Patrick's CEO Corner

Fall 2026

Pumpkin Fest is this coming weekend, and it’s been a joy getting camp ready for it while the leaves are bright and the temperatures are mild. After 11 weeks of staff training and summer camp, followed immediately by our weekend groups, it’s nice to finally have a chance to breathe, walk around camp, and enjoy the fall.

We had a wonderfully successful summer. Mikayla and I both agreed that it was one of the smoothest summers we’ve ever had. We also finally found a company that successfully eliminated any traces of bed bugs, and we’ll be working with them to treat every cabin before each summer going forward.

Our staff was fantastic, and we’re already seeing a lot of interest from staff who want to return next summer. It probably doesn’t hurt that we’re paying much better these days! Long gone are the days of the $150-per-week counselor stipend. General counselors now earn $575 per week, and our camp RNs earn $1,600 per week. I mention that because we are currently looking for an RN for a two-week session next summer. If you or someone you know may be interested, please reach out.

We’re also moving ahead with our list of off-season facility projects. Renovations to the Mohican cabins and the Barn went great, along with upgrades to the Jawak cabins and the addition of a new Waterfront Shed. Before next summer, we’ll be improving the Oscadee cabins, renovating the Lighthouse, and building a new GaGazeebo (a covered octagonal pavilion, just for playing Gaga Ball!).

This fall, we visited seven other overnight camps as we continue to learn, gather ideas, and think through the design of a potential new Dining Hall. Our Facilities Committee also had a wonderful visit with YMCA Camp Hazen, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from what other camps are doing.

I’m thrilled with our full-time staff of Jo, Mikayla, Dan, Fran, and Caleb. We have a great team that works incredibly well together, and that makes a huge difference. We’re also nearly full for the summer of 2027, with a waitlist already started for Session 2.

Have a wonderful fall, and get outside as much as possible!

Patrick Marchand

CEO