Leadership

Our dedicated team of year round professionals are focused on creating a once in a lifetime camp experience for your son. It is very important to us that we create a climate of respect, cooperation, kindness, curiosity, and fun. As the oldest YMCA boy’s camp in the country, we are proud to carry on the Camp Abnaki traditions and always stand ready to “Help the Other Fellow.”

JON KUYPERS, CAMP DIRECTOR

Jon has been involved in YMCA Camping since his first 4 weeks at YMCA Camp Echo in Fremont MI as an 8 year old, and has spent over 29 years attending and working at camps.  He previously worked in various roles at YMCA Camp Echo and YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, and has been the director of Camp Abnaki since 2003.

Jon met his wife Tammy while studying education at the University of Vermont.  Jon and Tammy have 3 sons–Jake, Will, and Peter and the family dog Manzou.  The family lives in Burlington during the school year and at camp in the summer.

Contact Jon at 802-652-8129  or [email protected].

Adam as MC at our staff auction

ADAM VAN VUGHT, ASSISTANT CAMP DIRECTOR

Adam grew up in Central Vermont and lives in Northfield, VT.  His Abnaki tenure began in December 2014.  His previous camp experiences have included time in the kitchen, office, as a counselor, in the program department, and the head counselor in charge of all aspects of a boys’ camp.  Adam graduated from UNH with a BS in Recreation Management & Policy and is an accreditation visitor with the American Camp Association.  Adam’s hobbies and interests include board games and trivia, all kinds of sports, being outdoors, legos, and trying new things.  He’s a big kid at heart.

Contact Adam at 802-652-8131 or [email protected].

CHRIS RETZ, PROPERTY MANAGER

Chris and his son Avery

Chris began his life at Camp Abnaki in March of 2012.  Chris has a long history of working in camping, having previously worked in various roles at camps in Maine and Massachusetts. He has also worked as a private contractor, and brings a wealth of knowledge in camp property management to Camp Abnaki.

Chris lives in North Hero year round with his wife Tanya and their children, Rebekah and Avery, and their dog Harlie.

Contact Chris at 802-372-6164 or [email protected].