference also reminds us to zoom out from the never-ending to-do list and stay grounded in the larger mission of camp. A major theme this year was the importance of keeping your camp’s core values at the center of every decision — from staff training and daily activities to family communication and camp policies.
Closing keynote speaker Catherine Price framed the growing importance of camp as one of the rare places where kids can experience what she calls “True Fun,” a magical confluence that happens when we are undistracted by screens and able to fully engage and connect in the moment. Price is the author of The Amazing Generation, a handbook written for kids and teens on how to live a life not hijacked by screens, and her self-proclaimed goal is to help people “scroll less and live move.” We left her talk wishing a recording could be sent to every member of the Scatico community. Instead, we’ll settle for sharing a few of the takeaways that stuck with us most.
You KNOW what True Fun looks and feels like.
You can probably imagine True Fun, but Price described it as being truly alive; lit up from within. True Fun, she said, lies at the intersection of “playfulness, connection, and flow,” and happens when you are so present and engaged in the moment, you lose track of time. At it’s essence, it echoes one of Scatico’s core values: “Time to be a kid.” When we close our eyes and imagine True Fun we see kids floating on lake noodles, cracking up in the deep end. We see a rainbow of College Bowl shirts sprinting down the golf course hill. Price had her own True Fun images, but here are some of ours.
True Fun is powerful.
Price feels people often talk about “fun” in a frivolous, superficial way. But, True Fun (something that isn’t marketed to us, or is fun as “product” or “content”) is the key to a happier and healthier life. There is nothing frivolous about it. Price had a lot of scientific research to back her up, and it all pointed to how True Fun leads to increased… creativity, happiness, engagement, resilience, mindfulness, attention span, restful sleep… and decreased… stress.
True Fun can’t happen with screens around.
Screens take us out of the moment, and break connection. When we are distracted or passively absorbing content, we are unable to engage in True Fun.
Camp will be the longest stretch of time many campers spend without their devices in their entire lives.
This fact feels obvious once said, but the power of that reality cannot be overstated. Without the constant pull of screens, kids rediscover how to immerse themselves fully in the moment and experience True Fun. And with that comes all the benefits listed above. And it’s not just kids who tap into True Fun at camp… staff go much of their day phone free and part of the playfulness, connection, and flow, too.
Education is key.
Price shared data to emphasize her message, and her website is chock full of wonderful resources. A lot of what she shared we all know on a basic level, but having the actual numbers makes it click. One stat she shared is how the average teen spends 4-5 hours daily on their phone, which roughly breaks out to two full months of every year. Two months of nonstop scrolling or, in our framing, an entire summer at camp.
We cannot wait to put our phones down and get back out there for a summer of True Fun with our extended Scatico family!
Camp: Analog’s Last Frontier?
Summer camp as an answer to AI's influence on childhood.
It’s early June 2025 and we’re knee deep in the usual pre-camp rush. Staff pickups at the airport. Finishing touches on new cabin bathrooms. Ordering art supplies and a few dozen basketballs. Pouring over camper forms.
One bullet point on the to-do list? The OD (“On Duty”) Chart. The calendar of counselor assignments for who is in charge of each division from the end of Evening Activity through counselor curfew. Seemingly straightforward enough, but it’s a tedious task. Assistant Head Counselors Jane and Quinn and Head Counselors Kerri and Mark have taken on the lion’s share.
Mark enlists the help of Google Gemini. This is what AI is made for, right? He puts in the general parameters: first names of counselor staff; the dates we need OD; number of OD assignments on each of those nights. Gemini spits out a calendar… but Mark looks it over and it isn’t quite right. Junior Counselors can’t have OD on their van nights. He adds the parameter. Hmmm. Still imperfect. We want more equitable distribution of newer and more senior counselors. We want each counselor to have the same total number of ODs, but not on back-to-back nights. We want…..
Finally Gemini responds: “Due to the complexity of re-balancing the entire schedule while strictly adhering to this constraint and other rules, it will take some time to recalculate.” Gemini spins and spins and spits out… nothing. As Mark texted: “The OD Chart broke Gemini.” Or, more accurately, the nuanced camp brain and eye was not yet something that AI could replicate.
Camp… a land of checking the physical schedule.
Last month, Audrey and I attended a conference on Camp and AI. While camping and tech hardly go hand-in-hand (in fact, we spend a lot of effort ensuring that they don’t), there are of course operational sides of the business that could benefit from AI’s innovation. From processing camper bus sign ups and identifying the most equitably convenient pickup location; to streamlining Suncup and Chocolate Milk inventory and ordering… I can think of plenty of tasks we’d be happy to AI outsource.
And yet… I also can’t stop thinking about how back in the 1990s, my dad knew every camper’s zip code (if not entire address) by heart. Back then, we still sent all camp paperwork (not just the newsletter) through snail mail. And so, entire spring evenings would be dedicated to adhering printed address labels to envelopes… usually on our living room couch, with a Yankee game on in the background.
The zip code knowledge was something of a party trick. At camp raffles, or games when dad had to pick a camper by name, the intro would go something like:… she’s a 10580… 11 Eve Lane… Kerri Winderman! He could do this for an astonishingly large percentage of camp.
And the winner is… 10506…Lila Savitsky! The rush of winning at a full-camp event (this one Carnival’s “horse race.”)
The more I think about it, the more I realize it’s more than a party trick. It’s a human connection. A human brain. It’s connecting dots in real time, and getting to know our community on a deeper level. Precisely because there was this pretty tedious task, and we didn’t tech shortcut it. And while I may score pretty high on camper hometowns, without that physical mail labeling, I definitely don’t know full addresses. Something gets lost when we’re not in the analog, administrative weeds. And while in this example, the mailing efficiency pros clearly outweigh the zip code knowledge cons… the cons are always worth considering.
We’re prone to reflecting on the power of camp, and how fundamentally essential in-person, radically unplugged, connection and play is for kids. It feels more essential by the day. For every article celebrating advances in AI, another warns of its dangers. “How AI is rewiring childhood,” was the latest headline to catch my eye. The article shares two AI pitfalls that are particularly relevant to camp:
“The technology quickly learns what its master likes—and shows more of it… The child who likes football may be told football stories by his teddy and given footballing examples by his ai tutor. Not only does this stamp out serendipity. A favourites-only diet means a child need never learn to tolerate something unfamiliar.”
“One-sided relationships with chatbots… ai companions that never criticise, nor share feelings of their own, are a poor preparation for dealing with imperfect humans…Yes-bots threaten to create children not used to taking turns, who grow up into colleagues unable to compromise…”
Camps (and schools) are natural spaces to address these pitfalls. To lean into all the “humanness” that robots can’t teach. From being “bed buddies” with a kid who has different interests than your own; to trying out an activity you rolled your eyes at the week before; to getting in a real disagreement on the Gaga court, stewing at Crafts, but working through it at General Swim; to going to a counselor for advice, one who will draw from their own experiences growing up, and challenge you to take another’s perspective.
The art of face-to-face, or side-by-side.
Now… I don’t think we’re going back to all snail mail camper forms. And maybe in a few months Gemini can get us going on that first draft of an OD Calendar (before Jane and Mark go in with their exacting eyes). There are obvious advantages and logistical realities at play, and Scatico has no interest in being frustratingly outdated or inaccessible. Not to mention, administrative time saved is more time spent on “the good stuff”: face-to-face time with campers and staff; proactive problem solving; cultivating community, spirit and tradition. Dedication to our mission. But we strive to be intentional in how and where tech is used. When we are trying to solve for a world in which kids are becoming friends with robots, we cannot lean on one to run our operations.
Pen on paper and card games… Analog connection at camp.
It feels liberating to say that faster and newer isn’t always better, and we’re lucky to operate a space and second home where kids and adults can escape AI’s relenting pull. Ken Vallario (back this year for a full summer!), once told me that he loves camp’s “inefficiency.” He was talking about all the ways you don’t take the shortest route from A to B at camp: whether it’s walking from the HC to the office, but getting derailed over the rave launch competition at the lake; or campers huddling around a radio at bedtime, catching the end of a baseball game when they don’t know what “FM” is; or heads bowing in concentration (and laughter) over Color War emblems carefully glued and sparkled by hand, when there’s probably a Cricut setting for that.
At Scatico, we have the luxury of simplicity and connection as the priority over efficiency and expediency. An essential power of camp that is… timeless.
How do you bring camp into your day-to-day?
The road path is at its peak foliage and local farms are buzzing with weekend apple picking trips and hay rides. As we fully settle into our home lives and routines, we asked leadership staff and DLs to do some reflecting. The prompt? One sentence on how you bring camp to your day-to-day. The responses represent a true camp range - from the silly to the sentimental - demonstrating how even small daily actions can connect us to our best camp selves.
A response we all can relate to…
“Whenever I hear a song that was in one of my sings, I start singing the lyrics to myself!”
Julia Metzendorf, Jinter DL
Honing in on community connection
Lexi Schwartz (camp role: division leader, real-world role: college sophomore)
I bring camp into my day to day through friendship and sisterhood, growing and strengthening bonds with sorority sisters just as I did growing up with my division.
Jane Rosenfeld (camp role: assistant head counselor, real-world role: fourth-grade teacher)
I strive to get my students all “rowing in the same direction” so to speak.
Sophie Rosen (camp role: division leader, real-world role: college junior)
I always set time aside to hang out with friends with no distractions like school work or technology, just like I'd be doing at camp. This helps me decompress from my day and gives me the closest feeling I can get to camp while not actually being there!
Ben Klein (camp role: mental health specialist, real-world role: school psychologist)
It makes the world and your community a better place when you make eye contact with people, smile, and say hello to people.
David Fleischner
I am always on the lookout for people doing little things in their day-to-day lives that make a positive difference.
Continuing small daily camp routines and rituals
Nile Cather (camp role: division leader, real-world role: college sophomore)
I wear one of my many white t-shirts almost every other day.
Katie Pargament (camp role: division leader, real-world role: graduate student)
My camp friends and I have an active group chat that we text in everyday…and I have Scatico stickers on so many of my belongings that I use every day.
Mark Gretenstein (camp role: head counselor, real-world role: 8th grade math teacher)
Instead of picking up trash as I pass it (that would be a lot in NYC), I pick up any stray pencil I walk by in school. I keep a collection of found pencils on my desk.
John Hickey (camp role: media counselor, real-world role: film director and IT)
The moment I come home from work, I climb into shorts and a white t-shirt!
Audrey Fleischner
I go for a walk outside every day - even when it is raining! Also, I end every meal with a bowl of grapes…thank you to Ricardo for establishing the perfect post-meal sweet snack!
Centering joy and “time to be a kid”
Kerri Winderman (camp role: head counselor, real-world role: school district math coach)
Camp reminds me that learning and fun are not mutually exclusive. As an instructional math coach, I try to make learning math joyful for teachers and students by incorporating games, movement, and challenges. Similarly to camp, one of my goals is for all children to remain engaged and curious.
Jamie Segal (camp role: head of girls performing arts and media, real-world role: second grade teacher)
Making ~time to be a kid~ by embracing the present moment with my students and finding ways to play, enjoy, and find downtime in a busy school day!
Will Bussert (camp role: head of outdoor adventure, real-world role: PE teacher)
Every day, I try to make school feel a bit more like camp for my students. Some of the activities I do started at camp and found their way to school—like land fishing, fire building, shelter building, and hikes with Will (my version of a Dave hike).
Nicki Fleischner
Stopping to marvel at unexpected nature / animals with my kids (different in NYC than Elizaville)!
Boys Color War
1, 2, 3, 4… We have Boys Color War! It was a special Friday night in the 12523, and, unbelieavably, the last one of the camp season.
Following Friday dinner, boys side congregated at the waterfront as is tradition. As the last Friday gathering of 2025, Upper Seniors were selected to deliver the sermon: Jack Weinberg and Jonah Cooper. Jack and Jonah shared their lessons and reflections, marveling at the passage of time at camp, and how to get the most out of your summers at Scatico. At their sermon's close, they picked a rock to throw into the crib section of the lake, another final Friday ritual. Different people have different interpretations of what the “rock throw” and ensuing ripples across the water mean for them, but one interpretation is that just as one rock can create ripples that grow and spread across the entire waterfront, so can one person or one action make an impact on the entirety of camp. Each individual at camp has their role and place that contributes to the whole.
Following Friday gathering, Mark announced it was time to head to the Social Hall for a “special ceremony.” Needless to say… everyone was on high Color War alert!!
Once in the Social Hall, the curiosity grew. Division Leaders distributed giant Q-Tips for each camper to hold. There was a projector set up, and a podium. There was a jersey hanging in the back corner. What could be happening?
Mark clarified the evening’s festivities. Boys Side was gathered for the official jersey retirement ceremony of Assistant Head Counselor Quinn Croland’s 2006 Nat Champion Jersey!! Quinn (whose nickname is Q-Tip… hence the props), is the only Nat Champ in all of boys side… and best part yet, Quinn had no idea this ceremony was happening! Mark kicked off the jersey retirement ceremony with a touching speech. Isaac Greenblatt (former Shack Boy) and Moises Torres (co-Assistant Head Counselor) spoke next, followed by Bence (the staff member responsible for delivering Snack) and Harry Savitz in a full-body bug costume to represent the bug that had to be surgically removed from Quinn’s ear earlier this summer (a longer story for another time). Among Quinn’s many roles and responsibilities is keeping the Boys HC organized and overseeing Shack Duty (essentially, manning the HC and its daily operations)… so the speaker lineup was a fitting tribute!
With each passing moment, boys side grew increasingly antsy for Color War, anticipating the moment that a speech might turn into a “Color War!’ announcement. But there was more to come…
Following speeches, we watched a Quinn Croland tribute video, filled with cameos from Scatico alum, including other members of the 2006 Nat Team! Next, DLs performed a “boys sing style” song set to the tune of “Wagon Wheel,” hailing Quinn as the “Shack King.” Shoutout to Sam Ryan, for leading the DLs! Finally, Quinn’s jersey was hoisted into the rafters, and Mark got set to reveal Quinn’s plaque. For anyone paying attention, a plaque of sorts had been hiding under a gold cloth next to Mark’s podium. When Mark announced it was time to give Quinn his plaque, and he took off the cloth… underneath was a sign that said Color War!! Simultaneously, DLs rained green and grey Q-Tips down on Quinn!!
In a flash…. everyone rushed to the A-Court!!!! Boys Color War had officially begun.
Girls Color War
1, 2, 3, 4… we have girls Color War!! It was a special day on girls side, ending in a major summer milestone… COLOR WAR!
It started with the walk to dinner, in which the Seniors successfully tricked us with a fake break! They decorated the road path and amphitheater with balloons and streamers… which led to an eruption of cheers. But alas, no Color War.
Once at the dining hall, it was a special Birthday Ball dinner. Birthday Ball is a time to celebrate everyone in camp’s birthday and to also celebrate the history of Scatico. We give out the year’s Scatico “party favors” (this year, a deck of cards with an image of the road path), and at the end of the meal we bring out four giant sheet cakes, with 104 candles (one for each year of Scatico), and have a candle lighting ceremony. In this ceremony, we call out the number of years at camp starting with 20+ years, then 15+, then 10+, and then 9, 8, 7, 6… until there are no candles left to be lit. With each year calling, all members of the community who have been at Scatico that long are able to come up and light a candle. It’s always a special moment when you’ve been at camp long enough to warrant a candle lighting!
Following dinner and cake, it was time for a movie in the Social Hall… Camp Rock! Donning PJs and Crazy Creeks in tow, girls side was ready for a movie “slumber party.” First bags of popcorn were distributed and then m&ms. But upon closer investigation… something was “off” with the m&m wrappers! They had a green and grey design and it said COLOR WAR :) Shouts ensued, the three judges emerged, and the Sooper splits were read.
On Girls Side, team Generals and Lieutenants— 4 Soopers who are voted for by their peers— first play a doubles tennis match to determine who gets dibs on color, Green or Grey. Ultimately, Brooke and Ila beat Lilah and Emily, and they chose GREEN! Then, divisions are called one at a time for a dodgeball match and as campers are eliminated they line up in front of the Judges and have their team color read. Green gathers on one half of the tennis courts, Grey on another, slowly growing and growing until each camper is on their respective side.
Summer Week 3
At Camp Scatico on Visiting Day, the Road Path comes alive with the sights and sounds of reunion. Roughly 200 cars line the driving range in neat rows, creating the illusion of a parking lot without a single painted line. Picnic blankets and lawn chairs line the Road Path while some families gravitate to off-the-beaten-path spots, perhaps under the tree by the Girls’ Social Hall or in the Pagoda. Relatives sit in clusters catching up, family-member alumni walk familiar paths, and campers proudly show off creations they’ve made in crafts or ceramics. Younger siblings sport green and white in anticipation of the day they’ll be campers too. The lake becomes a scene of summer joy, with adults launching children off the Rave, sending them flying with shrieks of laughter. Parents laugh, hug, and sometimes have to gently pull themselves away as teary-eyed campers cling tightly.
But Visiting Day is more than just a day of candy and activity. It’s a marker in time. It divides the summer in two, creating a distinct “before” and “after.” The first half of camp, filled with anticipation and adjustment, gives way to a second half shaped by a renewed confidence and the knowledge that time is ticking. For many, it’s the emotional core of the summer—a reminder of how much has changed in just a few weeks and how fast the rest will fly by. It’s a day that holds joy, nostalgia, and sometimes a few tears, signaling the shift from early summer innocence to the full-hearted sprint toward the end.
While the family-facing portion of Visiting Day can present its transitional challenges, once families say goodbye the day is filled with jam-packed fun to bring campers back into the swing of things.
Legends:
Created in 2016 by Head of Arts Ken Vallario, Legends has become one of Camp Scatico’s most imaginative traditions. Now in his ninth summer leading the event, Vallario’s vision remains rooted in storytelling, teamwork, and a sense of magic. Each summer, campers are divided into four teams, the Alchemists, Harbingers, Guardians, and Seers, each with its own identity and symbol. Much like a Hogwarts house, once placed on a team, campers remain part of it for the rest of their camper years, building loyalty and legacy over time. While the athletic events vary slightly from year to year, the spirit of Legends stays the same: a celebration of creativity and camp-wide connection.
Relay race
This year’s Legends kicked off with a pickleball tournament on the new courts on the Hill. The Alchemists faced off against the Guardians, while the Harbingers took on the Seers in the opening round. The competition was spirited and fun, with the Harbingers ultimately emerging victorious over the Alchemists in the championship match. Following pickleball was the relay race. Teams rotated between eating dinner at the BBQ Deck (counselors man the grill– the only time Head Chef Ricardo lets this happen!) and participating in the relay, creating a relaxed and social atmosphere on the hill. The Lower Hill campers kicked things off by solving a puzzle that showed their team’s symbol. Once completed, a runner went down to the waterfront to tag in Upper Hill campers. There, the challenge involved filling a bucket with water until a ping pong ball floated out. Campers who weren’t actively racing spent time shooting hoops, playing catch, or simply enjoying the summer evening with teammates.
Once the athletic events wrapped up, the true essence of Legends began: the storytelling. Each team’s Seniors had full creative freedom to craft and present an original story, weaving in their team’s identity in any form they chose. These stories could be anecdotal, mystical, magical, humorous, or heartfelt, but all shared a common thread by having an underlying moral lesson. The entire camp was captivated, pulled into other worlds as the Seniors showcased their imagination, writing, and performance skills. It was a moment for each team to shine, not through scores or competition, but through creativity and self-expression.
The day concluded with a general swim and s’mores. Campers splashed in the lake under the evening sky, toasted marshmallows, and reflected on the stories they had just heard. Legends doesn’t end with medals or rankings. It ends with the memory of a day where imagination reigned and every camper felt a little more connected to something bigger than themselves.
Legends GS
Senior storytellers
Scatapalooza:
Scatapalooza is a vibrant and ever-evolving tradition at Camp Scatico and typically revolves around strengthening the bond between camp sisters. This year’s event kicked off with a wildly fun game called Organized Mass Chaos, featuring two concentric rings of counselors: the outer ring made up of Lower Hill staff and the inner ring of Upper Hill staff, guarding materials like pool noodles, shaving cream, and kickballs. Camp sisters paired up to navigate the rings, traveling from counselor to counselor collecting slips of paper with wacky tasks such as, “Tell five people you lost your compass and can’t find your way north,” or “Get two more pairs of camp sisters and form a human pyramid.” With each completed task, a counselor checked off their slip, and the goal was simple: complete as many tasks as possible before time ran out.
After the high-energy chaos of the challenge, the camp sisters wound down with a relaxing general swim. The swim served not just as a cool-down or a chance to laugh about the game, but to turn everyday camp activities into lasting memories, strengthening the sisterhood that Scatapalooza celebrates.
Rock, paper, scissors
As night fell, the energy shifted to the evening activity: Salmagundi. While usually hosted on the tennis courts, this year’s event embraced a more rustic mood, taking place across five fire pits on back campus. Around each fire pit were different stations offering a mix of activities, each one designed to keep the spirit of fun and togetherness alive. One fire pit station was for “novleties” (little challenges like eating a cracker and whistling, or getting an oreo from your forehead into your mouth without using your hands). Another fire pit station was “entourage rock, paper, scissors” (in which campers cheer on rock paper scissor matches). The flicker of firelight, the buzz of laughter, and the excitement of trying new activities made the night feel magical, closing out Scatapalooza with warmth, creativity, and that special Scatico sense of community.
Oreo face
Alma Mater at the end of the night
While Saturday was a particularly special camp night, we must not forget other standout moments from Week 3…
Week 3 Highlights:
Hikes and Overnights: The last of the camper hikes went out, with the Junior girls heading to Mills Mansion and berry picking. Several groups also headed to the campfire site for overnights! Headed by the dynamic duo of Nature Will and Nature Mike, overnights consist of cooking dinner over a fire, storytelling, s’mores, and of course… sleeping in tents!
Co-Ed Activities: This summer we have added weekly, division-specific co-ed activities during the day. Lower hill groups do their activities on Wednesdays, and Upper Hill on Fridays. Some lower hill co-ed activity highlights from this week included the Inter girls and Sub Junior boys having a graduation ceremony– complete with diplomas– and the Centers and Juniors doing a Scatico-themed Scavenger Hunt.
Girls Scatico Softball: Camp Scatico hosted four camps for the 8th Grade Softball Tournament and went an impressive 3-0 to clinch first place. The team faced off against Lenox, Schodack, and Wah-Nee, delivering strong performances in each game. Ruby Elkin led the way on the mound with excellent pitching, while every player on the team got on base, Annabelle Noe also crushed a key triple and on defense, Ryan Thaler and Emma Fabian anchored the infield with standout plays at shortstop.
Boys Scatico Baseball: Camp Scatico’s baseball team put up a strong showing in their tournament, finishing in second place with a 1-1 record. In Game 1, they defeated Wah-Nee 4-0 behind three scoreless innings from Chuck Wachalter and closing performance by Levi Gross. In Game 2 against Greylock, Ezra Elkin provided a spark by stealing third and scoring on an overthrow. Although Scatico ultimately fell 8-1, this hardworking group proved themselves to be a cohesive and determined team, and they should be proud of all they accomplished.
Co-ed Scatico Tennis: Scatico Tennis had an outstanding showing this summer, with strong performances across both the girls’ and boys’ brackets. On the girls’ side, Scatico swept the finals. The boys also had a strong showing. Aaron Taubenfeld won the singles championship 6-2, earning back-to-back titles!
Week 3 at Camp Scatico was packed with unforgettable moments, from the emotional highs of Visiting Day to the creative magic of Legends and Scatapalooza, and there is so much yet to come.
Summer 2025, Week 2
Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion (for those with lack of scientific expertise), claims that an object in motion stays in motion. In Camp Scatico terms, which is probably a more common language for those of us reading, this means that the spirit and action of camp we saw bloom in Week 1 has only continued. See below for Week 2 Highlights…
Week 2 Highlights
Cheering on the Girls Nat
Girls Nat: The week began with the Girls’ Nat Holman Invitational Tournament. The bleachers of the Pavilion were filled with green and grey as the crowd cheered on their team. The first game was a blowout against Kinder Ring. Although the team lost to Lenox in the semis, the energy remained high because later that day…
DJ Pure: “DJ Pure” set up shop in the Pavillion and hosted a dance party for evening activity. Campers of all ages danced the night away and enjoyed music with their peers.
Teams Day 1: Thunderbolt and Racing Wind played against Blazing Arrow and Flying Eagle for the day. Each division played two sports in the morning followed by the swim meet in the afternoon. At the evening campfire, each team sang their Jingle, which is a short fight song, and demonstrated their Pyramid, which is a gymnastics formation. The current standings have Blazing Arrow in first, Flying Eagle in second, Racing Wind in third, and Thunderbolt in fourth.
College Bowl: The Upper Seniors did a fantastic job leading their teams in College Bowl, a two day competition between four teams on Boys’ Side. The teams remain the same every summer, being University of Michigan (royal blue), UCLA (light blue), USC (yellow), and Ohio State (red). College Bowl starts with a full evening capture the flag, and the next day continues with Mass Softball (everyone in the field at once, everyone at bat), Full Camp Dodgeball and Rock Paper Scissors, and Greasy Watermelon. The afternoon follows with the full-camp Relay, an intense game of Knockout, and the Upper Senior Slapball Homerun Derby.
The special event was completed with the Campfire. The silliness of the novelties like Pillow Fights and Fool Ball was balanced with the solemn ceremony honoring the Upper Seniors, where Division Leader George Richardson gifted each Upper Senior with a Scatico backpack.
Yes, there are moments of stillness within this all… a walk back to a bunk from a meal, reading a comic book or playing a card game during rest hour… but Camp Scatico is undoubtedly within a state of inertia. The rush of cheering on your bunkmates during the Nat, the anticipation of waiting for your event during the relay, the thrill of hearing that the following day is a late morning… Summer at Camp Scatico is an object in motion, moving along with an intangible vitality, and it refuses to be stopped.
