- Working at CCS
- Staffing Overview
- Staff & Counselors Page
- CIT Page
- LIT Page
Working at CCS
“One person of principle can always make a difference”.
Do you have what it takes to make a difference to a camper?
There are many ways you can spend your summer. So, why choose Camp CenterStage? CCS is a special place where creative and caring people come together to help each other achieve their best. Our programs offer campers the opportunity to learn valuable life skills through a variety of arts and traditional camp experiences, and our professionally-trained staff are integral in making this happen!
Our staff have energy, experience, compassion, fun and integrity. We choose our staff very carefully because we know that they play a vital role in the success of our summers. If you are truly excited about the opportunity to nurture young people along their way to becoming strong, sound, healthy, supportive, happy adults, then we look forward to meeting you and working with you in the magical woods of Maine!
General Qualifications of CCS Staff:
Join us and make a difference!
Do you have what it takes to make a difference to a camper?
There are many ways you can spend your summer. So, why choose Camp CenterStage? CCS is a special place where creative and caring people come together to help each other achieve their best. Our programs offer campers the opportunity to learn valuable life skills through a variety of arts and traditional camp experiences, and our professionally-trained staff are integral in making this happen!
Our staff have energy, experience, compassion, fun and integrity. We choose our staff very carefully because we know that they play a vital role in the success of our summers. If you are truly excited about the opportunity to nurture young people along their way to becoming strong, sound, healthy, supportive, happy adults, then we look forward to meeting you and working with you in the magical woods of Maine!
General Qualifications of CCS Staff:
- High School Graduates, College Students, Graduate Students, Educators and Artists.
- All CCS staff members have a desire to share their skills, encourage growth from campers, are accepting of all campers and provide a safe, fun and supportive environment.
- Each staff member should be qualified to teach one or more of the skills listed on the application, many include arts based skills, but also include traditional camping skills.
- All CCS staff members support the mission of Camp CenterStage and live by the mantra “Is it Safe? Is it Fun? Is it for the Campers?”
- Once you have completed all required forms and turned them in you will receive a confirmation from Camp Administrator.
- Interviews (in person and phone) take place in March and April.
- Most staff members are hired by April 15th of each year. However, some staff members may be hired later depending on camp needs and staff vacancies.
Join us and make a difference!
Staffing Overview
There are many ways you can spend your summer: So, why choose Camp CenterStage? We are a magical place where you dance, sing, teach, grow and contribute to a unique community. Our leadership team and counselors use great judgment, demonstrate teamwork, have compassion for others and make a positive contributions to campers and the camp community. CCS creates a safe and supportive environment for young artists who value serving their community through the use of their talents.
CCS is a special place where creative and caring people come together to help each other achieve their best. Our programs offer campers the opportunity to learn valuable life skills through a variety of arts and traditional camp experiences. Our professionally trained staff are integral in making CCS a very special place!
Each year we seek talented, energetic staff who enjoy working with our terrific campers ages 8 – 18 in a creative summer environment. Many of our staff are alumni campers and CITs / LITs who truly appreciate the value of achieving excellence through the arts.
CCS is a special place where creative and caring people come together to help each other achieve their best. Our programs offer campers the opportunity to learn valuable life skills through a variety of arts and traditional camp experiences. Our professionally trained staff are integral in making CCS a very special place!
Each year we seek talented, energetic staff who enjoy working with our terrific campers ages 8 – 18 in a creative summer environment. Many of our staff are alumni campers and CITs / LITs who truly appreciate the value of achieving excellence through the arts.
Staff & Counselor Page
Staff & Directors
The Camp CenterStage Leadership & Director Team develop the camp program and are responsible for shaping & creating the annual theme, mentoring programs, evening activities and the day-to-day operation of camp. Members of these teams work year-round on the camp's program, resulting in a top-notch, unforgettable experience to campers. Facilitators also serve as mentors to the counselors and provide leadership and training.
Counselors
As a Camp CenterStage Counselor, you would be responsible for cabin duties, serving as a mentor, organizing activities and teaching workshops. Counselors are also responsible for ensuring a safe, creative and fun environment for the campers. Each counselor is assigned to a cabin and is responsible for the 6 - 8 campers and one CIT in that cabin. Counselors also play an important role in designing evening activities and shaping the entire camp experience.
CCS Camp counselors earn a stipend plus room and board for each 13-day session. Stipends are negotiated based on experience and responsibilities (Life-Guard, CIT Coordinator, etc). Counselors must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the camp session.
The Camp CenterStage Leadership & Director Team develop the camp program and are responsible for shaping & creating the annual theme, mentoring programs, evening activities and the day-to-day operation of camp. Members of these teams work year-round on the camp's program, resulting in a top-notch, unforgettable experience to campers. Facilitators also serve as mentors to the counselors and provide leadership and training.
Counselors
As a Camp CenterStage Counselor, you would be responsible for cabin duties, serving as a mentor, organizing activities and teaching workshops. Counselors are also responsible for ensuring a safe, creative and fun environment for the campers. Each counselor is assigned to a cabin and is responsible for the 6 - 8 campers and one CIT in that cabin. Counselors also play an important role in designing evening activities and shaping the entire camp experience.
CCS Camp counselors earn a stipend plus room and board for each 13-day session. Stipends are negotiated based on experience and responsibilities (Life-Guard, CIT Coordinator, etc). Counselors must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the camp session.
CIT Page
CIT Program Overview
Camp CenterStage Counselors-In-Training (CIT's) are senior campers (16 and 17 years old) who are ready to explore what it takes to be an outstanding CCS counselor. The CCS CIT program strives to train young men and women to become effective and talented camp counselors. CIT's play an extremely important role in leading and mentoring campers. Some of these responsibilities include: assisting Counselors with cabin projects, checking in with campers throughout the day, and participating in activities and talent shows. CIT's are also responsible for designing and running two of the camp's evening activities.
The CIT's role at camp is to learn about the camp program, mission, and how to effectively teach, coach, and counsel campers. Part of our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program provides CIT's an opportunity to shadow our trained camp Counselors and learn more about being a Counselor themselves, while gaining a new perspective on camp. CIT's also participate in leadership training, which allows them to gain skills that they can use in their every day lives. Although CIT's are still officially "campers", they receive a discounted registration tuition, have increased responsibilities, while also enjoying all the fun of being a camper!
Counselor-in-Training program lasts for up to two summers depending on the age at which a camper joins (either sixteen or seventeen years old). CITs are encourage to apply to be an LIT (Leader in Training) after one or two years of CIT training. Our goal is to have a CIT finish the program having acquired all the necessary skills to become an effective and talented counselor at Camp CenterStage. We believe that the camp and camper benefit from a successful CIT program.
All CITs Will:
CITs Will Have the Opportunity To:
Camp CenterStage Counselors-In-Training (CIT's) are senior campers (16 and 17 years old) who are ready to explore what it takes to be an outstanding CCS counselor. The CCS CIT program strives to train young men and women to become effective and talented camp counselors. CIT's play an extremely important role in leading and mentoring campers. Some of these responsibilities include: assisting Counselors with cabin projects, checking in with campers throughout the day, and participating in activities and talent shows. CIT's are also responsible for designing and running two of the camp's evening activities.
The CIT's role at camp is to learn about the camp program, mission, and how to effectively teach, coach, and counsel campers. Part of our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program provides CIT's an opportunity to shadow our trained camp Counselors and learn more about being a Counselor themselves, while gaining a new perspective on camp. CIT's also participate in leadership training, which allows them to gain skills that they can use in their every day lives. Although CIT's are still officially "campers", they receive a discounted registration tuition, have increased responsibilities, while also enjoying all the fun of being a camper!
Counselor-in-Training program lasts for up to two summers depending on the age at which a camper joins (either sixteen or seventeen years old). CITs are encourage to apply to be an LIT (Leader in Training) after one or two years of CIT training. Our goal is to have a CIT finish the program having acquired all the necessary skills to become an effective and talented counselor at Camp CenterStage. We believe that the camp and camper benefit from a successful CIT program.
All CITs Will:
- Observe a variety of different activity areas
- Set and meet personal and camp program goals (katiaki)
- Demonstrate the ability to lead a small group activity (individually)
- Assist with cabin duties
- Actively participate in CIT discussions/meetings daily
- Complete an evaluation with the CIT supervisor
- Successfully plan and execute an all-camp event (as a CIT group)
CITs Will Have the Opportunity To:
- Gain experiential learning by shadowing and assisting staff
- Observe staff teaching and coaching techniques
- Participate in activities, special events, trips, studios, masterclasses, workshops cabin living, and special CIT meetings
- Meet with fellow CITs, mentors, and supervisors
- Get feedback and assessments from peers, supervisors, and self
LIT Page
LIT Program
The CCS LIT program is geared toward second or third year CIT's who are 17-19 years old. LITs take a leadership role at CCS, participating in a similar capacity to a full staff member; but they will have less responsibility supervising campers and more emphasis on leadership training for their community.
Meetings between all LITs and the LIT mentor take place daily. Additionally, the LIT mentor or other staff member will meet individually with each LIT at least twice during the camp experience to assess his/her progress and learning. The purpose of the daily meetings vary but they are essential to the structure of the LIT program in promoting the exchange of ideas and learning amongst the LITs. Meetings may be about planning camp events, discussing a teaching technique, goal setting and leadership skills, or resolving a problem when one arises.
All LITs Will:
The CCS LIT program is geared toward second or third year CIT's who are 17-19 years old. LITs take a leadership role at CCS, participating in a similar capacity to a full staff member; but they will have less responsibility supervising campers and more emphasis on leadership training for their community.
Meetings between all LITs and the LIT mentor take place daily. Additionally, the LIT mentor or other staff member will meet individually with each LIT at least twice during the camp experience to assess his/her progress and learning. The purpose of the daily meetings vary but they are essential to the structure of the LIT program in promoting the exchange of ideas and learning amongst the LITs. Meetings may be about planning camp events, discussing a teaching technique, goal setting and leadership skills, or resolving a problem when one arises.
All LITs Will:
- Participate in evening activities based on an individual team (ie: LITs are assigned to a team and to a cabin)
- Be in a small mentor group which will organize activities for youngest mentor groups in addition to meeting every morning as a small group
- Have a mentor/coach who will work exclusively with LIT group
- Have first-hand experiences with planning, organizing and executing our Community Service Outreach Events
- Have opportunities to facilitate morning assembly as well as lead morning activities
- Participate in the True Colors International personality and leadership assessment
- Have opportunity for one morning hike exclusive for LITs & CITs
- Participate in all "special" CIT evening program such as movie social, campfire, and other CIT privileges
- Participate in team building experiences such as problem solving, ropes course, and goal setting
- Gain skills as a public speakers, leaders, students and productive citizens
- Gain self-confidence
- Understand better ways to communicate and relate with others
- Learn team building techniques and conflict resolution strategies
The Camp CenterStage Team
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Alexis Dascoulias
Owner & Camp Director Alexis holds a BA in theater education and a MS in Camp Administration and Leadership. She has over 25 years' experience as a teacher, director, camp director and producer. She has served as the Executive and Education Director for Maui OnStage, Executive Director and Education Director for Seacoast Repertory Theatre, and the Head of the Drama Department at Dover High School. Alexis has presented workshops at the American Camp Association Conferences from Maine to Maui and is currently the Dean of Students Winthrop High School. Directing credits include James and the Giant Peach, Aladdin Jr, The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, ELF, Of Mice and Men, La Cage Aux Folles, To Kill A Mockingbird, and Seussical. Alexis loves hiking, camping and challenging young people and peers to be the best they can be! “One Person of Principal Can Always Make a Difference”. Alexis Dascoulias Owner & Camp Director |
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Steven Dascoulias
Owner & Camp Chef Steven (Head Chef / Co-Owner) has over 35 years experience as a professional actor/singer, voice instructor, director and music director. Steven has taught music at Waihee Elementary School and is currently the head of the theater department for the Winthrop School System. He has performed all over New England and Hawaii and is fondly known as the “Singing Chef”. When not making camp oatmeal, singing the Lasagna song or creating delicious meals for all of us at camp, Steven can be found mowing the acres of Maple Lane, building the perfect campfire and enjoying a camp talent show. Steven and Alexis are co-founders of Camp CenterStage, LLC and are celebrating its 14th anniversary! Steven Dascoulias Owner & Camp Chef |
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Anna
Assistant Camp Director Anna (Assistant Camp Director) is proud to have been a part of the Camp CenterStage team from the beginning. When she's not at Camp CenterStage, Anna works remotely for Road Rebel, in entertainment travel logistics for tours like Cirque du Soliel, Broadway Tours, Alvin Ailey, collegiate sports and so much more! She has experience onstage, behind the scenes, and all the in-between. Her passion to build a safe, fun, camp for young artists with incredible staff members will last a lifetime. One of her favorite parts about camp is supporting campers and staff in their leadership paths and that you don't need to have a title to be a leader. Also...ginger snap cookies take the s'more treat to a whole new level!! Let the good times roll at camp! :-) Anna Assistant Camp Director |
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Kathy
Music Director Kathy (Music Director Sessions 3 & 4) is proud to be returning for her 13th season at CCS! She has continued to be musically active throughout this challenging year, as a piano teacher, church musician, and as the musical director for the winter musical at UNH. Kathy holds a BA in Piano Performance and MA in Music History from UNH. She currently teaches private piano lessons, serves as the parish administrator and musical director for St Thomas' Episcopal Church in Dover, NH and both produces, and plays piano for the theater program at Noble High School. In addition, Kathy co-directs the Fourth Street Jazz Choir and works as musical director/pianist for the Rochester Opera House, Prescott Park Arts Festival, and UNH. When not behind the piano or at her desk at camp, Kathy is often found in the camp kitchen helping Chef Steven, or in the dining room serving and cleaning. She lives in Dover with her husband Greg and her Dachshund, Hannah. For more information visit www.kathyfinkpianostudio.musicteachershelper.com. Kathy Music Director |
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Adele
Director/Choreographer & Dance Teacher Adele is so excited for another summer at beautiful Maple Lane! Adele has been involved in theater and dance since she took her first tap class at 3 years old. She has a BA in Theatre: Dance and a BA in Psychology from UNH and is currently working towards her MA in Organizational Leadership with a focus on non-profit organizations. She has worked for over 10 years as a director, producer, choreographer, teacher and performer for more than a dozen theaters, schools, camps and dance studios across New England. Adele's passion is to help young people learn about themselves and find their place in the world through the magic of theater. She is thrilled to be back at CCS to direct this year's production of Alice @ Wonderland Adele Director/Choreographer & Dance Teacher |
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Cori
Communications Director / Logistics Specialist Cori (Communications Director / Logistics Specialist) knows a summer night at CCS isn’t complete without a warm campfire and some stargazing. Since the very first year at CCS, she’s learned to appreciate the clear nights skies with the sounds of your campers giggling across the fields. She has worked her way up from counselor to leadership team member where she’s happily keeping you up to date on what your camper is up to while they’re with us. Cori is proud to have been a part of CCS's inaugural year and is delighted to take part in the next year of this amazing experience. Cori Communications Director |
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Nik
Music Director Nik (Music Director Sessions 1 & 2) This is Nik's second year at CCS. He is an alumni of the University of Southern Maine where he majored in Music Education. Nik currently teaches 6-12 music in central maine. He is a life long performer with a deep passion for music and the performing arts. Nik is very excited to be joining CCS this year and have the opportunity to share his passion with others! (He would also like to learn how to make a proper s'more) Nik Music Director |
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Erin
Lifeguard and Health Care Provider Erin has been with CCS since its very beginning. She started as a camper in 2010 and was a CIT / LIT for 2 summers and was thrilled when she joined the counselor team! Erin is a Wilderness First Responder and had spent this last 3 winters on the Ski Patrol at Attitash Mountain. This is her 14th summer at Camp CenterStage and is working towards her EMT license. Erin lives and demonstrates the CCS CDA (Camp CenterStage Can Do Attitude). Erin Lifeguard and Health Care Provider |
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Grampy Grizz
Mentor / Facilities Caretaker Grampy Grizz (Tom Allen) has over 50 years experience as a classroom teacher (K - 12), coach, tutor and referee. He has taught science, math, life-skills and history and has coached basketball, softball and soccer. Grampy Grizz is a life-long learner who continues to discover new things about himself, his children & grandchildren and his love for camp! His skills as a farmer and friend provide many stories, words of wisdom and cheers of support every day at CCS. Grampy Grizz Mentor / Facility Caretaker |
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Alli
Art Director Alli (Art Director) is a recent graduate of Plymouth State University for Early Childhood Education and is excited to be returning to camp for her 9th summer! While teaching is her passion, music is also a huge part of her life. Alli plays the trumpet, ukulele and the piano. She can frequently be found around camp leading a sing-a-long with her uke or teaching campers how to make friendship bracelets. Alli Art Director |
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Nurse Carla
Session One Nurse Carla has been with CCS since the very beginning and has served as camp nurse on Maui as well! She loves being at Camp Center Stage, you can find her at the St James Health Center, in the kitchen or her favorite place: Youland Pond. Nurse Carla Session One Nurse |
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Katie
Enrichment Coordinator Katie (Enrichment Coordinator) has been honored to be a part of the phenomenal CCS staff for over a decade in various jobs, most recently being Enrichment Coordinator. Seeing the effect Enrichment Days had on campers and the community changed her life and inspired her to start the non profit organization Peggy’s Parties which throws birthday parties for families struggling with homelessness. Katie has her BA in Performing Arts from Plymouth State University. When she is not throwing parties, she is busy raising her three future campers with her husband Jeremy. You are likely to see the whole family happily running about Camp Centerstage’s beautiful campus! Katie Enrichment Coordinator |
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Katrin
Acting Director/Camp Store Queen Katrin is so excited for this summer at Camp CenterStage! She first started at CCS as a camper the very first year, and has been there ever since! When she isn’t at Camp, Kat works at North Hampton School, where she often has the great pleasure of running into some CCS campers, which always puts a smile on her face. Kat loves everything about Camp, but her favorite part has to be Color Wars! The first night of Color Wars is always Kat’s favorite activity. She can’t wait to see everyone decked out in their color spirit this summer! Katrin Acting Director/Camp Store Queen |
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Juliet
Waterfront Director / Lifeguard Juliet (Waterfront Director / Lifeguard) Born and raised in Hawaii, Juliet is always sharing her aloha with others. She holds a BA in Theatre with a focus in Directing/Literature from USM. Outside of CCS, she serves as the Visitor Services Manager at the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine. This is Juliet's fourth year at camp. She is ready for another summer full of swimming, singing, and getting silly! Juliet's favorite camp food is walking tacos, and she has a pet bunny named S'More. Juliet Waterfront Director / Lifeguard |
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Nash
Counselor & IT Mentor Nash has been a camper his entire life, and is so excited to share his love and memories of camp with everything again this summer! Currently a student at the University of Southern Maine for Computer Science, Nash has been acting since he was 5 years old and is happy to share any and all of his experience with anyone he can. Anyone who has had Nash as a counselor or CIT knows he can make the perfect golden brown marshmallow every time, so here's some advice to make your best s’more: Take your time! Cooking a good marshmallow is just like learning a new skill, take your time and don't rush right into the fire. Stay on the low heat and slowly rotate your 'mallow and you should see a little smoke coming off... that's when you need to rotate! Then add graham crackers and chocolate and enjoy! See you at camp! Nash Counselor & IT Mentor |
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Brooks
Counselor & Acting Director Brooks has been attending Camp CenterStage since 2011 and has enjoyed 10 years of Camp fun. Brooks has been acting for 15 year. He has experience acting on stage, on film, and into a microphone. Brooks has worked on stages and studios from Maine to New York. In 2019 Brooks won an acting award in the Maine State Drama Festival, for the role of Alfieri, in Arthur Millers, A View From The Bridge. Most recently Brooks has been working as a Voice Actor, appearing in different radio dramas on the children's app Pina Audio. He cannot wait for Chef Steven’s Pizza! Brooks Counselor & Acting Director |
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Aidan
Film Director Aidan (Film Director) Like the Stonehenge of Camp Centerstage, Aidan has been around since the beginning, is really tall, and no one is really sure how he got there. Balancing his camp time equally between teaching film, counseling a cabin and trying desperately to find the best walking stick, Aidan is in his element working with campers, young, old or otherwise. Aidan Film Director |
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Kelley
Dance Teacher Kelley (Dance Teacher) has been a part of CCS from the very beginning: teaching dance, running evening activities, and surprising campers with a myriad of wild and wacky costumes. Outside of camp, Kelley works in the concert production industry, touring the country with renowned musical artists and running programs at large-scale music festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo. When she's not on the road, she teaches dance classes for Studio 109 in Rochester, and serves as a performer and stage manager for Safe Haven Ballet. Kelley is excited to instill confidence and inspire growth in campers as they pursue their creative goals. Kelley Dance Teacher |
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Corey
Counselor & Costume Designer Corey is a recent graduate of Gorham High and will be attending Savannah College Of Art And Design, for a B.F.A in fashion design. The fine arts and musical theatre has played a big role in Corey's life. He has done competition dance, many musicals, and went to many art classes. He has been at Camp CenterStage for 7 years: four years as a camper, two years a CIT, and now as a counselor. Corey is so happy to be part of CCS and hopes to come back for many years to come. Corey Counselor & Costume Designer |
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Nicole
Counselor Nicole is excited to be back for another summer at Maple Lane! A camper since CCS Year 1, Nicole has gone through all the ranks, camper, CIT, Jr Counselor and Counselor, and Leadership over her years here. Since starting to go to camp, Nicole has been in more than 10 shows (her favorite being Crazy For You). Nicole is a graduate from Plymouth State University and lives on the Seacoast! Nicole can’t wait to be back at camp for another summer of fun! Nicole Counselor |
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Alice
Counselor Alice (or Al) is a Musical Theatre and Secondary Theatre Education dual major at UNH and is going into their sophomore year. This will be their 6th year being part of the CCS family, and it’s their second summer as a counselor. Some of Al’s favorite things to do besides theatre are songwriting, modeling, and pottery. They love spending time in the sun (and the rain), and pretty much anything to do with astrology. They are looking forward to this summer and can't wait to be back at camp! Alice Counselor |
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Duncan
Counselor Duncan has been performing since she was a little girl and in May 2021 graduated with a BA in Theatre and Psychology from Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts. Her favorite roles have been Claire Ganz in Rumors and Verges in Much Ado About Nothing. She is excited to return to CCS after being down under in Australia for the summer of 2020, and can't wait to spend her 13th year having a great summer at Camp Centerstage! Duncan Counselor |
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Kiera
Counselor Kiera has been a part of CCS for 8 years. Kiera discovered her love for all things Arts and musical theater her first year at camp. For the past 8 years she has worked with local theater companies, school choirs and festivals. Kiera will be studying nursing at Plymouth State University this fall. She plans to be a pediatric RN for local hospitals.. Kiera hopes that this year, through camp, she can not only work and learn through her role at camp but also grow as an individual with the campers to help create a home-away from home. Let's spread some CDA! Kiera Counselor |
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Micha
Counselor Micah has been a part of Camp CenterStage since 2019 and has refused to miss a year ever since. After 1 year as a camper and 2 as a CIT, this will be his first year on staff. He has been acting since middle school and this past year has been branching out into doing all kinds of backstage work for community productions. He has CCS to thank for encouraging him in his performing arts journey, and hopes to come back for many years. He likes to go on hikes with friends, and make strange creations with campers in the Iao Art Center Micha Counselor |
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Aiden
Counselor Aiden is a soon to be freshman at Hampshire College this fall, planning to study environmental science and photography. He is a fun and friendly person who wants to make sure everyone's voice is heard! Aiden Counselor |
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Ally
Counselor Ally has been attending camp for 5 years and has been a CIT/LIT for 3 years! “I am very passionate about acting and love working with others. I work very well with kids and enjoy being around them. I have been acting my whole life. I will be attending the Academy of Dramatic Arts this fall and continue my passion for acting.” Ally Counselor |
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Braeden
Counselor Braeden is a brand new Counselor hoping to make an impact on the campers and co-workers around him while also having a ton of fun! He hopes to try brand new things this year and is excited to meet everyone! |