Kate Grenci - CampHacker podcast host
Kate Grenci
Podcast Host: CampHacker
At what camps were you a camper?
Camp Lou Henry Hoover (Camp Hoover), New Jersey, USA
What camps have you worked at?
Camp Lou Henry Hoover (Camp Hoover)
Camp Agnes DeWitt
The OVAL
Tamarack Day Camp
Why is working at summer camp important to you?
Summer camp has shaped so much of who I am, both personally and professionally. I’ve spent much of my life in spaces where people are encouraged to try something new, take risks, build relationships, and discover what they’re capable of. I’ve also had the privilege of watching young people grow into leaders, colleagues become lifelong friends, and experiences turn into lessons that extend far beyond the summer.
I believe deeply in the power of camp, not just for the children we serve, but for the staff who make those experiences possible. Camp creates opportunities for connection, belonging, leadership, and growth that are increasingly difficult to find elsewhere.
And, perhaps most importantly, I believe the work we do at camp matters long after the summer ends. That’s what has kept me invested in this industry, even when the work is challenging.
Who is a camp leader you look up to and why?
Deb Hooker, my first camp director and first boss, who I’m fortunate to call a friend.
Deb taught me the value of hard work in every aspect of camp, from program to property, and the importance of building meaningful relationships with everyone who makes camp possible, from campers and families to staff, vendors, and community partners.
Most importantly, she taught me the value of community and the responsibility we have to contribute to it. So much of what I believe about camp leadership today can be traced back to those early lessons, and I’m incredibly grateful for her influence.
What was the first time you were noticed and appreciated by an adult that wasn't your parent?
I would absolutely say it happened at camp. I can remember having counselors who genuinely saw something in me or recognized what I brought to the group and made me feel that my contributions mattered.
There’s something incredibly powerful about being seen and valued by an adult who isn’t obligated to see you that way.
That experience stayed with me, and I think it’s a big part of why I’ve spent so much of my career trying to create those same moments for others.
Listen to Kate’s work on CampHacker