Caring Staff


Senior Staff

Steve Merifield - Executive Director

Steve joined the YMCA in March of 2007, but before Camp Piomingo, the native Australian received his bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Since coming to the US in 1997 as an international exchange camp counselor, Steve hasn’t been a stranger to the camp environment. He has been a cabin counselor, lifeguard, water ski instructor, aquatics director, outdoor educator, assistant summer camp director, summer camp director and now executive director.

When Steve isn’t fundraising, budgeting, recruiting and marketing for Camp Piomingo, he enjoys snowboarding, water skiing, Auburn football (War Eagle!), Aussie football, cricket, swimming and going to the movies. Steve has also recently married Erin, a Samford alum who just completed her masters in Special Education with a concentration in Moderate/Severe Disabilities from U of L. Steve, Erin and their dog, Tuck, have really found a home at Camp Piomingo.

For him, “It allows all who attend an opportunity to become part of the family in a home away from home. Camp Piomingo provides life-changing experiences.”

 

Joey Barnard - Program Director

Joey, a native of Scottsville, KY began his camping career in day camps, but soon found his place in overnight camping at Camp Piomingo. He attributes his success to Western Kentucky University where he studied Recreation and Park Administration with an emphasis on Outdoor Education and Facilities. Since his first summer at Piomingo, in 2004, he has held several different positions to include: adventure and explorer camp counselor, aquatics director, outdoor education instructor, outdoor education director and program director.

Joey’s favorite things outside of camp are canoe camping (of course, right?), kayaking, snowboarding, automotive tech, splitting firewood, visiting family, golf and playing Frisbee with his dog that won’t fetch. The things he loves the most about Piomingo is the opportunity to meet so many fascinating people and knowing that he has a direct impact on the experience of so many wonderful campers.

“I tell my staff each summer that ‘Most campers are blessed with happy homes, but some are not. No matter who they are, for that week they’re here, make them the most important person in your world. It may be the best week they have all year long. “Rest assured that while you are at home, wondering if your camper is having a good time, wondering if they’re sad, if they’re hungry, etc., there are staff members here who’s #1 priority is to keep your camper safe.” I look forward to having your camper at Piomingo and making them the Most Important Thing in My World.”

 

Whitney Skirtich - Equestrian Director

Originally from Ohio, Whitney Skirtich grew up in eastern Columbus and began riding horses at an early age.  She trained her first horse throughout high school and participated in several local schooling shows as a youth.  During school, Whitney gained experience working at local farms as an exercise rider and groom before deciding to pursue a career in the equine industry.  Whitney graduated from The University of Findlay in northwestern Ohio in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Equine Science and Business Management.

Soon after graduation, Whitney accepted a position as the Equestrian Director for the YMCA and began her career at Camp Piomingo.  Currently, Whitney teaches riding lessons to local riders and schools them in hunter/jumper and on the flat.  At camp, Whitney cares for the 22+ horses that reside at Piomingo year round and is also responsible for the Equestrian Program staffing and development, as well as marketing and communications.  Her true love is for her campers and their horses and she enjoys working with them one on one.

In 2005, Whitney adopted a black Labradoodle from a shelter in Ohio.  Lolla is a true companion and enjoys daily rides on the four wheeler.  Whitney enjoys colt breaking and training green horses and is currently working with her seven year old Mustang cross, Rocket.  Her other hobbies include skiing, theatre, reading, shopping, and Ohio State football.

Barbara Ellis

Office Manager since April of 1997

Eddie Bennett

Maintenance Supervisor since the spring of 1992

 

Theresa Banks - Kitchen Manager

Theresa Banks began working for the YMCA Camp Piomingo as the kitchen manager in the spring of 2010.  Originally from Alabama, Theresa worked at Camp World Song for five years as kitchen staff before coming to Piomingo.  She currently lives in Meade County with her husband of 33 years. Together they have four children and ten grandkids.  Theresa’s hobbies include fishing, hunting, NASCAR, and football….Roll Tide!

 General Qualities of Piomingo Staff

  • Minimum age 18 years, before June 1st (excluding staff aides)
  • Must enjoy working with children
  • Able to complete tasks individually and as part of a team
  • Open-minded and flexible to change
  • Lifeguard certification is desirable but not compulsory
  • Physical ability to move over rough terrain
  • Appropriate role model for children
  • Willing to learn new skills and be challenged
  • Reliable and punctual
  • Ability to lead and/or support instructional sessions
  • Positive attitude and solid work ethic

What’s In It For You?

  • Competitive wages
  • Room and board supplied
  • College credit available
  • Comprehensive training
  • Skill development
  • Outdoor working environment
  • Life-long friendships
  • Cultural exchange
  • Wonderful traditions
  • An experience that lasts a lifetime
  • A magical summer
  • FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

Expectations of Staff

Your Commitment

You are expected to be present at Camp from the first day of staff training until the last camper session day. Equestrian staff are required to attend an H.S.A. training in May unless a current certification is held. Time off varies depending on the assigned program and immediate needs of the campers. Lifeguard training will be offered to all staff before staff training in May. It is important to know ahead of time that this job at times may be frustrating, exhausting and uncomfortable. Working with children is not for everyone. You MUST be extremely flexible and patient. You learn just how much you are capable of, through challenging yourself and building incredible relationships. Stress, fatigue and heat almost always come into play, but the rewards are invaluable and choosing to work as a camp counselor truly can be a life-changing decision.

Time Off

One-week staff work Sunday morning to Friday around 5:00 pm. Every staff member has two hours off per day except on Sundays and Fridays. All one-week staff are expected to work one weekend during the summer, for which they will be granted a 24-hour break the following week. Two-week staff work Sunday morning through the following Friday around 5:00 pm. In addition to the two hours a day time-off for everyone, two-week staff are given 24 hours off during the current two-week session. Exceptions to our time off policy are granted if involving school priorities, job interviews, family emergencies, etc.

Appearance

Neat appearance, good grooming, and personal hygiene are important throughout your time at Piomingo. All staff are expected to dress in a manner that is appropriate to working with children. Hair and facial hair should be kept clean and neatly groomed. Inappropriate tattoos will need to be covered and jewelry and body piercings that are considered hazardous or inappropriate will need to be removed. The camp administration reserves the right to make determinations concerning a counselor’s appearance.

Your Lifestyle

Drug tests will be performed on all staff at the beginning of the summer and randomly throughout the summer. All Staff will undergo a criminal background check and National Sex Offender Public Registry check prior to being hired. NO DRUGS OR ALCOHOL are permitted. Any staff person on camp property who is under the influence will be immediately terminated from employment.

Medical Insurance

Camp Piomingo does not provide Health Insurance for seasonal employees. Job related injuries will be covered by Workman’s Compensation Insurance. This does not cover sickness or pre-existing conditions. A complete physical examination from a physician is recommended before the commencement of your employment.

YMCA Camp Piomingo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or disability.

Character Development

Camper development is the cornerstone of our programs. Our vision is to cultivate growth through the YMCA’s character-building program respect and responsibility as core values). Mental, physical and spiritual development is encouraged through participation in all of our fun and challenging activities. Piomingo offers a wide variety of activities from which to choose, so the level of challenge is suited to each camper’s needs.

Traditional Camp Programs

Frontier Program (6-8 year olds)
Three-day, two-night program including a basic camping program schedule.
6 staff: 3 females, 3 males.

Pioneer Program (7-15 year olds)
One-week program, which includes an interactive camping schedule with instructional clinics and recreational time.
20 staff: 10 females, 10 males.

Explorer Program (9-13 year olds)
Two-week program that includes an interactive camping schedule with instructional clinics, recreational options and basic adventure activities.
8 staff: 4 females, 4 males.

Adventure Camp Programs - Teens

Must be 20 or older.

Campcrafter Programs (13-16 year olds)
One and two-week programs that emphasize camping, outdoor living skills and adventure-based activities including climbing, caving, canoeing and a three-day, off-site campout.

Trailblazer Program (14-16 year olds)
One and two-week programs with whitewater rafting and rock climbing trips incorporating camping, outdoor living skills and adventure based activities.

Equestrian Camp Program

7 staff: traditionally female

Equestrian I Program (9-15 year olds)
One-week program that teaches the basics of riding techniques, horse care and stable management.

Equestrian II Program (10-16 year olds)
Two-week program teaching beginner to advanced riders in small group settings including mounted lessons.

Equestrian Staff

The Camp Piomingo Equestrian Program is looking for qualified staff to teach young children the basics of horsemanship and English riding. Equestrian Staff must participate in the HSA (Horsemanship Safety Association) clinic, participate in camp-wide activities, and reside with campers in cabins serving as their counselor, mentor and friend. Each Equestrian Counselor is assigned a separate riding group to which she/he will teach the basics of riding, horse care, and stable management. There are seven counselor positions available. Pay will vary based on experience. NO horse experience required, simply the willingness to learn. Being an Equestrian Counselor is a fun and rewarding experience. It allows counselors to gain confidence and experience teaching riding lessons and is an ideal resume building opportunity.

All counselors are required to complete all necessary certifications during Staff Training Week including but not limited to CPR/First Aid, belay training and high ropes, water safety and lifeguarding (optional), homesickness, bullying and child abuse prevention training. All staff are required to pass drug and background screenings.

Program Staff Positions

Throughout the summer there are administrative positions available for unit leaders and various directors (Waterfront, Photography, Activities, etc). All positions require an age minimum of 21 years and a clean driving history. Some experience in outdoor recreation/leadership is preferred.

Bunk1 Director/Camper Communication Coordinator (one position)

Waterfront Director (one position): Supervises all activity at Doe Valley Lake

Aquatics Director (one position): Supervises all activity at the Piomingo Pool

Activities Director (one position): Oversees all morning activity rotations, evening activities, coordinates schedules with all programs and assigns staff to lead activities

Store Manager (not a stand alone position): Sells and maintains store inventory on opening and closing days, serves midday snack to campers and staff, works closely with the kitchen manager to order stock, distributes program t-shirts and keeps an accurate inventor