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Benjamin Esposito
What camp do you work for? What type of
camp is it?
Camp Alvernia - large (850 kids last summer,
around 500 at a time), independent, non-profit
day camp
What is your title/position at camp?
Assistant
Director
How long have you been working
for camp, both seasonally and full-time?
I first started working at Alvernia 11
years ago. I skipped a few summers
to see the world, Europe, Asia, Africa. I've been full-time for about 2
years now.
How did you get your start in camping? If
you started off seasonally, how did you
transition into your job as a full-time
camp professional?
I went to a few church-sponsored resident
camps as a kid, and always loved it.
I began working at Camp Alvernia at age
16. My best friend was working there,
and he helped me get a job on the maintenance staff. Cleaning toilets is
always a good first job for someone in leadership! Over the years, I worked
in pretty much every capacity we have at camp - kitchen staff, activity counselor,
supervisor, etc. All the while, I was working for the property manager
in the offseason, learning the ins and outs of the facilities.
In the summer of 2005, I was in charge
of community service projects for the
camp, and worked very closely with the Assistant Director and Director, both
of whom I've known for years. That summer, I told my Director that I was
interested in working at the camp full-time. One thing led to another,
and here I am!
What is your background in terms of major
in school, degree(s) and school(s) attended,
and if you had another career prior to
camping, what was it?
I studied Christian Education and Ministry
at Wheaton College, just outside Chicago,
graduating in 2003. My parents are both Christian ministers, and I grew
up with a desire to help others and make the world a better place. After
graduating, I spent time working on leadership training conferences for 18-25
year-olds in London, then worked at a magazine in Orlando. When I returned
to NY, I got a job driving a school bus. Now THAT'S an experience that'll
try anyone who loves working with kids.
What areas do you primarily focus on
in your role (staffing, camper recruiting,
programming, etc.)?
Any other skills that people can feel free
to contact you about?
In my
role at the camp, I get a chance to participate
in every aspect of the running of a camp.
I am very lucky to have a very open relationship
with my Director. He treats me as an equal,
gives me lots of freedom, and we work very
well together. During the offseason, I
manage the office and do the budget, staff
hiring and staff training. During the summer
I oversee the "lower camp", the pools,
and the activities.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have lots of music in my background,
so I try to stay connected with my friends
from that industry. I write songs and record, occasionally play shows,
and sing in a men's barbershop chorus. I also run a collaborative music/art
website, www.elephanthug.com.
Beyond that I love to cook, and I'm addicted to the Food Network.
Where do you live/work and how can people
contact you?
I live and work on Long Island, and can be
reached at camp1888@gmail.com or
at 631.261.5730.
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