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!

Rob, Assistant Director


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.

Jenn, Office Manager

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!

Tom, Facility Manager

Leadership

At Black Bear Since 2004
Alycia
Programming Supervisor
My favorite part of camp is the campers and co-workers.
DID YOU KNOW…I was supposed I to get married on a cruise in Bermuda. Because of a hurricane we got married in Canada.
At Black Bear Since 2021
Nancy
Transportation Director
My Favorite Part of Camp is I love all the energy on Friday’s when all campers get together to do their cheers.
DID YOU KNOW…I am from Brooklyn
At Black Bear Since 2018
Elyse
Division Leader
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.
At Black Bear Since 2023
Shaina
Division Leader
My favorite part of camp is being a part of all of the fun.
DID YOU KNOW…I’m the only person in my family who can whistle!
At Black Bear Since 2003
Emilie
Division Leader
My Favorite Part of Camp is to watch the campers learn new skills as they participate in their electives around camp.
DID YOU KNOW…I met my husband at camp.
At Black Bear Since 2015
Drew
Division Leader
My favorite part of camp is the watching the kids find something new that they are passionate about. Whether it’s sports, crafts, or lake activities there is something at BBL for everyone to fall in love with.
DID YOU KNOW…Have been a camper, junior counselor, group leader, sports specialist, and a Division Leader at BBL!
At Black Bear Since 2016
Amy
Division Leader
At Black Bear Since 2023
Arianna
Division Leader
My favorite part of camp is making sure all campers go home happier than they arrived at camp, and excited To return back AtTheLake.
DID YOU KNOW…My favorite game Show is Family Feud and I want to be a Contestant one day. Steve Harvey is the best host!
At Black Bear Since 2021
Donald
Division Leader
At Black Bear Since 2016
Josh
Division Leader
My favorite part of camp is 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!
At Black Bear Since 2007
Brooke
Division Leader
My favorite part of camp is helping the campers to create lifelong memories and watching Black Bear become a second home to many!
DID YOU KNOW…Did you know that I am involved in the Seeing Eye Association and have raised three puppies through this organization.
At Black Bear Since 2003
“Fun Mayo”
Division Leader
My favorite part of camp is seeing all 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 in my family to be born in NJ.
At Black Bear Since 2018
Sarah
Aquatic Supervisor
My favorite part of camp is the friendships that are created along with the bonds the campers form and watching them get stronger each year.
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 to every state.
At Black Bear Since 1995
Jenn
Scheduling
My favorite part of camp is having the opportunity to do Zumba with campers and staff week 8.
DID YOU KNOW…I am a Girl Scout 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!BBL Parent