Vanderkamp Staff

Year round staff members

James Davis: – Director of Program and Marketing

James’ passion lies in helping kids understand that they should love themselves, pursue interests that inspire them, and lead a love-centered life. He feels incredibly blessed that Vanderkamp has afforded him the opportunity to run a summer camp that honors children more than any other. James grew up in East Windsor, NJ, was baptized at the Nassau Presbyterian Church and confirmed at the Dutch Neck Presbyterian Church. James worked at the Johnsonburg Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center in New Jersey for 8 years in a number of roles, including counselor and naturalist for 5 years, director for 3 years, and the board of trustees for 2 years. He met his wife Taylor at Johnsonburg. They were married in 2008, and theirs sons, Oliver and Ezra, were born in June of 2010 and July of 2012. James and Taylor were both certified teachers (though Taylor was the only one who taught professionally), and they enjoy spending long nights discussing child development, parenting, and education theory.

Taylor has recently become a birth doula serving the Syracuse area, so if you know of anyone who wants help having an empowering birth experience, be sure to let her know by contacting her for doula help.

Email James at james@vk.org.

Nick Gray – Facilities Director

Nick joins the Vanderkamp team after a lifetime of outdoor adventure, curiosity, and intentional living. Nick has experience working at a several camps in Western New Jersey doing outdoor education and administration. Nick’s passion for the outdoors and environmentalism has guided his travels and career choices. From skiing all over the continental U.S. to traveling the globe, Nick always makes the most of any opportunity. Nick grew up helping build his family’s home in North Central Pennsylvania, and was thrilled to have a home of his own to work on in the Burlington, VT area. With an undergraduate degree in elementary education Nick has spent several years in the public school system working with youth in need of one to one classroom support. Nick is thrilled to once again be using his leadership skills in a camp setting and drawing on extensive personal knowledge to care for the facilities at VK. Nick is excited about all the opportunities to continue to refurbish, preserve, and expand the beautiful site at Vanderkamp.

Email Nick at nick@vk.org.

Fiona Griffin – Food Service Manager

Fiona is very excited at the opportunity to pursue her passion of creating delicious, simple, food from healthy local ingredients. After many years as a summer camp attendee and employee at Johnsonburg Presbyterian Camp, Fiona was excited to embark on a new adventure with Nick traveling the country and enjoying life to the fullest in California and Colorado ski areas. After several years of travel and excitement they decided to settle just a little closer to family and friends in Burlington, VT. While in Vermont, Fiona pursued her other passion which is working with individuals in need of mental health support, first as an Autism interventionist and currently as a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselor. Fiona hopes to continue to build her career in the mental health field part time while taking on the cooking and meal planning at Vanderkamp starting in August. Most of all, Fiona and Nick are both absolutely thrilled James approached them with the amazing opportunity to work and live in such a vibrant setting. After just a few interactions with the Vanderkamp community it is clear this is a special place to many and Fiona and Nick are excited to join the fun!

Email Fiona at fiona@vk.org.

Want to talk to anyone in particular? Call the office at 315-675-3651.