Directors and Staff

Lauren and Mark Bernstein, Full-Time Owners and Directors

Lauren Pine Bernstein has a wealth of formal training and practical experience in education and summer camping. Lauren holds a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida, a Masters in Reading from SUNY Albany, and a Masters in Leadership and Administration from the Bank Street School of Education in New York City. Lauren has taught in public and private schools and served as the vice-principal of a 400 student private school in Schenectady, NY. Summer camp is in Lauren’s heart and soul. She grew up as a sleep-away camper and stayed on to become a counselor and a group leader at her childhood camp. Her camping experience includes full-time positions as Girls Head Counselor, Boys Head Counselor, Assistant Director and Director of both day and sleep-away camps.

Mark I. Bernstein holds a degree in Business Economics from Union College and a Masters in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Mark is a hi-tech entrepreneur, with expertise in multi-media and distance learning. He and his former business partners invented the first PC-based “virtual classroom” and “web conferencing” software product. Mark also spent his childhood summers at camp, and during college summers returned to work as head counselor. Beyond his love for sports, theatre and children, Mark has a great deal of passion and knowledge of the Adirondacks, having grown up with a vacation home on Schroon Lake, NY, just 30 minutes north of Camp Walden.

Together, Mark and Lauren share a belief that there is something unique and special about the summer camp experience that cannot be duplicated in any other setting. They are thrilled to be able to provide for all Camp Walden campers and families an extraordinary camp experience.
They live in Old Tappan, New Jersey and have two children, Julia and Michael.

Robyn Spector, Director

Robyn’s career at Camp Walden started in 1980 as an eight year old Freshman Girl. Robyn attended Camp Walden as a camper right through her CIT summer. She then became a Bunk Counselor and proceeded to rise up through the camp ranks holding positions as Group Leader, CIT Coordinator, Activities Coordinator, Girls Division Head, and Assistant Director and since 1996 as Director.

Robyn’s educational Background includes a BA in History from McGill University and a MA in Criminology from the University of Toronto. After meeting her husband at Camp Walden, she married Robert Spector in 1995. Robert is the Chief Economist of McLean Budden, one of Canada’s largest money managing firms. They have two daughters, Shaye and Raigan.

Lorne and Ashley Sederoff, Assistant Directors

Lorne and Ashley Sederoff return for their ninth summer at Camp Walden. Lorne is a Vice Principal of a public school in Toronto with an extensive background in physical education.  He graduated with a Bachelors degree from York University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Education.   Ashley graduated from York University with a Masters in Child Psychology and spent two years working with the Toronto District School Board helping children achieve success in school.

Together they bring a tremendous amount of experience and leadership while providing great role models for our campers and staff.  Ashley are Lorne are committed to ensuring every camper and staff member take advantage of the opportunities to learn and participate in new activities, make life-long friendships, and appreciate the great outdoors. They are joined by their two-year-old son Jake.

Our Camp Staff

At Camp Walden we take great pride in our staff, and the strong commitment that they have to children. We have both cabin counselors, who are with their campers throughout each day and also activity specialists who focus on instruction at specific specialty areas. Many of our counselors have grown up at camp and understand deeply the wonderful impact of a Camp Walden summer experience. Others have joined us as adults but return each year as part of the Walden family. We boast a very high return rate for staff. Our staff members are professionals that ensure that our campers are active, safe and happy. They are excellent role models and incredibly nurturing care givers.