Meet the Camp Staff
Chris Cameron, "Pop Nature", Executive Director
Chris is the Executive Director at Camp Ocean Pines, providing overall leadership to the growing programs and facilities. A naturalist at heart, Chris hiked the John Muir trail when he was 17, and has explored nature on five continents. He has been a pastor, a naturalist, and an environmental education consultant for the California Department of Education. Chris holds a Master's degree in organizational leadership graduating with highest honors from BIOLA University. His favorite restaurant is Taco Bell.
Rosemay Cameron, "Flicker", Director of Operations
Rosemay, a mother of three sons, offers her organizational skills to the administrative offices of Camp Ocean Pines. A graduate of Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, she seeks to establish this facility as a highly desirable camp for those who need to come to rest and learn away from the harried pace of everyday life.
Scott Hicok, "Doc", Summer Camp Director
scott@campoceanpines.org
Summer 2009 has settled into a fond memory here at Camp Ocean Pines. Sitting here in the office the sounds of laughter, visions of
Heading into my fourth year here at camp I can safely say that
this summer was the best one yet. It was great to see so many familiar
faces at camp. With many of them being here for every summer we’ve had
the chance to watch them grow right along with our camp. Of course
there were also many new faces who we welcomed into our camp family. I
look forward to seeing them next year, commenting on their newly found
height, and quickly feeling my own age!
This summer the kids who
came to Camp Ocean Pines had an experience they’ll never forget, they
were also a reminder of why camp life is the greatest. I was reminded
every time I tried to give an “announcement”, and the whole camp
exploded into our announcements song; or when the campers dressed me
(unwillingly!) as a pirate to go to the beach for pirate booty dodge
ball. But more than anything else, camp life is so great because the
connections made between friends, between counselors, and how each
child seemed to grow just a little in their short time with us.
Summer
camp can mean many different things to many different people and
deciding what marks a successful summer camp can be equally hard to pin
down. Here at Camp Ocean Pines we measure the success of summer camp
in laughter and song, in new experiences, in friendships and
connections, in the awe inspired by nature, and of course in the
stories that campers take home to their parents. With that as our
measure, Summer Camp 2009 was a resounding success!
So as I step into our newly created role of full-time Summer Camp Director I know how lucky I am. Camp life truly is the life for me, and I hope to share another fantastic camp experience with campers in Summer 2010!
Tyler Korte, Outdoor Education Director
tyler@campoceanpines.org
Tyler’s career as an outdoor educator began 10 years ago as
he strapped on a crab costume in front of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, waved his
oversized claws in the air, and caused 3 small children to scream and
hide. Since that fateful day Tyler
has been honing his skills as an educator leading thousands of students on
adventures throughout California, Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. Tyler is a true believer in the lasting
effects of experiential education and hopes to impact the future by connecting
young adults with the natural world.
A marine science graduate from Brown University, Tyler is excited to be
back diving and surfing in California and ambitious about the future of Camp
Ocean Pines.
Rick Lawson, "Tongs", Head Cook
Richard “Tongs” Lawson brings 25 years of kitchen experience to Camp Ocean Pines holding such titles in the past as Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager/Supervisor and Lead Line Cook. He began his career as a dishwasher at the local bowling alley coffee shop and worked his way through the ranks at many local San Luis Obispo establishments including Cal Poly State University. His longest stints in the business included six years at Embassy Suites Hotel and 11 years at Cal Poly. He also took part in opening four restaurants in the county and was the lead cook at the Cal Poly’s 2001 Centennial BBQ in which close to 7,000 people were fed for free. His love and passion for cooking healthy and tasty meals is clearly reflected here at the camp. He prepares meals according to the group’s tastes and interests and also takes into consideration the special needs and diets of all who come to camp.
Rick is a father of a grown son and a daughter who is going to be a junior in high school this coming fall. He has been an avid camper for over the past 30 years and his hobbies include hiking, biking, bowling, swimming, going to concerts, and of course, cooking. He has earned 2 AA degrees from Cuesta College and taken many classes at Cal Poly in the Agriculture Business Department. Some of his favorite foods to prepare are BBQ, Mexican, Mediterranean, Rustic California and seafood dishes. Richard is very excited to have this opportunity to be part of the Camp Ocean Pines team.
Naturalists and Summer Camp Counselors
naturalists@campoceanpines.org
Each year, some of the brighest young minds join the naturalist staff at Camp Ocean Pines. They are graduates in biology, geology, education, and recreation, and receive further training in environmental education methods and California State ED Standards from the camp directors. Through active involvement with the environment, these naturalists share their enthusiasm, knowledge and love for nature with hundreds of students from diverse backgrounds. As examples of what is totally "cool", these naturalists become the role models of environmental awareness for the kids who hang on their every word.
Joe Dabill, Instructor in Primitive Technologies
Joe is a leader in primitive skills. Using natural materials, he creates bows, arrows, drills, and many other Native American tools. His instruction is a high point at Camp Ocean Pines and his artifact reproductions are available for sale. Please call 805-927-0254 if interested in his handcrafted items.
