Our Staff

Where Role Models
Lead the Way
Basketball coach instructing a group of boys dribbling basketballs on an outdoor court.

Behind every incredible summer is a team of staff members who genuinely care. Meet the counselors, coaches, mentors, and experts who make Willow Lake home.

Camp staff member smiling and holding a yellow softball to a young girl preparing to bat outdoors.
Campers & Staff for Life

We Don't Just Hire Staff – We Grow a Family

Our team is the single most important ingredient in your child's success. Many were once Willow Lake campers themselves, returning year after year to pass down the traditions, cheers, and spirit that shaped their own childhoods. Over 60% of Willow Lake staff return each summer.

Responsible
Smiling woman with sunglasses on her head and a pink hairband in her curly brown hair.
Friendly
Person wearing reflective sunglasses and a swim lanyard, smiling by a pool with water droplets on their face.
Enthusiastic
Woman with curly hair speaking into a microphone wearing a navy polo shirt with a logo.
Caring
Smiling young woman with dark hair flexing her arm in a celebratory gesture.
Active
Young man wearing blue headband, reflective sunglasses, and blue face paint cheering outdoors.
Creative
Smiling woman with curly hair wearing sunglasses on her head, by a body of water.
Spirited
Young man with curly hair and a white shirt smiling broadly in an outdoor social setting.
Sensitive
Smiling woman with long curly hair wearing a UD baseball cap, round sunglasses, and an orange life jacket outdoors.
Nurturing
Smiling woman with long brown hair wearing reflective sunglasses on her head, with a green leafy background.
Attentive
Person with bright green wig, star-shaped green glasses, and green accessories cheering outdoors.
Encouraging
Smiling woman with braided hair wearing a yellow hat patterned with duck illustrations.
Patient
Smiling man with short brown hair and beard wearing sunglasses on his head and a white shirt under wooden roof.
Dependable
Smiling woman with light brown hair pulled back, wearing a colorful tie-dye shirt and a walkie-talkie.
Inclusive
Smiling young man with curly hair wearing a blue headband and blue face paint in the shape of bold diagonal lines on his cheeks.
Empathetic
Smiling woman with brown hair tied back, wearing a white top, against a light background.
Dynamic
Man wearing sunglasses and a white bucket hat with a logo, smiling outdoors.
The Roles

Your Partners in a Perfect Summer

Our staff doesn't just supervise – they care. Whether it’s a high-five after a first dive or a hand to hold during an activity transition, we treat your children like our own.

Smiling female staff member kneeling beside a young girl in a pink and white dress and hat on a wooden bridge with green foliage in the background.
The Big Siblings

Counselors

Active, patient, and spirited. These are the role models who stay with your child’s group all day, guiding every splash and cheer.

Smiling woman in green outfit with face paint holding a young girl wearing a unicorn print outfit and green face paint.
The Parent Partners

Unit Leaders

Career educators and parents who supervise entire divisions, ensuring every camper is thriving and every counselor is supported.

Smiling female camp staff in sunglasses kneeling beside a young girl in a pink tie-dye dress and bucket hat on a wooden bridge outdoors.Man coaching a young girl playing tennis on an outdoor court, both holding tennis rackets and smiling.Smiling woman in green with braided hair posing with a happy young girl wearing unicorn-themed shorts and tank top.Woman with curly hair speaking into a microphone wearing a sleeveless blue Willow Lake polo shirt.
Tennis instructor giving a lesson to a young girl on an outdoor tennis court during the day.
The Skill Builders

Specialists

Professional teachers and coaches who lead our 60+ activities – turning beginners into confident athletes and artists.

Woman with curly hair speaking into a microphone wearing a navy blue Willow Lake polo shirt.
The Leaders

Owners & Directors

Family-owned for 40+ years. Our directors are on the ground every day, personally invested in every child’s success.

Staff Training & Preparation

Meticulous vetting, hiring, and training

You’re trusting us with your world, and we take that seriously. Our multi-layered vetting, hiring, and training process ensures only the most qualified, enthusiastic individuals join our team.

Selective Hiring

Rigorous personal interviews and comprehensive background/reference checks.

Willow Lake Academy

An intensive pre-camp orientation that covers everything from group dynamics to physical safety.

Non-Stop Learning

Ongoing professional development and training throughout the entire summer.

The Parent Partnership

Always Connected, Always Cared For

You’ll never have to wonder how your child is doing. Our Unit Leaders are your personal concierge and direct connection. As experienced educators and parents themselves, they understand the year-round needs of children. From the first "Welcome" call before summer to daily check-ins, they are dedicated to your peace of mind and your camper’s happiness.

Father helping young boy roast a marshmallow outdoors near a pond.

See the Spirit in Action

Nothing beats seeing our staff in their element. Come walk the campus and feel the energy for yourself.

Blue, green, and white confetti scattered over green grass.
This is some text inside of a div block.