Camp's new director has summer plans

Ten years ago, Cpl. Colin Stewart, then in his mid-twenties, was fixing helicopters for the British military. Today, he is the new director of Camp Scully, the Albany diocesan summer facility in Wynantskill.

His route to the Diocese from Great Britain went through San Diego, where he became interested in kids and camping.

"I have no doubt that God had me in His sights," Mr. Stewart told The Evangelist as he described his background.

Up in the air

At the University of Glamorgan in South Wales, Mr. Stewart pursued a degree in electronics and avionics. But a summer job with Camp Counselors USA in San Diego changed the direction of his life. He said the camping bug bit him.

"I was just looking for a summer job while at university, and working as a volunteer camp counselor in San Diego seemed like something fun to do for a few months," he said.

For him, it was a toss-up between that and "joining a kibbutz in Israel or picking grapes in France. I had such a wonderful time with those kids that first summer. I remember marveling at the fact that [counselors] were getting $30 a day, putting in 16-hour shifts to play and have fun with kids."

Inspired by others

After hiking, singing songs and telling stories for three months, he returned to his studies. The next summer, however, found him back in San Diego, where he graduated to counselor and program coordinator.

"What brought me back was seeing the dedication and motivation of those counselors the previous year," he explained. "I just knew it was what I wanted to do, and I couldn't get it out of my mind."

After graduating from college, he returned to California as an outdoor education coordinator at the YMCA. He also spent some time in New England, working for the Y as a hiking instructor.

Heading east

While in San Diego, Mr. Stewart married his wife, Barbara, a biologist.

When she decided to pursue her doctorate at The University at Albany, he knew he'd have to give up his job. While browsing through the American Camping Association's website, www.acacamps.org, he found the opening at Camp Scully.

"It still amazes me when I think that of all the job openings around the country, I was able to find one right here in Albany. I guess God had plans for me," he said.

Plans for camp

Mr. Stewart has several hopes for Camp Scully.

"I'd like to see it expand its programs to include year-round activities and programs for children of all ages," he said. "I'd like to see younger teens, from ages 12-14, in programs that are separate from the younger children. I'd also like to develop a training program for older teens to learn how to become junior counselors and act as role models for the younger kids. Then, as they get a bit older, they can return as camp counselors.

"I would like Camp Scully to be known as a well-run, great place for kids to go. I love the camping experience. As director of Camp Scully, I hope to instill that in the kids. Camping and all it has to offer is a great experience for them."

(Mr. Stewart can be reached at the Camp Scully office, 453-6650.)

(10/6/05) [[In-content Ad]]