Meet Our Staff
New London County 4-H Camp
Hayley Johnson – 2025 and 2026 Camp Director
- Camp Director: 2025 + 2026
- Day Camp Director: 2022 – 2025
- Assistant Camp Director: 2025
- Leadership Team: 2022 – Present
- 11 summer experiences at the camp
- Attended as a camper, a member of both teen programs, then became a counselor, before becoming an admin
- Bachelor’s Degrees – Elementary Education, History & Social Sciences
- Currently working as a paraprofessional at a local elementary school
“I can’t wait to see both new and returning faces at camp this summer. We have so many amazing activities for this season. Some of my favorite camp activities are outdoor living and dance, and seeing our campers try new things. The campers have always been excited about the variety shows. I’m looking forward to creating new memories for our campers.”

Elliott Singer – 2026 Teen Leader Director & Waterfront Director
- Leadership Team: 2026
- Attending camp for 12 summers
- Camper → Teen Leader → Staff Member → Assistant Teen Leader Director → Teen Leader Director
- American Red Cross–Certified lifeguard since 2021
- Bachelor's in Elementary Education – to be completed May 2028, Eastern CT State University
- Member of the ECSU Swim team
“I had an amazing time last summer getting to know all of our amazing teen leaders! I am so excited to see all of the new and returning faces for the summer of 2026!”

Willow Harris– 2026 Head Counselor & Archery Director
- Leadership Team: 2026
- 7 summer experiences at camp
- Camper → Teen programs → Staff → Assistant Program Director → Head Counselor
- Extensive Archery safety training
- Oversees staff appreciation and activity curricula
“I love NLC 4-H Camp and all of my campers with all of my heart! My favorite part of camp is seeing the impact of teaching kids practical life skills through play. It's beautiful to see this camp build the confidence of every camper and teen that comes through. I can't wait to see you all this summer!”
Deana Handfield – 2025 + 2026 Program Director & 2026 Assistant Camp Director
- Program Director: 2025 + 2026
- Assistant Camp Director: 2026
- Second year on the Leadership Team
- 16 summer experiences at camp
- Progressed from Clover Camper → Teen Programs → Counselor → Assistant TL Director → Program Director
- 7 years as a Red Cross-certified lifeguard
- Paraprofessional at a local elementary school
- Experience with children aged 6 months – 17 years (daycare, swim lessons, Birth to Three)
“I am so excited to be Program Director this summer! I have so many fun activities and themed weeks planned. I’ve loved growing up at NLC and can’t wait to help make this the best summer yet! It is a place where days are silly, nights are cozy, and fun is mandatory!”

Sawyer Barile – Junior Staff Director 2026
- Second year in the JS program
- nine seasons at camp
- Progressed through Camp from Camper → Teen Programs → Counselor → Teen Transition Coordinator → JS Director
- Pursuing a degree in social work at UVM
“I look forward to a summer full of new memories, leadership experiences, and camp traditions! We have lots of incredible plans for our junior staff this season. I can't wait to see all of our new and returning campers and teens this year!”

Aaron Vanderzee – 2026 Day Camp Director + Boating Director
- 4th year in the Day Camp Program
- 6th year at camp
- Progressed from Camper → Teen Programs → Counselor → Assistant Day Camp Director → Day Camp Director
- Attending Eastern for Data Science and Sports Management
“I can't wait to win capture the flag again this year, it is my favorite activity of the entire summer! I am also looking forward to having lots of fires in our fire pits with the campers this season, and making so many s'mores! My favorite activities are sports, boating, and ropes!"



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