Camp Leadership

SummerWorks follows in the tradition of Rowland Hall School by hiring only the very best summer staff, many of whom return year after year.  Specifically, SummerWorks staff are energetic and engaging individuals who are dedicated to the positive growth of each SummerWorks camper.  Staff are trained in youth development techniques, as well as health and safety practices that include CPR, First Aid, and sun safety.

Laurie Browne

Director

In addition to leading SummerWorks, Laurie recently completed her Ph.D. in Youth Development at the University of Utah.  She earned her M.S. in experiential education from the University of Utah and her B.S. in kinesiology from the University of Illinois (her home state).

Laurie has managed residential and wilderness-based summer camp programs in Wisconsin and in Utah.

She is the proud mother of three young children and, in her rare spare time, an avid runner and triathlete.

Beth Ott

Assistant Director

Beth earned her M.S. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from the University of Utah and her B.A. in Sociology from Denison University. 

She has experience working in residential summer camps, in environmental education, and is a CTRS (Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist).

Beth grew up in Indiana and relocated to Salt Lake City to pursue graduate studies.  She enjoys traveling, swimming, skiing, and cooking.

Beth is the proud mother of the newest little member of the SummerWorks family  - Grace Ott will be 9 months old come SummerWorks 2011!

Counselors

Zach Deneris

• My nickname is Zach.
• My birthday is June 9th, 1996, I like the warmth of summer.
• My quirkiest talents are (1) accents, (2) talking to cats, and (3) making people laugh.
• If I could only eat three food items for the rest of my life, I would eat sushi, steak and lasagna.
• My favorite playground game is fish out of water.
• If I could "go pro" in one of my hobbies, I'd play soccer.
• I am looking forward to awesome field trips this summer.
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." I can go with the flow.

Evan Williams

• My birthday is 2/2/87. It's winter; get out and ride!
• My quirk is that I have a tendency to eat a lot.
• If I could only eat three things for the rest of my life, they'd be cheese, onions, and jalapeños.
• My favorite game is capture the flag.
• If I could "go pro", I'd play tennis.
• This year I look forward to not spilling my guts about my love life... too late.
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." I have no chub or flab.

Becky Engh

• My nicknames include Beck, Rudy, Becker
• My birthday is June 5th and I like it because it is technically spring but feels like summer.  I like that everything starts to come alive including people that have been shut up all winter.  This is the time of year when people really enjoy the outdoors. 
• My quirkiest talent is that I can bake anything that is sweet and chocolate.
• If I could only eat three foods for the rest of my life, they would be watermelon, chocolate and pizza.
• My favorite playground game is Queen Bee- a jump rope race game that I could play for hours.
• If I could "go pro" in one thing, it would be volleyball.
• I am really looking forward to having some fun with the kids outdoors this summer, going on field trips and teaching art.
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." I love to play, especially in the pool.

 

 

Christina Nelson

• I have many nicknames but Kina is the primary one that everyone calls me.  A couple of other nicknames are Kinalainen (it's Finnish.  I'll teach you how to say it), Special K, and Skeens.
• My birthday is December 25th.  Yep, that would be Christmas day!  I always say that everyone receives a gift on my birthday.  I love the season I was born in because of the spirit of Christmas along with the snow, the colors, the scents...I just love it all!
• I think that my ability to speak in a Minnesotan accent is probably my most unique talent.  I tend to work hard at developing accents to speak in because I get bored speaking in my normal accent.  I'm currently working on my Scottish accent but it's harder because I tent to resort to my British accent in the middle of sentences.
• If had to choose three foods to each for the rest of my life, they would be (a) authentic fish tacos from Mexico because theyr're so good and fish is good for you, (b) Swedish hard bread with Harvarti cheese, lingonberry preserves, and goat butter because it's a good breakfast snack throughout the day, and (c) American cheeseburgers because I adore cheeseburgers!  So good!
• My favorite playground game is basketball.  Aside from basketball, I would have to choose marshmallow dodgeball because it is so much fun and you can play over and over again.
• is it possible to go pro in hiking?  Because I would do that!  I love hiking every chance I get because it is an awesome opportunity to get out and see the beauty of nature and explore the world around you.
• I am looking forward to getting to know the kids!  I cannot wait to welcome the kids to our camp and teach them new knowledge and skills while having fun. It is going to be a great summer!
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." I can speak in a Minnesotan accent on command.  Can you get much cooler than that??
 

 

Vanessa Vest

• My nicknames include Ness, Sess, Nessie, Van, V, V-squared, chiquita, and chica just to name a few
• I was born on January 25th, 1987 and what I like best about the winter season is the snow.  I like to snowboard on a nice powder day.  Covering myself with a blanket and laying by the fire sipping some tea while reading a book or watching a movie is one of my favorite things to do in the winter.
• My quirkiest talent is to get together with a buddy and link together and do double cartwheels, two legs go down and two are up in the air.  If you can't picture this, I will demonstrate for you!
• If I had to choose three foods to eat the rest of my life, they would be lemons because I love to put lemon juice on and in everything.  If veggies fall under one food item I would have them all.  If I had to shoose one then it would probably be sweet potatotes, I love baked sweet potato fries.  And last would be fish, but more specifically salmon with lots of lemon on it.
• My favorite playground game is a game called lava monster.  There are probably a few differetn names for this game.  The person who was it had to stay on the ground and then tag someone who was on the playground but they could not go on the playground.
• If I could "go pro" in one thing, it would be snowboarding.  Although, I have always wanted to surf and will learn how to somwday. I would love to be a pro surfer.
• This summer, i am excited to take the kids out into the community doing different activities that engage them in their surroundings.  I really like to be outdoors and am excited for the many adventures to come this summer.
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." I can put aside my adult responsibilities and be a kid, getting into adventures and being carefree no matter how kooky I look.

 

Parker Bushnell

• I am not a big fan of nicknames, but my Western Civilization teacher calls me Bushwack.
• I was born on May 16th, 1994 and I like the fact that is is usually nice and warm, it is not too bot or too cold!
• My talents include graphic design and playing QB in football.
• If I had to choose three foods to eat for the rest of my life, they would be steak...becaus it is amazing and my favorite food; mint chocolate chip ice cream because I love ice cream, and milk...I don't know why, I just have always liked milk. 
• My favorite playground game is football.
• if I could "go pro" in one thing, it would be football.
• This summer, I am really looking forward to working with kids I might have worked with last year.
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." I love working with kids, I am always upbeat and work well with anyone, I am patient and most of all awesome!

 

Will Badenhausen

• My nickname is Bathhouse or Kramer or Scarecrow
• My birthday is on August 13th and I like how there is never any school on my birthday!
• My quirkiest talents are juggling and riding a unicycle.
• If I have to choose three foods to eat for the rest of my life, they would be tacos cuase they are just amazing, lasagna because I am Italian and I love Italian food, and Caesar salad...yet again a great food that goes well with almost anything.
• Capture the Flag is my favorite playground game.
• If I could "go pro" in one thing, it would be football.
• This summer, I am looking forward to teaching classes and working more with the kids.
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." I can act like a child and not be ashamed.

 

Julia Bodsen

• My nicknames include Julia Goolia, Hulia, and Juliama
• I was born on February 18th and my favorite thing about winter is when it is over.
• My quirkiest talent is singing the national anthem while swimming...just not very well!
• If I had to choose three foods to eat for the rest of my life, they would be latkes, respberries, and Lucky Charms- they're magically delicious.
• My favorite playground game is Ultimate Hopscotch.  It's a big deal.
• If I could "go pro" in one thing, it would be Harry Potter
• This summer, I am looking forward to going on adventures!
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." at night, I don a superhero costume and fight crime.

 

Christi Fujinami

• My nickname is Christi
• I was born on September 15th and my favorite thing about this season are the pretty colors on the trees.
• My quirkiest talent is winning against anyone at a marshmallow stuffing contest!
• If I had to choose three foods to eat for the rest of my life, they would be cheese enchiladas, white rice with soy sauce, and popcorn with hot sauce on top.  I love all these foods and would love eating them everyday (I practically already do!).
• My favorite game to play on the plagroun is tag.
• If I could "go pro" in one thing it would be track and field because I LOVE to run.
• This summer, I am looking forward to going on all the fun field trips!
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." I can make anything fun!

Devin Dwyer

• My nickname is Devbot- I have had this nickname since high school.
• My birthday is May 2, 1987.  I love rainy days in the spring and the blooming flowers.
• Quirkiest talent?  Let me get back to you on that one...
• Three foods:  Eggs because they are the most delicious breakfast food, with everything!  Cheese because I love putting cheese on my eggs.  Especially Vermont Cheddar.  And Fuji apples.
• Favorite playground game?  I LOVE the game Alaskan Baseball!
• If I could "go pro" in anything I would love to become a pro skier and ski the most amazing mountains in the world.  But...it that didn't work out I would want to be a professional inner-tuber and float down the Provo and Weber rivers.
• I'm looking forward to field trips and the theme of the week.  I'm also looking forward to the ongoing search for Bob!
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." I am super active and love being outdoors.
  

Jon-Marc Muntz                                                                                                                                                                      

• My nickname is Gurn.
• My birthday is September 15, 1986. I like the fall and the color change in the leaves.
• My quirkiest talents are wiggling  my ears and great cartwheels!
• If I could eat three foods for the rest of my life, they'd be cheez-its, rice with soy sauce and gatorade.
• My favorite playground game is fish out of water.
• If I could "go pro", I would sing for a band.
• This summer I am looking forward to Fridays!
• "I am the coolest camp counselor because..." hang on, I'm NOT the coolest camp counselor!

Patrick Scherbinske

• I have too many nicknames to count... Captain Jack Sparrow, Captain Hook, Taylor, 'dark hippie'... etc.
• July 3rd is my birthday, who doesn't like summer?!
• My talent is that I can vogue. Yes, like Madonna.
  
• If I could only choose three foods to eat for the rest of my life I'd pick sushi, noodles and oranges.
• If I went "pro" in something it'd be World Cup Soccer.
• This summer I am looking forward to making new friends!
• "I am the coolest camp counselor because..." I have a moustache and wear a different pair of sunglasses everyday... and I'm cool and awesome.

Maher Farrukh

• My birthday is July 27, it's warm and a great time for the pool.
• If I could only have three foods for the rest of my life, I'd eat pasta, steak and fries.
• My favorite playground game is tag.
• If I could go pro, I'd be a professional life saver.
• This summer I'm looking forward to spending more time in the pool.
• "I am the coolest camp counselor in the world because..." I have a beard.

David Wood

• My nicknames are Woody and D Wood
• My birthday is November 5th, 1986. I like the season because it's time to get ready for skiing.
• One talent I have is speaking Spanish.
• If I could eat three foods forever, they'd be sushi, pasta, and steak.
• My favorite playground game is Worldcup soccer.
• If I could "go pro", I'd play basketball.
• This summer I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new campers.
• "I am the coolest counselor because..." ptshh I just am...

Lisa Scaglione

• My birthday is January 21. I love the snow and sometimes it's on MLK Jr Day, NO SCHOOL!
• My fingers are double jointed and I love/play soccer.
• If I could eat three foods forever, they'd be steak, salad and carrots.
• My favorite playground game is World Cup soccer.
• This summer I am looking forward to... having fun playing games and doing activities with my fellow counselors and the kids.
• "I am the coolest counselor because..." I love being around the kids, I don't go easy on them playing sports and I am genuinely excited to be at camp every day. What's not  to love about me!

Scott Embley

• My nickname is Scotty.
• My birthday is September 4, 1985. You can't beat summer nights, but fall means some great holidays are around the corner.
• I am a professional whistler, but only after I have eaten a quality mexican dish.
• If I could eat three foods for the rest of my life, they'd be milk, steak, and peach cobbler... wait, I didn't order any pizza... okay, I'll take it.
• Hot box is the best playground game.
• I'd be a musician if I could "go pro". It's incredible what good music can do to you.
• I am looking forward to overnighters, especially running the river in Moab!
• "I am the coolest counselor because..." I look oh so good in those shoes.

Natalie Sanford

• My nickname is Nat.
• I was born on April 20, 1991. I like the Springtime because it is finally getting warm and you can play outside.
• My talents are singing, scrapbooking, and having fun.
• I love the swings!
• If I were to "go pro" it would be soccer because they get to play outside all day!
• I am most looking forward to going on fun field trips with summerworks... especially the waterpark!
• "I am the coolest counselor because..." I love to play games and make kids laugh.

Ryan Westermann

• My nicknames are Tank, Westy, Westermann and RyRy
• My birthday is September 10. I like the season because winter is fast approaching and so is POWDER!
• I can speak spanish and am pretty good at rapping.
• If I could eat three things for the rest of my life, it'd be bacon cheeseburgers, burritos and salad.
• My favorite game is Capture the FLAG!!
• I'd "go pro" at mountain biking because I'm really good at it.
• I am looking forward to having fun and having a good summer with the kids that are new and old.
• "I am the coolest counselor because..." I am fast which will allow you to win Capture the Flag and I'm confident and cool.