Summer 2016 Staff
Jessica Clark is going to be a fourth year Ak-O-Makker this year. She had never gone to summer camp until her first year as camp counselor. Like swimming in new waters, not knowing what to expect was a little scary. Despite this, the experience she got out of it was life changing.
Jessica enjoys team sports, such as soccer, basketball, ultimate Frisbee and volleyball; she’s more of a land mammal. Jessica also enjoys running and completed her first half marathon in September. Currently she’s part of an ultimate Frisbee league in Ottawa, loves cycling anywhere she goes and enjoys hitting the gym whenever she can.
Jessica is studying Nursing at the University of Ottawa in French and is going into her fifth year of university but her last year in her current program.
My name is Hannah Puckering and this is my seventh summer at Akomak and my second summer on staff. I will be graduating highschool at St. John's College this year in Brantford, Ontario where I played on both the rugby and volleyball teams. I was a competitive swimmer for 10 years and I also enjoy running and cycling and participating in a number of triathlons each year. Next year I am thrilled to be attending the University of Guelph for biological sciences. Camp is my favourite place in the world and I'm so excited to be a counsellor this summer.
Hi, I'm Erin L! I'm from Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, but I just finished my first year of Engineering at Queen's University, where I'm a member of the varsity swim team. My favourite sports are swimming and running. I'm most looking forward to Sunday campfires, running the trails, and traveling to triathlons this summer at camp!
Hi my name is Emma, I’m a university student from Liverpool in England
and my favourite sports are soccer and volleyball.
Hey my name is Charlotte and I'm from England. I am fun, enthusiastic and encouraging towards the children/ young adults. ( We all were there once and know what they go through) I hope I can make this their best summer yet. I look forward to helping all the girls discover new things they can do, especially things they didn't think they could do.
Hi Everyone , my name is Lilia Aguilar but I prefer Lily, I am from Mexico, I am 21 years old, Iam Studying Marketing in Mexico City, this is my second year as Counsellor at Camp. I used to be camper in 2004 and 2005, my favorite thing to do in life is to do Triathlons, I started doing them when i was 11 years old. All the skills i learn at Camp pushed me to start doing them. From then to now i have done 15 Triathlons.
I love challenging myself and I am higher every time, learning from the experiences i take and also from my mistakes. Defining myself in one word can be perseverant because I'm one step at the time person but always looking forward till I reach my goal. I`m very excited to experience what this summer is going to become in. One of my favorite quotes says “ Put a little part of you in everything you do” so that will be my aim for this summer. I'm looking forward to meet all the campers and make its summer a summer to remember , That is all about!!!.
"My name is Catherine and I am from Melbourne, Australia. This will be my second summer at Camp Ak-O-Mak and I am thrilled to be returning. I love being outside and I thoroughly enjoy sports and exercise. I learnt how to swim last summer and I can't wait to accomplish something new this summer. I spent the winter in Banff, Alberta. Whilst the snow and skiing was great, I am looking forward to new adventures in a slightly warmer environment!
Hi! My name is Alexa Murray and this will be my ninth year at Camp Akomak, my second year on staff. I just finished my first year at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (better known as Virginia Tech) studying Wildlife Conservation. First semester, I was honored for my academic achievement by being named a member of the Dean’s List. Back at home in Delaware, I swam from ages 6-18 on both school and club teams, making High School State Championships five years in a row. I started competing triathlons at eight years old, and have dabbled in every sport in between. Camp holds a special place in my heart and I want to share my favorite place in the world with all of you. I am very excited to meet all of your daughters and hopefully make this the best summer yet!
My name is Grace Pestridge. This is my 6th summer at Camp Akomak, but only my first year in staff! I am from Lake Oswego, Oregon and will be in 12th grade next year. I have been swimming for 7 years and more recently started playing water polo. I am the Editor -in-Cheif of my school newspaper and have an internship researching and writing for Mom Magazine. I've lived in Australia, England, China, and the United States. I have a younger sister and two dogs! I am looking forward to a fun summer filled with lots of laughs and good memories!
Pamela Rubio – Counselor
Pam is a fun athlete who has worked with children of different ages, using sport as a key to have fun.
She brings enthusiasm to activities and is very caring. She was a camper at Ak-O-Mak and has come back as a counselor to share the exciting experiences at camp that she once had. She started competing in triathlons when she was 12, she has been part of different sports teams and has coached children for football tournaments.
Pam lives in Mexico City and will be joining us as Staff for this summer.
Hey I'm Brett Saunders! I am from Newark, Delaware. I am an 18 year old swimmer, biker, tennis player, and triathlon enthusiast. I also love almost every other sport there is. I am state champion in tennis, and 5-time runner up in swimming. This year I also won the stock market game in my state if that counts for anything! I started going up to Canada for the summer in 2005, and it is still my favorite place to be. I will be attending the University of Tampa for swimming next year, and I plan to major in business.
Emily
Hello! I'm a big advocate when it comes to physical activity and love to get others up and moving. I, myself, enjoy to be active and engage in activities such as long distance running, Ultimate, resistance training and yoga among other activities. I also love the outdoors and hiking. I just recently became a graduate from the University of Ottawa's kinesiology program. In September, I'll be returning as a student for my master degree of art in human kinetics. I hope one day to work in the health promotion domain. This will be my fourth year as a camp counselor but my third year at Ak-O-Mak. My goal this summer is to focus on cultivating healthy life habits with the campers so that they can become their best selves.
Hi, I'm Anna from Manchester in England.
I love all sports and have really enjoyed being a member of Trafford Athletics and Rowing club in my local area. I am a keen football fan and support Manchester United. I have played football (soccer) for 6 years and I am also a qualified referee.
I can't wait to get involved with all of the amazing activities on offer at Camp Ak-O-Mak and to make sure that we all have the best time this summer!
I'm really looking forward to my time at Camp Ak-O-Mak as I've never been to Canada before, so this is a new experience for me and one I can't wait to get started! See you all in a few weeks!
Amy Quinn
I am a university student from England, currently studying Psychology and History. During term time I volunteer for the Scottish Mental Health Foundation aiming to decrease stigma within the community, focussing specifically on young people’s mental health. I also play football (soccer) for my University and view land sports and travelling as two of my main passions. I am very excited to be returning to Camp Ak-O-Mak this year.
Hi! My name is Vanessa and I’m so excited to be on staff for Camp Ak-O-Mak this summer! I’m originally from Toronto and I’ve just finished my forth year at Laurentian University where I am majoring in French and Philosophy. During the school year I swim for the Laurentian Voyageurs and coach the Sudbury Special Olympics Swim Team. While I’ve gone to and worked at various summer camps this will be my second year at Ak-O-Mak and I can’t wait to meet everyone!
My name is Monica Cordero, im from Mexico and just finished grade 12. This is my 11th year at Camp Ak-O-Mak and my first as a staff member, I really enjoy being at camp in the summer and glad to have this opportunity. I love sailing, running, swimming and paddling.