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Meet the Counselors!

Your Name Here!

Spend the best summer of your life at Chestnut Ridge! Join our summer staff of over 60 amazing people. Make a difference in the lives of campers and staff. Learn more! 

Ainsley

Hi! My name is Ainsley and I’m from Durham, NC. This will be my first year working at Chestnut Ridge although I have been spending my summers here for 3 years before this. I love being outside, playing violin, reading, and playing and watching sports. I can’t wait to meet everyone this summer!

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Alex

Hey guys, my name is Alex. I'm 20 years old, I'm from Puebla, Mexico, this is my second year as a camp counselor and I'm really excited about learning everything we need to have fun safely and meeting all of you. I'm currently studying international business in BUAP and I really love playing sports.

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Alex

Hi Y'all, I'm Alex. I'm from Hillsborough, North Carolina. This will be my first summer working at camp; however I attended afterschool and summer programs since Kindergarten. I currently live overseas in Luxembourg, where I am a junior in highschool. My favorite camp activities are swimming in the pool, going on lake toys, and playing Gaga ball.

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Azaria

Hey there I’m Azaria, I'm from Raleigh NC and I'm currently a Junior in high school. I'm a passionate writer and book lover so when I’m not lost in a good novel I’m busy putting my thoughts into words whether it’s fiction, poetry, or personal stories. Writing and reading are my ways of escaping, expressing myself, and connecting with others. This year will be my first summer working at Camp Chestnut Ridge and I’m beyond excited for the adventure ahead, I can’t wait to dive into this new experience and make unforgettable memories.

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Brooklyn 

I'm Brooklyn and I cant wait to meet y'all! This will be my second summer here at camp though I was camper in 2019. Some of my favorite camp activities include the hoedown, swimming in the pool, and Gaga Ball. When I'm not at camp I love photography, art, and spending time outdoors. I'm so excited for an amazing summer filled with lots of memories!

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Caroline

Hi Y’all! My name is Caroline, I’m from Raleigh, North Carolina. I am going to be a senior at Enloe High School in the fall. This is my first summer on staff but I have been going to Chestnut Ridge as a camper for 7 years! I am so excited to meet and have fun with everyone this summer. In my free time I love to dance, listen to music, play volleyball, and spend lots of time outside! At camp, my favorite activities are kayaking, ziplining, and the hoedown!I can’t wait to meet you all soon!

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Caroline

Hi!! My name is Caroline, and I attend Durham School of the Arts. This is my first year working at chestnut ridge, but I have been going as a camper since I was very young, so I have so much knowledge of everything this camp has to offer. I enjoy swimming, being outdoors, meeting new friends, and sharing my faith with others, and I am super excited to meet amazing new people.

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Celeste'

Hello! I’m Celeste’ (suh-les-ta), and I’m from Greensboro & Hamlet NC! I love all types of art, adventure, and anything fun. I’m a senior at Ragsdale High School & I’ll be a freshman at UNC Charlotte when summer is over (49er Pride!). This is my first year at Camp Chestnut Ridge, and I’m so excited to meet you! I hope you’re ready to have a wonderful summer! :)

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Charlie

Hey y'all! My name is Charlie and I am a Junior, going to be a Senior at Chapel Hill High School this fall! This will be my first summer on staff, but I also work with horses year round! I have gone to camp since I was little (2014) and it is my home away from home. I play softball and volleyball competitively, but rock climb in my free time. I love working with the horses, high challenge, the lake, and night in the woods! I am so excited for this summer and can't wait to meet all y'all! 

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Damien

Howdy! I'm Damien, 18 year old guy from Louisiana. I'm a bit of a silly goose, with a fixation on an obscure children's book from 2005 about a little dog. Big fan of drawing and playing my concertina. Can't wait to have fun, learn things, and make friends this summer 

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Dayna

Hiya, My name is Dayna and I'm from New Zealand. I worked a summer at Chestnut Ridge in 2019, and am super excited to come back and create some new memories! I love being outdoors, exploring and trying new things. I'm looking forward to meeting lots of new people and getting to know everyone. Some of my favourite camp activities are waterfront, making s'mores, and making lanyards.
See you all soon!

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Eoin

Hey guys! I'm Eoin, I go to Millbrook highschool in Raleigh and I'm super exited to work as a counselor. This will be my first year working at Chestnut Ridge, I love hiking and the outdoors!

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Francesca

I’m Francesca, but please call me Cesca. I am coming all the way from London UK. I am currently doing my Level 4 in Childcare at University and volunteering in a nursery school. I’m beyond excited to be part of this year’s summer camp at Chestnut Ridge. I’m all about creating unforgettable memories, making lifelong friends, allowing children to have the best summer to remember and also to understand more about my Christian faith. I will be bringing with me energy and positivity to everything I do, whether we’re facing a tough team challenge or winding down by the campfire. I like to laugh lots and have lots of valuable time doing activities like swimming, going for a walk, sunset picnics and horse riding. I am very outdoorsy and a bit of an adrenaline junkie so love the high ropes and wires. I’m a real firm believer that camp is a place to learn, grow, and most importantly—have fun! I can’t wait to meet you all, work together, and make this summer one to remember.

See you all in America; can't wait!

 

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Gemma

Hey everyone, I'm Gemma and I'm from the South Island of New Zealand. This will be my first time working at camp and my first time being in America! I love meeting new people, exploring new places and being outdoors, especially swimming. I could not be more excited for the summer and cannot wait to meet you all and create some amazing memories!!!!

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Hannah

Hey! My name is Hannah! This is my third summer working at Chestnut Ridge and my favorite activities are being at horses, tree-climbing and morning worship. Outside of camp I enjoy playing the violin, volunteering at my Church and I'm studying elementary education. I also love photography and flying planes! I can't wait to have another summer of making memories and meeting new friends at my favorite place!

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Holly

Hi there! My name is Holly, I'm 18 years old and I'm from Wellington, New Zealand. This is my first year working at a summer camp and I'm so excited to join the team at Chestnut Ridge! I love getting to be in the outdoors and challenging myself to try new activities. In my free time I also love to dance, listen to music, and spend time with my friends and family. I can't wait to meet everyone and make lots of memories this summer!

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Jaida

My name is Jaida Jakubiak and I'm from Chapel Hill, NC. I'm going to be a freshman in college next year but I haven't committed anywhere yet. I play softball and field hockey and I love to hike, climb, and meet new people. This will be my first year as a counselor but I have been a camper many times at Chestnut Ridge. Looking forward to a great summer! 

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James

Hi! My name is James and I live in Durham. I have been a camper at Chestnut Ridge for nearly a decade. This is my first summer as a counselor, but I was an LIT the last two summers and have helped out as retreat staff. Some of my favorite things include playing the bass and Ultimate Frisbee. I love being outdoors and am excited to lead and learn this summer!

Kendall 

Hey guys! My name is Kendall and this will be my second summer working at Chesnut Ridge after six years of being a camper. Next fall
I will be a freshman at Clemson University! I love playing sports, singing, and pretty much anything outdoors. Can’t wait for another amazing summer!!

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Josh

Hey guys! I'm Josh, and I'm from Durham, NC. I'm going into my junior year at NC State, studying Sport Management. This will be my second summer on staff! My favorite camp activities are lake toys, playing gaga ball, and making smores. Looking forward to another great summer!  

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Kimmy

Hi Everyone! I'm Kimmy. I'm from Washington, DC; I currently attend Ohio Wesleyan! I have worked in various high adventure camps throughout my years and cannot wait to meet everyone! 

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Kri

Hi! My name is Kri. I am 18 and this will be my first year at Chestnut Ridge! I’m super excited to be able to not only share my knowledge but to also gain more knowledge! I spend my time riding horses, playing soccer, participating in theater groups, reading, and spending time with those I love! 

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Lily

Hi!!! My name is Lily, and I am from Hillsborough, NC. After summer, I am entering my freshman year of college! I’m super thrilled to come back to camp for my second year on summer staff. I love working with kids and the Minnesota Vikings! 

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Liv

Hey! My name is Liv and I’m from Raleigh, NC. This is will be my first time at Chestnut Ridge but not my first time at summer camp! I am currently a sophomore at Wake Technical Community college but I am transferring to NC State university to study Pre-Vet in the fall. I love working with horses, good books, and really any activity outside! I look forward to meeting you all and having an amazing summer at camp! 

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Logan

Hi! I’m Logan and I’m from Burlington, NC and I’m going into my freshman year of college. This will be my second summer as a counselor but I was a camper for a few summers. I love playing Gaga ball, being at the pool/lake, and working with the horses. Outside of camp I love doing gymnastics, being outside, and doing things with my friends. I’m so excited to meet y’all and make some amazing memories!

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Louisa

Hi! I'm Louisa, and I will be a senior at NCSSM next fall. I am super excited for my first year as a junior counselor, especially after over 6 amazing years spent at CCR as a camper. I absolutely love spending time outside, and you can often find me hiking on a trail or taking pictures of some pretty flowers. I can't wait for morning worship, the ropes courses, and meeting new people this summer!

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Lucy

My name is Lucy and I am so overjoyed to be working at camp this summer!! I am from Hillsborough NC and will be a high school senior at Cedar Ridge in the fall. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences here in past years as a camper so I’m really excited to be able to share that with others. I love playing saxophone, guitar, riding horses, spending time with my dogs, drawing, and crocheting! You’ll most likely find me working with the horses or playing guitar in the worship band! Can’t wait to meet you all!

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Luke

Hello all! I’m Luke and I live in Greenville, North Carolina. I attend college at West Virginia University and I’ll be heading into my sophomore year this fall. I enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors, and learning new languages and musical instruments! This will be my second summer on staff at Chestnut Ridge, and I’m excited to see what the summer holds!

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Madison

Hi friends!! I'm Madison, and I'm from Chapel Hill, NC. I am going into my sophomore year at Meredith College where I am studying Social Work, Child Development, and Dance. I am SO beyond excited for my third summer as a counselor after many years of being a camper! I absolutely love camp, and I'm so excited to share my love of camp with others and make so many new memories. Outside of camp, I love hiking, reading, and anything gymnastics. I can't wait to meet all of you and see what God has planned for this summer!

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Madison

Hey y’all! My name is Madison and I’m from Efland, NC. I go to Cedar Ridge High School and I will be a senior in the fall. I’ve been a camper for a long time, but this will be my first summer as a staff member and I am super excited!! Some things that I love to do at camp are arts and crafts, swimming, dancing, and going to the farm. I can’t wait to have an amazing summer together!

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Mary

Hi guys! My name's Mary, and I’m from Greensboro, NC. This will be my second summer on staff! I absolutely love camp, and I cannot wait for summer to start and to meet everyone! I LOVE gaga ball, hiking, playing sports, and enjoy traveling with friends during my free time. I can’t wait to make so many amazing memories this summer!

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Mary

Hey guys! My name is Mary and I’m from Durham, NC. I will be going into my Junior year this fall at North Carolina State University studying Animal Science. This is my first year as a counselor here but I am no stranger to CCR as I’ve been coming as a camper for many years! I enjoy spending time with the horses, at the farm, or just out in the woods! When I’m not in summer camp mode you can find me on the pitch playing club rugby at State or spending time with friends! I can’t wait to meet you guys this summer! 

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Max

Hi my name is Max and I’m really excited to spend my first summer camp experience at Chestnut Ridge. I’m from Australia and excited to bring a bit of Aussie culture to the camp. I I’m looking forward to all the activities that Chestnut Ridge offer and also having a new experience in the USA.

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Nora

Hi everyone! My name is Nora, and I'm super excited to start my first year working at camp! This summer, I'll be going into senior year at Orange High School. I've been going to camp for over ten years, and I'm so excited to help new campers have amazing experiences here, just like I did! In my free time, you'll find me reading, playing with my cats, or helping with my school's theatre shows!

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Parker

Hi! My name is Parker and I'm from Sanford, NC. This will be my first year as a junior counselor, and I'm SO EXCITED. I enjoy music, theatre, and outdoorsy things and am looking forward to this summer! :D

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Payton

My name is Payton Castro, I am a rising senior at Cedar Ridge High School, in Hillsborough NC.   This will be my first year working at Camp, however I have been a camper here for 8 years.  I love being outdoors, running track, and spending time with family.  My favorite camp activities are eating smores, capture the flag and swimming

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Poppy

Hey everybody!! My name is Poppy, and I’m from Durham, NC. I will be a senior in high school this fall. I grew up going to camp Chestnut Ridge, and this is my first year as a counselor. I spend most of my time dancing, baking or at church. I love hiking, and anything related to nature and animals. Can’t wait to make s’mores with y’all!

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Seven

Hi, y’all. My name is Seven.  I currently live in Williamsburg, VA, but I grew up in Clayton, NC.  I loved attending Chestnut Ridge for twelve years as a camper, and I am excited for my first summer as a counselor.  In my free time, I love listening to music, reading LOTS of books, and exploring. At camp, my favorite activities are making s’mores, dancing at the hoedown, and playing Gaga ball. In the fall, I am excited to start my freshman year at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA studying biochemistry with aspirations of becoming a pharmacist. 

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Thomas

G’Day, I’m Thomas from New Zealand and I am absolutely pumped for this adventure at Camp Chestnut Ridge! I have been told that I am the fun one, with an endless source of energy in my pocket. I’m always up for an adventure or challenge, basically anything fun and exciting and you’ll see me leading the charge! Summer 2024 here I come

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Tristan

Hi! I’m Tristan and I am super excited for my 1st year working at Chestnut Ridge. I was a camper at Chestnut Ridge for 11 years, so it feels a bit like a second home for me. I’m going into my senior year of high school and my favorite subjects are Science and History. Chestnut Ridge has a special place in my heart, and this summer I hope to bring the joy it has given me to as many campers as I can.

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Winnie 

My name is Winnie, I am from Raleigh, North Carolina and will be a freshman at Western Carolina University in the fall. This year will be my second summer on staff and I could not be more excited! In my free time I love to read and run. And my favourite camp activities are horseback riding, lake toys and going to the farm. I cannot wait to meet everyone this summer!

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Meet Our Year-Round Team

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