Summer 2024 Registration is Open!
Summer 2024 Registration is Open!
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".
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!
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.
Hospitality Manager Greg Harris was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York where he attended High School before entering the military for a great career. Upon discharge, Greg held a couple of jobs before utilizing his GI Bill to enroll and graduate from Culinary School. Greg held various positions during his journey from prep station, dishwasher to Assistant Food Service/Director Food Service. His experience is across the board beginning in Education, Health Care and Camping. During his downtime, he enjoys music, reading, and classic movies.
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.
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 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.
Jacob is a local Philadelphian and alongside their time at Camp, works as a human rights organizer across the state and country, educating and leading arts & cultural work. Jacob cultivated those passions here at Camp, teaching students songs and encouraging curiosities about the natural world.
From Jacob: “I think that the key parts of
Jacob is a local Philadelphian and alongside their time at Camp, works as a human rights organizer across the state and country, educating and leading arts & cultural work. Jacob cultivated those passions here at Camp, teaching students songs and encouraging curiosities about the natural world.
From Jacob: “I think that the key parts of the program here at College Settlement–cultivating a love of the outdoors, a fascination for nature and learning, respect for our self and others–and that fun has a real, fundamental value and makes education richer are why I can’t ever stray far from Camp! No matter how brief anyone’s time here may be, I really think this place makes an impact on people. Even if that impact is just getting a song about moose buried in their subconscious for years to come.”
Justice is from the Horsham area and grew up going to College Settlement. On top of spending 11 years attending the camp, Justice also attended Outdoor School herself. Once Justice got the chance to work at Outdoor School she knew that there was nothing she’d rather do then provide the opportunity to connect with the great outdoors with s
Justice is from the Horsham area and grew up going to College Settlement. On top of spending 11 years attending the camp, Justice also attended Outdoor School herself. Once Justice got the chance to work at Outdoor School she knew that there was nothing she’d rather do then provide the opportunity to connect with the great outdoors with students. Along with working at the Outdoor School, Justice is going for her degree in journalism and public relations.
Mak discovered their passion for environmentalism and children's education here at College Settlement in 2021, after attending Bucks County Community College to further expand their knowledge of environmental science and childcare/education.
From Mak: "I'm a fun-loving counselor and Teacher Naturalist who loves meaningful connections and
Mak discovered their passion for environmentalism and children's education here at College Settlement in 2021, after attending Bucks County Community College to further expand their knowledge of environmental science and childcare/education.
From Mak: "I'm a fun-loving counselor and Teacher Naturalist who loves meaningful connections and the outdoors. I also love bugs to an extent no person on this planet can comprehend. My favorite is a cicada :)"
Katherine is originally from Abington, PA and graduated from Lycoming College in May 2023 with a B.A. in psychology, and a minor in sociology. She is now working towards an M.S. in School Counseling from Gwynedd Mercy University. Katherine has been working at College Settlement for three years, with 2024 being her first year as a Teacher
Katherine is originally from Abington, PA and graduated from Lycoming College in May 2023 with a B.A. in psychology, and a minor in sociology. She is now working towards an M.S. in School Counseling from Gwynedd Mercy University. Katherine has been working at College Settlement for three years, with 2024 being her first year as a Teacher Naturalist. She is also an assistant coach for Men’s and Women’s swimming at Arcadia.
From Katherine: “I love this job and being able to work with kids every day. It’s so much fun to teach them and watch them push themselves in new ways. Since I have been working here, I’ve learned so much about the world around me, and I love getting to come to work and be alongside such an amazing team. College Settlement is truly an amazing place.”
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.
Jade is originally from East Hartford, CT and recently has been travelling outside the state! Jade recently graduated from AmeriCorps NCCC 29A and College Settlement was one of their sponsors. They learned many skills from NCCC, like chainsaw certification, trail building, and animal handling!
From Jade: “Hello! I’m new to PA and I love t
Jade is originally from East Hartford, CT and recently has been travelling outside the state! Jade recently graduated from AmeriCorps NCCC 29A and College Settlement was one of their sponsors. They learned many skills from NCCC, like chainsaw certification, trail building, and animal handling!
From Jade: “Hello! I’m new to PA and I love to explore... I want to be a positive influence to the people I meet and when they look back on me they think 'Wow, what a weird but beautiful person' I like drawing, playing games (any), and Listening to music! I believe music can speak to anyone no matter the person <3”
Jess grew up in a tiny rural town in Southern Illinois and has spent the last 5 years living, working, and traveling all over the country. She’s an AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps alum, having served the North Central Region in 2023 and the Pacific Region in 2019. Because of those experiences, she’s gained countless new skills and strengt
Jess grew up in a tiny rural town in Southern Illinois and has spent the last 5 years living, working, and traveling all over the country. She’s an AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA Corps alum, having served the North Central Region in 2023 and the Pacific Region in 2019. Because of those experiences, she’s gained countless new skills and strengthened her passion for the outdoors. She was introduced to College Settlement when she served here in May 2023 and can’t wait to be back!
E.O. Wilson
600 Witmer Road, Horsham, Pennsylvania 19044
office: 215-542-7974 | fax: 215-542-7457 | email: camps@collegesettlement.org
Copyright © 2022 College Settlement of Phila
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