This year we have created a number of new positions around camp and also hired some new department heads as well. They are all so excited about camp that they wanted to write a little about themselves so that when our campers get to camp they know who they are.
Dara Foster-Storch Program Director
My name is Dara and I am so excited to join Lindenmere this summer to bring my special brand of warmth and enthusiasm to camp. Having had my own life-changing camp experience, I knew that one day I would return as an adult and possibly share this wonderful opportunity with my children…and so I did. After enjoying a rewarding NYC advertising career, raising my son and twin daughters and happily volunteering in all things relating to them, I decided it was time to pursue my true passion, working with children. For the last three summers, I have joyfully created and directed an inaugural social justice program for the JCC of Princeton, Mercer and Bucks counties. This deeply inspiring experience became my spring board for change. I am thrilled to now be teaching preschoolers where I hope to empower children to be the best version of themselves. That is the mission I carry forth as I embrace the role of Program Director at Camp Lindenmere. So when you see me smiling, know it’s because I’m exactly where I want to be…please introduce yourself, I can’t wait to meet you!
Kalyn Franke Assistant Program Director
Hi! My name is Kalyn and I will be the Assistant Program Director for Summer 2012. Last summer, I worked in the office full time and was able to learn how to schedule campers into their afternoon minors. This summer, I will be using those skills in my new role, overseeing the entire minor scheduling process from compiling the minor sheets that campers fill out at breakfast to checking the final activity rosters. After the day’s scheduling is finished, I will lend an extra set of hands to our artistic campers in the Arts and Crafts building and then spend the evenings with my bunk. I can honestly say that my first Lindenmere summer was one of the best experiences of my life, and I am looking forward to working with Dara and the rest of the Lindenmere team to make Summer 2012 the best summer yet!
Izzie Yaakub Head of Circus
My name is Izzie Yaakub, and I’m 31 years old (although I’d be 32 by the time camp starts). I have been teaching and performing circus acts for 10 years now, mainly with Club Med, where I was a circus manager for the last 7 years. I do mainly aerial acts, and I specialize in flying trapeze, where I can be both a flyer and a catcher but I enjoy all aspects of the circus arts.
As a kid, I was always most excited when a carnival came to my town. Just the feeling of being in the carnival, playing the simple games at the stall, walking through the haunted house, looking at my reflection in the funny shaped mirrors, the smell of caramel popcorns, the sounds, and of course, the shows. I still remember one of the first flying trapeze acts I ever saw. They were ‘The Flying Cranes’, traveling and performing, I believe, with ‘The Great Moscow Circus’. I remember climbing windows and cupboards at home after that, to the horror of my parents!
My practical passion for circus started when I first held a fly bar and did my first catch, which was a planche. I knew then that circus, and trapeze, would be a big part of me, and that’s how I want to live my life… performing. And if I’m ever good at it, I will share with others how to do the same.
Working with children at circus is nothing short of magic, because you can see it in their face when they’re inspired and when they accomplish something. You know you’ve armed them with the confidence and the ‘never say never’ attitude that will be the foundation of what they can achieve in life.
As this is my first time working in camp, I look forward to meeting everyone and hopefully learn as much, if not more, from all of you as I can share.
Mikey Scofield Co Head of Rock Shop
I’m excited about not only returning to camp for my 3rd year, but to be co-running with Phil Swasey whom I worked under in 2007. I respect how much the kids looked up to him and I know his experience, support, and guidance will be something that will help me grow as well as something that will help the department succeed. I am very excited and looking forward to the expansion of our department and the construction of a new facility. This new facility will give more rehearsal space and each band more time to practice and rock out! I’m excited to jam with the kids and counselors, and can’t wait to see what songs the campers will want to play this summer. I know Phil and I are going to be able to create a fun time for all and another memorable summer in the Rock Shop. In addition to being exciting about the rock shop, I just can’t wait to be back at camp. Wearing all my fun bandanas just isn’t the same at home, and can’t wait to bust out some of the new ones I have added to my collection! It is pretty hard to contain my excitement for the summer and I hope these next few months go by quickly so we can all be together at camp. See you soon!!!
Phil Swasey Co-Head of Rock Shop
Hi Lindenmere,
My name is Phil Swasey and I am thrilled to be back at the Rock Shop this summer. I’ve been playing guitar for over 15 years, and have been performing in rock bands ever since. In addition to my experience in the world of rock, I have a background in classical music with a Masters of Music in Composition. My musical interests have taken me all of the country, including 2 years writing and performing in various bands in New York City. I am currently living with my wife in the live music capital of the US, Austin, TX, where I am the Assistant Director of Orchestra and Mariachi Bands at Bedichek Middle School.
It’s a great feeling to be returning to camp after a two year hiatus. My summers weren’t the same without 6 weeks in the Poconos. It brings a smile to my face when I think about the opportunity that I will have this summer to work with some of my favorite former campers that are now on the Rock Shop staff, in addition to all of the great returning staff that are signed on. It’s going to be a great summer in the Rock Shop!
Marc De La Concha Head of Theatre
I’m excited to be returning to Lindenmere after 6 years. I am a graduate of SUNY Fredonia, where I received a B.F.A in Musical Theatre. I have worked at a number of theatres around the country and has been on several national tours. I now live in New York City where I work as an actor.
In addition to my career on stage, I have over 10 years experience working with various summer camps and after school programs as a Director/Teaching Artist. I have worked with The Educational Alliance After 3 Arts Program at P.S. 142 and The Manhattan School for Children in New York. I have also worked with The Millbrook Summer Theater Camp, The Schenectady Arts and Academics Camp, Camp Saradac and Camp Na Sho Pa. I am also the Co-Founder/Director of PLAYGROUND Drama Day Camp
I have a wide range of experience in the theatre. My creativity and passion for the performing arts are the foundation of what is sure to be a great summer at Lindenmere.
