Hilltop's Staff

Hilltop's Staff

One of the keys to Hilltop's success is our staff. We take pride in the people we hire. They are the most important people to us, our families and our campers. We recruit counselors who are college age and above, as well as graduate students and teachers for our Senior Staff positions. The average age of the Hilltop staff is 23.

Hilltop is an international environment both in campers and staff. Our staff is from around the world including the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and many more. No matter where Hilltop's staff are from they have a desire to have a positive impact on children, have specialized skills and have what we feel it takes to be a great camp counselor.

All Hilltop staff members go through an extensive application and interview process. We provide an in-depth week long orientation prior to campers arriving and work with/guide them throughout the summer.

Hilltop's has a high rate of amazing counselors returning each summer to the delight of our campers and families.

2008 Staff Profile

Here is a sample of some of the amazing counselors
we have lined up for the 2008 camp season.

Joanne (Jo) Livingstone

Ben Sullivan

Age: 23
Hometown: Glassgow, Scotland
School/University: I obtained my degree in Sports Coaching from the University of Strathclyde and graduated in 2005. I am going back to University this year to become a Physical Education teacher and start classes the day I come home from camp!
Interesting fact about myself: I was in the Royal Air Force and won two trophies for Best Overall Recruit and Best Shot on Flight.
Experience with kids: Through my degree I have coached many sports working with children of all age groups, I'm a big kid at heart!
Why I want to be a camp counselor: Being a camp counselor has always been something I've wanted to do. I studied at ECU in NC for a short time and loved the American culture and way of life. I have a passion for sport and physical activity and working with kids, so coming to camp is a great way to combine all of my favorite things!
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: I'm coming to Hilltop through an organization called Camp Leaders and was offered a few camps before I discovered Hilltop. I knew straight away it was the right camp for me because the Young Family are so involved, dedicated and welcoming and the facilities at camp look amazing, I can't wait to go!
Age: 23
Hometown: Houston, Texas University. School/University: Sam Houston State University History Major/ Secondary Education Minor. Educator at a private school.
Interesting fact about myself: I am a certified EMT. Have been certified since 2003, and served actively on an ambulance for over 3 years.
Experience with kids: I worked as a Direct Care staff at a group home for special needs children with social disorders. The home had 13 children all in the state system with diagnosed social and mental disorders. The role was to aid the children provide for themselves in an everyday environment. Previous staff member at Camp Hilltop. Also a teacher at a private school for the after school program.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: Camp is an enjoyable experience. It provides a safe and diverse learning environment for children. It is amazing to be a part of helping each and every child grow, physically, mentally, and socially.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Hilltop is a great haven for children. It provides a solid and safe structure for children. It is diverse and open to all different cultures and ideas. This provides an added aspect to the entire camp experience. Also with this, there is an innumerable amount of activities that prevents monotony throughout the summer.

Kali Nicole Prouty

Kylie Mayes

Age: 19
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
School/University: Glendale CC - elementary education
Job: Christian Assembly Kids Church Assistant
Interesting fact about myself: I have been a cheerleader for 8 years!
Experience with kids: I work at my church watching and teaching kids every weekend. I have been working with kids since I was 12 years old! it is my passion.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: I enjoy working with kids. I love being able to inspire them and in turn get inspired by them. I just love the experience.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Camp Hilltop has a lot of activities not only for the campers but also for the staff. They are looking out for the staff's interest as much as the campers and you do not find that a lot when you are looking through camps. it just seems like the most well rounded staff and camp overall.

Age: 19 Country: Essex, England
Current Job: Playscheme Careworker
Interesting fact about myself: I went Skydiving to raise money for two schools I visited in Kenya.
Experience with kids: I have worked as a Playscheme Careworker for special needs children between 6 - 18 years since 2005. This involves taking them out on trips and providing them with opportunities they wouldn't be able to get at home.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: I enjoy working with children and have a lot of enthusiasm for helping people to achieve their goals. I love an adventure and what better way than traveling half way around the world to do the things I love doing!
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: The way the camp is a lot more family orientated than a lot of other camps, the staff are friendly and very willing to help others and the children look so happy!

Jenna Carolyn Kyhl

Brittany Goulding

Age: 23
Hometown: Parkersburg, IA
CurrentJob: Training horses, giving riding lessons, traveling :) (I also have my BS in Nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University- I am just taking some time off this year)
Interesting fact about myself: I have broken my nose 3 times (including just before camp last summer).
Experience with kids: I have worked at Hilltop for the past 3 summers. Other than that I give riding lesson on a regular basis and have taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. I also took pediatric nursing courses at Wesleyan.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: It is the most challenging/exciting /rewarding/wonderful job I have ever had and I couldn't imagine my summers anywhere else. It is amazing to give part of yourself and see that it not only helps a child have fun but also helps them overcome fears and grow as a human being.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Hilltop is my home away from home. I love the kids and the Youngs. I admire the family values and love that are put into the camp. When a place makes you feel as happy as Hilltop makes me- you can't help but want to go back year after year.

Age: 21
Hometown/Country: Cornwall, ON School/University: Recently I have graduated the Practical Nurse Program at St. Lawerence College and am looking forward to getting out into the field of healthcare
Interesting fact about myself: I plan to further my education in the field of nursing and one day hope to be a Nurse Practitioner and/or Physician’s Assistant.
Experience with kids: This will be my third summer back at Hilltop. I have been a lifeguard for about six years and have also been teaching swim instruction for that amount of time.Why I want to be a camp counselor: Camp Counseling is a wonderful experience. I truly enjoy working with children and believe I can teach them some things I’ve learned along the way and not to mention they have taught me some things too! Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Hilltop is a place like none other. The Young family does an amazing job in ensuring a sense of community is felt throughout the entire summer. Hilltop is the home away for home and I wouldn’t want to spend my summers any other way!

Sarah King

Sara Yablonsky

Age: 21
Hometown: Macedon, New York
School/University: Columbus State University (Columbus, Georgia) working towards an Undergrad in Sociology then will continue on to Florida State University for my Masters in Social Work
Interesting fact about myself: I have traveled to Panama, Colombia, Scotland, and Canada and am planning on studying in Newcastle, England for a semester of my senior year at university.
Experience with kids: I have worked in many volunteer programs including my most current organization of Big Brothers and Big Sisters and enjoy
giving back to the community. Also, this is my second year as a return counselor to Camp Hilltop.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: Camp is a memory which you will never forget, I personally remember all the years I used to attend a summer
camp and I wish all kids could experience it. As a counselor, there is a great accomplishment when you are teaching a child something new and they enjoy it. You watch them find a little part of themselves and you are along for the journey of finding out who they are building themselves to be.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Last year I picked Hilltop out of the selection of camps because it seemed as though it was not just a camp where the child comes and has a little fun then leaves, most likely to never return again. Hilltop seemed so much more and was proven to be so. Hilltop is a family, the Young Family opens up in so many diverse ways and you really feel accepted no matter your culture, heritage, or background. The summer you spend at Hilltop will forever change who you will be in the future.

Age: 19
Hometown: Montclair, NJ
School/University: Syracuse University- 2010, Secondary Education with a concentration in English and Textual Studies
Interesting fact about myself: I will be spending my fall semester studying in London, England.
Experience with kids: I was a swim instructor for students ages 4-70, instructing groups and one on one lessons. I was a camp counselor at a local day camp for 2 years, and this will be my second summer as a counselor at Camp Hilltop.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: To be able to interact with children on a daily basis and help make their summer unforgettable is unbelievable. The rush you experience from seeing a camper overcome their fear of heights, or move up a level in swimming, or realize that by the end of summer they are suddenly "camp-sick" rather than "back-home-sick" keeps me coming back.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Camp Hilltop is a second home for me. I attended camp from a very young age and I continued to return summer after summer because of the environment created by the Young's and the individuals they hire.
There is a sense of comfort and safety that encompasses Hilltop that encourages campers to be themselves. Every individual who steps foot on the camp premise is considered family, and is treated as such, with appreciation, respect, and genuine excitement for their presence. I wouldn't dream of spending a summer anywhere else.

Paul Owens

Steven Gladding

Age: 20
Hometown: Glasgow, Scotland
Current Job: Outdoor Equipment Salesmen/Outdoor Instructor
Interesting fact about myself: I am mad for the outdoors, I spend all my free time kayaking or thinking about kayaking. I also love sailing and various other boating water sports. Also being an hour away from the Scottish highlands I am out there almost all the time doing some sort of sport.
Experience with kids: I have been a member of the scouts for over 10 years and volunteer as a Leader. I also worked as an outdoor instructor for over a year working with children of all ages.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: It’s what I do. I love working with children sharing my love of the outdoors. Also, to take some of my skills and talents across the pond.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: I went along to the recruitment fair in Edinburgh. I saw lots of camps with tables set up and they all looked great. Camp Hilltop's table was covered with pictures of smiling kids and counselors and also surrounded by last years counselors who had all traveled to Edinburgh to tell people how awesome Hilltop is. I am going to Hilltop to find out why.

Age: 18
Country: England
School/University: Thurrock And Basildon College. Studying: Professional Cookery
Interesting fact about myself: I'm animal crazy I have 2 horses, 1 cat, 1 dog and lots of gold fish. I was captain of my rugby team for two years and I love cooking.
Experience with kids: I spent 5 summers at Pony Club Camp attending and last year I helped out with activities.
Why I want to be a camp counselor: I love being in the company of kids, I enjoy teaching things I know and I really want to meet new people.
Why I choose to work at Hilltop: After doing as much research as I possible could on Camp Hilltop my thoughts on the camp were that it reminded my of one big family all looking out for one another as well as offering many activities.

Back

Joanne (Jo) Livingstone		Ben Sullivan
Age: 23 Hometown: Glassgow, Scotland School/University: I obtained my degree in Sports Coaching from the University of Strathclyde and graduated in 2005. I am going back to University this year to become a Physical Education teacher and start classes the day I come home from camp! Interesting fact about myself: I was in the Royal Air Force and won two trophies for Best Overall Recruit and Best Shot on Flight. Experience with kids: Through my degree I have coached many sports working with children of all age groups, I'm a big kid at heart! Why I want to be a camp counselor: Being a camp counselor has always been something I've wanted to do. I studied at ECU in NC for a short time and loved the American culture and way of life. I have a passion for sport and physical activity and working with kids, so coming to camp is a great way to combine all of my favorite things! Why I choose to work at Hilltop: I'm coming to Hilltop through an organization called Camp Leaders and was offered a few camps before I discovered Hilltop. I knew straight away it was the right camp for me because the Young Family are so involved, dedicated and welcoming and the facilities at camp look amazing, I can't wait to go!		Age: 23 Hometown: Houston, Texas University. School/University: Sam Houston State University History Major/ Secondary Education Minor. Educator at a private school. Interesting fact about myself: I am a certified EMT. Have been certified since 2003, and served actively on an ambulance for over 3 years. Experience with kids: I worked as a Direct Care staff at a group home for special needs children with social disorders. The home had 13 children all in the state system with diagnosed social and mental disorders. The role was to aid the children provide for themselves in an everyday environment. Previous staff member at Camp Hilltop. Also a teacher at a private school for the after school program. Why I want to be a camp counselor: Camp is an enjoyable experience. It provides a safe and diverse learning environment for children. It is amazing to be a part of helping each and every child grow, physically, mentally, and socially. Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Hilltop is a great haven for children. It provides a solid and safe structure for children. It is diverse and open to all different cultures and ideas. This provides an added aspect to the entire camp experience. Also with this, there is an innumerable amount of activities that prevents monotony throughout the summer.

Kali Nicole Prouty		Kylie Mayes
Age: 19 Hometown: Los Angeles, California School/University: Glendale CC - elementary education Job: Christian Assembly Kids Church Assistant Interesting fact about myself: I have been a cheerleader for 8 years! Experience with kids: I work at my church watching and teaching kids every weekend. I have been working with kids since I was 12 years old! it is my passion. Why I want to be a camp counselor: I enjoy working with kids. I love being able to inspire them and in turn get inspired by them. I just love the experience. Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Camp Hilltop has a lot of activities not only for the campers but also for the staff. They are looking out for the staff's interest as much as the campers and you do not find that a lot when you are looking through camps. it just seems like the most well rounded staff and camp overall.		`Age: 19 Country:` Essex, England `Current Job:` Playscheme Careworker `Interesting fact about myself:` I went Skydiving to raise money for two schools I visited in Kenya. `Experience with kids:` I have worked as a Playscheme Careworker for special needs children between 6 - 18 years since 2005. This involves taking them out on trips and providing them with opportunities they wouldn't be able to get at home. `Why I want to be a camp counselor:` I enjoy working with children and have a lot of enthusiasm for helping people to achieve their goals. I love an adventure and what better way than traveling half way around the world to do the things I love doing! Why I choose to work at Hilltop: The way the camp is a lot more family orientated than a lot of other camps, the staff are friendly and very willing to help others and the children look so happy!

Jenna Carolyn Kyhl		`Brittany Goulding`
Age: 23 Hometown: Parkersburg, IA CurrentJob: Training horses, giving riding lessons, traveling :) (I also have my BS in Nursing from Illinois Wesleyan University- I am just taking some time off this year) Interesting fact about myself: I have broken my nose 3 times (including just before camp last summer). Experience with kids: I have worked at Hilltop for the past 3 summers. Other than that I give riding lesson on a regular basis and have taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. I also took pediatric nursing courses at Wesleyan. Why I want to be a camp counselor: It is the most challenging/exciting /rewarding/wonderful job I have ever had and I couldn't imagine my summers anywhere else. It is amazing to give part of yourself and see that it not only helps a child have fun but also helps them overcome fears and grow as a human being. Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Hilltop is my home away from home. I love the kids and the Youngs. I admire the family values and love that are put into the camp. When a place makes you feel as happy as Hilltop makes me- you can't help but want to go back year after year.		`Age: 21` `Hometown/Country: Cornwall, ON School/University:` Recently I have graduated the Practical Nurse Program at St. Lawerence College and am looking forward to getting out into the field of healthcare `Interesting fact about myself:` I plan to further my education in the field of nursing and one day hope to be a Nurse Practitioner and/or Physician’s Assistant. `Experience with kids:` This will be my third summer back at Hilltop. I have been a lifeguard for about six years and have also been teaching swim instruction for that amount of time.`Why I want to be a camp counselor:` Camp Counseling is a wonderful experience. I truly enjoy working with children and believe I can teach them some things I’ve learned along the way and not to mention they have taught me some things too! `Why I choose to work at Hilltop:` Hilltop is a place like none other. The Young family does an amazing job in ensuring a sense of community is felt throughout the entire summer. Hilltop is the home away for home and I wouldn’t want to spend my summers any other way!

Sarah King		Sara Yablonsky
Age: 21 Hometown: Macedon, New York School/University: Columbus State University (Columbus, Georgia) working towards an Undergrad in Sociology then will continue on to Florida State University for my Masters in Social Work Interesting fact about myself: I have traveled to Panama, Colombia, Scotland, and Canada and am planning on studying in Newcastle, England for a semester of my senior year at university. Experience with kids: I have worked in many volunteer programs including my most current organization of Big Brothers and Big Sisters and enjoy giving back to the community. Also, this is my second year as a return counselor to Camp Hilltop. Why I want to be a camp counselor: Camp is a memory which you will never forget, I personally remember all the years I used to attend a summer camp and I wish all kids could experience it. As a counselor, there is a great accomplishment when you are teaching a child something new and they enjoy it. You watch them find a little part of themselves and you are along for the journey of finding out who they are building themselves to be. Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Last year I picked Hilltop out of the selection of camps because it seemed as though it was not just a camp where the child comes and has a little fun then leaves, most likely to never return again. Hilltop seemed so much more and was proven to be so. Hilltop is a family, the Young Family opens up in so many diverse ways and you really feel accepted no matter your culture, heritage, or background. The summer you spend at Hilltop will forever change who you will be in the future.		Age: 19 Hometown: Montclair, NJ School/University: Syracuse University- 2010, Secondary Education with a concentration in English and Textual Studies Interesting fact about myself: I will be spending my fall semester studying in London, England. Experience with kids: I was a swim instructor for students ages 4-70, instructing groups and one on one lessons. I was a camp counselor at a local day camp for 2 years, and this will be my second summer as a counselor at Camp Hilltop. Why I want to be a camp counselor: To be able to interact with children on a daily basis and help make their summer unforgettable is unbelievable. The rush you experience from seeing a camper overcome their fear of heights, or move up a level in swimming, or realize that by the end of summer they are suddenly "camp-sick" rather than "back-home-sick" keeps me coming back. Why I choose to work at Hilltop: Camp Hilltop is a second home for me. I attended camp from a very young age and I continued to return summer after summer because of the environment created by the Young's and the individuals they hire. There is a sense of comfort and safety that encompasses Hilltop that encourages campers to be themselves. Every individual who steps foot on the camp premise is considered family, and is treated as such, with appreciation, respect, and genuine excitement for their presence. I wouldn't dream of spending a summer anywhere else.

Paul Owens		Steven Gladding
Age: 20 Hometown: Glasgow, Scotland Current Job: Outdoor Equipment Salesmen/Outdoor Instructor Interesting fact about myself: I am mad for the outdoors, I spend all my free time kayaking or thinking about kayaking. I also love sailing and various other boating water sports. Also being an hour away from the Scottish highlands I am out there almost all the time doing some sort of sport. Experience with kids: I have been a member of the scouts for over 10 years and volunteer as a Leader. I also worked as an outdoor instructor for over a year working with children of all ages. Why I want to be a camp counselor: It’s what I do. I love working with children sharing my love of the outdoors. Also, to take some of my skills and talents across the pond. Why I choose to work at Hilltop: I went along to the recruitment fair in Edinburgh. I saw lots of camps with tables set up and they all looked great. Camp Hilltop's table was covered with pictures of smiling kids and counselors and also surrounded by last years counselors who had all traveled to Edinburgh to tell people how awesome Hilltop is. I am going to Hilltop to find out why.		Age: 18 Country: England School/University: Thurrock And Basildon College. Studying: Professional Cookery Interesting fact about myself: I'm animal crazy I have 2 horses, 1 cat, 1 dog and lots of gold fish. I was captain of my rugby team for two years and I love cooking. Experience with kids: I spent 5 summers at Pony Club Camp attending and last year I helped out with activities. Why I want to be a camp counselor: I love being in the company of kids, I enjoy teaching things I know and I really want to meet new people. Why I choose to work at Hilltop: After doing as much research as I possible could on Camp Hilltop my thoughts on the camp were that it reminded my of one big family all looking out for one another as well as offering many activities.