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SummerPrep’s new director, Melissa Adams has big plans to expand the program and brings an extensive background in school administration and residential summer camp leadership to the task.

"We are creating a better-than-ever SummerPrep experience for our campers,” she exclaims.

For instance, rather than the traditional two three-week sessions, SummerPrep 2023 will feature three two-week sessions to give campers more opportunities to try new activities, such as jump rope team, cooking, sign language, ACT/SAT test prep, candle and soap making, to name a few.

“Now campers can dive deeper into camp favorites, such as our expanded Minecraft course trilogy, theater arts offerings (stage jousting, fencing), Marvelous Machines, screenwriting, piano, and dance,” Adams says.

In addition, Prep is forging unique partnerships with Fish Factory and Elevate Performance Health and Wellness to provide campers quality instruction and training. “These classes will fill up fast,” she predicts.

Adams says one of her goals is to get students excited about SummerPrep’s middle school camp sports, activities, and classes.

Adams spent 10 years at Culver Summer Schools and Camps in Culver, Indiana, four of them as Girl’s Director. She managed the day-to-day functions of camp life for girls 8 to 13 years old, including goal-setting and conflict resolution. She also was Sailing Director and Waterfront Director, teaching paddle sports.

“I’m a passionate advocate for the summer camp experience because its impact can be profound and life-changing for some, challenging and confidence-building for others,” she explains. “Above all, summer camp should provide ample opportunities for fun and friendship in a safe and supportive environment!”

Adams worked at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, as an academic adviser and recruiter for the College of Art and Architecture. 

She has been a development director for a large Catholic parish and has worked in admissions, international education, and alumni relations.

Adams has a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages from the University of Notre Dame and has taught Russian and German. 

Adams assisted with the SummerPrep team in 2022 and is excited to lead the program into its next phase.

SummerPrep 2023 has multiple employment openings, including administrators, instructors, counselors, and counselors-in-training. To view the employment opportunities, click here.