Ryan VanDerToorn - Go Camp Pro podcast editor
Ryan “Xamp” Vandertoorn
Podcast Editor: Stickier, First Class Counsellors & CampHacker
At what camps were you a camper?
Cairn Family of Camps
What camps have you worked at?
Cairn Family of Camps
Why is working at summer camp important to you?
Working at summer camp matters because it gives kids a space to step away from screens, build real friendships, and create memories that they will remember forever.
Beyond the fun, camp plays a genuine, hands-on role in youth development by building confidence, independence, and social skills that kids just don't get anywhere else.
Who is a camp leader you look up to and why?
I look up to a lot of different camp leaders, but one key mentor in my camping world has to be Michelle "Konk" Roberts.
She has a wide knowledge on everything it takes to keep a camp running smoothly, from behind-the-scenes logistics to day-to-day operations.
No matter how busy she is, she always makes time to share her knowledge, teach others, and invest in the people around her.
What was the first time you were noticed and appreciated by an adult that wasn't your parent?
In Grade 6, my teacher, "Ms M", was absolutely fabulous.
She always could tell when a student was passionate about a subject, and gave us opportunities to pursue it. I was fascinated with Space, and she always got me to learn new ideas, then teach them to the class.
Listen to Ryan’s work on Stickier, First Class Counsellors & CampHacker