The Highest Level of Overnight Camp Care
At Walden, we provide exceptional care because we genuinely care about the experience of each camper. Our experienced Directors are devoted to meeting the needs of every child. Through their attentive and skilled leadership they create a safe, positive environment where campers thrive. Walden’s extremely low camper-to-staff ratio also ensures that each camper receives individualized attention.
A Commitment to Children
At Camp Walden we consider ourselves partners in your child’s development. Our leadership team members are professional educators and coaches who work with children all year long. All of our highly trained staff members are dedicated to keeping campers safe, active, and happy throughout each day. Walden staff members serve as strong role models who provide high quality instruction, instill self-confidence, and guide campers to challenge themselves and support each other. Many of our valued staff members return year after year.
Caring Counselors and Skilled Specialists
Our cabin counselors are warm, loving individuals bursting with energy and enthusiasm. They care for and encourage their campers each day and make sure everyone is having fun and making friends! Our talented specialists are skilled, passionate teachers who instruct in their specific area of expertise. Specialists help campers increase their abilities while promoting the joy of play.
What is so unique about Walden’s Leadership Team?
Walden staff are trained, mentored, and supported by the very best leadership team a camp could have. They are a very large group of dedicated professionals involved in every aspect of camp, from planning fun events for campers to sitting in bunk circles late at night, our leadership team takes an active role in ensuring that everyone is cared for and supported. At Walden we know that our outstanding staff members are truly the heart and soul of our program and our leadership team are mentoring those staff and our campers every step of the way.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Lauren and Mark Bernstein Full-Time Year Round Owners/Directors
Lauren Pine Bernstein
Summer camp is in Lauren’s heart and soul. Her passion for camp, combined with her wealth of training and experience in education and summer camping, allow her to skillfully oversee all facets of camper and staff care. Lauren holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. She also has a Master’s degree in Reading from SUNY Albany and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Administration from the Bank Street School of Education in New York City. Lauren has taught in public and private schools, and has served as the Vice Principal of a 400 student private school in Schenectady, NY. Lauren has been devoted to summer camp nearly all of her life. She grew up as a sleep-away camper and stayed on to become a counselor and a group leader at her childhood camp. Her camp experience includes full-time positions as the Girls’ Head Counselor, Boys’ Head Counselor, Assistant Director, and Director of both for-profit and nonprofit day, and sleep-away camps. Lauren is a past board member of the American Camping Association and is presently on the Board of Trustees of Project Morry. Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Lauren was honored in November 2023 with the American Camping Association ‘Howard Patton Award” for her leadership, inspiration, and dedication within the camp industry.
Mark I. Bernstein
Mark combines his love for camp with his business experience to keep all facets of the Walden program in optimal shape. Mark’s camp background goes back to childhood summers spent at camp, and to college summers when he worked as a Head Counselor. In addition to his love for sports, theater, and working with children, Mark also has a great deal of passion and knowledge of the Adirondacks. He grew up with a vacation home on Schroon Lake just 30 minutes north of Camp Walden. Mark holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from Union College and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Technology and Entrepreneurship. Mark is an 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. He was honored by RPI as “Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2019. At Walden, Mark manages the facilities, and equipment necessary to support our activities and programs, as well as the camp’s business operations.
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 an extraordinary overnight camp experience for all Camp Walden campers, families, and staff. They have owned and operated Camp Walden since 2004, and both work full-time year-round from their Bergen County, New Jersey office. Lauren and Mark have two children, Julia and Michael, who have grown up at camp and treasure their extraordinary Walden summers.
Robyn Spector Director
Robyn’s Camp Walden journey started in 1980 as an eight-year-old Freshman Girl. She has held several roles at Walden including Bunk Counselor, Group Leader, CIT Coordinator, Activities Coordinator, Girls’ Division Head, and Assistant Director. Since 1996, Robyn has worked as a year-round Director at Walden and is responsible for recruiting and hiring our extraordinary staff.
Robyn holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from McGill University, a Master’s degree in Criminology from the University of Toronto, and an MBA from Babson College. Robyn and her husband, Robert, met at Camp Walden and their two daughters, Shaye and Raigan, have grown up at camp as well. In the off-season, Robyn spends her time in Boston, Massachusetts and Naples, Florida.
Ashley Sederoff Director / Girls Head Counselor
Ashley works for Walden year-round. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She also holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Developmental Psychology from York University. Ashley spent 20 years working as a Psychologist for the Toronto District School Board. She brings a tremendous amount of experience and leadership to camp. She serves as an excellent role model and mentor for our campers and staff.
Ashley and her husband Lorne have been a part of the Walden family since 1995 and are important members of our leadership team. Although Lorne is no longer able to spend his summers at Walden full-time, he serves as an advisor to our leadership team and is an integral part of staff development and training. Lorne and Ashley’s two sons, Jake and Rory, have grown up at Walden and also call Walden home.
Shane Bullen Director of Media & Fun
Shane, originally from Melbourne, Australia, first came to Walden in 2014 in what was meant to be a one-off working holiday! He quickly came to realize that he wanted to stay at Walden forever. Since his initial summer, Shane has lived “10 for 2”, counting down everyday to be back at his summer home. In his first 6 years at camp, Shane worked as a Bunk Counselor, Bunk Leader, and Group Leader. He is a compassionate leader that is adored by campers and staff alike. He always works to make the moments at camp memorable.
In the summer of 2019, Shane met his wife, Jess, at Camp Walden. They both share a strong passion for camp and for working with children. They reside in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Jess is a Middle School Special Education Teacher, and Shane is living his dream working full-time for Walden as our Director of Media & Fun.
Head Counselors
Ange has been an integral part of the Camp Walden family since 2006. She has several years of prior camp experience where she served as a Bunk Counselor, Group Leader, Division Leader, and Assistant Head of Girls Camp at another sleepaway camp alongside Lauren. Now as Walden’s Younger Camp Girls Head Counselor, Ange brings a great deal of camp experience. Knowing and understanding campers’ individual needs, being exceptionally nurturing and caring, and communicating so well with children and parents make Ange ideally suited to care for our younger campers.
Ange graduated from Washburn University with a Bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Secondary Education. She currently teaches high school Advanced Placement U.S. History. It is no wonder that a few years back Ange was named Teacher of the Year in her school district because of her incredible impact on children. She and her husband Tom have a daughter, Emma, who also loves her summers at Walden.
Erin has been a part of the Camp Walden family since she was 7 years old. Erin started her camp experience in 1995, as a Freshman girl, continuing each summer until becoming a staff member. Over the years, she has taken on many roles including, Water-Ski Instructor, Assistant Waterfront Director, CIT Coordinator, Younger Boys Division Head and now as our Boys Head Counselor. Erin is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging her campers and staff, and she is always at the center of evening activities and special event days.
During the year, Erin works as an educational consultant at a Special Education school in Montreal, Canada. Erin is a graduate of McGill University holding both a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Her enthusiasm and love for Camp Walden is contagious to everyone around her.
Division Heads
Julia can’t remember a summer without Camp Walden. From growing up as a camper, to working as a Bunk Counselor, Group Leader, and now Division Head, Julia deeply values the Walden Community and the way it has shaped her and every person who walks through its gates. Julia loves working with our Younger Camp Girls, nurturing them, watching them grow, and helping to facilitate the best summer, every summer.
During the year, Julia works as a Student Life Coordinator at a high school in New York City. While she loves her job, she is constantly looking forward to being back with her Walden Family each June.
Jess has been an integral part of the Walden family since 2019, initially as a Group Leader and now as a Division Head. As a role model and mentor for our older camp girls, Jess brings her expertise and passion to create a positive and supportive camp experience. With her calm, patient demeanor and unique ability to connect with campers and staff of all ages, Jess is an invaluable member of our leadership team.
Jess holds a Master’s degree in special education. During the year she runs a middle school CID program and supports students with many different needs. Jess met her husband, Shane, at camp in 2019, and together they reside in Minneapolis, Minnesota with their furry friend, Brody!
Amanda has loved Camp Walden from her start as an Inter girl in 2008. Over the years, her journey evolved from camper to CIT, and eventually, she became an extremely valued member of our staff. From Bunk Counselor to Group Leader and now Division Head for the Middle Camp Girls, Amanda’s growth at Walden is a testament to her passion and dedication.
With Master’s degrees in Education and Counseling from Teachers College at Columbia University, during the year Amanda applies her expertise as a College Counselor in a New York City public school. Despite her busy schedule, she remains grateful for the opportunity to spend her summers immersed in the magic of camp.
Zack grew up at Walden as a camper from 2005-2013. He returned to camp in 2016 and has held roles as a Bunk Counselor, Group Leader, and CIT Coordinator. Now, Zack is the Older Camp Boys Division Head where he works closely mentoring our Super Seniors, Teens, and CITs. Zack’s warm smile and love for camp is truly contagious! You can always find him immersed in the fun of camp surrounded by his boys and their staff.
During the year, Zack is a Social Studies and Special Education teacher in New Jersey, but there is no place he’d rather be than in the mountains on Trout Lake.
Andrew embarked on his camp journey in 2013, initially thinking it would be a one-summer adventure. Little did he know, it would become an integral part of his life. Holding a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in education and also a Psychology degree from the University of Ottawa, Andrew joined the leadership team in 2020, transitioning from six years as a Group Leader. As the middle camp boys division head, Andrew dedicates his energy to creating unforgettable experiences and lasting memories. He especially loves spending time at the lake, around a campfire with s’mores, and looks forward every summer to the spirit of Color War!
Currently residing on Canada’s east coast in Nova Scotia, Andrew is a passionate and dedicated 5th grade teacher.
Gina first came to Walden in 2017 and quickly became a valued member of the Walden family. After a few amazing summers as a Group Leader on girls camp, Gina transitioned to the role of Younger Camp Boys Division Head in 2021, a position that she wholeheartedly adores. Her mission is to ensure our younger boys feel settled, happy, and have everything they need for the most amazing summer possible. Gina infuses warmth, enthusiasm, and spirit into every aspect of her role.
During the year, she resides in Connecticut, where she is an exceptional teacher supporting English Language Learners.
Program Directors
Jon began his journey at Camp Walden in 2011, initially as a vibrant and spirited bunk counselor. Over the years, he has been a Group Leader, Boys Division Head and is now our Program Director and Camp “Spirit”. Whether leading morning line-ups, running campfires, or spearheading unforgettable evenings in the rec hall, Jon’s dynamic and charismatic personality turns every moment into something fun. His infectious energy sparks spontaneous dance parties, cheers, and an atmosphere of pure laughter and enjoyment.
During his camp journey, Jon met his wife, Deidra. She has worked at Walden as a counselor, group leader, and division head. Deidra’s warm smile and kind nature leaves a lasting impact on our camp community. Together they share two beautiful children, Annie and Gray (and a baby on the way!). The Veitengrubers currently reside in Minneapolis, Minnesota, both working as high school teachers.
Donald started at Walden in 2010 and in a short time he has grown to be an important part of the Walden family. As our Athletic Director, Donald loves organizing sports tournaments, special days, and intercamp games – he is passionate about coaching and developing every child’s skills in a fun and supportive environment. In addition, when it rains, everyone on camp will say it’s “Donald Day”, which means muddy sports moments and dance parties on A-campus – the spirit never stops!
Donald holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Radford University and a Master’s degree in Coaching from West Virginia University. He began his coaching career over 20 years ago while in college and has taught physical education and health at both the elementary and middle school level since 1996. Donald loved watching his daughter, Abby, grow up at camp and always looks forward to coming “home” every summer.
Since becoming a part of the Walden family in 2022, Colm’s journey has been marked by enthusiasm and kindness. Starting as a Bunk Leader and then moving to Group Leader, he now holds the role of Activities Coordinator, bringing a wealth of experience. Colm’s warmth and dedication truly make him an invaluable asset to the Walden community. Before Walden, Colm served as the Senior Sports Manager at a UK day camp and the Activities Coordinator at a 5-star hotel.
During the year, Colm extends his passion for camps beyond Walden by working with Camp America, recruiting international staff for summer camps nationwide. He holds a BA in Philosophy and Politics from the University of Nottingham and is a passionate advocate for youth mental health.
Meet our incredible Waterfront Directors, Rory and Lucy! They have each enjoyed over a decade of Walden summers and their dedication to creating magical experiences for children is evident in everything they do. Hailing from the UK, Rory and Lucy travel back to camp each year to infuse our community with warmth and care. Drawing from extensive backgrounds working with children in nurseries, schools, and social clubs, Rory and Lucy bring a wealth of expertise to camp life. At the heart of their mission is building wonderful and caring teams while orchestrating new and exciting activities for the entire camp.
Together with their experienced waterfront team, Rory and Lucy ensure every child enjoys a safe, fun, and memorable time at our beautiful waterfront on Trout Lake. Their passion for creating joyous memories makes them cherished leaders in our Walden family.
Mike has been a shining addition to the Walden family since 2021! Starting as a dynamic waterfront activity counselor and contributing to the magic of our island adventures (his favorite spot on camp), Mike has now embraced the role of our Assistant Waterfront Director. With his infectious enthusiasm and deep love for Walden, Mike infuses fun into every waterfront experience, making it a truly unforgettable adventure for both campers and staff.
Beyond camp, Mike passionately organizes school trips for children worldwide, weaving connections and fostering an appreciation for their surroundings. Mike met his incredible wife, Emily, at camp and together they live in Querétaro, Mexico.
George’s story at Walden started in 2019, when he fell in love with camp during his first year as a tennis counselor. In 2021, he took on the role of Tennis Director and he can’t wait to wear his 5-year jacket in 2024! George is a passionate tennis coach who thrives on teaching new skills to our campers and mentoring our tennis team. The Walden courts are always buzzing with fun and excitement!
In Hungary, George works for Camp Leaders, the very organization that helped him realize his dream of working in a US summer camp. George is the Operations Manager of his country’s office and helps aspiring students to make the most out of their summer jobs and travel programs. When he is not in the 12824, George cherishes time spent with his family – his wife, baby boy, dog, three cats and a bunny!
Jonny has been a cherished member of the Walden family since 2015. His journey at Walden began as a mountain boarding, archery, and ropes course instructor, laying the foundation for his love of guiding campers through new and exhilarating experiences. In 2023, Jonny embraced the role of Director of our Ropes and Adventure program. With his compassionate and exuberant leadership style, every adventure feels not just safe but becomes a journey of growth, discovery and fun! Jonny particularly loves witnessing campers conquer fears and try new things for the first time. As a certified first aid instructor, Jonny ensures the safety of all.
Beyond Walden, Jonny’s love for exploration extends to working and traveling in various countries. From Santa’s Lapland in Finland to school ski trips in Italy and Andorra, he brings a global perspective to his adventures.
Raine joined the Walden team in Summer 2023 and fit seamlessly into her role as Walden’s Drama Director, infusing creativity and joy into every theatrical endeavor.
During the year, Raine dedicates herself to shaping young minds as a Special Education teacher at an elementary school in Minnesota and is also a licensed theater teacher. With a BA from Hamline University and a Master’s from the University of Wisconsin Superior, Raine brings a wealth of knowledge to the stage. For Raine, Walden is more than a summer escape; it’s a home for her and her four children, where the magic of theater and the warmth of community come together!
Erin is a dedicated and compassionate member of our Walden team! After four summers working in bunks on girls camp, she embarked on her role as our Art & Hobby Center Director. Erin loves bringing out the creativity in our campers and inspires them to make projects they feel proud of. Erin’s warm spirit, tireless work ethic, and love for Walden makes her a valued member of our Walden community.
Coming from Michigan, during the year, Erin is a dedicated high school social studies teacher and a varsity girls soccer coach. She is always on the lookout for new crafts for our amazing art and hobby center!
Cricket is a cherished member of the Walden family since 2018. As the Ceramics Director, she brings her passion and creativity to our entire art and hobby center team. Cricket’s connection to the camp industry goes far beyond her Walden years. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, her journey with camps began as a camper, evolving through numerous roles over the years.
Her remarkable 29-year tenure as the Administrative Director and Adventures Teen Travel Director at a large day camp speaks volumes about her dedication. Cricket is a proud member of the American Camp Association and a valued contributor to the Tri-State Camp Conference Program Committee. She has graced regional and national camp conferences as a speaker, earning accolades like the two-time Tri-State Camp Conference Award recipient and the recent “Legends of Camping Award.”
We are grateful for Cricket’s commitment to summer camp and to children, and we value the passion she brings to our camp community.
J-O-D-I Jodi is “superfly”! Jodi’s roots at Walden trace back to her camper days in the 1980s. Walden has been her summer haven, and the desire to share this magical experience with her family led her back to Trout Lake in 2010. Jodi plays a crucial role in crafting many of our engaging activities and programs, infusing her love for camp and an infectious spirit into every moment.
At home, Jodi is a Music Entertainer and acting instructor, finding joy in spreading happiness through music. Jodi’s passion extends to nurturing young talents, guiding children to perform for the first time, and helping them discover their passions. Adding to the Walden family legacy, Jodi’s husband, fondly known as “Chef Mike,” served for years as our Assistant Chef and Dining Room Manager. Their two children, Michael and Marti, grew up at camp, and consider Walden a cherished home.
Operations
Heather’s first experience at Walden was in the early ‘90s when she worked as a Group Leader from 1991-1993. During this time, Heather met her husband, Jon, and also led the Grey Werewolves to Color War victory in 1992! After Heather and Jon’s daughters, Maddie and Gabby, started their camp journeys at Walden, Heather couldn’t stay away.
In 2012, Heather returned to camp to work as the Health Center Administrator and part-time in the winter office, eventually taking on a year-round position. In 2019, she assumed the role of Office Manager. Heather loves that she gets to spend all year working at Camp Walden, as she considers Walden her “home away from home”.
Molly has spent many years at Walden, and after a brief hiatus, is so excited to return “home”. Over the years, we have been fortunate to have her smile and expertise at our Walden waterfront and as a group leader for our youngest campers. Now, alongside Heather, she plays a crucial role in our Walden office, providing support to families, staff, and campers year-round. Molly’s experience shines through in her unwavering dedication and keen attention to detail, making her an invaluable addition to our Walden team.
Molly shares her love of Walden with her husband, Jason, and their son, Timothy, who is a happy Walden camper. Together, they look forward to creating memories in the beautiful Adirondack mountains.
Agi Roberts - Allergy Chef
Zack started working at camp in 2011. He was an assistant chef at a camp in Pennsylvania prior, and Walden was so fortunate have him come our way. He is a talented chef and a wonderful manager of our large kitchen team. Outside of camp, Zack is a private chef for a sorority at the University of Arkansas.
In 2012, Zack met his wife Agi at Walden. She too is such an incredible asset to our camp. Agi began working on our housekeeping team and then joined our kitchen crew. Agi is so incredibly kind and has such attention to detail that it wasn’t long before she began cooking for our campers with allergies and dietary restrictions. We are so grateful that Camp Walden has really become a second home for Zack and Agi.
Alex or “Chef A” as he is commonly called, started his camp experience in 2015. He began as one of our cooks and worked his way up to the position of Assistant Chef. Outside of camp, he works in the restaurant industry. Alex loves cooking for all of our campers & staff and he takes such pride in his work. When he is not cooking, he loves to travel and hike and especially loves stumbling on a beautiful waterfall in the Adirondacks.
Health Center
Our Health Center Team is the perfect combination of brilliant professionals, incredible care-givers and loving kindness. We feel so fortunate to have a doctor and seven registered nurses available for our campers and our staff at all times. Our health center administrators are there to support our team, our campers and their families.