Who Works at Camp?

Our mature and professional camp staff is especially trained to be caring and supportive to each and every camper. All three senior staff are employed by the YMCA year-round. They are vital assets in assuring that your child’s stay at Camp Topanemus is one filled with fun and laughter surrounded by a strong nurturing environment.

All staff members over the age of 18 receive a thorough background check to insure your child’s safety. In addition, all staff are required to attend training sessions prior to the start of the camping season. Certain Activity Leaders receive additional training and certifications in their related specialty areas (i.e.: Aquatics, Archery and Ropes Course, Climbing Wall).

Many of our staff team members not only return year after year, but they once attended as campers! We are very proud of the culture that our staff have developed over the years. Working at our camp is not just a summer job, it's a club and a family that we all enjoy being a part of. Please feel free to call Camp to see if your camper's favorite counselor is returning.

MEDICAL STAFF/INFIRMARY

The camp houses an infirmary/health center to meet our daily healthcare needs, staffed with a trained medical nurse. Ms. Pam and Ms. Judy, our medical staff, have both been with the camp for several seasons, and look forward to seeing and caring for our campers each year. Safety is our #1 priority. Generally, for minor cuts and scrapes, parents will be notified with a note sent home at the end of the day. For more serious matters or illnesses, parents will be notified by telephone.

GROUP SIZE & CAMPER/STAFF RATIO

• Cayugas (Grades 3-5) and Senecas (Grades 6-8) are limited to 20 campers per group with a 10 to 1 ratio.

• Specialty and Sport Camps are limited to 20 campers per group with a 10 to 1 ratio.

• Travel Camp (Grades 6-9) is limited to 44 campers and the ratio is 8 to 1.

The ratio of camper to staff is even lower as the groups participate in different activities where additional staff such as coaches, swim instructors, or activity specialists work with group.

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Judy Lock, Camp Nurse

Judy Lock is one of our 2 nurses working in our Infirmary at Topanemus. She has been a nurse for over 30 years, focusing on the care of children of all ages while working in many different settings, including schools and hospitals. She believes that camp is a place where kids get to be kids.

Mellisa Allen

Melissa Allen is currently attending William Paterson University for a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education/psychology. This will be her second year at camp, and feels that camp is extremely important because it is a place where children can be encouraged to grow in a supportive environment, trying out things that they might not have the opportunity to do elsewhere.

Sara Castronuova

Sara Castronuova has been a camp counselor at Topanemus for two years. Prior to employment, Sara attended as a camper since she was in 1st grade. She loves Camp Topanemus and some of her favorite memories involve the time she spent here as a camper. She still remembers the day she hit the bulls-eye in archery for the first time!

Carolyn Dirnfeld

Carolyn Dirnfeld spent 3 years at Topanemus as a camper, one as a Leader in Training, and 2 as a counselor. Having patience and keeping a high energy level are key qualities that she stands by. After graduating Freehold Township High School in 2011, she will be attending the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in the fall to study Food Science.

Andrew Malizioso

Andrew Malizioso is currently attending Rutgers University. He started with Topanemus in 2009 and returns early each year from school to help get camp ready. He plays soccer, and loves teaching campers how to play as well.

Ester Daly

Ester Daly is our Arts & Crafts specialist, resident photographer and most importantly, mom of a Topanemus camper! Ester began her run with us in Travel Camp. After discovering her artistic talents, Ester moved into the Arts & crafts building. All of our camp photos from 2010 were snapped by her – except this one!

Kayla Marsh

Kayla Marsh joined our team as a 16 year old Junior Counselor. She quickly proved herself to be a valuable asset. She has been working with our younger campers from the beginning. Athletic and artistic, Kayla is a role model for all campers and staff alike.

Nick Terlitz

Nick Terlitz always dresses the part! Nick has worked in our baseball camp, basketball camp and traditional day camp. As one of our greatest bus counselors, Nick’s smiling face was a welcome site for his bus riding campers every morning. Nick can be seen on our home page, surrounded by smiling campers from the Color Wars Red Team.

Orlando Sierra

Orlando Sierra is our Travel Camp Bus Driver. Orlando not only transports our campers safely, but is the most fun driver. Orlando joined our team in 2009, and looks forward to our summer trips each year.