(B.A. Univ. of Michigan, M.A. Columbia Univ., Ph.D. Princeton Univ.) Bob was a counselor at Deerkill during his college years. He returned after ten years as a college professor to become a Director in 1977 and has never left. Bob and his father Irwin Rhodes co-authored FUNDAMENTALS OF DAY CAMPING published by the American Camp Association. Bob’s hobbies include photography, especially photos of campers in action. He also enjoys hiking and reading.
(B.S. Barnard College, M.A. Brooklyn College, and Ph.D. Fordham) Karen has been a Director since 1977. Karen is a licensed psychologist. She has post-doctoral training in family therapy (FIW) and has taught child development courses in college. Karen was also a school psychologist for many years and currently has a private practice specializing in family therapy. Karen is an avid watercolor artist who loves painting outdoor scenes and enjoys traveling abroad.
(B.A. Washington University in St. Louis, M.S. Teachers College, Columbia Univ.) Rebecca started at Deerkill as a camper when she was 3 years old and is now a 3rd-generation Director. She has worked at Deerkill as a counselor and waterfront director among other positions. Rebecca is also a speech-language pathologist who works with children of all ages. Rebecca enjoys swimming, skiing, and hiking but her favorite pastime is playing with her and Todd’s sons Isaac (pictured above) and Henry.
(B.A. Tufts University, M.B.A. NYU Stern School of Business) Prior to joining Deerkill as a Director in 2007, Todd’s camping experience included seven summers as a camper and counselor at an overnight camp in Cape Cod. Todd runs Deerkill’s operations in the offseason. Todd enjoys playing basketball, doing triathlons, and watching his hometown Boston sports teams but his favorite activity is dancing to oldies with his and Rebecca’s sons Isaac and Henry.
We are always on the grounds during the day and available by phone to answer your questions in the evening.
Bob’s father Irwin (J.D. NYU) and mother Mildred (A.B. Hunter College) founded Deerkill Park Day Camp in 1958 (later dropping the “Park”). Irwin had previously followed his parents as Director of the sleep away camps High Lake and Winona. He and Mildred (“Midge”) purchased Deerkill as a summer camp for the boys and girls who visited the bungalow colony across the street every summer. Irwin was also a trustee of the Robert Louis Steven School for many years as well as a local homebuilder – perhaps his most famous building is Deerkill’s own basketball pavilion, an area landmark.
Alan is a Director and our Head Counselor. His presence at Deerkill dates back to 1969 – he recently celebrated his 40th year at Deerkill! His three sons have attended Deerkill and two are still counselors. Alan is also the Dean of Ramapo High School and Athletic Director. In his spare time, he takes a special interest in the New York Rangers. He met his wife Cathy at Deerkill.
Jennifer is in her 10th year at Deerkill. She works year round as our office manager and transportation director. Jennifer knows every short cut in the Tri-State area. She has a daughter who attends Deerkill as a CIT. She is an automotive enthusiast, loves Dunkin Donuts coffee, and Zumba.
Cathy runs our summer camp office and is the friendly voice parents hear in July and August. This is her 10th year with us. She is an elementary school teacher. One of her sons is a Senior camper at Deerkill.
Rosina is in her 12th year at Deerkill as our bookkeeper. She has her own consulting company. Her son is currently a CIT at Deerkill and her daughter is now working here as well after many years as a camper.
After working for two summers as our Specialty Head in Computers, Deloris joined us in our business office where she publishes the camp newspaper among many other things. Her son attends Deerkill.
We are so proud of the fact that so many of our staff return year after year to be part of our extended Deerkill family.
