Hillcroft Staff are AMAZING!!!   We all know that the backbone of Camp Hillcroft is our wonderful staff and the connections they make with chiildren that last for years.  Yes, our Program Areas and facility are beautiful and well equipped but without that wonderful human being running that program area or interacting with the group..there is nothing.  We appreciate our staff and value everything that they do for Hillcroft and our campers.

We recently asked some staff members to share with us what their favorite part of camp is...their responses blew us away.....Thank you to all of our staff who spoke from their hearts and put into words what Hillcroft has been doing for the past 64 years!!!  

Riley Arnold - Staff 2014 Looking back at my first summer I have finally decided what my favorite part about camp was. It's walking up the hill. That's when you have the best laughs and conversation with both the campers and other counselors. It's symbolic of the entire summer,you start somewhere,take a journey with new faces and experiences, and eventually you reach the top. A happy place where everyone is smiling and laughing and memories are made for a life time-or until next summer!  

Maggie Fountain - Former Hillcroft camper and long time Staff member During my fourteen years at Hillcroft, I made memories that will truly last a lifetime.  From camper to counselor to program staff, I've been able to grow and experience more things than I ever could imagine.  My favorite thing about Hillcroft is the people.  I've been able to meet friends who live across town and across the ocean who mean the world to me.  The friendships you make at Hillcroft are special- the people I have met have truly become family.  I know I have people who I can celebrate with me in good times, make me laugh in bad times, and will be there for me the rest of my life.  

Will Harmonay - Staff 2014 Being my first year at Camp Hillcroft, I had no idea what to expect. After a full summer of working there, I now know that there isn't any other place I would want to spend my summer. There is something about Camp Hillcroft that sucks you right in and immerses you. I don't know if it's the kids you create a bond with, the family feeling between the staff, or the smile you leave with even after you forgot your sunscreen that day and have a horrible burn. No matter what kind of day you are having, Hillcroft will always make sure that you leave with a smile and memories that last a lifetime. I love everything about this camp and I cannot wait for summer to start again!

Jess Steenbergen - Staff member since 2011 Whenever I think about Camp Hillcroft it always puts a smile on my face! My favorite thing about camp is that every day I learn something new. My campers are constantly teaching me how to be a better counselor, teacher, and friend with their unique outlook on life. What I learn from the kids at Camp I could never learn in one of my college classes -  it is priceless. In addition to my wonderful campers I also learn so much from my fellow counselors and administrative staff. It is such a gift to work alongside people who are so passionate about what they do. The kindness, energy, and never-ending enthusiasm that all of the staff at Camp have is inspiring and has helped me become the person I am today. When I first applied for a job at Camp Hillcroft it was hard to imagine becoming a part of this close knit family and now I couldn't imagine my life without Camp Hillcroft in it!

Georgia France - Staff member since 2011 How is it possible to write about a favourite thing about Hillcroft when there are so many wonderful things! If I had to choose one it would be the friendships that are developed for life and how Hillcroft never fails to become one huge family.

Ilana Turk  -Former Camper and long time Staff member Hillcroft is a happy and beautiful place. It can be an escape from something tough that you're dealing with in your life. The pure happiness and sincere joy from the kids' hearts can really make your day. If you come to Hillcroft upset about something, you will almost always leave in a great mood. There are very few things in this life that make me happier than belting out Taylor Swift with my kids  

Jason Raskin - Staff member since 2005 When you come through the gates at Camp Hillcroft your life changes. If its your first time or your 400th time (i have been here 10 years) there is no place i would rather be. I am so happy seeing the children, when they first are dropped off and they run up to ask what fun activities are we doing today. I also am sad every day when they say good bye to you after spending the day laughing, playing, and swimming with our group. In between those two moments are the best times of each day. The way campers interact with you is so amazing. From singing a funny song they have made up to just sitting next to you and talking about the exciting moments that happened at camp. People always say that Disney World is the happiest place on earth. Well those people have not been to Camp Hillcroft.  

Jess Wheeler - Staff member since 1995 This summer will be my 20th and I can't imagine a better place to have spent all of those years. The people there helped to make me the educator that I am and more importantly have helped to raise my two children. They are the people they are in part because they have had the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of caring counselors. Hillcroft is family!  

Kirsty-Anne Scott - Staff member since 2014 What I love about Hillcroft.. Every day is different the children make me smile right from the very moment I open their car doors until I close them again and when they leave camp is just not the same. I love all the stories they tell me and most of al l when they have been practicing and are dying to come and show me what they have learnt, in a short time you get the pleasure of seeing the grow and develop in more ways than one in skills, friendships, communication and confidence the list is endless! It's the most rewarding job I could ever do and it is all down to your precious children.  

Steph Sweeney - Former camper and staff member since 2013 It can be hard to put into words my favorite thing about Hillcroft; it's just a feeling. It's the feeling you get when you watch the kids learn something new, or succeed at something they've been working on all summer. It's the feeling of watching not only your group and grade, but the entire camp transform into a family. And you would think that maybe that transformation happens over the entire 8 week period, but it happens within only a few days, and it's amazing. It's coming to work every day, even though it doesn't feel like work, and being in our bubble, almost removed from reality, where no matter what is going on in your life outside of those gates, you're the happiest you've ever been. There is nothing I believe in more than the power of Camp Hillcroft. It creates instant family, joy, and love that lasts a lifetime. There was 10 years between the time I was a camper and when I came back as a counselor, and I came back because I missed that feeling. I had it as a camper and continue to have it as a counselor. That's the magic of camp; it gets a hold of your heart and never lets go.

Lucia Swartz - Staff member since 2013 My favorite part of camp is arrival, especially the first day of session. The joy and excitement is every where, not just the campers but every person at camp.  

Sue Kannenberg - Staff member since 2011 My favorite part of camp are the Penguins!!! Morning, lunch outside, swim, waddling to different activities especially special days! signed enthusiastic penguin counselor  

Ronnie Mayo - Staff member since 2011 I love that I can enjoy my summer with my kids and meet great people and children. There is no other place I would rather be that at Camp HILLCROFT in the summer!  

Lori Landolfa Landry - Staff member since 1987 My favorite part of Camp Hillcroft is the unity and community that prevail there. Kindness, friendship, and laughter are a part of every day.  

Amanda D'Angelo - Former camper and Staff member since 2014 My favorite thing about Hillcroft is the joy that I have waiting for camp to start, during camp, and after camp ends. In any context Hillcroft makes me smile. It is the memory I have that helps me get through the rough days.
My Hillcroft family is always with me no matter what. I only worked there for one summer and I can still feel the love and joy Hillcroft brought to me the first day of orientation.  

Jason Weiss - Staff member 2012 My favorite part of camp was always watching the kids grow, learn, and develop new skills during my brief time with them. Absolutely incredible!

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