At Camp Lakota, we pride ourselves on having the best staff in the camping industry. Our team is carefully selected through a rigorous review process, ensuring they meet our high standards. We provide expert counselors for each age group—from young children to teenagers—each trained to motivate, lead, and ensure the safety and health of your children.
We boast a high return rate among our college-age counselors, consistently bringing back top talents and their peers to build a warm, experienced, and caring team each summer.
Our staff also includes seasoned adult instructors and coaches, many of whom are professionals in education and sports. Their expertise and leadership enrich all our camp activities, setting the standard for excellence across our campus.
Director
We are thrilled to announce that David Zaleon will be joining our team as our new Camp Director! With a passion for youth development and decades of experience in camp leadership roles David is dedicated to creating a memorable and enriching experience for all our Lakota campers.
David has served as the director of numerous summer camps catering to a wide range of children in both mainstream and specialty programs. For the past 19 years, David was the year round executive director of the Edward J. Madden Open Hearts Camp in the Berkshires, serving a population of children with heart disease. He also worked as the summer director of iCamp, a flagship camp in the Hamptons.
While earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Communication at the University of North Carolina, David spent his summers working as a Head Counselor and Assistant Director at multiple residential and day camps.
“I believe deeply in the engaging, exciting, and empowering gifts all summer camps can provide children whose spirit of independence is augmented by celebrating, experiencing freedom, and building life-long bonds with their camp family.” – David Zaleon
David has designed programs that encompass’ the full range of activities and events that an evolved summer camp should offer. He is particularly impressed by Lakota’s rich history and unique traditions and is fully devoted to keeping that invaluable legacy alive while bringing a fresh perspective to camp life. David grew up playing travel soccer and has a passion for music and writing, all of which he is excited to share with all our Lakota campers, staff, and families.
Girls Head Counselor
Danielle started attending Lakota Camp at age ten alongside her seven-year-old sister, a decision rooted in family tradition—her mother had fond memories of her own time there. During her first summer, Danielle met Mike, also a ten-year-old camper. Over the next eleven years, they returned each summer, growing closer with each passing year. In 2003, Danielle and Mike married, continuing the legacy of meeting lifelong partners at Lakota, just like Mike’s parents before them.
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Boys Head Counselor
George is coming back this year as our Boys Head Counselor for his 3rd summer at Lakota! Previously George was a Lake specialist (where he spent his days driving the boat!) and a Group Leader, before stepping into this new role. We are so excited to see George bring his enthusiasm and fantastic work ethic all the way from Devon, England to our Boy’s Campus!
“Lakota is my home away from home, and I can’t wait to spend another amazing summer with my Lakota family!” – George
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Activities Director
Alex is from Devon, England and his first summer at camp was in 2016 and over the years he has been a General Counselor, Group Leader, and Head of Boys Campus before taking on his current role as Activities Director.
“I can’t imagine a better way to spend a summer than at Lakota! I look forward to welcoming our new campers for summer 2024, as well as our returning families and staff!” -Alex
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