Summer Program Director
Mary Margaret Shepherd has served as an LIT, leader, comanche, adult coordinator, weekly director and now program director for Camp Winnataska. She's a native of Birmingham, AL, but went to school at Furman University in South Carolina, and has lived in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Her background is elementary education. She has also worked as Director of Youth and Missions at Derry Presbyterian Church in Hershey, PA and Communications Coordinator at Davidson College Presbyterian Church in Davidson, NC. She and her husband Russ, have two sons, Tucker and Sawyer. She's an avid reader, cook, and gym instructor.
Summer Program Assistant Director
Harlan G. Ponder has been associated with Camp Winnataska since 1972. She has been a camper, leader, Comanche and Weekly Director, spending the last 12 years as a Weekly Director on Chico Hill. Harlan and her three younger sisters are known as the "Gilmore Girls" at camp. Harlan and her sisters share a love and commitment to Camp Winnataska. She has two daughters, one who is in college, and one who plans to be a leader this summer. During the school year, Harlan teaches English at Mountain Brook High School. She is in her 23rd year of teaching. She is thrilled and excited about the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Program Director for the summer of 2008.
Winnataska takes special pride in its leaders, staff and directors. Staff members are selected on the basis of :
- leadership
- experience
- maturity
- ability
Before campers arrive, staff members under-go extensive training on safety, understanding campers and their needs, leadership skills, and camp programming. In addition, the Aquatics staff is certified in water safety, and the Ropes Course staff is certified in Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience (COPE) by the Boy Scout National Camping School. The Horse Program, as well, is accredited and certified. All leaders and staff are CPR certified. Our administrative staff closely supervises the youth and adult staff, bringing to the camp hundreds of years of experience.
See photos of our 2008 Staff!
Leader and Staff Application (pdf format)
Teacher Recommendation (pdf format)
Leader and Staff Application (Microsoft Word format)
Teacher Recommendation (Microsoft Word format)