Genell Vashro’s enthusiasm for leadership development in the natural environment is what led her to a career as Director of Girls Programs at the Chewonki Foundation. Her passion for the outdoors has drawn her to the boundary waters of Northern Minnesota, Oregon, and Seward, Alaska, where she led everything from extended canoe trips, hiking, sea kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and whitewater rafting trips for teenage boys and girls, college students, and adults. Genell graduated from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, with a major in environmental studies. She spent two semesters abroad, studying cultural history and geography in Madagascar and ecology in Australia. Her recent professional life as an AmeriCorps *VISTA volunteer and at the Maine Youth Action Network, has been dedicated to programs that support positive changes for youth in their communities. Genell looks forward to weaving together her experiences of youth development and outdoor leadership.

Genell is supported during the summer by the senior staff, a group of veteran Chewonki staff leaders, including an assistant camp director, site manager, and logistics coordinator.  In addition to these positions, the senior staff leadership team includes the camp nurse, food coordinator, and highly experienced trip leaders.

The girls attending Camp Chewonki for Girls will live and travel in small groups of 6-10 girls near the same age.  Two female trip leaders will accompany the girls as they journey through challenges, adventures, and self-discovery. 

We are particularly proud of the level of maturity and experience possessed by our trip leaders. Many return to Chewonki year after year, and their dedication provides a continuity that enriches the experience for everyone. Staff members are hired not only for their skills, but also on the basis of their interest in young people, and they are dedicated to the tremendous responsibilities they assume.

Wilderness expedition leaders are generally year-round Chewonki staff members who are skilled in the tools of their trade, such as, the paddle, pole, map and compass. They hold certifications as Wilderness First Responders and Maine State Trip Leaders, and in CPR and First Aid. All are trained in the ethics and principles of Leave No Trace. Many are Registered Maine Guides, and all are focused on the safe enjoyment of the natural world. All trip leaders are assisted by a large support staff, as well as Chewonki’s senior staff. All wilderness expeditions are monitored and supervised by our Wilderness Programs Office.

When calling Camp Chewonki, most callers are greeted by the friendly voice of Ginny Freeman, our camp registrar.  Ginny has 15 years of Chewonki experience to draw upon, and is a great resource for parents. Ginny also manages our camp mailings and our written correspondence, as well as travel assistance. Supporting Ginny is Lauralyn Citizen, Chewonki’s office manager and receptionist. Lauralyn also coordinates camp mail and packages. Kate Fox is the camp assistant. She has spent four summers teaching activities and taking photos at camp, and has recently joined our year-round staff.

Dick Thomas, Camp Director for 17 years, now serves as our Director of Alumni Relations. Dick possesses a wealth of camping knowledge and is a tremendous support. If you are looking for any long-lost camp friends, Dick can probably help you find them. Dick works closely with Director of Development Lucy Hull and her staff in the Development Office. Greg Shute is our Director of Wilderness Programs and the one to consult, along with his assistant Alana Beard, with any questions regarding our wilderness programs. If you have a question about the business end of things, Kathy Thompson and her staff in the business office can help you. Don Lamson is our Facilities Manager and works hard along with the rest of his crew to keep our grounds, vehicles, and buildings in great shape. Betta Stothart Connor, our Director of Community Relations, manages all of our publications and media relations for Chewonki. Joanna Fernald serves as our Health Care Coordinator and can assist you with any camp-related medical issues. Finally, Chewonki’s President Don Hudson, a former Chewonki camper himself, is a stalwart supporter of all Chewonki programs. We all owe each of these individuals tremendous gratitude for all that they to do support Camp Chewonki for Girls!

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