Join fellow EPICs (Emerging Professionals in Camping) to network and discuss two of the most relevant topics facing our camps – Staffing and Mental Health. Come prepared to share and learn with other emerging professionals in camping, enjoy a coffee and bagel break midway through the afternoon, and talk through the topics that matter most to us here and now! As innovative and thought leaders in our industry, come learn in these professionally facilitated sessions.

Tobie Feigenbaum, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and summer camp administrator will share her insights and guide our discussion around camper mental health.

Ryan Pelletier, CIEE’s Camp Team Manager is strategically poised to lead us through a discussion about how to welcome first time staff, integrate them into your camp’s culture, and best prepare them for the job ahead.

Brought to you by CIEE, EPIC, New England and ACA, New England! See you there!

About the Facilitators

Ryan is Manager of Camp Relations for CIEE’s Camp Exchange USA program, connecting youth workers from around the globe with American summer camps. Since 1947, CIEE’s mission is to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world.  Ryan manages a team of Camp Consultants that work directly with camp representatives, tailor matching international counselors and ensuring positive cultural exchange experiences.

Ryan is passionate about the camp experience and it’s capacity to transform lives. He spent 5 years as the Director of Environmental Education for Kieve-Wavus Education in Nobleboro, Maine, cultivating the next generation of environmental advocates. As an ardent environmentalist Ryan stays close to nature through recreation; surfing, paddle boarding, and hiking to name a few! He lives in Portland with wife Usha and dog Kona.

Tobie has a BA in Sociology from the University of Delaware and a Masters in Social Work from UNH. She has worked in residential treatment through the Boys and Girls Clubs and for the last 15 years she has primarily worked as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in schools. During the summers, she is the Head Counselor at Camp Pinecliffe, where her day to day tasks include checking in with high needs campers, liaising with parents, coaching staff on how to handle camper issues, and working with therapists as needed.

During the workshop, Tobie will be discussing common themes in camper mental health, ways we can support our camper populations, and strategies for campers and staff alike. There will be time for group discussion so bring topics to discuss and ideas to share!