What I do: I am currently on a gap year after completing college where I studied Psychology, P.E., and Biology. Next year I will be attending University in Swansea, Wales studying Psychology.

About me: I'm very sporty and love to play rugby. I've always enjoyed outdoor activities and getting a bit muddy so working on a summer camp is the perfect thing for me.

Interesting Fact: I've been in the Scouts since I was 11 years old, and love being outside.

Favorite Camp Moment: My favorite camp moment was when I returned back to camp on a Monday after a long weekend away. All of the campers who were there for a second week and all of the staff were really excited to see me and everyone gave me tons of hugs and I felt so loved!

Why I am coming back: I'm returning to camp because I haven't stopped missing it since last August! I love the kids and the other staff members and camp is just the best way to spend two months. So much fun! 

Interesting Facts: I am the President of Drama Club at the Academy and have played many major roles in plays. I am also President of Concert Choir in my school, and this upcoming school year I will take the role as a Student Teacher to the Intro to Theatre class at Penn Yan Academy. Lastly, I really just love to sing, make new friends, and have a great time!

Why I am coming back: I am coming back to camp this summer because it's my summer home for 7 years. I can't imagine a summer without camp and also to see all the smiling faces of all the returning campers and all the new campers coming in.

Nickname: Jules

Occupation: I'm a Biology and Secondary Education major at SUNY Potsdam.

Interesting Fact: I love being outdoors and doing outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, camping, playing frisbee, insect catching, unicycling and Tai Chi to name a few. I love animals, currently I own two dogs, a snake and a giant millipede. Lastly I am really excited for this summer!

Favorite Camp Moment: My favorite camp moments were the apache during color war and playing ga ga.

Why I am coming back: I'm coming back because I had a great time last year and I can't wait to see all the campers/counselors again.  

What you do: I am a student at Binghamton University studying Management with a concentration in Leadership & Consulting, but I spend most of my time playing Ultimate Frisbee.

Favorite Camp Moment: Color War, without a doubt, is my favorite part of camp!!!!!

Why I am coming back: I am coming back because I will never be able to think of a better place to spend a summer then at camp.

Interesting Fact: I'm 18 years old and I'm from the UK. I love music, roadtrips, cool accents and trying different things! I can't wait to meet new people, make new friends and hopefully have a great Summer! 

Occupation: This coming school year I will be a Junior at Livonia Highschool.

Interesting Fact: I enjoy musical theater and I love to sing! 

Interesting Fact: I went to Hidden Valley 4-H Camp when I was a kid, for three years; '05, '06, and '07. My first year attending the camp I got an honor camper award for health. 

Occupation: I'm a student at Potsdam University for Art Studio. I concentrate in printmaking, drawing, and photography. I also work in the theater department as well.

Interesting Fact: I recently spent some time in Italy (the cities I visited were Rome, Pompeii, Assisi, Florence, Pisa, and Narnia(also known as Narni). 

Occupation: Student/Camp Counselor/Gymnastics Instructor

Favorite Camp Moment: Outdoor Adventures with Connie.

Why I am coming back: Because it's awesome?

Favorite Camp Moment: Too many to count, but I always love organizing Color War(s). :)

Why I am coming back: I still have so much more to learn and I look forward to learning from the staff and the campers again this year! 

Interesting Fact: I work for a crazy arts parade in Cleveland called Parade the Circle, and I love being outside.

Occupation: Student/Jack of all trades

Favorite camp moments: Creek side wolves and caribou. Oh, and the Oak maze with Ollie!

Why I am coming back: I had so much fun last year, this year can only get more awesome. 

Favorite Camp Moment: My favorite camp moment every year is when the counselors give out all their awards. Whether they are serious or silly, everyone has a great time with them and they really reflect on just how awesome each week and each camper was.

Why I am coming back: I am coming back to camp this year to make this year my best. I skipped out last summer and I want to make up for it in all the fun and excitement of a new set of campers and staff, as well as the beloved returnees that dedicate every summer to Hidden Valley and are ready, once again for another fantastic summer. 

Occupation: Rising senior at Ithaca High School

Favorite camp moment: Seeing the back-and-forth over Reuben's mysteriously disappeared flamingoes last summer...

Why I am coming back: Because being at camp is great, especially meeting all the great people who go there, staff and campers alike!

Favorite camp moment: Big smiles from the youth as we pick the fresh vegetables and deliver them to the kitchen for the next meal.

Why are we coming back: The reward of growing and harvesting something right from the ground. Watching the first bite of someone's vegetable they helped grow. 

Interesting Fact: I love to garden with an emphasis on perennial flowers and vegetables. I enjoy hiking the hills, valleys, and gorges in the Finger Lakes Region. I bike, swim, sail and ski- cross country and down hill. I also enjoy reading and I love music. I am involved in Community Theater and various choir groups. This is my first Camp Nurse experience and I look forward to working with the staff and the campers this summer!

Sarah M.

Occupation: After this summer I will be attending Cornell University as a freshman, studying environmental and agricultural sciences. This will be my fourth summer at Hidden Valley, my second as a counselor, and my first as a senior counselor.

Favorite Camp Moment: I think my favorite camp moment was during the Kangaroo Kourt two years ago, when all the campers got to dress their counselors for the day. Nothing beats Kangaroo Kourt.

Why I am coming back: I'm coming back to camp because I love getting to spend my summer enjoying nature, outdoors and of course campfire cooking! .  

Favorite Camp Moment: Last year's Color War. That intensely burning fire at the end of Color Wars was a true representation of spirit and victory.

Why I am coming back: Hidden Valley has been the defining moment of my past 6 summers. There is always something new and always a ton of fun to be had that you can't find anywhere else. 

Favorite Camp Moment(s): Way too many to pick. But to name a few Color War and Kangaroo Court!

Why I am coming back: I love camp and despite saying I wasn't coming back this year, I love it way too much to not come back. I love being around such a positive family-like environment at camp.

Occupation: Student at Tompkins Cortland Community College and graduated this past year.

Favorite Camp Moment: Last year I enjoyed Kangaroo Kourt for the experience sure was a hootenanny and chock full of learning experiences.  

Why I am coming back: I really like going to Hidden Valley, not only do I still get to have fun I also learn valuable life and teamwork skills.

Interesting Fact: I'm a very artsy person. I play 10 musical instruments, I sew and design dresses and skirts, and I enjoy taking art classes and visiting art museums. In my free time, I also cook, do yoga, and read. I'm new at Hidden Valley 4-H Camp, but I'm looking forward to a summer filled with unforgettable memories and lasting friendships.

Tyler

Favorite Camp Moment: My favorite camp memory has to be watching the meteor shower last year with the CIT's and Nilla!

About Me: Sports are my life. I am a Sophomore at SUNY Oswego. I major in Communication with a minor in Athletic Coaching. I am a goalie in the varsity lacrosse team at Oswego as well as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. My favorite camp activity has to be Ga-Ga.