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PLAY CAMP SONG
Andy Pritikin
(Owner, Director, Founder)For over 25 years, Andy has been an industry leader of the summer camp profession and spokesperson for the American Camp Association. He has facilitated professional development workshops across the world, appears on TV regularly, writes articles for parenting and camp magazines, and is the host of “The Day Camp Podcast.” Andy served as Board President of the American Camp Association NY/NJ, as well as Professional Development Chair, and Chair of the Tri-State Camp Conference- the largest annual gathering of camp professionals in the world. Andy has helped create four different camps (including LLDC,) and is a partner at Everwood Day Camp in Massachusetts, and Camp Southwoods– a beautiful resident camp in the Adirondack Mountains of NY.
At the local level, Andy is co-founder and past President of the NJ Camps, an organization created to protect the interests of all New Jersey Camps. He’s an active board member of his local Chamber of Commerce, and a certified child abuse prevention trainer. He is also the co-founder and Producer of the NJ Renaissance Faire, the largest festival of its kind in New Jersey. A proud supporter of Project Morry and SCOPE, two non-profit organizations which support underserved youths to attend summer camps, Andy co-founded the Liberty Lake Foundation to support families local to Liberty Lake. Andy has been honored with numerous national and regional awards by the camp industry, business community, and charitable organizations. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business and a Masters in Education, Andy began his professional career as a rock and jazz musician, performing at night while teaching instrumental music during the day. Andy’s music was played on the radio and TV, and he performed on TV’s “Star Search,” as well as venues throughout the northeast including the “Blue Note” in NYC. These days, Andy’s musical highlights take place on Friday afternoons when he leads the camp in a rousing rendition of the “Liberty Lake Song!”
Jill Pritikin
(Owner/Director)A former CPA with years of experience as a corporate human resources coordinator, Jill is the behind-the-scenes Operations Director of Liberty Lake. A Team Beach Body Coach, and a trained Zumba instructor, Jill is a strong advocate of healthy living through natural foods and exercise. She and Andy have two grown children who attended and worked at LLDC, a yoga and wellness instructor, and another budding camp director!
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Jill Pritikin
(Owner/Director)A former CPA with years of experience as a corporate human resources coordinator, Jill is the behind-the-scenes Operations Director of Liberty Lake. A Team Beach Body Coach, and a trained Zumba instructor, Jill is a strong advocate of healthy living through natural foods and exercise. She and Andy have two grown children who attended and worked at LLDC, a yoga and wellness instructor, and another budding camp director!
Joseph Craig
(Administrative Director)Joe is at the heart of all the administrative aspects that keep Liberty Lake flowing smoothly. He oversees the registration process, database and all financial and customer service related issues with our camp families. He works closely with agencies to help support our inclusion program. In the summer, he manages the office, with all of the communication going in and out, including bus transportation – all with an optimistic outlook and upbeat personality. He takes a genuine interest in each family’s unique set of circumstances and needs and is available throughout the year to assist as needed. Joe has six children and six grandchildren, enjoys history, lived in England, and serves on his local township committee.
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Joseph Craig
(Administrative Director)Joe is at the heart of all the administrative aspects that keep Liberty Lake flowing smoothly. He oversees the registration process, database and all financial and customer service related issues with our camp families. He works closely with agencies to help support our inclusion program. In the summer, he manages the office, with all of the communication going in and out, including bus transportation – all with an optimistic outlook and upbeat personality. He takes a genuine interest in each family’s unique set of circumstances and needs and is available throughout the year to assist as needed. Joe has six children and six grandchildren, enjoys history, lived in England, and serves on his local township committee.
Brandi “BC” Carnivale
(Director)The longest tenured employee of “the Lake,” Brandi personifies the Liberty Lake spirit. Her engaging personality, positive attitude, leadership skills and dedication are legendary at LLDC. Brandi makes a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of campers and teammates each summer just being herself, spreading camp spirit, and noticing campers and staff when they succeed with our “star points”. Having held most every position at LLDC, Brandi oversees the “Freedom of Choice” Elective Program, the daily “Spirit Events Calendar,” the Teen Leadership Program, and is the curator of most of our big events which take place year-round. She is the co-founder of the Liberty Lake Foundation, and the driving force in making it an important part of our local community. Brandi is a former aspiring attorney who got bit by the camp bug, and lives and breathes Liberty Lake!
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Brandi “BC” Carnivale
(Director)The longest tenured employee of “the Lake,” Brandi personifies the Liberty Lake spirit. Her engaging personality, positive attitude, leadership skills and dedication are legendary at LLDC. Brandi makes a positive impact on the lives of hundreds of campers and teammates each summer just being herself, spreading camp spirit, and noticing campers and staff when they succeed with our “star points”. Having held most every position at LLDC, Brandi oversees the “Freedom of Choice” Elective Program, the daily “Spirit Events Calendar,” the Teen Leadership Program, and is the curator of most of our big events which take place year-round. She is the co-founder of the Liberty Lake Foundation, and the driving force in making it an important part of our local community. Brandi is a former aspiring attorney who got bit by the camp bug, and lives and breathes Liberty Lake!
Johannes “Buggi” Buggenhagen
(Assistant Director, Staff Recruitment & Experience)Born and raised in Germany, where he sold yachts on the Baltic Sea, then helped managed 1500 units for a Berlin real estate company. Buggi went on vacation in Panama in 2020, and was at a music festival when the pandemic hit. From there, he lived in the jungle for five months, then on a remote Pacific beach, where he became head of operations and client experience at a small, boutique international resort. He then worked as a DJ and a festival organizer, at beautiful locations around the world. At Liberty Lake, he is hiring staff, and making sure that their experience is as positive and rewarding as possible!
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Johannes “Buggi” Buggenhagen
(Assistant Director, Staff Recruitment & Experience)Born and raised in Germany, where he sold yachts on the Baltic Sea, then helped managed 1500 units for a Berlin real estate company. Buggi went on vacation in Panama in 2020, and was at a music festival when the pandemic hit. From there, he lived in the jungle for five months, then on a remote Pacific beach, where he became head of operations and client experience at a small, boutique international resort. He then worked as a DJ and a festival organizer, at beautiful locations around the world. At Liberty Lake, he is hiring staff, and making sure that their experience is as positive and rewarding as possible!
Rob Swantek
(Assistant Director, Operations)Rob is a decorated veteran of a United States Air Force Special Operations Unit, and has experience in crisis/emergency prevention and response, disaster/emergency drill coordinating, emergency management, fire prevention, system management, risk assessment/management, safety, security, and training at both university and hospital settings. Rob has received several “best practices” recognitions by accrediting organizations in areas that include threat assessments, active intruder response, abduction prevention/response, and crisis/emergency prevention/response. As you can see, we are super fortunate to have Rob as part of the Liberty Lake full-time team!
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Rob Swantek
(Assistant Director, Operations)Rob is a decorated veteran of a United States Air Force Special Operations Unit, and has experience in crisis/emergency prevention and response, disaster/emergency drill coordinating, emergency management, fire prevention, system management, risk assessment/management, safety, security, and training at both university and hospital settings. Rob has received several “best practices” recognitions by accrediting organizations in areas that include threat assessments, active intruder response, abduction prevention/response, and crisis/emergency prevention/response. As you can see, we are super fortunate to have Rob as part of the Liberty Lake full-time team!
SUMMER LEADERSHIP TEAM
Bob Allenbach
(Spirit Events)Bob Allenbach (Spirit Events) “Spirit Bob” is the creative force and big personality that helps bring the Liberty Lake spirit events to life. A long time school teacher, currently at Pemberton High School, Bob is the master of many ceremonies, and works tirelessly to bring camp magic to the masses. He lives in Shamong with his wife and daughter.
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Bob Allenbach
(Spirit Events)Bob Allenbach (Spirit Events) “Spirit Bob” is the creative force and big personality that helps bring the Liberty Lake spirit events to life. A long time school teacher, currently at Pemberton High School, Bob is the master of many ceremonies, and works tirelessly to bring camp magic to the masses. He lives in Shamong with his wife and daughter.
Amir Artis
(Division Leader)Trained as both a sign language interpreter and a school teacher, Amir is one of our finest young leaders, with a big heart, big smile, and big talent inspiring campers and staff to reach their potential. Amir grew up in Burlington City, and taught in the City of Baltimore before moving back to NJ, where he resides now in Moorestown, while teaching at the Philadelphia School for the Deaf.
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Amir Artis
(Division Leader)Trained as both a sign language interpreter and a school teacher, Amir is one of our finest young leaders, with a big heart, big smile, and big talent inspiring campers and staff to reach their potential. Amir grew up in Burlington City, and taught in the City of Baltimore before moving back to NJ, where he resides now in Moorestown, while teaching at the Philadelphia School for the Deaf.
Kathy Breen
(Head Counselor)A legendary figure at LLDC for her passion and wisdom, Kathy has been a top administrator for nearly two decades of summers, and now works as a mentor and support resource for our Division Leader team. A long time educator in Hamilton at Grice Middle School, Kathy lives in Pennsauken, with her family, which includes three former (now adult) Liberty Lakers!
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Kathy Breen
(Head Counselor)A legendary figure at LLDC for her passion and wisdom, Kathy has been a top administrator for nearly two decades of summers, and now works as a mentor and support resource for our Division Leader team. A long time educator in Hamilton at Grice Middle School, Kathy lives in Pennsauken, with her family, which includes three former (now adult) Liberty Lakers!
Tracy Calabria
(Elective Scheduling Coordinator)Tracy is the long time queen of the “Freedom of Choice” Elective Program, responsible for the scheduling of over 60 weekly electives for all of our Campers and Staff each and every week of the summer. As you might imagine, this is quite an undertaking! With her patience, work ethic and positive demeanor, Tracy does an incredible job in meeting this challenge. An East Windsor resident, and elementary school teacher in the off-season and mother of two Liberty Lakers, we are truly fortunate to have Tracy on our Team!
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Tracy Calabria
(Elective Scheduling Coordinator)Tracy is the long time queen of the “Freedom of Choice” Elective Program, responsible for the scheduling of over 60 weekly electives for all of our Campers and Staff each and every week of the summer. As you might imagine, this is quite an undertaking! With her patience, work ethic and positive demeanor, Tracy does an incredible job in meeting this challenge. An East Windsor resident, and elementary school teacher in the off-season and mother of two Liberty Lakers, we are truly fortunate to have Tracy on our Team!
Taylor Dembowski
(Division Leader)Taylor is a former Liberty Lake Camper, inclusion counselor, and group leader, who was so inspired from her LLDC experiences that she became a superstar school teacher. She grew up down the road in Florence, where she remains very active with the Girl Scouts (Gold Award Recipient) and teaches at Northern Burlington. Taylor helps administratively in the camp office when she can, is part of the staff recruitment team, and loves giving tours to prospective camp families!
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Taylor Dembowski
(Division Leader)Taylor is a former Liberty Lake Camper, inclusion counselor, and group leader, who was so inspired from her LLDC experiences that she became a superstar school teacher. She grew up down the road in Florence, where she remains very active with the Girl Scouts (Gold Award Recipient) and teaches at Northern Burlington. Taylor helps administratively in the camp office when she can, is part of the staff recruitment team, and loves giving tours to prospective camp families!
Cathi Fischer, MSW
(Director of Support)Cathi is a well respected family therapist who works with children, adolescents and their families in a variety of settings throughout the Tri-State area. Cathi has spent most of her past 50 summers at summer camp, and has now been working at Liberty Lake for over 15 years assisting children, families, and staff in supporting their social/emotional development. She has her own clinical practice in Princeton, and works in an inner-city public school setting during the school year.
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Cathi Fischer, MSW
(Director of Support)Cathi is a well respected family therapist who works with children, adolescents and their families in a variety of settings throughout the Tri-State area. Cathi has spent most of her past 50 summers at summer camp, and has now been working at Liberty Lake for over 15 years assisting children, families, and staff in supporting their social/emotional development. She has her own clinical practice in Princeton, and works in an inner-city public school setting during the school year.
Victoria Furbeck
(Transportation Coordinator & Dietary Specialist)This busy lady is a veteran school teacher who has taken on two of the most detailed position at Liberty Lake- overseeing the ins and outs of the camp buses in the mornings and afternoons- and mid-day, ensures that our campers with dietary needs are taken care of in the camp kitchen and in their groups. Victoria lives in Lumberton with her soon-to-be husband.
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Victoria Furbeck
(Transportation Coordinator & Dietary Specialist)This busy lady is a veteran school teacher who has taken on two of the most detailed position at Liberty Lake- overseeing the ins and outs of the camp buses in the mornings and afternoons- and mid-day, ensures that our campers with dietary needs are taken care of in the camp kitchen and in their groups. Victoria lives in Lumberton with her soon-to-be husband.
Matt Huminski
(Head Counselor)Long time teacher and administrator, Matt has been working at Liberty Lake since his college girlfriend dragged him in for an interview in 2005. After a brief break to have two beautiful children and settle down in Deptford, Matt oversaw the Teen Leadership program, before partnering with Kathy to be one of the two Head Counselors. Matt’s cool and calm personality, and dry sense of humor are very much valued in the fast-paced camp days at LLDC.
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Matt Huminski
(Head Counselor)Long time teacher and administrator, Matt has been working at Liberty Lake since his college girlfriend dragged him in for an interview in 2005. After a brief break to have two beautiful children and settle down in Deptford, Matt oversaw the Teen Leadership program, before partnering with Kathy to be one of the two Head Counselors. Matt’s cool and calm personality, and dry sense of humor are very much valued in the fast-paced camp days at LLDC.
Vanessa Lugo, MSN, RN, CNE
(Head Nurse)Experienced nurse in both the school and hospital setting, Vanessa is currently a college professor and the administrator overseeing clinical instruction at the Rutgers School of Nursing in Camden. She is the mother of two Liberty Lakers, and lives in Lumberton. Campers will often see Vanessa zipping by on her bike with her jump bag, when she needs to get to the other side of camp quickly!
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Vanessa Lugo, MSN, RN, CNE
(Head Nurse)Experienced nurse in both the school and hospital setting, Vanessa is currently a college professor and the administrator overseeing clinical instruction at the Rutgers School of Nursing in Camden. She is the mother of two Liberty Lakers, and lives in Lumberton. Campers will often see Vanessa zipping by on her bike with her jump bag, when she needs to get to the other side of camp quickly!
Meredith Sferra
(Administrator)Mother of two little ones, long time teacher, EMT, and long time camp person (since she was 3 years old) – Meredith is the busiest person you’ll meet that gets the most done in a day. Meredith LOVES camp, and is so happy to have found a summer home at LLDC, where she ended up as the Turtles DL for her first three summers, while becoming an integral part of the hiring team.
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Meredith Sferra
(Administrator)Mother of two little ones, long time teacher, EMT, and long time camp person (since she was 3 years old) – Meredith is the busiest person you’ll meet that gets the most done in a day. Meredith LOVES camp, and is so happy to have found a summer home at LLDC, where she ended up as the Turtles DL for her first three summers, while becoming an integral part of the hiring team.
Regan Sobel
(Director of High Ropes Adventure)Regan, along with Brandi, Andy & Jill- is the only Liberty Laker to have spent every summer of Liberty Lake Day Camp at Liberty Lake! Starting as a pre-schooler, Regan has worked her way through the system and become not just a stellar high school science teacher, but the overseer of our state-of-the-art high ropes adventure course. Regan lives in Florence, and teaches in New Egypt.
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Regan Sobel
(Director of High Ropes Adventure)Regan, along with Brandi, Andy & Jill- is the only Liberty Laker to have spent every summer of Liberty Lake Day Camp at Liberty Lake! Starting as a pre-schooler, Regan has worked her way through the system and become not just a stellar high school science teacher, but the overseer of our state-of-the-art high ropes adventure course. Regan lives in Florence, and teaches in New Egypt.
Terri Southerland
(Director of Inclusion)Liberty Lake’s Inclusion Support Team is helmed by a remarkable woman, who had previously brought our Teen Program to new heights. A retired special education teacher in Pemberton, Terri proudly spearheads our sizable Inclusion Program, in both the off-season, and camp season. She resides in Roebling where she and her husband (a former camp director) co-led legendary Boy Scout programs for years.
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Terri Southerland
(Director of Inclusion)Liberty Lake’s Inclusion Support Team is helmed by a remarkable woman, who had previously brought our Teen Program to new heights. A retired special education teacher in Pemberton, Terri proudly spearheads our sizable Inclusion Program, in both the off-season, and camp season. She resides in Roebling where she and her husband (a former camp director) co-led legendary Boy Scout programs for years.
Kia Thomas
(Division Leader)Kia is a business consultant and project manager, after working various roles at Drexel University, including their summer program. Her organizational experience is very valuable for the LLDC team, as she is always suggesting improvements to our systems. She is also a very crafty person, and uses these skills often with her daughters’ girl scout troops, where she lives with her husband in Hainesport.
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Kia Thomas
(Division Leader)Kia is a business consultant and project manager, after working various roles at Drexel University, including their summer program. Her organizational experience is very valuable for the LLDC team, as she is always suggesting improvements to our systems. She is also a very crafty person, and uses these skills often with her daughters’ girl scout troops, where she lives with her husband in Hainesport.
Jeni Voorhees
(Teen Division Leader)One of the many special education teachers on staff, Jeni teaches pre-schoolers during the school year, and teens during the summer! After stints as a specialist and program supervisor, Jeni is the fearless leader of our renown Teen Leadership Program! Jeni’s got oodles of camp spirit, with her never-ending spunk, and her wardrobe of fun costumes. She loves seeing kids enjoy live beyond screens, and becoming independent at camp! Jeni lives and works in Florence with her husband and two daughters.
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Jeni Voorhees
(Teen Division Leader)One of the many special education teachers on staff, Jeni teaches pre-schoolers during the school year, and teens during the summer! After stints as a specialist and program supervisor, Jeni is the fearless leader of our renown Teen Leadership Program! Jeni’s got oodles of camp spirit, with her never-ending spunk, and her wardrobe of fun costumes. She loves seeing kids enjoy live beyond screens, and becoming independent at camp! Jeni lives and works in Florence with her husband and two daughters.
Ryan Wagner
(Program Supervisor)A long time teacher in the Hamilton school district, Ryan is an experienced coach with a masters in school administration. Ryan’s greatest assetd at LLDC though, are his creativity, youthful exuberance, and sheer joy of being at camp. When camp is over each day though, Ryan does have to put on his Dad face and take charge of his two Liberty Laker kids, along with his wife in Bordentown.
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Ryan Wagner
(Program Supervisor)A long time teacher in the Hamilton school district, Ryan is an experienced coach with a masters in school administration. Ryan’s greatest assetd at LLDC though, are his creativity, youthful exuberance, and sheer joy of being at camp. When camp is over each day though, Ryan does have to put on his Dad face and take charge of his two Liberty Laker kids, along with his wife in Bordentown.
Erin Zawartkay
(Turtles Division Leader)Erin is an experienced elementary school teacher (has taught most grades), and was the camp director of her school’s summer program. She’s lifeguard certified, has tremendous attention to detail, and is always up for a challenge. Erin teaches in Manville, and lives in Hopewell- in the house that she and her husband rebuilt from the ground up- with her two children.
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Erin Zawartkay
(Turtles Division Leader)Erin is an experienced elementary school teacher (has taught most grades), and was the camp director of her school’s summer program. She’s lifeguard certified, has tremendous attention to detail, and is always up for a challenge. Erin teaches in Manville, and lives in Hopewell- in the house that she and her husband rebuilt from the ground up- with her two children.
Gary Ertz
(Aquatics Director, Certified Red Cross Trainer)Led by long time Liberty Laker and Red Cross Trainer, Gary Ertz (on the far right in the picture,) our proud group of 25 Red Cross certified lifeguards and 50 certified swim instructors teach hundreds of kids how to swim every summer, while taking pride in keeping our lake and pools clean, safe and fun for everyone. Gary teaches a Red Cross lifeguard course every May at Liberty Lake that is open to the public- tell your friends!
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Gary Ertz
(Aquatics Director, Certified Red Cross Trainer)Led by long time Liberty Laker and Red Cross Trainer, Gary Ertz (on the far right in the picture,) our proud group of 25 Red Cross certified lifeguards and 50 certified swim instructors teach hundreds of kids how to swim every summer, while taking pride in keeping our lake and pools clean, safe and fun for everyone. Gary teaches a Red Cross lifeguard course every May at Liberty Lake that is open to the public- tell your friends!