Q: How long have you been a Nonprofit President?
A: Amanda and I started Happy Camper Foundation in 2021 and have been diligently raising funds to send kids to overnight camp ever since!
Q: What was the first job you ever had?
A: My first job was as resident staff for YMCA Camp Arbolado. I got to share with thousands of children what makes summer camp so special (spending time in the great outdoors and singing around a campfire!)
Q: What is the most satisfying aspect of your work?
A: It’s the moment a child steps out of their comfort zone. For a kid who has never left their neighborhood or spent a night away from home, camp is the ultimate "growth" environment. The satisfaction comes from knowing our organization helped make it possible:
- The courage it took to climb a rock wall for the first time.
- The social growth of making friends with people from different backgrounds.
- The resilience built by navigating the "unknown" of the great outdoors.
Q: Explain what you do in five words or less.
A: Giving the gift of camp
Q: What money (or career) advice do you wish you could give your 18-year-old self?
A: Fund your ROTH IRA: it will be worth skipping that vacation and going out to eat every day, I promise.
Q: Name one thing about your job that most people would be surprised to hear.
A: It isn't just for kids; it's a massive career builder. 75% of employers have a positive impression of applicants with "Camp Counselor" on their resumes. Why? Because camp teaches "soft skills" that are hard to find: high-pressure conflict resolution, 24/7 time management, and the ability to lead a group without a screen in sight.
Q: Where do you see your industry heading in the next 10 years?
A: We envision a future where 'unplugging' and self-discovery are universal rights, not privileges—guaranteeing that as the world becomes more digital, the next generation remains rooted in the resilience, community, and wonder of the natural world."
Q: If you could give your clients only one piece of advice, what would it be?
A: Do not underestimate the power of a night around a campfire sharing stories and singing songs.
Q: What big projects do you have coming up in the next 12-months either personally or professionally?
A: We are currently gearing up for the 2026 summer season which includes raising funds for our camp scholarships (camperships) and finding qualified individuals to volunteer a week of their life to change a child’s life for the better.
Q: Why should someone choose a CPA instead of doing their own work?
A: People often view a CPA as an expense, but it should really be considered an investment. The tax savings and penalty prevention usually far outweigh the CPA’s fees.
Q: Why should someone choose Happy Camper Foundation instead of doing it themselves?
A: We have thousands of hours volunteering with dozens of organizations, allowing us to ensure that our learned values and standards are shared with each camp we partner with. That being said, we wholeheartedly support you making donations to your local overnight camping organizations as well!
Q: The mountains, the beach, or the desert?
A: All of the above!
Q: What other interests/hobbies are you passionate about?
A: We started golfing this year and have been hooked! We try to get out to the driving range at least once a week and play a round as often as we can fit in. We had the opportunity to go golfing in Scotland this summer, which was AMAZING.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?
A: If you are interested in volunteering or donating to help further our mission, please visit happycamperfoundation.org to learn more and get in contact with us! We would love to hear from you (even if it’s just a fun camp story from your childhood).