Author: Jamie Mahnken

Havvago at Camp Starfish: Give your Child with Autism the Best Summer

Three Campers smiling at Camp Starfish

Sending your child with autism or other sensory challenges to sleepaway camp may seem overwhelming, or even impossible. At Camp Starfish, we believe every child can have access to a joyful, supported summer camp experience. Our Havvago program is a 5-day summer camp experience for children with autism or sensory challenges who require flexibility and […]

11 Inclusive Games Every Camp Counselor Should Know

At camp, there are many moments when you need to think of an activity on the spot. At Camp Starfish, we lovingly call these games “pocket games” because they are useful to have in your back pocket during moments of downtime to engage campers. Campers may finish a planned activity early, feel restless during transitions, […]

How Summer Camp Helps Children with Special Needs Build Resilience

summer camp counselor and smiling camper

When searching for a summer camp for children with special needs, parents are often thinking about more than just daily activities. You’re asking: Will my child feel safe and supported? Will they make friends? Will they grow emotionally and socially?   At the core of these questions is one goal: finding a special needs summer […]

Preparing Kids for Summer Camp: How to Ease Anxiety and Build Confidence

smiling teen campers at camp starfish

For many families, summer camp is a milestone filled with excitement, growth, and new experiences. But when it comes to preparing kids for summer camp, it’s completely normal for children to feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety, even if they have been to camp before. Whether it’s worries about making friends, trying new activities, […]

What It’s Really Like Working at a Special Needs Summer Camp

summer camp teen and counselor at camp starfish

If you’re considering working at a special needs summer camp, you’re probably wondering what the experience is really like. Is it challenging? Absolutely.Is it meaningful? More than most jobs you’ll ever have. For many staff members, working at a special needs camp becomes one of the most impactful experiences of their lives. At camps like […]

10 Unexpected Things to Pack for Camp (From an Expert Camp Counselor)

college student lifeguards as summer camp job

Whether this is your first time going to camp or your first time as a counselor, there are things that you might find useful to have that won’t be on any of the generic packing lists (speaking of, you can find a general list of things to pack for camp on our blog). Before joining […]

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Lydia Beeler

Lydia Beeler is Camp Starfish’s Program Director, ensuring that all campers have a safe, supportive, and fun Starfish experience. Lydia joined Starfish in the summer of 2021 and has enjoyed multiple different roles on camp. With a degree in psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and experience in healthcare and education, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to her role.

Lydia is from Worcester, Massachusetts, and takes great pride in being able to pronounce her hometown. Her favorite camp activity is the closing campfire, where campers are able to reflect on and celebrate their achievements made during their time at Starfish. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “We make camp a safe place.”

Photo of Danielle Lubbers

Danielle Lubbers

Danielle joined Camp Starfish in the spring of 2023 as Camp Director. Originally working with the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay, Danielle has ten years of experience providing programming to children, outdoor skills training for adults, and directing overnight summer camp experiences.

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys spending time with her two-year old Dalmatian, Mia. Danielle’s favorite activity at camp is raft building, as she enjoys seeing campers and staff work together to complete a team goal. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is “We are here to learn, grow, and have fun!”

Staff photo of David

David Mahnken

David Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Mental Health Consultant. He provides staff training each summer on topics such as self-care, trauma-informed care practices, and health & wellness. David also provides support and consultation to the organization throughout the year. David holds a BA from St. Olaf College and an MSW from Simmons University. David is a LICSW who works in emergency services in addition to his own private practice in Massachusetts.

Prior to becoming a social worker, David’s first experience at camp was as a counselor in the early 2000s before becoming an administrator and member of the year-round team. His favorite camp activity is swim-I (swim instruction), and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We make camp a safe place.”

Staff photo of Joe

Joe Clark

As the Assistant Director at Camp Starfish, Joe is a seasoned professional who is well-versed in all aspects of camp life. With five years of summer work at Starfish, he brings extensive experience and expertise to the camp year-round. Joe is from the UK, and holds a degree from Keele University. Joe works as a support worker in the UK, providing care to individuals with disabilities, since 2019. Joe also engages in volunteer work, including spending three months in Abrobiano, Ghana.

Joe is known at camp for his charming English accent, which campers often try to replicate! His favorite camp activity is playing soccer (football) on the field, and his favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I take responsibility for my actions.”

Staff photo of Rachel

Rachel Roberts

Rachel Roberts is the Director of Staff Experience at Camp Starfish, responsible for all things staffing and groups. With a degree in Anthropology, and a Certificate in Global Citizenship from Franklin Pierce University, Rachel brings a unique perspective to her role. She oversees hiring, onboarding, retention, and staff appreciation for the 100+ seasonal staff at Camp Starfish each summer. Rachel has been a part of the Starfish team since 2016, working in various seasonal roles. She joined the Year-Round Team full-time in 2022.

As a lifelong New Hampshire resident, Rachel enjoys hiking in the woods with her dog, Clover. Her favorite camp activity is Free Play, and her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We respect each other’s differences.”

Staff photo of Kristie

Kristie Martin

Kristie Martin is Camp Starfish’s Communications Director, ensuring that Starfish is able to reach a wide audience of potential campers and staff each year to further the Starfish mission. With her degree in Applied Psychology & Human Development from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College, Kristie has a deep understanding of child development and uses this knowledge to create a nurturing environment for all campers during the summer.

Kristie grew up in the Monadnock region and takes pride in being a local. Kristie’s favorite camp activity is the Camper Talent Show, which she believes is the perfect opportunity for campers to showcase their skills and feel comfortable sharing with the community. Her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is, “I try my best, I do not have to be the best.”

Staff photo of Sarah

Sarah Scott-Sandagato

Sarah Scott-Sandagato is the Director of Operations at Camp Starfish, joining the team in the Spring of 2022. She brings with her a wealth of professional experience working in both mental health and human resources. Sarah’s role at Camp Starfish is crucial in ensuring that camp runs smoothly, and she is available to assist families every step of the way through the registration process. If you call the Starfish office, Sarah will likely be who you speak with first!

With her dedication to helping others and her commitment to creating a positive camp experience for every child, it’s no wonder that her favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “We are members of a team.”

Staff photo of Jamie

Jamie Mahnken

Jamie Mahnken is Camp Starfish’s Executive Director, and has been an integral part of the Camp Starfish community since 2010, serving in a variety of roles. With a degree in Business Administration and Organizational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University, Jamie is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for every camper, staff member, and volunteer.

As a North Carolina native, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors with her family. Her favorite camp activity is kayaking to Blueberry Island, which is a meaningful and memorable experience for many campers, as well. Jamie’s favorite Camp Starfish Tool is: “I am flexible and open to change.”

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