Summer Camp Directors & Staff
Senior Directors
Jon and Sara Deren exchanged vows at Manitou on the shores of East Lake. Jon, a former Manitou camper and counselor, enters his 10th summer of ownership with David. Jon, known as "JD" by campers and counselors, oversees all camp operations during the summer while coordinating Manitou's one-of-a-kind winter program during the off-season. Jon serves on the Board of Directors for the American Camping Association - NY section and is active on several ACA committees regarding leadership and management. Jon, a collegiate skier from Tufts, received his MBA from Columbia and currently resides with his wife, Sara, and golden retriever, Curtis, in Manhattan.
Sara has always had a love for Camp Manitou, and not just because she married Jon there. Her strong family background and passion for working with children add warmth and comfort to the family environment at Manitou. She is a graduate of Columbia Business School, where she earned her MBA, and Lafayette College. Sara joined the Manitou family in 2003.
David Schiff met Jon Deren in 1987 at the bus stop as 9 year old campers heading to Manitou. 20 years later, Dave continues to share his dream with Jon at Manitou. During the summer, David oversees camp's daily program and coordinates operations for the Central Maine Camp League. David has a masters degree in education and teaches middle school history in Tenafly, NJ during the off-season. He coaches Tenafly's boys high school soccer team and co-directs soccer camp in late August. Dave is active in the ACA and will be presenting at this year's Tri-State conference.
Directors
Athletic Director Joel Peckham has worked at Manitou for more than 35 years, coaching the camp's outstanding varsity baseball team to its legendary 56-game winning streak. He coaches basketball and baseball at Sharon High School in Sharon, Massachusetts and has led his baseball squad to over 300 victories. His teams have competed for numerous state titles and are year-in and year-out conference contenders.
His wife, Jeanne Peckham, a gymnastics and dance instructor, coordinates the Manitou waterski program. She was the instrumental force behind the couple's attendance at Manitou in 1970. After attending summer camp in Maine as a child, she convinced her newly-wed husband that their family should do the same. The Peckhams have three children who each spent their childhood summers at Manitou. They now have two grandchildren at Manitou.
Assistant Director Derek Worley, former head of the golf program, has been returning to camp since 1999. During the summer, Derek coordinates new camper tours and the Younger Brother Sleepover. He also works with the winter office staff to recruit new campers and staff. He especially enjoys working with our youngest campers and ensuring that all first-time campers have a comfortable adjustment to life at camp.
Assistant Director Craig Daintry, former tennis director, has worked year round for Manitou since 1997. He meets regularly with new families, veteran families, and oversees Manitou's winter reunion tour. During the summer, Craig oversees camp life and serves as a parent liaison.
Andy “The Ranger” Arensen has been at Manitou since 1975 as the head of the Manitou Lacrosse Program. Andy, a former All-American himself, currently teaches high school history and coaches the varsity lacrosse team in Poughkeepsie, NY. He also co-chairs Manitou’s leadership program and is regarded as the chief of camp history and spirit.
Assistant Athletic Director Jeff “Wick” Wickman, who heads Manitou's football, track and inter-camp programs, is a three-sport coach and educator who began at camp in 1982. He and his wife, Karen, met at Manitou, where she worked as office manager, and were married at the flagpole area. Through the years "Wick" has become a mentor to staff and older campers. He currently teaches history at Winslow High School, where he has given two keynote commencement speeches.
Head Counselor Corey Levy began attending Camp Manitou in 1985. After earning his BA in education from the University of Vermont, Corey taught English in Madrid, Spain for 2 years. Upon his return he earned his Masters in education and worked as an academic advisor at a Boston area community college. Two years ago, Corey returned to school and is presently pursuing his Doctorate in clinical psychology.
Music and Special Events Director Joel Peckham Jr. returned to Manitou in 2004. He began his tenure at camp in 1970, as a camper and later counselor. Joel is an assistant professor of American Literature at the University of Cincinnati, Clermont College. Joel spearheaded the development of Manitou's music program and camp band. He also runs several unique special events and evening activities. Joining Joel are his wife Rachel and son Darius.
Waterfront Director Abby Dunn came on staff in 2000 and has filled her current position since 2003. Abby is currently pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy in Boston.
Camper Specialist Jenn Steinhardt has been on staff since 2004. Jenn's experience as a former teacher and mom of a veteran camper ensures the boys under her care have the best possible camp experience. She also serves as a parent liaison. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, Jenn works as an SAT tutor and college counselor during the off-season and is an active community volunteer.
Theater Director Steve Borowka runs Manitou's one-of-a-kind theater program that produces five plays each summer. Steve also runs Acting Manitou, a dedicated theater camp which runs for ten days in late August. Steve received his Masters in Educational Theatre from NYU where he produced five main children's theatre productions. Steve has been seen on Comedy Central, four independent films and made his Broadway debut in Disney's “Beauty and the Beast”. Currently, Steve teaches theater at the Hunter College School in Manhattan.
Bob “Waldo” Waldstein returns as Manitou’s Alumni Director and Liaison. This second generation camper started attending Manitou in 1975 and has never really left. Previous camp positions include college league dean and color war chief as well as Director of Evening Programs and Special Events. As Alumni Director, he facilitates connections throughout the Manitou Nation. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Duke's Fuqua School of Business. He is also an executive search consultant, specializing in the healthcare sector.
Contributing Alumni complement our staff with a wealth of camp experience. Alumni include the director of business operations for an elite athletes training clinic, actors on network television, a nationally syndicated sports talk radio host, film and literary agents, authors, magazine editors, teachers, coaches, television writers, and university professors.
Summer Camp—The Opportunity of a Lifetime