Sheryl and Richie Kamen
Owners and Directors
As Owners & Directors of Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge, it gives us great pleasure to share our heartfelt feelings about our camps, our campers, our counselors and our staff. This is a very special place for us. We’ve owned and operated CECBR for over thirty-five years
Our summer camp is a sweet, spirited, respectful and unencumbered environment where adults and children have assembled together a culture and value system that respects and honors one another, and nurtures new and young campers as they become contributing members of our community.
Throughout the decades, it’s been our privilege to create new and exceptional facilities that are complemented by our award-winning coaches, artists in residence and counselor staff, many of whom return year after year. This is only exceeded by their commitment to childcare and supervision. Our motto of excellence allows children to explore and master skills in various domains.
We both have our Doctorates in Education; we were college professors and have spent our lives building our dream summer home for children and their families. All of our own children have been campers and counselors at Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge and our son Adam is the Director of the camps. It gives us great pride and joy to see our grandchildren flourish as campers at our summer home.
We hope you and your family will visit us this summer to meet everyone at CECBR and learn firsthand what makes our summer camps so special. Can’t wait to meet you!!
Adam Baker
Owner and Director
Adam Baker, an Owner and Director of Camps Equinunk & Blue Ridge, works with children, parents and staff to create an exceptional summer camp experience. Adam believes in the profound impact summer camp can have on one’s character while growing up
Adam began at Camp Equinunk as a camper in 1991, followed by 14 years as a camper, counselor, group head and administrator. Adam then worked for 3 years as the Director of a private day camp in East Hampton, NY where he gained invaluable and diverse professional experiences before returning to work alongside his parents Sheryl and Richie at CECBR in 2007.
He completed his B.A. in Psychology at Tulane University with a focus on child education. Adam then attended an Emergency Health Management and Paramedic program at The George Washington University where he went on to become the first Paramedic to volunteer with the East Hampton Village Ambulance Association.
As a recognized leader in the camping industry, Adam is deeply committed to professional development and is on the steering committee of several American Camp Association NY-NJ conferences and initiatives as well as serving as the current board President of the Wayne County Camp Alliance.
As a passionate advocate for youth development, Adam is involved with many philanthropic organizations and currently sits on the Board of Directors of SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education) which provides children from underserved communities with life changing opportunities through experiences of summer camp. Additionally, Adam has joined the Advisory Board of the Gene Ezersky Safety College, a program focused on educating up and coming leaders in the camp industry on the fundamental health, safety, operational and programmatic principles in camping. Close to Adam’s heart is the work he does as a founding board member of The Zander Fund which awards athletic scholarships to inner-city youth who demonstrate tolerance and sportsmanship.
Lori Scheck
Assistant Director
Lori Scheck, our Assistant Director, has been spending her summers at Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge
Growing up as a camper, she found a place that was warm and welcoming, supportive – a place where she could thrive, be herself, and have fun. Lori is passionate about continuing to provide this same wholesome environment, where campers and counselors can grow, relationships can flourish, and life skills can be developed. With care and enthusiasm, she oversees everything involved in the day-to-day running of the camp.
Lori has an undergraduate degree from Ithaca College, and a master’s degree from the University of Arizona – both in Health and Physical Education. Through her careers at camp, and as a professor, Lori has devoted her life to working with children and young adults. In addition to her year-round Assistant Director role at Blue Ridge, Lori is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education at Kennesaw State University, located in the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia.
Lori, and her husband, Bruce, have a daughter, Amy, who also grew up at Blue Ridge. Amy is an elementary school teacher, and a Group Head at camp. Lori is a dedicated camping professional, who has made a lifelong commitment to Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge.
Jordan Chaney
Assistant Director
Born and raised in Oxford, England, Jordan’s camp journey began back in 2012 when he joined Camp Equinunk as a general counselor.
Jordan joined the CECBR family full-time in 2016 where he now takes on the responsibility of recruiting counselors and coaches for the Equinunk program along with training staff in preparation for the summer. Jordan’s affable manner and dynamic leadership skills made him a logical choice to become our Assistant Director. His stellar childcare skills and engagement with parents provides the platform necessary to build relationships.
At Bournemouth University, England, Jordan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Psychology and Coaching Sciences. Throughout his studies and youth, Jordan has always been heavily involved in youth development through sports coaching and extracurricular activities.
Jordan currently serves on the American Camp Association “Emerging Professional in Camping” committee, helping to support and network the next generation of summer camp professionals.
Jordan has embraced our camp philosophy of giving back and has taken on an active leadership role with Experience Camps, a camp for children who have lost a parent or sibling, and is hosted annually at our camps. Jordan shines in front of a group and his warmth and enthusiasm lights up a room and puts a smile on everyone’s face.
Ashley Baker Reckess
Assistant Director
Ashley Baker Reckess, Assistant Director, brings her passion for building healthy, vibrant communities built on relationships of trust, respect and kindness to Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge
Ashley has spent the last 15+ years as an educator working primarily with underserved communities. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and Psychology from Barnard College of Columbia University and a Masters in Education Leadership from the Teachers College of Columbia University. As a professional development coach, assistant principal and classroom teacher, Ashley worked in the country’s leading educational institutions for over a decade — most notably, building and implementing innovative curricula for public high schools affiliated with Bard College and Stanford University.
Beyond her work in public education, Ashley trained young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds to establish careers in Silicon Valley through soft and hard skill training and supporting their work at Fortune 500 companies like Facebook, Google, eBay, and LinkedIn. Ashley went on to found The Women’s Collective which provides individual and group coaching for women entrepreneurs. Ashley believes that building competence builds true confidence which is the foundation for creating a life of joy, integrity and deep satisfaction.
Ashley lives in Beacon, NY with her husband Jacob and their children Ari and Lilah. Ari spent his first summer at camp as a full camper in 2023 and loved every minute of it! Lilah is already learning the Blue Ridge songbook as her lullabies!
Ashley is very involved in her local community school and synagogue. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Board of Beacon Hebrew Alliance and previously served as their Education Director.
Ashley is excited to bring her expertise in empowering others through fun and meaningful experiences to the CECBR community. She looks forward to getting to know you and your family!
Jared Brown
CE Camper Development Coordinator
Jared Brown brings a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for creating transformative experiences to his role as our Equinunk Camper Development Coordinator.
Upon graduating from Hofstra University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in both Mass Media Studies and Rhetorical Studies, Jared knew that he wanted to pursue a career in camping. Jared attended sleepaway camp in Wayne County as a child, and then he worked at Crestwood Day Camp on Long Island in various capacities for six summers. After his time at Crestwood, Jared joined the year-round team at a sleepaway camp in the Catskills as the Administration and Communications Manager in 2021. In addition to his numerous communication, administrative, and logistical responsibilities, Jared worked closely to onboard and welcome new camp families into their camp community.
Joining our team in March of 2024, Jared brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective shaped by his diverse endeavors. His enthusiasm and expertise are instrumental in shaping unforgettable experiences for our campers and their families.
Jared is deeply involved in the camping community and a vocal advocate for the profound impact of camp experiences. He serves on the SCOPE associate board as the Volunteerism and Activism chair, working with other camp professionals to give back and advocate for the gift of camp. His dedication to this cause is a testament to his belief in the transformative power of camp.
With eagerness, experience, and passion, Jared’s commitment to our campers and parents will profoundly impact their journey growing up at Camp Equinunk.
Caralyne Cranham
Director of Administration
Growing up in England and then moving to Australia, Caralyne began her journey at CECBR in 1998 when she joined us on an International Exchange program.
As Director of Administration, Caralyne is responsible for day to day systems, management and personnel, along with recruiting and coaching our support team. Caralyne’s behind the scene tireless endeavors facilitates the smooth operation of camp life assisting the support teams to work together to provide the best opportunities for our campers and staff. With a solid foundation in business administration, communication, recruitment and leadership and a “thinking outside the box” attitude, she has become a seasoned camp professional with over twenty years of commitment to CECBR. She is passionate about offering exceptional service and support to our camp families and committed to encouraging our staff to experience all that camp has to offer by immersing themselves in the culture. Caralyne loves the diversity of her role and enjoys being able to share her love for Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge and passion for helping others even teaching the occasional dance class!! Caralyne’s commitment to family, friends and colleagues is paramount encouraging the bonds of friendship at camp.
Although Caralyne did not grow up attending camp, she easily embraced the familiar and unique sense of belonging. She was fortunate to have learned many of the same values and qualities from being immersed, from a young age, in the sport of elite baton and dance which is where she developed her passion for teaching others and encouraging them to be the best version of themselves. Through the many years of competing, judging and coaching students to National and International levels, she learned commitment, hard work, patience, resilience, empathy and what it means to be a good leader and friend. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Education which helped to fine-tune these skills.
Caralyne looks forward to meeting you and supporting you and your family in your EBR experience!
Jamie Diamond
Operations Director
Jamie Diamond is the Operations Director at CECBR. Throughout the summer Jamie utilizes her vast communication experience and strong work ethic to coach our support team staff to be the best they can be.
Jamie started her camp experience in 2001 at a small family camp outside of Toronto, Canada. The core values that she learned at camp over the course of her thirteen years, such as compassion for others, teamwork, and the ability to maintain a positive attitude at all times allowed for her to grow from a timid camper to a leadership staff member. Being in an environment with some of the most positive people in her world helped her to further understand that it is okay to be silly, imaginative, and absolutely ridiculous at the appropriate times, while being serious when necessary, creating an appropriate balance between the two, but most importantly, that it is okay just being yourself.
Graduating from the University of Central Florida with a B.A. in Business Management and Graphic Design, Jamie headed to New York City to join the fast-paced world of Event Management & Design. After establishing a solid foundation in these fields, she decided to take her talents back to a happy place that greatly helped shape her into the person she is today – camp!
In her free time, Jamie continues to follow her passion as she works with children facilitating and running events and maintains her volunteering efforts while securing the next great generation of staff to become a part of our awesome CECBR family!
Stacy LaCorte
Family Liaison
Stacy LaCorte, Family Liaison for Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge works with prospective parents and campers to help them find a summer home.
Stacy began overnight camp in the 1980s at a residential camp in the Poconos and instantly fell in love with the experience. She came to Blue Ridge as a counselor and lifeguard in 1996 with Dagan LaCorte, her future husband, who had grown up at Camp Equinunk. She continued on to become a group head for the fifth-grade girls and then transitioned to her role as the Family Liaison in 2006. She and Dagan have two daughters who are growing up at Camp Blue Ridge and share their parents’ passion for camp.
Stacy received a B.S. in Psychology from Union College and continued her education at Montclair State University receiving a M.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders. In addition to her work at camp, she is a speech language pathologist at a K-12 school for children with learning, social, emotional and behavioral issues. She is an active member of her childrens’ PTA and is a Girl Scout leader.
Stacy looks forward to meeting you and your family and assisting you on your camp journey.
Gil Kreiss
Head Counselor
Gil Kreiss started working at Camp Equinunk in 1993. He was group head for both the youngest and oldest campers over a period of years.
Gil leads his staff by example, exuding warmth, humor and fun, and yet commands their loyalty and respect. Gil has the best laugh ever and is a real mensch, always displaying integrity and honor.
Gil and his wife Elise live in Lido Beach, New York with their three children, Mia, Brynn and Sam who have and continue to grow at camp. Gil has been teaching Physical Education in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District on Long Island for more than twenty years. In addition to teaching, Gil has coached the Girls Varsity Soccer Team at Hewlett High School. He has also coached various other sports on the middle school level as well as both of his daughters’ travel soccer teams.
Julie Abrams
Head Counselor
Julie Abrams, Head Counselor at Blue Ridge, began her journey at Camps Equinunk and Blue Ridge as a camper in 1969.
Julie has taken the experiences and lessons she learned as a camper over the years and strives to pass them on to the present day campers and counselors. As Head Counselor, she encourages both to make good choices, find personal growth and gain confidence throughout the summer days. She enjoys setting up a diverse and fun-filled day-to-day program, and is enthusiastic about carrying on camp traditions, camp spirit and a wholesome atmosphere.
Julie has an Undergraduate Degree from Brandeis University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University. Julie has spent her career working with children and adults including her time as Head Counselor at a day camp in Rockland County, the Director of Early Childhood Education for over 10 years at the Westchester JCC, and presently as the Athletic Director and an Administrator at a Jewish Day School in Boca Raton Florida.
Julie lives in Florida with her husband Cliff who she met when they were both staff members at CECBR. Julie has two children, Andrew, a software engineer, and Stephanie, a registered dietician who also grew up at camp and hold the same passion and love for CECBR. Julie, with her warm, caring and positive personality, looks forward to leading Blue Ridge and the values and traditions we all treasure.