Camp has provided me with a core sense of personal values, lifelong friendships, a belief in my ability to succeed, and memories that will last forever. SummerQuest represents a personal dream come true: a chance to build a top camp of my own in which I can share the gift of the camp experience with future generations of Westchester children and families.
My camping experience began before I was even old enough to join a camp group, having literally grown up at Mohawk Day Camp, one of the nation's finest. At Mohawk I was a camper, counselor, Head Counselor, Division Director and Assistant Director before becoming a Director in 2004. I was also an Assistant Director at North Shore Day Camp in Long Island, and am currently a board member of the New York Section of the American Camp Association, a member of the New York Camp Director's Association, and a frequent speaker at, and organizer of, regional and national camp conferences.
SummerQuest brings together a team of true camp professionals who work year-round to make each summer memorable. It is with great pride that I introduce this group of professionals – supported by an extraordinary staff of Lead Counselors, General Counselors and Specialists – who made last season so spectacular.
Thank you for your interest, and we hope you will join the SummerQuest family!
Sincerely,
Ken Schainman
Jerri was SummerQuest’s Assistant Director last
summer and has worked side-by-side with Ken
since SummerQuest’s inception. She has 29
years of camp experience, having held leadership
and year-round administrative positions at Camp
Mohawk and Breezemont Day Camp. In addition, Jerri teaches preschool at the Mohawk Country Home School. She is a member of the American Camp Association and Westchester-Rockland Day Camp Association. Jerri is known for her warmth, leadership, and amazing ability to understand the needs of children, parents and staff.
When a Director from a prestigious Rockland
summer camp heard that Ron had agreed to join
us, his quote to me was, “You got Ron Bouchier?
He’s a legend!”Ron’s experience, humor, leadership and enthusiasm – demonstrated for almost 30 years at Camp Kenmont and in the Scarsdale school district, make him a tremendous asset to SummerQuest. Ron is also a member of the American Camp Association and the New York State Camp Director’s Association.
Bob spent over 25 years at Camp Mohawk spearheading many of its most creative, cuttingedge programs, including running a large elective program. In addition to a variety of yearround roles at Mohawk, Bob taught elementary and middle school math & science for 26 years in Scarsdale and Ardsley and is now an educational consultant. Bob is also SummerQuest’s resident “Mad Scientist” and occasional “Morning Meeting Crooner”.
Rebecca grew up attending Mohawk, spending years as a Counselor and Head Counselor there before joining the SummerQuest team. Rebecca has ten years of elementary and preschool teaching experience in Westchester. A Chappaqua native, Rebecca’s unique sensitivity and energy made her a role model for counselors and a favorite of campers last summer.
Kathy comes up from Maryland for the summer just to be part of SummerQuest! She also grew up attending Mohawk with Ken, where she was a Head Counselor, Preschool and General Sports Specialist, and Jack-of-All-Trades. Amongst her many roles, Kathy oversees our swim and sports programs. Kathy teaches physical education in Annapolis.
Michelle, a Middle School teacher at Fox Lane, was a spectacular Head Counselor at Mohawk and ran her own summertime program before joining SummerQuest.
Having just completed an exceptional season in a camp leadership role, Barry is in the midst of a career transition and has always wanted to be involved in teaching/education. Now as a Dad, lawyer, teacher, and camp group Head Counselor, he can proudly add SummerQuest Division Director to his resume!
After years of working in a corporate environment, Amy happily became a preschool teacher four years ago. At SQ, we benefit from a combination of her business/office skills as well as her background in early childhood education and sensitivity to the needs of our parents, campers and staff.
Shane teaches music at the Brunswick School, and is one of SummerQuest’s most popular and versatile specialists. In addition to music, Shane teaches drama, puppetry, Rhythms of the World, and how to play in a Rock Band. Shane is also our live performer on special days – getting the entire camp up and dancing!
Brett, recommended to us by Jeff Konigsberg from Camp Takajo, coaches his own children’s soccer programs in Armonk and Rye Brook during the winter. Last summer, Brett built a phenomenal sports program at SummerQuest for campers young and old, introducing sports with a gentleness and enthusiasm that captured the imaginations of even the least athletically-inclined camper.
Alexis has not only taught physical education to children 3-12 in public and private schools, she has also coached lacrosse and hockey in the US and Scotland!
