Camp Reece Chronicles: Counselors Share Their Stories & Insights!
We reached out to our 2023 Camp Reece counselors, each with their own unique journey and perspective, to answer a series of questions for you! From reflecting on the impact that camp has had on their lives to what they’re looking forward to in the upcoming summer, our returning counselors provide an intimate look at the magic of this special place. Read on to hear from Justin Maurer, Chloe Willey, Brian Maurer, Ash Milana, Billy Spruyt, Ashley Arroyo and Sophie Campbell about their experience at Camp Reece and summer faves.
Tell me about what you have been up to since camp. What’s new?
Justin (Sports Specialist): Away from Camp Reece, I am the head physical education teacher at The Reece School! On weekdays, I dedicate myself to helping Reece students lay the foundation for healthy and active lifestyles. After hours, you'll often find me honing my basketball skills at nearby courts.
Chloe (Key Staff): Since camp, I've been immersing myself in hockey and dedicating myself to my studies. I find myself often reminiscing about summer 2023.
Brian (General Counselor): I've taken on a role as a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports member at the Reece School. I love that I get to engage with the kids on a deeper, more emotional level, rather than just focusing solely on academics.
Ash (Key Staff): I have been working at the Reece School working with second graders. It has been a beautiful growing experience. Some days are hard but at the end of the day I feel I am doing what I am meant to do.
Billy (General Counselor): I’ve started my first year at university alongside becoming a semi-professional rugby player.
How has your experience at Camp Reece impacted your life?
Ash: It taught me leadership skills and how to help and support my fellow co workers. It gave me life time friendships from people I would’ve never known. I’m most grateful for the experience with the kids in nature and the life long friendships I made that summer.
What was your fondest memory from Summer 2023? What’s your favorite camp story to share?
Ash: My favorite memory was one night when it was cool and beautiful out, the campers and counselors took out towels and laid on the grass and gazed at the stars together. The kids did not want to go to bed and neither did the counselors, we were having so much fun.
Billy: Being talked into going on the Outlaw at Six Flags by campers.
Sophie (General Counselor): I loved white water rafting and river tubing. When we went river tubing, I strapped a speaker to my life jacket and we were all listening to our favorite tunes down the river for hours! The weather was beautiful! 10/10 day!
What are you really excited about for this coming summer?
Brian: I'm excited to dive into the counselor experience. Last year, I was here as a 1:1 aid, but this time around, I can't wait to connect with multiple campers and hang out more with the other counselors.
Ash: I’m excited to go on more hikes and experience nature with our fellow campers. I’m also super excited to get back to the lake and swim for hours.
Ashley (CIT Coordinator): I am really looking forward to spending time outdoors, my favorite field trip is to Ramble Wild. Ramble Wild is a high ropes course that challenges you to reach the top of the course. The views at the top are definitely worth the hard work it takes to get up there.
Sophie: I can’t wait to see everyone from last summer (and meet new friends) it’s been great keeping the friendships we formed even if we all live around the world! I’ve missed everyone so much!
What was your greatest personal accomplishment at camp last summer? And, the greatest lesson learned?
Justin: The greatest personal accomplishment at camp for me last summer was making great friends that I still talk to everyday that are “across the pond.” Greatest lesson learned? Don’t eat too many S’mores! ;)
Billy: My greatest personal accomplishment was successfully adapting to a completely new scenario and ending up having the best summer.
What goal have you set for yourself in the upcoming summer?
Chloe: To approach my new role and responsibilities with confidence.
Billy: Having an even better summer than last year (if that’s even possible!)
Describe Camp Reece in one word.
Justin: Possibilities
Chloe: Phenomenal
Ash: Brilliant
Billy: Life-changing
Sophie: Legendary
What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a camp counselor at Camp Reece?
Justin: Put your best foot forward, be open to learning new things and most importantly have fun during the process!
Chloe: It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times, especially when there is so much going on at camp. However, it's important to recognize that a robust support network exists among the staff, and everyone is there to uplift and assist one another.
Ash: Just do it! If you love kids, nature, art & crafts and lifelong friendships, this place is for you!
Billy: Embrace the good times and challenging- in the end, all you remember is the good.
What is your favorite Camp Reece tradition?
Brian: The campfire and Reece’s Awards Night.
Ash: Color War!
Ashley: Saturday campfires and S’MORES
Sophie: Playing camouflage tag after dinner…
What’s your favorite Six Flags ride?
Chloe: Outlaw
Brian: The Boomerang or the Flash Back.
Ash: The Blizzard! I’m scared of the bigger rides but the Blizzard kept me cool and it was so fun to watch the shock on everyone’s faces as the ride spun. I would recommend only riding it once a day.
Billy: The tornado in the water park
What is your favorite camp song that you can't wait to sing back at camp?
Justin: The Pizza song, introduced to me by Gabe, has become a beloved camp anthem for me. “All the eggs, all the eggs are broken!”
Chloe: The mozzarella pizza song!
Brian: The pizza song!
Ash: OH A MILKSHAKE! (Pizza song)
Billy: The mozzarella pizza song !!
Sophie: Gabe’s Pizza Song
In your opinion, what sets Camp Reece apart from other camps, and why would you recommend it to others?
Justin: Camp Reece is a place where you can be your true authentic self. I’ve been to camps growing up and there is nothing like Camp Reece. I was a student at the Reece School from 02-09 and I wish there was a Camp like this while I was growing up! There is nothing more peaceful than being in the Adirondack Mountains in the height of summer. Camp Reece is full of possibilities!
Chloe: Since our camp is smaller compared to others, there's a remarkable opportunity to integrate into our tight-knit community. Here, everyone shares strong bonds with each other, making it an incredible and supportive team to be a part of.
Billy: The kids!! They put a smile on my face each day and made camp the awesome experience that it was.
What is your favorite Stewart's ice cream flavor?
Justin: Rainbow Sherbet!
Chloe: Brownie cookie sundae, of course!
Brian: Cotton Candy
Ash: Peanut Butter Pie. Sounds like a lot I know, but it was vanilla ice cream with fudge and mini reeces mixed in! So good! It was a limited flavor so I hope they bring it back🤞
Billy: Strawberry cheesecake!
Ashley: Rainbow Sherbet always and their iced coffee is delicious!
Sophie: I love a scoop of Adirondack Bear Paw
Do you prefer swimming at the beach or tubing?
Justin: Tubing! It’s a rush.
Chloe: TUBING!! FAST!
Ash: Swimming!
Billy: Tubing 100%
Ashley: Tubing
Sophie: Tubing