Melissa spent the last decade building, growing, and nurturing camp programs centered around the revolutionary concept of enabling campers to craft a schedule that best caters to their interests. “Allowing kids to make choices empowers them, makes them feel valued, and actually gives them a stake in the ownership of the camp experience.” As the director of Explorer Day Camp from 2009-2019, Melissa grew a program from the ground up, engaging children and families to become a part of a greater year-round camp community. Melissa’s passion for camp began as a youngster while attending programs at the Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds. In her teenage/early adult years she worked with several camps as an Aquatics Director. Melissa has also organized leadership institutes as a national consultant with Girl Scouts of the USA, experiences that inspire her to become the energized, creative and experienced camp director she is today.

Born and raised in Huntington, Mike has spent over 21 years working with children, and he has a genuine passion for creating memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. Mike leads with the belief that all educators/counselors are the gatekeepers to doorways and pathways to opportunities that many children may never get to experience without our help. A Veteran of the United States Army, Mike received his Masters in School Counseling and has spent the last two decades looking for ways to really understand the true nature of each child in his care. A former employee of the “Big Cheese”(Mickey Mouse), he also spent 7 months driving the monorail at Disney World during his Disney College Program days. Michael is the definition of a Dance Dad, as his true competitive spirit comes forth in full force when his daughters are in the midst of their competition dance season. Abby Lee eat your heart out. Michael is also the grand champion of the game “Mike says”(sorry Simon).