Meet the YMCA Summer Camp Team

Meet our talented team of YMCA summer camp directors who work hard behind the scenes to plan and organize everything that goes into making our camps a success!

Here's a closer look at the dedicated professionals who will help your kids have the Best. Summer. Ever! at our summer camps across Chester County!

 

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Kelly Van Sickle, Advanced Childcare Director, Brandywine YMCA

Kelly can be reached at 610-380-9622, ext. 2433 or kvansickle@ymcagbw.org.

Contact Kelly
Kirstan Dolinger, childcare and summer camp director at Jennersville YMCA in West Grove, PA

Kirstan Dolinger, Senior Childcare Director, Jennersville YMCA

Kirstan started her Y career at the Jennersville YMCA in 2004 and has served in multiple roles including camp counselor, preschool coordinator, Early Childcare Learning Center Director and her current role as Senior Child Care Director. “I love that we create lifetime memories for our campers,” she says.

Favorite Camp Tradition: Cheer Wars

Kirstan can be reached at 610-896-9622, ext. 2543 or kdolinger@ymcagbw.org.

Contact Kirstan
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Christian Christopher, Camp and Youth Director, Kennett Area YMCA

 

Christian started his journey at the Kennett Area YMCA in February 2020. Christian has a degree in Psychological and Social Services and a Masters Degree in Athletic Administration. 

Favorite Camp Tradition:TBD

Christian can be reached at 610-444-9622, ext. 2312.

Contact Christian
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Laura Bender, Director of Youth Programming and Camp, Lionville Community YMCA

Laura started her journey with the Lionville Community YMCA in 2005, volunteering with youth programs. In 2015, she began working at the Upper Main Line YMCA in youth development programming and since then has worked in multiple roles and branches throughout the YMCA of Greater Brandywine Association. In 2019, Laura returned to the Lionville Branch as the Director of Youth Development Programming and Camp.

“I am excited to be part of the camp experience and love watching our campers grow, gain confidence, and build relationships to last a lifetime!”

Favorite Camp Tradition: TBD

Laura can be reached at 610-363-9622 ext. 2923 or LBender@ymcagbw.org

Contact Laura
Janet Kabakjian, Summer Camp director at Octorara YMCA

Janet Kabakjian, Camp Director, Octorara YMCA Program Center

Janet became a director at the Octorara YMCA Program center in 2001 and currently directs the summer camp program, as well as the preschool and school age childcare program. She loves every age in child development. “It has been a joy to spend a fun filled summer with a child, watch them grow into a young adult and then become a camp counselor giving back the fun and joy they experienced at Y camp.”

Favorite Camp Tradition: Camp Cheer Wars

Janet can be reached at 610-596-9622 ext. 2701 or jkabakjian@ymcagbw.org.

Contact Janet
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Anthony Strickland & Carrie Kefford, Oscar Lasko YMCA & Childcare Center

Anthony is the Youth Development Director and can be reached at 610-696-9622, ext. 2827 or astrickland@ymcagbw.org. 

Carrie is the Childcare Director and can be reached at 610-696-9622 ext. 2810 or ckefford@ymcagbw.org.

Contact Carrie
Mark Hoy, summer camp and childcare director at West Chester Area YMCA in West Chester, PA

Mark Hoy, Camp and Childcare Director, West Chester Area YMCA

Mark started his journey at the Y as an intern. During his internship he was asked to work at Camp Quoowant where he found a passion for camp. He continued working with YMCA summer camps as a counselor, coordinator, Sports Camp Director, Assistant Camp Director and Camp Director. “I love seeing campers grow from year to year and make new friends and connect with old friends each summer,” he says.

Favorite Camp Tradition: Color Wars

Mark can be reached at 610-431-9622, ext. 2219 or mhoy@ymcagbw.org.

Contact Mark