Directors & Leadership
Our year-round team has a full time passion for Black Bear Lake Day Camp. They work hard 10 months a year to give our campers 8 weeks of the BEST SUMMER EVER! They are responsible for all of the planning that is needed for every facet of the camp day, ensuring that you receive exceptional customer service along the way.
Black Bear Lake families feel comfortable knowing the same extraordinary people are here to take care of their children year after year
Ian
Director/Owner
At Black Bear Since 2010
Simply put…Ian is camp and camp is Ian. He began his career as a camper, counselor, Division Leader and administrator at a traditional day camp in New Jersey. Ian has only missed 2 summers at camp since he was 3 years old! He takes pride in his hands on approach to camping. His personal leadership and spirit is reflected in Black Bear Lake’s rich traditions, extraordinary staff, and quality program. Ian is an active member of the American Camp Association and regularly attends and participates in industry events and conferences in order to find ways to further improve the camp experience. Ian graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Economics and a focus on Business Management and Entrepreneurship. He lives in Howell with his wife Dara, whom he met at summer camp!
Ian loves talking to new families, current families, alumni, staff and ANYONE who wants to discuss camp!
Email: Ian@blackbearlake.com

Rob
Assistant Director
At Black Bear Since 2023
Rob returned to Black Bear Lake in 2023 after spending 2 years living in Colorado working with Avid 4 Adventure, a summer program reconnecting kids and teens to the power of nature and the outdoors. A former Black Bear Lake Group Leader, Rob is returning “home” so he can provide an amazing experience to Black Bear Lake campers and staff. Focusing primarily on hiring and staffing, Rob will be a mentor, coach, and cheerleader for the Black Bear Lake team. In addition, he will be working very closely with The Programming Team and Ian developing special events and overall ensuring a positive, fun, and successful camp season!
Jenn
Administrative Director
At Black Bear Since 2012
Jenn is the voice on the other end of the phone when you call camp. She began working at BBL in 2012 as the Transportation Director. More recently, Jenn serves as the camp office manager and coordinator, as well as overseeing all camp communication and registration. Staffing and staff training rounds out her ever growing list of camp tasks. Jenn has grown to understand the true power of camp.

Tom
Facility Manager
At Black Bear Since 2020
Tom joined the Black Bear Lake family in 2020 with a lifetime’s worth of experience in both commercial and residential construction. His relationship with Ian goes back to the 7 years he served as the Facility Director at the same private day camp. Tom also has 20+ years’ experience as the Owner/Operator of a local soccer camp servicing both Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Tom works hand in hand with Ian and his dedicated team of workers and contractors on improving the facility in every aspect possible. He lives in Brick with his wife Lorraine. His 3 children attended and worked as counselors at day camp. Tom is very grateful for the experience his children had at summer camp.
Carlos
Facility Manager
At Black Bear Since 2023
Carlos joined the Black Bear Lake team at the start of 2023 as the Assistant Facility Manager. Originally from East Brunswick, he now resides in New Brunswick. Carlos is considered a “jack of all trades” but his primary focus is on carpentry. He is a valuable asset to the BBL Team and always works until the task is completed. Carlos is very sociable and is always willing to lend a helping hand! When you see Carlos working around camp, don’t be afraid to say hi!
Leadership

Elyse
Division Leader
At Black Bear Since 2018
My favorite part of camp is making lifelong friendship and watching my kids do the same.
DID YOU KNOW…I met my husband 15 years ago teaching and now we spend our summers together at camp.

Colette
Division Leader
At Black Bear Since 2000
My favorite part of camp is having the opportunity to join campers during group choice, electives, or special event. Jumping into the Gaga pit (not knowing all the rules) and playing a game or two with 15 energized lower campers is just one that comes to mind.
DID YOU KNOW… I have lived on 3 continents.

Alycia
Division Leader
At Black Bear Since 2004
My favorite part of camp is the campers and co-workers.
DID YOU KNOW…I was supposed to get married on a cruise in Bermuda. Because of a hurricane we got married in Canada.

Brooke
Division Leader
At Black Bear Since 2005
My favorite part of camp is seeing all the new and returning campers each summer and experiencing the new activities that camp has to offer every year.
DID YOU KNOW…my birthday is on April Fool’s Day

Michael
Division Leader
At Black Bear Since 2015
Favorite Part of Camp: The spirit that Senior Camp always has every day at Camp! It is infectious!
DID YOU KNOW…I lived in NYC for a while.

Josh
Division Leader
At Black Bear Since 2016
Favorite Part of Camp: Watching each group compete to make the best Yacht or Knot boat to race across the pool.
DID YOU KNOW…I have jumped out of an airplane twice!

Brooke
Division Leader
At Black Bear Since 2007
My favorite part of camp is
DID YOU KNOW…

“Fun” Mayo
Division Leader
At Black Bear Since 2003
My favorite part of camp is seeing all of the happy/sad faces at the end of the camp season because it shows how much they loved being there/how much they’ll miss it.
DID YOU KNOW… I was the first one in my family born in NJ

Sarah
Pool Supervisor
At Black Bear Since 2018
Favorite part of camp is the friendships that are created along with the bonds camper form and watching them get stronger each summer!
DID YOU KNOW…I have lived in 5 different states and have traveled to 31 of the United States. One of my goals is to travel every state.

Jenn
Scheduling
At Black Bear Since 1995
My favorite part of camp is doing Zumba with campers and staff Week 8!
DID YOU KNOW…I am a Girl Scouts leader in Manalapan
Our kids had a great time this year. Thanks to BBL’s amazingly talented leadership and staff, my kids always come home with smile!