Alumni Spotlight: Jess (Iannuzzo) Melo

If you were a camper in the early 2000’s, you may have been lucky enough to know Jess Iannuzzo (now Melo). As a camper from 2004-2006, a CIT in 2007, and a Junior Counselor from 2008-2009, Jess spent time in many of camp’s units, including Mohicans, Oscadees, and Seniors.

While Jess has infinite positive memories of Camp, she recalls her first summer being a rocky one. Despite the fact that she had begged her family to finally attend a sleepaway camp, once she got to Mohawk, she cried nightly. Over the next two weeks, Jess slowly but surely fell in love with the engaging activities, cabin bonding moments, and the diverse camp staff. By closing day at the end of the session, Jess immediately not only told her parents that she would be coming back, but that she would be staying for AT LEAST four weeks.

It was during one of these next few summers that she met her camp role model, Maeve Molloy. Maeve was the “coolest person she had ever known,” and embodied what it was like to truly be yourself. As the years went on, Maeve and Jess continued returning to camp and grew their bond. Jess now prides herself on the fact that her role model as a youngster is actually now her friend in her adult life. 

As a Counselor, Jess led Camp’s drama productions as well as improv classes. These were classes that not only allowed Jess to embrace all of her creative energy, but also allowed her to share that passion with other campers. In addition to teaching drama, Jess mentored Mohicans. One of her fondest memories as staff is a universal one for anyone who has worked at Camp before - her first time being On Duty (or OD) after Taps. It was a surreal experience, actually being the one in charge instead of being the one tucked inside the cabin like she had been for many years. She celebrated in the way that many new Junior Counselors would: by hanging out with her cohort of CITs at the unit picnic table,  eating their weight in snacks.

Even after more than a decade since her last summer at Mohawk, Jess continues to feel strongly connected to her favorite place. She says it has led to many of the opportunities she’s had in her adult life. For example, Camp taught Jess about the power of being independent and self-sufficient. With that lesson, she scraped up the courage to go to college five hours away from her hometown, at SUNY Oswego, where she ended up meeting her now husband, Omy. After getting her teaching degree there, and teaching 2nd and 5th grade, Jess transitioned to working in the non-profit space. Through organizations such as Girl Scouts of Greater New York and Make-a-Wish Foundation, Jess has become an expert in training volunteers to do good in their communities. She credits Camp with teaching her the work ethic she applies to her job daily. In Jess’ words, while not all job duties are glamorous (hello, shower duty), they can always be approached with a smile and a positive attitude.

Even as an adult, Jess looks for ways to be a part of the Mohawk legacy. She often attends alumni events when she can (and was even surprised with a camp-style bridal shower at the reunion weekend in 2021). Additionally, in recent years, she has been involved in alumni-led conversations centered around Mohawk’s commitment to becoming even more inclusive and accessible to campers. She is excited for Camp to continue this mission as it continues to grow in the future. The next time you come to camp’s annual alumni weekend, be sure to say hello to Jess!