Meet our Summer Camp Staff

Forest Lake Camp Director and Owner Team

Sara Robertson-Ryan, Director

This will be Sara’s fifth summer with Forest Lake Camp. Sara began her career at FLC in 2004 as a Counselor and quickly grew into the role of Program Director. After a two season hiatus and three years serving as the Director of the Schoharie County Youth Bureau, Sara returned to FLC in 2009 as the Director. A graduate of The College of St. Rose with a Master's in Secondary Education, Sara was drawn to FLC because it combines her two passions: working with youth and working in the outdoors, more specifically the Adirondacks Mountains of New York. To add to her affection for the outdoors, Sara is certified as a Wilderness First Responder, an essential for safety as an outdoor enthusiast. Sara resides in Clayton, NY during the off-season with her husband Tom, and their beagle, Mocha.

Why do I return to FLC every summer? “FLC is in my blood. It’s been that way since my first summer: meeting Gary Confer, living in a cabin, climbing the Waterfront hill every day, singing songs and cheering in the mess hall, and enjoying what Campfire brings each week. I think I would ache if I weren’t here. In fact, I know I would, because for the few years I wasn’t able to come back, it was very hard on me. Knowing that I can provide that kind of feeling, that kind of completeness, to children is awe-inspiring. I want to share this special place with all the campers I can!”

Graeme Marshall, Assistant Camp Director

Graeme’s first introduction to Forest Lake Camp was in the summer of 2002. Arriving from Scotland as a general counselor with a heavy bag and an open mind it didn’t take long for the camping bug to get him. Graeme has returned to Forest Lake each subsequent summer, moving from Counselor to Assistant Waterfront Director and then on to Head Counselor before reaching his current position as Assistant Director. Graeme attributes the great appreciation he now has for the camping movement and to Forest Lake Camp specifically to the passion fostered in him from his time working closely with Gary Confer and Chris Stamm. The leadership and knowledge gained from his time spent with them has proved invaluable in all aspects of Graeme’s life. Along with the many wonderful experiences Forest Lake has provided for Graeme, FLC is also where he met his wife; whom he worked alongside that first summer. They currently spend their winters in Tarrytown, NY.

Why do I return to FLC every summer? “Ever since my first summer at Forest Lake Camp, where within days of arriving from a country with no formalized camping, I had embraced a concept so alien to me yet seemingly so perfect. Forest Lake allows me to spend my summers unplugged from the modern world, which is so important for my wellbeing and appreciation of nature. It is this aspect of summer that I believe can benefit today’s youth. The memories I cherish most are being witness to the accomplishments, both big and small, that our campers make each and every summer in their abilities and personal growth. The knowledge that these are the same experiences I have gone through at camp and the positive effect they had on my life, makes me realize all the hard work and long days of summer are worth every minute.”

Geoff Blanck, Owner/Associate Director

A second-generation alumnus of Forest Lake Camp, Geoff spent 6 years at FLC in the late 1970's and early 1980's. His brother Rob Blanck also spent several years at FLC over that time and his father Bob Blanck spent many many summers on 'the hill' in the 50's and 60's. Geoff is a graduate of Hobart College and Babson Business School, has lived and worked in London, traveled extensively in New Zealand and now resides in Waterbury, Vermont. Pictured here with his wife, Shalagh, an alumna of the Brown Ledge Camp for girls in Colchester, Vermont, and future campers Emma (6) and Annecy (5). Owning FLC is a dream come true for Geoff and his family. A highlight of his summer is leading the old Indian rain chant 'Flee, Fly, Flo' at campfire every Sunday night to ward off the clouds for the upcoming week.

Why do I return to FLC every summer? "It is both invigorating and surreal to own the camp that has been part of my life since I was 7 years old and part of my family since the mid 1950's. I returned to FLC for the beauty and tranquility and the ability to positively shape a child's life. When I was at FLC I learned how to make friends, what it means to be a leader and experienced things that I never would have had the chance to experience otherwise. Having the opportunity to provide that to a few hundred children every year is exhilarating. I am proud and eager to continue the wonderful traditions of FLC and seeing the smiling faces of campers every day makes me a very happy camper myself."

Tobin Kelly, Owner/Associate Director

Tobin is an alumnus of Camp Tohkomeupog in Madison, New Hampshire where he spent 18 years as a camper, counselor and Head Counselor in addition to leading the alumni association for ten years. Tobin is a graduate of Harvard College and Babson Business School and Tobin worked for 6 years at Bright Horizons, a child care company headquartered in Boston. Tobin now works full-time at The Ariel Group in Lexington, MA when he isn’t dreaming about camp. Pictured here with his wife, Margaret, Lower School Admissions Director at the Fessenden School in Newton, Massachusetts and Office Manager at Forest Lake during the second session, his son, Quinn and daughter Kenzie, who is a current camper at FLC.

Why do I return to Forest Lake each summer? “Growing up, summertime meant going to camp where I could enjoy the outdoors, camaraderie and spirit of a traditional summer camp. The friendships I formed have been lifelong and the experiences so special that I was even married at camp! When I had the opportunity to get involved with Forest Lake, it was and is the continuation of a dream come true.”

Forest Lake Camp Administrative Staff

Ray Head, Boys Head Counselor

Coming Soon . . .


Justin Hessberg, Boys Head Counselor

Coming Soon . . .


Marielle Cavarretta, Girls Head Counselor

Coming Soon . . .


Kate Lynch, Girls Head Counselor

Coming Soon . . .

Bob Duffy, Activities Director

Bob has been with FLC since the year 2000. He has filled a number of roles at the camp including Coach, Lifeguard, Program Director and Head Counselor. This summer he is looking forward to continuing to take campers whitewater rafting and to helping out with athletics. Bob will be taking over the new position of Activities Director this summer, which will be a huge help in managing all our activities. When not at camp Bob is a special education and phys. ed. teacher in the town of Lake Luzerne. Originally from Brooklyn, Bob has fallen in love with the beauty of the Adirondacks.

Why do I return to FLC every summer? "When I was looking for a camp for my daughter I was looking for a safe, exciting, enriching place for her to spend the summer. On my first visit to FLC I was impressed by the fact that so many counselors had been former campers and by the fact that so many campers had been at FLC for multiple years. This told me that campers built a love for this place and each other. My daughter was lucky enough to spend three years at FLC and I have been lucky enough to work and play at this camp for more than ten years. Enjoying the great outdoors with a great, big camp family has been a life enriching experience."


Lauren Perez, Office Administrator / Parent and Camper Liaison

Lauren began at FLC as a camper in the summer of 1999. She later became a counselor and then Head Counselor for the Girls’ Camp. As a camper, she spent most of her time in the dance pavilion, but she also enjoyed taking kayak and tubing trips down the nearby Sacandaga River. As a counselor, Lauren took over as the head of the dance department, choreographing dances and teaching campers for the end of session shows or the weekly campfires. Lauren is stepping into a new role at FLC this year; she will be our new Office Administrator/ Parent and Camper Liaison. Lauren is originally from Long Island and is a graduate of Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, where she majored in History and Political Science. She studied abroad in Italy and Northern Ireland, and was even able to meet up with some FLC friends from England during her visit to London. She currently teaches high school Social Studies in Niskayuna, NY.

Why do I return to FLC every summer? “There is a tradition that the CIT’s open the final campfire of every summer by each giving one reason why they return to FLC year after year. When I did this in 2003, my reason was simple: Forest Lake Camp is home. That is even truer today. FLC is filled with memories of campfires, cabin overnights, and looking at the stars with my cabin-mates. Perhaps even more special are the simpler things - playing cards on rainy days or dancing around the mess hall singing silly songs. It is the people I shared those moments with that I know will be lifelong friends. As a staff member, I look forward every summer to giving each camper the chance to create those memories and to try things they wouldn’t get to do anywhere else. I hope that one day, they too call FLC home.”


Sadie Ball, Program Director

Coming Soon . . .


Heather York, Trips Director

Heather is a 32-year-old optimist, who loves being outdoors as much as possible. She likes to share her joy of hiking and camping with everyone. Heather’s faithful companion Oscar (8 year old Border Collie Mix) joins her on trips. During the off-camp season, Heather resides in Ticonderoga, NY where she is a Middle School Spanish Teacher. Heather’s hobbies include doing agility and hiking with Oscar, as well as photography, scrap booking and kayaking. Heather’s an avid traveler who loves adventuring.

Why do I return to FLC every summer? “Because it is my family away from home. I believe the people make the place, and I have met some of the greatest people at FLC. The dynamic changes as some of the staff come and go, but the core ideas stay the same. When we turn down the road leading to camp, Oscar goes into happy, excited barking, and we both are joyful to be at camp. Each year, I look forward to meeting the new staff and campers, and reconnecting with the friends I’ve made from the previous years. It’s one of those places that become sacred to you as you experience it, yearning for more year after year. Lastly, the scenery at camp amazes me: I have seen some spectacular views at FLC over the years.”


John Cullen, Activity Specialist

John came to Forest Lake Camp for the first time in the summer of 1966. He was nine years old, and had a few summers of day camp under his belt and was looking forward to a grand adventure. John’s mother decided that FLC was the place to send me based on the recommendation of one of his classmate’s mother whose family had relatives in the Lake George area, and who son was going back to FLC that summer.

John spent every summer from 1966 – 1979 at camp, and would have been glad to come back in 1980, but had graduated from college, and needed to secure a “real job”, not to mention, his fiancée actually expected him to marry her as promised… (Hear more of John’s story) – link here the remaining dialogue:

John’s wedding in 1980 took place on the last day of second session so no one who was working at camp was actually able to make the ceremony, but there still was a strong FLC connection. John’s wife Kelly was someone he had met at camp a few years before. Her brothers were all in the wedding party. John’s new brother-in-law, John, had been a cabin counselor with him in 1975 (Cabin 7), and another brother-in-law, Jimmy, had been a counselor and maintenance employee for a number of years in the mid and late 70’s. John’s best man Charlie was someone he had met for the first time at camp in 1969. The two never lived in the same town and never went to the same school, but after 3 summers of camp, Charlie was and remains to this day one of his best friends.

In the 80’s Kelly and John started working on building a future and starting a family. They maintained contact with FLC and the people who worked there as Kelly’s family has a summerhouse on Kelm Lake, which is the last right turn on Forest Lake Road before you reach camp. The first of the Cullen’s six children arrived in 1986, and as the oldest came to camp as a 10 year old in 1996. Two years later his mother and siblings joined their son Sean at FLC, as Kelly came back as a camp nurse in 1998. All of the Cullen children have gone to FLC and all of those who have been old enough, worked at camp during their college years.

John returned to FLC in 2001. John was in the process of transitioning from a 20+ year career in sales and marketing to becoming an educator. John has spent the last nine years as a teacher of mathematics at the middle school, high school, or college level.

In the course of my 20+ years at FLC, John has been a junior camper, intermediate camper, senior camper, CIT (counselor-in-training), and a JC (Junior Counselor). He was the captain of his color war team (1969 – they won, and yes his name is on the plaque in the mess hall). He has been a Cabin Counselor, taught archery, taught waterskiing, and taught golf. John’s FLC experience has also included Trip Director, Waterfront Director, a Head Counselor, and even some years has had loosely defined responsibilities, that mostly revolve around making sure everyone has a good time at camp.

John’s family now has 100+ summers of experience attending or working at FLC. Much has changed in the time since John first came to camp. No one had yet walked on the moon; the trip from New York City was a lot longer; not further, but longer as the Northway was still a work in progress, and north of Saratoga you had to take Route 9 all the way to camp. The camp road was a dirt road for it’s entire length.

John and his family come back to camp every year for the things that haven’t changed since long before he was even aware that FLC existed: the natural beauty of the lake, campus, and the Adirondack Mountains. Meteor Showers and Aurora Borealis in August, hot days, and cool nights. Learning from experience that anything cooked over an open fire has to taste better. Camp is where so many have had the opportunity to take the first steps towards learning to make their own decisions; what to wear, what activities to enjoy, what new things to try, talking to someone you don’t know, and making friends with people you probably wouldn’t get to know at all except for camp. It’s the friendships that most of all have defined John’s FLC experience.

“We all have, or will have the experience of having friends due to convenience. They live near us; we play on the same team, or go to the same school. If and when something changes, someone moves, doesn’t make the team etc. the friendship quickly fades. The two most enduring relationships I have are with my wife of almost 30 years, and my best friend who lives in a different state. One I see daily, one I see rarely, but I am always thankful for the FLC experience that allowed me to meet and form the relationships that continue to shape my life to this day.”


Kelly Cullen, RN

Kelly has been aware of FLC since she was a little girl (many years ago). Her family has been going to Kelm Lake (just down the road) as a vacation spot for over 48 years!! Some of Kelly’s happiest summer memories are of the camp horses coming down the road as the campers took them on a trail ride! She used to go up to camp with a friend of hers, Ellen Crawford, (her Dad was a counselor at camp with Al Shaler) as she used to take riding lessons in the evenings!! (Forest Lake was an all Boys Camp at that time)

Kelly was first employed at FLC by Phil Confer. He needed someone to work in the infirmary for a few weeks and as Kelly was attending nursing school at the time, he thought it would be a good fit!! That was the summer of 1976. Kelly will say her whole life really was changed because of that event. Hear how Kelly’s life was changed by FLC. – Link here to the remaining story

Kelly returned to camp for the years '77,'78, and '79. In 1978 she began dating John Cullen and the rest is history! Because of camp Kelly found the love of her life and had a wonderful time too!! She has been fortunate to work with some wonderful people who have remained a part of her and John’s lives to this day. One such example is Mike and Sue Pariseau and their wonderful children!! Kelly’s been able to work with two of her brothers, John and Jimmy who did a variety of things at camp over the years and also have wonderful memories!!

Kelly graduated from college and got married (both in 1980) and John and her pursued their various careers...he in business and Kelly as a nurse. Kelly more recently has spent the past 11 years as the school nurse in Tewksbury, New Jersey and loves it. She also teaches a variety of Parenting Classes at Morristown for Morristown Memorial Hospital and has been doing that for 17 years.

Kelly continues to say: “I think the most wonderful event for John and I up to that point was the arrival of our son Sean in 1986!! We were than blessed with five more children, four girls and another boy who have brought us more joy than you can imagine!! Mary Kate, Kerry, Erin, our angel Kevin and Meghan joined Sean and our house was filled with wonderful chaos!!

In 1996 our son Sean (after attending an alumni event at camp) decided he too wanted to go to Forest Lake Camp!! He loved every minute of it and formed some forever friendships! Since the girls all heard how great it was, it soon became apparent that they too wanted to join fun!! How lucky for me that Forest Lake also needed a nurse for the infirmary at that time and off we all went!

Thus began our wonderful adventure!!! We all started at camp in 1998 and have continued back till this day. It is amazing to me how often we still talk about camp...It is daily! Our children have made friends with people from all over the world. They have learned how to live with people who are from different places and cultures and realized how similar we all are no matter where we are from.

They have experienced the joy of being able to get up and dance and sing ...something they might never feel comfortable enough doing at home ...and being rewarded with cheers and high fives by their fellow campers and counselors. The confidence that camp has built in our children has been a joy to watch!

Their cousins, Ryan and Quinn and their Uncle Paul DiFalco in 2000, joined our children at FLC (Paul as a staff member, and the girls as campers). What a joy to share all this fun with their cousins and I know they would tell you that camp is also their most favorite place in the world! How amazing that my children’s father, a former camper and counselor, has now become a fixture at camp in a variety of roles - perhaps his most favorite, Camp Goodwill Ambassador: which is being able to share with anyone he meets what a great place Forest Lake Camp is!

As campers the children have experienced things that would not have been possible all in one place: riding, rafting, hiking, swimming, sailing, and backpacking in the beautiful Adirondacks! They have participated in the Dance Show, the Camp Play, and many other traditional yet very important events that ARE Forest Lake Camp! They look forward to those things being there and being the same because it is that familiarity that is the heart and soul of FLC. We anticipate the weekly campfire with great excitement, what will people sing? What story or poem will be read? What great talents do we have this year? But most importantly the campers know they are all welcome and encouraged to participate!

We love that quiet beauty of Candlelight Campfire and yet we cry every year, as we know another summer has come to an end.

As my daughter Erin put it so beautifully this year at Banquet, perhaps we should play Homeward Bound when the campers arrive as for so many (especially our family) we do consider Forest Lake our home away from home.

We continue to love FLC as we have grown. The children have worked as counselors and shared their experiences and love of camp with their campers. They have gone off to college and done very well and I believe their ability to adapt to college life was because of the skills they developed at Camp. Learning to be a little independent from a very young age helped them ease into life away from home!”

2010 Couselor Staff

coming soon