Adam

Hello Plantation!  My name is Adam and I’m so excited to be coming back to Plantation after almost fourteen years! During that time I’ve sold clothes, served in the Army, worked on an ambulance as an EMT, taught knitting classes, worked in a coffee shop, guided white water river tours, and finally got around to getting an undergraduate degree. 

While I'm originally from Oakland, California,  I’ve been in Santa Fe, New Mexico for the last three and a half years attending St. John’s College.  After the summer I’m heading up to Bozeman, Montana to pursue a MS in Community Health.

In the winter I like to snowshoe up the local ski basin to get a run in before class, and when it warms up I direct that energy towards biking, hiking, running, and anything that keeps me outdoors.  That’s just one of the many reasons I’m looking forward to camp this summer: all outdoors, all the time.  I’m ready for CTF in the BBD, canoe camp, get-lost hikes; you name it.  

My time at Plantation (I was a camper for seven years and did the CILT program!) was so important to who I am today and I can’t wait to be a part of that experience for a new generation of campers.  I’m also thrilled to be a CILT counselor with Lauren.  She and I were campers together in the ‘90s and are already working with Amy to make the 2011 CILT program one to remember!  See you all soon!

Addie

Hellooo Plantation! I'm Addie and this will be my second summer on the farm. I'm a recent graduate of Carleton College, where I studied Psychology and Spanish. After leaving Plantation last summer, I spent six months teaching English at a private school in Ecuador. Although it was not Cazadero, CA by any means, I did get to work on a vegetable garden at the school, see hundreds of cows (who looked nothing like Daphne!), and we even had a pony in the playground!

I couldn't be more excited to come back to camp this summer. I find myself dreaming of berry-picking hikes, lazy kayaking days at Canoe Camp, and my true love: Ultimate Frisbee in the boy's meadow! Last year Plantation blew me away with the beauty of the farm and how fun-filled each day is, but most of all I was struck by the amazing sense of community. I'm thrilled to be a member of the family again this summer. I can't wait to reunite with returners and meet all the amazing new campers for a great summer!!

Ali

Hey my name is Ali and I’m stoked to be working at Plantation this summer. Though this will be my first summer on the farm, I’ve grown up hearing my dad’s stories of his time as a camper at Plantation – I can’t wait to see the place myself! I’m looking forward to leading adventures around the lake, into the forest and onto the beach, be it on foot or by horseback. I’m particularly excited to return to the California coast, redwoods and climate after two years in Baltimore at Johns Hopkins University. While school, I’ve enjoyed playing on the women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, volunteering at a local clinic and helping to lead white water kayaking trips. Wherever I am, I love books, biking and a good cookie.

Billy

Hello there. My name is Joel but since I started high school it has been Billy. I live in Melbourne, Australia and no I don't ride a kangaroo around...all the cool kids ride emu's. On my down time I love to mountain bike, surf, go camping and just enjoy the outdoors. There's so much to learn by just taking a break from society and enjoying the beautiful environment. That is why I'm Super excited about coming to camp this year.

This will be my second summer at Plantation and I'm thrilled to get some sleep under the stars and wake up with one of the most beautiful views anyone could experience in their life...The farm. Can't wait to catch up with all the returning staff and campers and also meet a set of new people who I bet are going to to make this summer as enjoyable if not more enjoyable then the last one.

I can't wait to follow a bunch of arrows then all of a sudden be surrounded by a group of campers flapping their arms and honking at me (if that doesn't sound familiar to you, just wait until you get to camp). To be waking up in the morning to do my morning chores and being teased by the enticing smells which are coming from the kitchen. To chase a sheep around lift it over my shoulders and get it in for shearing. And last but not least to be baking on the beach with everyone enjoying a great meal and some quality activities. So Plantation watch out because I'm coming home again. Get Ready for a Superb summer. See you all soon.

Celeste 

I am Celeste and I spent my first summer at Plantation as a 6 year old Bandit in 1980 (Bandits are the kids attached to staff who are too young to be campers).  I was a camper and then later returned to work at camp for 5 summers. 

This summer I am thrilled to be taking a break from my life as a dog and cat veterinarian in Connecticut so that I can return with my own bandits for Second Session.  I can’t wait to hike a gulch, pick blackberries, snack in the garden, do a horse love-in, and to play in tide pools.

Emily

G’day Plantation! My name is Emily, and this will be my third summer at camp. I couldn’t be more excited to spend yet another summer in redwood paradise—be it sunny or foggy. I am currently spending my junior spring studying abroad in Dunedin on the south island of New Zealand, but otherwise attend St. Lawrence University in upstate New York where I study International Relations, African Studies, and Education.

When I’m not studying I live in the glorious state of Vermont, where I love to horseback ride, ski, run, sail, bake, practice yoga, and spend time with my family. As an avid lover of animals of all kinds, outdoor adventuring, acting, marshmallow roasting, sleeping under the stars, and singing at the top of my lungs, Plantation has become a second home to me and the ideal summer job. Due to some scheduling issues with my studies down here, unfortunately I won’t be joining the farm life until mid July, but I am already counting down the days! I look forward to joining the farm family, new and old faces alike. Bring on the get lost hikes, trail rides, barn dances, lake scum, Beatles songs, and delicious patio feasts!

Frank

Hello there! I’m from the North of a wee country called Wales in the UK; I graduated from university last summer and am currently working in a primary school, working with children with various special educational needs and behavioural problems. I worked in plantation in the summer of 2009 and it still stands in my memory as the greatest summer of my life! I would never have got my current job without my fantastic experience at Plantation. 

I love the outdoors, and Plantation is about as outdoorsy as it gets, I’m also quite musically inclined and anywhere that lets me sing my heart out first thing in the morning is fine by me! I made so many amazing friends and didn’t think it was possible to have so much fun on a daily basis, I cannot wait to get back to the farm and have another unforgettable summer with all of you.

Gia

Heyheyhey everybody! My name is Gia and this will be my first year on staff. I am currently a freshman at Northwestern University in Chicago studying conservation biology. (Although I do love my school, it can get a little chilly in the Midwest and I am SO ready to get back to the California sunshine!) I'm originally from Orinda, CA and spent six glorious summers at Plantation (with Lara!) including one year with the CILTs. Camp was a huge part of my childhood and I'm excited to have many more amazing experiences now that I'm on staff.

I have always enjoyed athletics and have played on several teams including volleyball, basketball, swimming, rowing, throwing, and currently rugby. I love traveling, most recently going to Europe last summer and running with the bulls in Pamplona!(best/scariest experience of my life) I also enjoy singing, barn dancing, hiking, painting, and star gazing. I cannot wait to be able to do all these activities with you all at camp and to meet everybody! See ya soon!

Hanna

My name is Hanna Lindeyer and this will be my first year at Plantation. I am really excited for all the camp fun, chilling with the goats, doing some fancy crafts, and being apart of the farm. Its going to be so much fun!

I grew up in Granby, CT (a town no one has ever heard of) and spent most of my time either outside causing chaos, baking goodies, or doing an art project. Currently I am studying film at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York and I love it, except for the fact that there are not many trees around...

I really love yoga, sandwiches, environmental science, smart wool socks, bedazzling, and having fun.

I cant wait for camp to start and I am really psyched to meet everyone!

Kyle

Hey guys!  My name is Kyle but you can call me Luke, its the name of my identical twin and everyone ends up calling us by both names anyway.  I'm from Northern California and go to school at Chico State.  It's pretty fun but has nothing on life on Plantation.

I was a camper for three summers and have a lot of memories of the farm, I even broke my arm there when I was living in Earwig.  Mary was my nurse then and she is still going to be the nurse now so we are all in good hands!

My real passion is being outdoors and doing active things.  I've played soccer my entire life and it has definitely shaped who I am today.  I've played soccer in Brazil, Paraguay, and Australia most recently.  I love being in the water, and I really can't wait to hit up the lake or the first canoe camp.

Can't wait to see you all there.

Lara

 Hi! I’m Lara, and I’m super excited to spend my eighth summer on the farm. I was a camper for six years and was on staff last summer as a CIT (Counselor in Training). I’m thrilled to be on staff this year as a full-pledged counselor. My favorite camp memories include participating in art activities, being on goat chore multiple times, cooking over the fire, and being with my friends. I can’t wait to make more wonderful memories this summer.

I grew up in Palo Alto, California. My parents are European (born in Germany and grew up in Switzerland), which has influenced a lot of who I am and what I’ve done. I am fluent in German (and am learning French) and visit my European family often. My family loves to travel and has visited places including Australia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

I am currently finishing my first year at Boston University’s School of Management in Boston, Massachusetts. I am having a fantastic time exploring Boston, being with friends, and taking classes. My hobbies include running, doing anything food related (eating, cooking, and baking), singing, spending time with friends and family, and writing my blog. Last year, I started writing Six Times the Yum (sixtimestheyum.wordpress.com), which documents my adventures in food.

I cannot wait for the summer fun to begin!

Lauren

Hey There! My name is Lauren and I'm so very stoked to be coming back to the arms of the Plantation Family after 15 years away!  I haven't forgotten a moment of my own Plantation camper experiences, and I can't wait to be a part of making new memories for this year's campers. 

So what have I been up to since I was a CILT so very long ago?  Well I've done lots of things, but the highlights include completing two Outward Bound trips, traveling to Israel, Costa Rica, Turkey, India and the UK, completing a BA in Sociology, living in four different states and now working towards my Masters in Social Work at UCLA.  In fact, driving down to Los Angeles last summer I made a special detour to drive through camp that inspired me to come back.  Voila, Plantation here I come!  Between taking care of the animals, the craziness of barn dances and the calm fog rolling in every evening, I am literally bursting with excitement for the summer to start.

Plus, I am really looking forward to staffing the CILT program with the amazing Adam!  We were friends at camp way back in the '90's and will surely work hard to make this summer one the CILTS will never forget.  Let the singing and fun times begin!

Luke

Hey everyone. My name is Luke, and I’m from Redding, California. Along with my twin brother, I went to camp for three years, and my last year was 2002. As a person I love being outdoors and being active, and that is exactly why I love being at camp and participating in everything going on. My favorite activities were obviously CTF and in the BBD because it’s the best, and canoe camp. Along with being active, my favorite thing to do is play soccer. I’ve played all my life, and it’s really something I’m passionate about.

I also love to travel, and have lived in South America for a few summers while I was growing up, mainly in Brazil and Paraguay. Along with my twin brother, another one of my brothers was a camper growing up and my mother was both a camper and then eventually a counselor when she was my age so returning to camp is really a family tradition which I am proud to continue.

I can’t wait for camp to start and to meet everyone!

Mary

My name is Mary Stefansen, and I'll be the camp nurse for second session. I grew up in Altadena, California, but now live in Eugene, Oregon where I work for the local health department doing epidemiology. In 1971 I took a year off from academia, and worked at a small Quaker boarding school outside of Gualala. This year off introduced me to country living...knee high rubber boots, milking goats, wood heat, books from the bookmobile, organic gardening and driving the winding road that is highway 1. This year off was also the year I first visited Plantation Farm Camp, and talked my way into a counselor job that was the beginning of a 40 year relationship.

I have been back to Plantation to work many times. There is something very special about the community of kids and staff that evolves each summer, and I feel privileged to be a part of it. Each summer is different, but the backbone of the schedule, the activities and the chores is very much the same. I'm really looking forward to my return this summer, and that early morning cup of coffee before the day unfolds.

Melissa

My name is Melissa and I am ready to have an amazing time at Plantation this summer! I live in DeKalb, Illinois, about an hour west of Chicago and attend Northern Illinois University where I study business and Spanish. Junior year of high school I studied abroad to a small town in Southern Mexico named Comitan de Dominguez. I loved the experience and everyone said that I speak spanish like a native. This past summer, I lived in Florida and worked at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World. I loved it, but am ready to move across the country to Northern California this summer.

When I am not going to class, working or hanging out with friends, I LOVE to do jigsaw puzzles, watch movies and read books. I also enjoy playing badminton and swimming. I am so excited to be living near the coast because I LOVE the ocean, playing in the waves is my favorite part.

Almost all of my favorite memories are tied into things that I’ve done at camps in the past. From tie-dyeing ALL DAY, to creating a night time scavenger hunt, and having dance parties, I have loved every minute. Though this is my first summer at Plantation Farm Camp, I have heard wonderful things. I am excited about sleeping under the stars, eating home grown food and weekly barn dances. Not to mention meeting everyone that will share this amazing summer with me at Plantation.

Mike

Hi Everyone my names Mike. I'm really excited for another summer (my second) at camp. I can't remember another time in my life where I have laughed so much, so I'm really excited to get to California and get started all over again at Plantation.

Hopefully I'll be spending the summer running around in the Boys Meadow and going for plenty of hikes. But mostly looking forward to the food again. As a full time student living away from home I can't wait to be fed like a king for another summer.

While being a student and doing student-ish things, I am currently studying at Stirling University in Scotland working on my BSC (hons) degree in Software Engineering/ Computer Science. But I look forward to getting all my exams over and done with and jumping on a plan for 14 hours to head over to you guys! I am an avid swimmer, and spend alot of time being pretty active, either at the gym or training with the university Thai Boxing team. 

I look forward to those lazy afternoons on the lake or in the shade in a sunny day being shown how I should teach you all how to tie dye by all of you guys. This summer is definitely going to be another great one!

Owen

My name is Owen Zimmerman. I can’t wait to get back to Plantation as a counselor for second session 2011. It has been about 10 years since I finished a run of 3 years on staff. Times have changed a bit since those days… my days at Plantation lead to a career as a middle school science teacher…   some of the youngest campers will now be my co-counselors… and my own boys will be bandits, along with Reilly and Aidan. 

Although I have a few more aches in my knees and a few less hairs on my head, my love for Plantation is strong as ever. I will certainly count my lucky stars to the have opportunity to share such a wonderful place with old friends and new. Fort Ross: Monday, August 1^st, 6:39 AM -0.6 low tide. Hope to see you at the tide pools!

Raman

Hi everybody, my name is Raman. I recently graduated from Lewis and Clark College with an undergraduate degree in Philosophy. However, this winter I have been in Park City, UT working, and playing, as a snowboarding instructor for kids. I always seem to find myself working outside and with kids, and I know Plantation has its fingerprints all over this.

This will be my fourth year on staff with Plantation, and I am excited as ever to be a part of camp for another summer! Old friends and new ones that I’ve yet had the chance to meet are a huge part of camp for me, for camp is always chock-full of amazing people that brighten every day. Sharing morning cookouts, fits of spontaneous laughter, and preparing my game face for some high-octane kubb on the front lawn are just a few of the things I am already aching for. I must also confess getting back into the coastal redwoods and ravines for some absolutely "gorge"-ous hikes going in all directions from camp is incessantly crossing my mind as summer draws ever closer. Summer at Plantation I hope you are ready for me, for I can barely wait any longer for you!

Sam

Hello current and future members of the farm camp family.

My name is Sam and it is my absolute pleasure to come back to camp for the 2011 summer. I am from Sydney Australia and currently completing my Masters of Teaching. I can't think of a better way to spend a wet old Australian winter, under the North Californian sunshine surrounded by redwood forest. 

There is too much to get excited about, whatever flavour you like. Whether it is caring for the many animals at camp, morning sing along, the kitchen staff's delicious food, sleeping under the stars, capture the flag or making your very own tie dye; there is literally something for everyone. The best thing, it is all up to you. Each camper can choose how to make their camp day the best it possible can be. One thing can be guaranteed no matter what you pick there will be talented, caring and smiling Plantation counsellors waiting to give you the best summer ever.