MEET THE DIRECTORS
Behind every Cali Camp staff member
is decades of proven experience in camp.
Our counselors are frequently Cali Campers who have left for university but continue to return to share the Cali Camp experience and "pay it forward". Each is carefully chosen and screened. We are as serious about their pre-camp orientation and training as we are about ongoing counselor guidance during the course of each summer camp day. Our experienced Leadership Team begins indepth training in late April and keeps an eye out for campers and staff. They support each other. Yet – as clear as they are about safety... nurturing the social, emotional and psychological growth in each camper is most important. In the end, each works at Cali Camp to participate in the joy of PLAY and to celebrate the joys of just being a kid. They’re here to smile and have Fun, too.
Ariel ‘Kahuna’ Abt
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kahuna first fell in love with Cali Camp as a camper when she was five years old. She loved it so much that she is currently in her 20th summer working at Camp. She has held many positions here including Counselor, Team Leader, Transportation and Operations Director. She graduated from University of California, Irvine with degrees in Education and Political Science. She believes in the positive impact that Cali Camp has on children's lives, and enjoys, above all else, joining in and playing with the kids.
Kassandra ‘Blaze’ Wilsey
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
'Blaze' returns to Big Rock Ranch for her 21st summer at Cali Camp. She graduated top of her class with a Masters Degree in Recreation Management from California State University Northridge. While not at camp Blaze continues the education of students at Cal State Northridge as a part-time professor in the Recreation Department teaching outdoor education, and environmental sustainability. Her energy and enthusiasm for children to learn through PLAY makes her a valuable leader on our team.