Our leaders are seasoned veterans of the summer camp industry, and are passionate about making sure our children are prepared to meet the challenges of a changing world. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a group that’s more committed to the social and emotional wellness of the next generations–or more capable of using the summer camp experience to deliver it.
Meet the Team
Jaime Pickles
Director
Prior to joining Everwood's Founding Team in 2010, Jaime Pickles spent 25 summers at Camps Kenwood-Evergreen, an overnight camp in New Hampshire–first as a camper, and then in later roles as counselor, division leader, head counselor and program director. At the same time, she worked as a Speech Language Pathologist, with a particular focus on building children's social and emotional wellness through effective communication. Here at Everwood, Jaime has been charged with building our community–one that’s intentional about the opportunities it provides to campers and staff. Because even though Everwood is a place that is fun and silly (Jaime’s made sure of that), it’s just as supportive, and full of occasions for problem solving, collaboration, and social interactions. Contact Jaime: [email protected]
Dane Pickles
Director
Growing up in Leeds, England, Dane was often the one who gathered his friends together to play games. This knack for organizing activities–and the fun and friendships that came out of them–is why Dane chose to pursue a Phys. Ed. Degree at university. To further his education, Dane decided to come across the pond and be a camp counselor during his first summer break from school. As a counselor, he was able to direct his love for sports towards delivering social, emotional, physical and cognitive benefits to campers. Add to that the lifelong friendships Dane made during his summers at camp (as well as meeting the love of his life, Jaime) and he knew he wanted to create his life around summer camp. When our Camp Mom and Dad not at Camp, they are playing their favorite role of all: parents twins (and campers), Ryan and Sophie! Contact Dane: [email protected]
Ian Smith
Program Director
Ian started working here at Everwood Day Camp back in the summer of 2013 as a Counselor in the Junior Division and hasn’t left since! From summer to summer, Ian worked his way up the ranks from Counselor to Group Leader to Assistant Division leader until joining our year-round team as Program Director after the summer of 2015! Seeing the important role camp holds in the social and emotional growth of children, and staff, is what made Ian want to contribute more to this wonderful industry. “Everwood has helped me come out of my shell and grow as an individual. When most people think of summer camp, they think about a fun place for children… not the fact that it offers amazing opportunities for the staff members as well.” Being able to see the camp program function from a counselor’s perspective gives Ian the ability to create strong, well-rounded schedules for all our camp groups week after week. One of Ian’s favorite activities here at Everwood is our high ropes course. This not only allows campers to do something new and exciting, it helps other campers to find the courage to concur their fears. “Back in 2013, when I was a counselor in the Junior division, I had a camper who was terrified of heights and never wanted to participate in high ropes. I told him that by the end of the summer, he would successfully do the zip line because I believed in him… Our very last ropes course period, he jumped off that platform, and went down the zip line, with the biggest smile on his face… He did it and I was so proud of him.”
Justin Pritikin
Director of Staff
Justin is the creative force and personality that spearheads Everwood's staffing and training efforts. Going to camp all of his life and having a pair of camp directors as parents, Justin always knew he wanted to work in the camping industry. After graduating from Villanova University and working for lululemon in Los Angeles for a brief stint, Justin joined the Everwood full-time team to pursue his lifelong passion. Justin also oversees Everwood's daily Special Event, and works tirelessly to design and lead these activities with the aim of cultivating camp magic. Justin is an avid pickleball and indoor cycling enthusiast, loves podcasts, and resides in Sharon.
Nikki Savaria
Office Manager
Nikki became a part of the Everwood team back in the summer of 2016, starting as an office assistant. Over time, she has transitioned and grown within the organization, ultimately assuming the position of Office Manager. Nikki resides in North Smithfield, RI, alongside her husband and two sons, Dominic and Cole. Nikki finds immense joy in her role at camp, particularly in witnessing campers' growth year after year and forming connections with the AWESOME camp families. Above all, she cherishes seeing her own sons embark on new adventures alongside their camp friends. When Nikki isn't at camp, you can find her indulging in her love for reading or dedicating her time to serving on the board with North Smithfield Little League. She also takes immense pleasure in cheering on her sons, Dominic and Cole, as they participate in football, soccer, and baseball.
Peter Hilpl
In 1990 Peter graduated college with a major in Park and Recreation management and a minor in Agriculture education. He actually did his student teaching in the Urban Forestry program right here in Walpole. He was introduced to challenge courses because of his skills working at height in trees. What enticed him most about the world of challenge courses was its focus on experiential learning. It was rewarding to help people learn things about themselves, and the experience would make him a better educator. In 1996 Peter built a Challenge Course for one of Everwood's founders at his residence camp in New Hampshire. In 1998 I was hired to run his Challenge Course in the summer and to be the property manager for the camp in the off season. When Everwood was born Peter was part of the team that was tasked with revitalizing the property, tapping into his skills in both agriculature, and in parks and recreation. Peter now enjoys his role as the facility manager for two other sister camps of Everwood Day Camp, and spending time with his wife and cats.
Corey Perryman
Corey brings over a decade of carpentry experience and a deep commitment to craftsmanship to his role as the Property Manager at Everwood Day Camp. As a father to two boys, Owen and Aiden, who attend Everwood, Corey is personally invested in ensuring the camp's facilities provide a safe and enriching environment for all campers. Corey's dedication and attention to detail contribute significantly to the camp's mission of fostering unforgettable experiences and cherished memories for every child. When Corey isn't at camp, you'll find him watching the Patriots, building Legos with his sons or firing up the smoker to make some delicious (award winning) ribs.
DeeDee DeVore
Lower Camp Head Counselor
DeeDee has been working at Everwood since 2013 and loving every summer spent outside on the beautiful shores of Lake Massapoag. DeeDee started with us as a Freshmen Division Leader, became the Lower Camp Program Coordinator, and now serves as our Lower Camp Head Counselor. In the off season, DeeDee works as a first grade teacher in Stoughton, MA. Lower Camp people are her people! DeeDee is a friendly face and listening ear for all of our Lower Camp campers and counselors. She is often found on the Morning Assembly stage, walking quickly around Camp to help solve a problem, or carrying Mod Podge looking for an arts and crafts opportunity!