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Outdoor School Staff
Karyn Bonner • Camp Director
Ariana Kalziqi • Outreach and CIT Coordinator
Joshua Davis • Assistant Camp Director
Camp Director Karyn Bonner is originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, and has been working with College Settlement for over 30 years. Karyn has two teenage children, Rob and Rosie who also love spending time enjoying nature outdoors. After graduating college in Edinburgh and quickly realizing a career illustrating natural history was not as much fun as actually being teaching about it, Karyn left the art world behind and instead worked with experiential / environmental education programs all over the USA. College Settlement has always been her favorite place in the world, and where her favorite teachers, kids, bugs, ponds and creeks are! Her hobbies include photography, art, mud runs, anything camp-related, and most of all, being a “mom of campers".
Joshua Davis • Assistant Camp Director
Ariana Kalziqi • Outreach and CIT Coordinator
Joshua Davis • Assistant Camp Director
Assistant Camp Director Joshua Davis is originally from Michigan by way of Canada, and has been with College Settlement for 19 years. Josh lives on-site with his wife and two daughters, Grace and Sophie, both of whom often come out on lessons with the camp kids! Josh is a Temple graduate with a degree in Sociology (with a focus on both environmental and urban studies) but left the halls of academia for good when he was hired for his “dream job” as the Assistant Camp Director in 2012. Josh enjoys playing and writing music, gardening, hiking, and sharing his love of the natural world with anyone willing to listen… all of which, fortunately, happen to be a part of the job!
Ariana Kalziqi • Outreach and CIT Coordinator
Ariana Kalziqi • Outreach and CIT Coordinator
Ariana Kalziqi • Outreach and CIT Coordinator
Outreach and CIT Coordinator Ariana Kalziqi is originally from Houston, TX and has worked at College Settlement since 2018. After graduating with a degree in Coastal Environmental Science, Ariana volunteered with AmeriCorps NCCC, where she fell in love with outdoor education. From there, she worked as a Naturalist in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, and Yosemite National Park and later earned her teaching certification. But, no mountains or waterfalls could compete with College Settlement Camp, and she jumped at the chance to return.
Ariana runs our Counselor-in-Training program during the summer and coordinates most of our spring and fall weekend programs. Ariana loves working with former campers as they become leaders and role models. She enjoys hiking, exploring, and corny jokes.
Our Teacher Naturalists
We take great pride in making sure each student gets the most out of their trip to College Settlement. Our staff members are carefully selected and trained to make sure our programs are a unique opportunity to meet and make new friends, as well as enrich their education and appreciation of our outside world. Outdoor education provides a chance to create fond memories of joy and discovery. From encouraging students to take a leadership role during group challenges to leading night hikes, our TNs keep the students learning and laughing. Some join us for a year or two, while other have been with us for more than a decade.
Old Man Mike
Old Man Mike
Old Man Mike
Teacher Naturalist Mike is a Penn State grad and retired Philadelphia science teacher who has worked with us in many capacities for over 30 years. Mike’s hobbies are camping, traveling, running, and terrible puns. His wife encourages him to run long distances… that way she cannot hear his jokes.
Mike would like folks to know:
“I once actua
Teacher Naturalist Mike is a Penn State grad and retired Philadelphia science teacher who has worked with us in many capacities for over 30 years. Mike’s hobbies are camping, traveling, running, and terrible puns. His wife encourages him to run long distances… that way she cannot hear his jokes.
Mike would like folks to know:
“I once actually had hair. They refer to me as Old Man Mike at College Settlement Camp, since I am the oldest person on Camp. I was a science teacher in an elementary school in Philadelphia for thirty five years. I brought groups of children to College Settlement Camp for the three-day overnight trip for 21 years. Since I retired in June of 2009, I have been working at College Settlement Camp as a Teacher Naturalist during the fall and spring. During the summer I am the Farm Educator and spend a good part of my day taking campers on hay rides. One of the things that never gets old is watching a child catch a fish for the first time.”
Jessie
Old Man Mike
Old Man Mike
Jessie is originally from Allentown, PA and has spent the last ten years working as an environmental educator in Minneapolis / Saint Paul, MN. Jessie graduated from Kutztown University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in General Psychology and knew she wanted to work outdoors. She joined AmeriCorps: Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Io
Jessie is originally from Allentown, PA and has spent the last ten years working as an environmental educator in Minneapolis / Saint Paul, MN. Jessie graduated from Kutztown University in 2011 with a Bachelor’s degree in General Psychology and knew she wanted to work outdoors. She joined AmeriCorps: Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa and headed to the Midwest. She gained many skills including chain sawing, tree identification, and how to properly dress for winter. She later took a job working at the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in Saint Paul, MN where she was able to teach thousands of visitors all about plants, animals and conservation. She even got to hold a sloth as part of her job! She is now back in PA ready to get back to nature! When not working Jessie enjoys going on photo walks, looking for secondhand treasures, trying new restaurants, cooking, and visiting the ocean.
PJ
Old Man Mike
Marissa
PJ is from Bristol, PA and has spent much of his life working and exploring the outdoors. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor recipient of the BSA who aspires to help conserve the natural world that has provided him with many lasting memories. He has extensive experience with outdoor recreation; from hiking in the backcountry to the p
PJ is from Bristol, PA and has spent much of his life working and exploring the outdoors. He is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor recipient of the BSA who aspires to help conserve the natural world that has provided him with many lasting memories. He has extensive experience with outdoor recreation; from hiking in the backcountry to the peaks of Colorado's many 14ners or paddling 50 miles down the Delaware river to peaceful nights camped out under the stars, he holds a passion for all things outdoors and looks forward to helping others ignite this passion and learn more about the natural world.
Marissa
Old Man Mike
Marissa
I’m Marissa and I recently graduated from Delaware Valley University
in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Biology. I have a passion for
the environment and nature and my specializations are primarily with
plants, birds and the natural sciences. You can often find me outside
hiking, gardening and simply enjoying the outdoors.
Sierra
Sierra
Sierra
Sierra is from San Francisco, California, and loves all things science-related. She graduated from the University of California Berkeley with Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Biology and Sustainable Design in 2022. After a short time in the sustainable design and green building certification world, she chose to pivot to more hands-on
Sierra is from San Francisco, California, and loves all things science-related. She graduated from the University of California Berkeley with Bachelor's degrees in Environmental Biology and Sustainable Design in 2022. After a short time in the sustainable design and green building certification world, she chose to pivot to more hands-on and direct impact work. She has most recently spent time writing high school history and science curriculum, teaching on a farm in upstate New York, and serving as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps NCCC. Over the years, she has gained skills in everything from animal care, to elementary outdoor education, to how to always be adaptable. Outside of work, Sierra enjoys climbing, walking, and being in every type of nature imaginable.
Nick
Sierra
Sierra
Nick is 26 years old and is originally from Louisville, Kentucky. In 2022, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he attended and later graduated from Georgia State University with a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE). Prior to attending grad school, Nick studied at the University of Louisville,
Nick is 26 years old and is originally from Louisville, Kentucky. In 2022, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia where he attended and later graduated from Georgia State University with a Masters of Interdisciplinary Studies in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics (PPE). Prior to attending grad school, Nick studied at the University of Louisville, receiving a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Economics. This past year, Nick spent his time serving as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps NCCC. He worked on a variety of different service projects ranging from providing free tax assistance to low income individuals, to serving at a year round recreational and respite camp, to serving Veterans at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, to even serving alongside fellow Teacher Naturalists here at College Settlement. In his free time, Nick enjoys rock climbing, being in nature, watching sports, and playing card and board games.