Head of Outdoor Adventure Chris Zammarelli’s main goal coming into this summer was to build the best program possible and offer more aspects of outdoor adventure.  Based on the number of campers who have flocked to the various activities that comprise the Outdoor Adventure program Chris has exceeded his goal.  In fact, one of the most popular new programs at Camp Starlight this year is Outdoor Living Skills, a new elective activity that is part of the Outdoor Adventure program.  Outdoor Living Skills provides campers with the opportunity to learn outdoor proficiencies such as fire building, navigation, shelter building, and wilderness first aid.  Other Outdoor Adventure activities in which Camp Starlight campers can participate include high and low ropes courses, the infamous Star Jump, a zipline, climbing wall, fishing, and mountain biking.

Chris believes that a great deal of the success of this summer is attributable to a staff that is really enjoying their positions.  “They are an amazing group to work with,” Chris says, “They are fun, smart, and outgoing.  The staff always jumps up to help whenever needed and are eager to get campers suited up and climbing.”  Chris himself has a passion for teaching.  He has a Master’s in education and teaches middle and high school math and science during the winter.  He also works at the University of Oregon Rec Center as part of the climbing staff and is motivated to spend his summers working at camp by his desire to have a better understanding of teaching and working with children of all ages.  He also hopes to improve his leadership skills.

Chris is proud that he and his staff have been able to elevate the Camp Starlight Outdoor Adventure program to a level that is beyond expectations for a camp.  He is proudest, though, that he has been able to watch his staff and the campers expand their Outdoor Adventure and Outdoor Living skillsets.  With the summer of 2013 nearing an end, he is already looking forward to next summer when he hopes to continue to improve and expand an already immensely popular program.