Fuel Change with EPIC

By Justin Mayer, Director of Timber Lake West

In 2004, while I sat, confined by a cubicle, within the office of a Big 4 accounting firm, I found myself thinking of a change. I felt disengaged from what I thought would be my lifelong career and I was only 26 years old. I often found myself counting down the days until summer, trying to guess how Color War might break out and envisioning new camp facilities. Overall, when I should have been completing journal entries or checking financials, I was thinking about CAMP. 

Eventually after much consideration and introspection, I made a permanent change in profession and started working full-time at Tyler Hill Camp as their Program Director. 

New to the industry and eager to be surrounded by people who loved camp as much as I did, I joined EPIC - Emerging Professionals in Camping. The acronym felt almost surreal, describing exactly who I was at that moment - a young career changer, ready to jump head-first into the camp world. 

Over the years, as EPIC grew, two elements directly fostered the camp director I am today. I met countless, like-minded peers at EPIC networking events. The fun format of these gatherings allowed me to connect socially and expand my understanding of the world of camp professionals beyond the Timber Lake Family of Camps. Over snacks and a drink, and even while listening to live music, I made friends who worked at camps from Pennsylvania to Maine and learned so much about different camp communities, cultures, and how they operate. I made lifelong friends while learning about my new profession.

Additionally, I was particularly inspired during EPIC roundtables and conferences where I had the pleasure of meeting long-time camp directors and leaders in the industry. Directors such as Mark Newfield from Iroquois Springs and Jancy Dorfman from Walt Whitman felt like celebrities. They offered so much knowledge about camping and how it has evolved over the years. 

EPIC is a unique network of passionate young people who will continue to fuel change, encourage dynamic conversation, and add youthful spirit to the camp business. Join EPIC today!