OUR STORY
Camp Reece launched in 2016 as a stay-away summer camp at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. We have since expanded and are newly located in Johnsburg, New York as of 2021. With an idyllic natural setting and experienced staff members, Camp Reece provides a fully immersive environment for individuals with disabilities from age 8 to 17. Our skilled and caring staff members differentiate instruction and modify activities whenever needed to ensure campers of all levels, abilities, and ages can participate fully and successfully.
Camp Reece derives its name from its sibling institution, The Reece School. Founded in 1948 by Ellen S. Reece and chartered by the State of New York in 1955, the Reece School is one of the oldest non-profit special education schools in New York City. Originally housed in Ms. Reece’s home on East 93rd Street, Reece School’s on-going commitment to providing a nurturing and academically engaging environment for its students resulted in the school expanding its student body over the next several decades. Eventually outgrowing its original home, in 2006, Reece School moved into its new location at 25 East 104th Street next to the famous Museum Mile and Central Park.
The Reece School’s practices of differentiated emotional and social support, as well as a well-structured environment, are translated to the fun-filled landscape of Camp Reece! Campers will be able to explore a myriad of different activities, across programs such as arts, sports, and adventure. With a structured weekly schedule, campers will be able to explore everything Camp Reece has to offer and then tailor their schedule to their favorite activities. Through practical and extracurricular programs, campers will not only have fun, they will also learn new skills and build self confidence and self-esteem which they will carry with them long beyond their time at Camp Reece.
Meet the Team
-
Bret Weiss
CAMP DIRECTOR
Hello! My name is Bret Weiss and this will be my first summer at Camp Reece! I'm from Brewster, NY and studied Business Administration at SUNY Oswego. I went to camp myself since the age of 5 and have worked with children in a camp setting for over 10 years. Some of my favorite camp activities are high ropes, archery, and white-water rafting. During the school year, I work at the Reece School as Positive Behavior Support. When I'm not at camp, I enjoy being adventurous, traveling, sports and music!
I cannot wait for this summer to be here! See you soon!
-
Kiersten Twitchell, LCSW
CLINICAL DIRECTOR
I have worked with children and teens for over 15 years, and during much of that time, I spent my summers in a camp setting. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and worked in New York City for 10 years after receiving my Master’s from NYU. I spent three years working as a Counselor at the Reece School, which is how I got connected to Camp Reece.
I’m originally from Kansas City, Kansas and currently live in Nashville, Tennessee. My favorite activities are yoga, being in nature, spending time with my friends and hanging out with my husband and two dogs – Jackson and Kennedy. Jackson is also one of our camp dogs – he loves it there! I am excited about many things this summer – getting to know all of the amazing campers and staff, being outside all day, and going on adventures like white water rafting and high ropes! See you this summer!
-
Charlotte Lester
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Hi there - My name is Charlotte Lester. I am originally from Westchester NY and now living in NYC. I’ve been involved with Camp Reece since its start in 2017. I’ve loved watching it grow and develop into the amazing program it is today! Some of my favorite camp activities are tubing, ceramics, and six flags. When I’m not at Camp, I teach photography at the Reece School and coach alpine ski racing at Gore Mtn.
Counting down the days until SUMMER 2024
-
Octavia Man
AQUATICS DIRECTOR
This year at Reece I will be the Aquatic Director, working to expand and build out the new swimming program. With over 20 years of expertise in camp and water safety, program development, I am committed to creating a safe and enjoyable aquatic experience for campers of all ages. I cannot wait to see you all again this summer!
-
Brent DiVittorio
SPECIALIST COORDINATOR + WSI
Hey, camp crew! Brent here, gearing up for my first go-round as your Specialist Coordinator and WSI. Having spent a decade teaching swimming, you can count on me to keep the pool just right. I'm all about weaving outdoor adventures into the mix, adding that extra splash of excitement. Whether we're fine-tuning our strokes or diving into various camp activities, I'm here to ensure we have a summer that's both enjoyable and packed with learning. So, gear up for some good laughs, a bit of exploration, and plenty of aquatic excitement!
-
Ashley Arroyo
CIT COORDINATOR
Hello! My name is Ashley and I am a California native. In my free time, I love to go to the beach, read, and play tennis. This summer will be my third summer that I will be spending at Camp Reece. When I'm not spending my summers at Camp Reece, I work as a Behavior Interventionist with children ages preschool through 6th grade. I am so excited for all the fun memories that'll be made this summer!
-
Melissa Pascual
KEY STAFF
Hello, my name is Melissa and this will be my first summer as Key Staff at Camp Reece. I have previously spent 7 summers working as a Counselor and Head staff at 3 other summer camps. I am an Elementary School teacher from Edinburgh in Scotland but will be making the move to New York to spend the summer at Camp Reece before moving over to the Reece School for the rest of the year. I am excited to get back into the camp way of life. My most favourite part of camp is being able to explore the outdoors! I look forward to creating memories with you all and having an unforgettable summer!
-
Ash Milana
KEY STAFF
Hello- My name is Ash, and I am your Key Staff! This will be my second summer at Camp Reece! I have spent almost a decade being an educator growing and learning with children and teens. Within those year, I have spent many of them engaged at camps and being a camper myself. I can't wait to jump into the summer fun and see you all again. My favorite thing about camp is experiencing the outdoors with our campers! My favorite things to do is get creative at arts & crafts and explore nature! You can find me taking pictures of frogs, plants and bugs on a beautiful hike or swimming for hours at the lake! I am looking forward to laughing and creating memories with you all! Camp is truly a once in a lifetime experience and I can't wait to experience it again.
SUMMER 2024 WOOHOO!
-
Chloe Willey
KEY STAFF
Hey everyone!! My name is Chloe and I am from the North East of England studying sports physiotherapy at Loughborough University. Camp last year was absolutely incredible so I decided to come again this year! I am really looking forward to making many more lifelong friends and memories and taking part in all the exciting opportunities at camp this year. See you all soon!
-
Billy Spruyt
COUNSELOR
Hi I’m Billy, I’m from Yorkshire in England and I’m currently studying at Loughborough University. I love being outside and playing sport (especially rugby). I had the best summer of my life in 2023 at Camp Reece and met some amazing people who are now really good friends for life! I’m really excited about having another great summer and going on some of the fantastic trips such as six flags and white water rafting as well as going to the lake!
-
Sara Bernardi
COUNSELOR
Hi my name is Sara - I’m from Lagrangeville NY and I’m currently a student at SUNY Cortland.
I am so excited for my first year at camp and to meet new people! I can’t wait to make lots of fun memories with everyone this summer!
-
Molly Mcshane
COUNSELOR
Hi!! I’m Molly and I’m half-Irish, half-Scottish. I have recently graduated with my Master’s degree in Autism research and currently work as an activity support worker for children with special needs. This will be my first summer at Camp Reece and I cannot wait to get started! I’m excited to meet everyone and try new things. I spend a lot of my free time hiking with my dog Lily, exploring new places and going to gigs. I am scared of heights but weirdly love participating in activities that challenge that fear such as zip-lining and high ropes courses. I have a feeling that summer 2024 is going to be my best summer yet!
-
Evren Sarisaray
COUNSELOR
Hey there! I'm Evren, a fun-loving mix of Romanian and Turkish heritage currently diving into the world of Computer Engineering in bustling Istanbul. Super stoked to be joining the Camp Reece crew for my very first summer! When I'm not buried in code or hitting the books, you'll catch me hanging out at home, making memories with my awesome sister and our adorable bunch of nephews. We're big on playtime and exploring the neighborhood together. Soccer's my jam, especially when I'm goofing around with the little ones on the field. And when the sun's out, you'll find me and my buddies out in the wild, camping, hiking, and soaking up all that nature has to offer. Can't wait to make some unforgettable summer memories with everyone at Camp Reece!
-
Sophie Campell
COUNSELOR
Hi!!! I’m Sophie (a returning counselor)! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED my experience at Camp Reece last year and am super excited to see the returning campers and meet the new campers coming this year. i have fond memories of last years camp coaching tennis, this has been an interest of mine since I was young and love to share that passion with everyone. Super excited to see everyone in the summer!
-
Mia Parsons
COUNSELOR
Hi - I’m Mia and I’m from Bath in England. Currently studying at Leeds Beckett Uni in Leeds, doing primary teaching. I am a very outgoing person and love any sort of adventure activity that boosts my adrenaline. I also absolutely love the gym and anything fitness related. I am super excited for my first year at Camp Reece and am looking forward to to experiencing camp life and all that it has to offer!
I can’t wait to experience America for the first time and I am excited for summer 2024 and all of the amazing memories.
-
Lewis Ashworth
COUNSELOR
Hey guys, I’m Lewis and I’m from Liverpool England. I am a second year student studying at the University of Liverpool doing English and Media. I am very excited to join the Camp Reece team in summer and I am looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing camp life. I am very outgoing and love getting involved in everything, so can’t wait for all the adventures Camp Reece has to offer!
-
Sebastian Guina
COUNSELOR
Hey I’m Seb! I am from and live in the UK. I have worked with children in a school in Dagenham, a small town in Greater London, for 4 years now. It is my first time with Camp Reece as a counselor and I share the children's excitement for this year's summer camp experience. I love all sports and adventure and can't wait for the Summer.
Bring on Camp Reece 2024!!!!
-
Ruby Adamson
COUNSELOR
Hello!! My name is Ruby Adamson and I’m originally from the shetland isles in Scotland. I am currently studying biomedical sciences at the University of Dundee. I love all sports especially water sports and rugby. I’m am really excited about a fantastic summer at camp Reece!!
-
Miroslav Lazur
GENERAL COUNSELOR
Hello/ Ahoj - My name is Miroslav! I was born and raised in the Western part of the Carpathian Mountains, 2nd longest mountain in Europe,
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in hotel management, and working in hospitality was a big part of my career path.
For the last few years, I’ve been working as a support worker with young people. When not at work, or busy with some of my latest DIY projects, I enjoy time outdoors, feeling connected to Mother Nature and appreciating its magic ✨
Looking forward to our summer in the Adirondacks and feeling the energy powered by a bunch of beautiful people/souls united together creating a GREAT SUMMER for every person stepping on the ground of Camp Reece.
Much love!
-
Ella Zappert
AQUATICS SPECIALIST
Hi everyone! My name is Ella and I’m from Brisbane, Australia! I’m currently taking a gap year and this will be my first summer at Camp Reece. I am very enthusiastic and love putting myself out there and getting involved in as much as possible. I love tubing, hockey, swimming, hanging with friends and all things summer. I cannot wait to make so many amazing memories this summer with so many amazing people!!
-
Justin Maurer
SPORTS SPECIALIST
Welcome to Camp Reece! My name is Justin and I’ll be your sports specialist this summer! I am also the head physical education teacher at The Reece School. Believe it or not, I was a Reece student many many years ago! This will be my third summer at camp and it is an honor to be back!! My favorite things to do at camp are playing basketball on the courts and coming together at night to star gaze and eat s’mores. I cannot wait to meet everybody and have another amazing summer :)
-
Jemma Willday
SPORTS SPECIALIST
Hello I’m Jemma - I’m from the midlands in England and currently studying sports coaching at Loughborough University. I enjoying playing soccer and outdoor activities. This is going to be my first time travel to America and cannot wait for summer!!!!
-
Ethan McKiernan
KITCHEN STAFF
Hello! My name is Ethan, I am from Liverpool, England so I’m known as a Scouser. I am currently studying Level 3 Games Development at Liverpool City College. I have a passion for many hobbies and I enjoy being outdoors, especially as I look forward to summer camp this year. My hobbies are reading books and comics, trying new foods, art, health and fitness, sports, video games, movies or television shows, spending time with family and friends and going out on hikes to reconnect with nature. I have a cocker spaniel dog named Muddy (who most of the time is always muddy!) I love to take him out for walks each day.
As a part of meeting new people, I have met and worked with other people who are neurodivergent. For someone like me, who has a diagnosis of autism and dyslexia, I have a good understanding for anyone I meet who is on the spectrum. This summer is going to be brilliant! I look forward to meeting everyone and for what I will be learning throughout camp.
-
Sacha Monsarrat
KITCHEN STAFF
I am Sacha, I am 20 and I live in south of France, Montpellier. I’m currently in my second year in a law school. I am really excited to do this experience to improve my english and to meet new people from all around the world. I am really into sport like football, boxing and basketball.
Also, I have already traveled a lot, so it will be easy for me to adapt to the program. I’ve already been working with child (baby-sitting / activities during events), and also in catering.
-
Charlie McLean
COUNSELOR
Hi my name is Charlie and I live in the west coast of Scotland. This will be my first ever trip to America and also my first time at Camp Reece. I currently study a 2nd year degree of Sports Coaching and Development at University of the West of Scotland. I have been a volunteer since i was the age of 9 firstly, I volunteered at my grandpa’s ASN swimming club, then I coached in judo for 9 years and done various multi-sports coaching roles within the Active Schools organisation for 6 years now. A few fun facts about me, I am a black belt in Judo, I love listening to music (My favourite band is Coldplay) and I am a massive WWE fan.
I am excited for Camp Reece as it will be my first ever time in America and also at Camp Reece.
Can’t wait to meet all our staff and campers 🤙🏻
-
Brian Maurer
COUNSELOR
My name is Brian Maurer and I am currently a Positive Behavioral Intervention Specialist (PBIS) at the Reece School. I am from New York City and I am super excited to be a counselor at the Reece Camp this summer. I love being outside during the summer and another fun fact about me is that I am 60% water! I am really looking forward to making connections with the all counselors and campers.