Maine summer camps offer a unique opportunity for young people. For generations, children have come to our beautiful state to experience the wonder of the outdoors, and to gain life skills such as independence. They have also created lasting relationships with their peers. Today we speak with two individuals who were so changed by their own years as campers that they became camp directors, so as to bring camp happiness to children from Maine and around the globe.
Guests
Garth Altenburg
Garth Altenburg is the boys’ camp director at Camp Chewonki. He began at Camp Chewonki in 1988 when he was 15 years old. After serving as a counselor, trip leader, assistant director, in 2005 he became the director. Garth served as the president of the Maine Summer Camps board from 2009 to 2013. He and his wife, Heather, have three children: William, Benjamin, and Phoebe. Will and Ben are currently Camp Chewonki campers.
Rich Deering
Rich Deering started at Birch Rock Camp at the age of nine. Six summers later, he became a staff member. He worked his way up from teaching swimming to waterfront director to head counselor. Then in 1995 Rich became the camp director. Today he works at Birch Rock Camp as the alumni and community director.