VIC NORRIS
Senior Director/Owner (age 60)

This will be Vic’s 46th year in youth camping and will be celebrating his 41st Tamakwa anniversary year this summer.  Under the tutelage of Tamakwa’s founding owner Lou Handler, Vic rose up the ranks quickly from counselor, to CIT Director, Section Head, Assistant Director and Camp Director.  As the saying goes, he loved camp so much; he bought it.  Vic took on co-ownership of Tamakwa in 1980 as a labor of love with a fresh vision and commitment to rebuild every aspect of Tamakwa, particularly the physical plant as well as expanding and diversifying camp’s activities and programs.  Tamakwa now offers more than twice as many activities since Vic became co-owner. Vic has also spearheaded maintaining Tamakwa’s most revered traditions.  Vic has served as an accreditation visitor for the Ontario Camping Association, is an affiliate member of the American Camping Association, and provides a host of consulting services to other summer camps.  Vic enjoys a well-deserved stature in the camping community and has complemented his love of camping, kids, sports and the outdoors with a 30-year law career.  Since 1980 he has been with the Michigan firm of Hertz Schram PC, most of those years as managing partner.  His wife Ronda spends as much time at camp as permitted by her medical practice as a board certified pediatric & adult allergist.  Their son Max will turn 12 this coming July and will be a Ranger in his fifth summer as a camper, and daughter Jessica turned 10 in March and she will be a first-year Pioneer.

CRAIG PERLMUTTER
Camp Director/Owner (age 39)

Craig has been camp’s fulltime Camp Director for the last 9 summers and this summer, his 23rd at Tamakwa, will be his seventh as co-owner along with Vic.  Craig returned to Tamakwa in April of 2002, after an 8-year hiatus.  Between 1981 and 1993, Craig was a camper, CIT, counselor, Landsports Director, Assistant Boys Camp Director, and Program Director.  Even during his hiatus, he was part of the Tamakwa landscape, whether helping out during routine visits, being a valuable resource in our off-season preparations, or reviving and spearheading our alumni Post Camp in the fall.  He is a true member of the Tamakwa family in more ways than one:  his parents, Howard and Carol Perlmutter, purchased camp in 1980 (along with Vic Norris) and still spend much of their summers at camp in Algonquin.  Craig graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1994 and, before his return to Tamakwa, worked in sports marketing as well as in other marketing endeavours in Chicago, Michigan and then back in Toronto, closer to his family.  Craig has spent many hockey seasons teaching and coaching youth hockey in Michigan and in Toronto.  Craig’s wife is Margot Perlmutter, who started at camp full-time in the spring of 2006, and their son Nate (born November 2007) will be enjoying his fourth full summer in the Tamakwa nursery and their daughter Molly (born April 2010) will enjoy her first “walking” summer in the fresh Algonquin air this summer.

DAVID STRINGER
Associate Director (age 61)

David grew up at Tamakwa, literally.  His parents were possibly the first Tamakwa couple.  His father Omer Stringer, a legendary canoeist and outdoorsman, co-founded Tamakwa and built the first buildings in camp in 1936.  His mom is Edie (Brooks) Stringer, who worked in the Algonquin camp office in the 1940’s.  They met at camp, got married, and brought David to camp for the first time in 1952.  He has been at Tamakwa ever since: 57 summers in all.  He actively contributes to every aspect of Tamakwa’s operation, but he is best known as creator of all camp movies, videos, and DVDs and as operator of C.A.M.P. Radio and CAMP T.V., master of all Tamakwa program “breaks” and special effects, master of all computer & hi-tech operations, pianist, repairman of anything in camp, and a unique program resource person when it comes to entertaining campers.  He is the ultimate camp musician (piano, clarinet, guitar, and tuba/sousaphone) and magic man.  When current Tamakwans and alumni try to describe how different and special Tamakwa is from all other places, in part, they unknowingly are referring to the myriad special tangibles and intangibles David Stringer brings to our Tamakwa community.  Stringer loves telling the stories and ballads Unca Lou told, taking kids on the lake to show them the stars and constellations, playing clarinet in his golf cart during twilight and so much more.  Outside of camp, David is a computer programmer and independent filmmaker who has produced and hosted hundreds of educational television programs aired on TV-Ontario, PBS in the U.S., and in many other countries.  Best of all, David is fantastic working and having fun with kids.  David’s son Alex, age 19, has been a Tamakwa camper for 8 years and worked in the Tamakwa kitchen for 2 summers.  Alex is a talented musician in his own right and has just completed his first year at Guelph University.

KEN ELDER
Chief Engineer (age 62)

Ken has been a fulltime resident of Algonquin Park for 41 years.  He worked for the Ministry of Natural Resources as an information and enforcement officer from 1969 to 1979.  He started working part-time for Tamakwa in 1978, but came on board fulltime in 1980 and has been with us ever since.  Ken’s tenure with the Ministry and his engineering degree, experience, and training has provided him the skills to renovate or rebuild every structure in camp and modernize Tamakwa’s physical plant systems.  Most recently, he designed and implemented what is probably the most sophisticated, effective, and efficient water purification plant at any summer camp.  He is also instrumental in the design and implementation of many of Tamakwa’s safety and emergency procedures.  Tamakwa is proud of its campaign over the past 30 years to rebuild, restore, and upgrade every physical aspect of camp. Ken is the chief architect of that campaign, and as the person responsible for the entire physical plant and maintenance program, he engineers and supervises every construction project.  While preserving the traditional Tamakwa look, Ken designs new camp cabins and buildings with his own unique style and passion.  Ken is the envy of every camp owner.  He and his wife June live at Tamakwa’s landing across South Tea Lake during the camp season and in Huntsville during the winter.

LIBBY SADICK VON NEUMANN
CIT (Counselor-In-Training) Director & Libby (age 49)

Libby has been at Tamakwa for 38 summers starting in 1973.  If there is such thing as a “Jill of all trades” in the camping world, then Libby is it. She has been a camper, CIT, Counselor, Canoe Tripper, Canoe Tripping Director, Section Head, Girls’ Camp Director, and CIT Director, and has been our official camp photographer for years. She even works on our pre and post-season construction crew.  In addition to her summer duties, Libby is a key resource person in our post-season as a liaison for schools and other after Algonquin camp rental groups and Algonquin camp weddings!  Libby formerly resided in San Diego, California, where she worked in a pre-school and in photo studios.  Her formal training is in photography, and for proof, look at the photos on our website (as well as Bunk1.com) and our other print literature.  In 1998, she and her husband Ric made the permanent move to Algonquin Park. They now live across the lake from camp in Algonquin and both are part of our full-time team that maintains the physical plant.  Libby’s biggest claim to fame is as the longest tenured Girls’ Camp Director (and Section Head) in camp history. Given that credential, Libby continues to be an all-purpose resource for staff and campers. But when you have a multitude of talents, you’re called upon for a multitude of tasks. Libby will once again be our CIT Director and she can hardly wait for her CITs to get off the boat together for the first time, and take their white caps! Libby will continue with a variety of staff, camper and behind the scenes administrative responsibilities but she will be focused on her role with the CITs for the 2011 summer season. Whatever her title, the most universally understood job description for her is the word that’s worth a thousand pictures:  “Libby”.

JEFF AVIGIAN
Boys’ Camp Director (age 40)

Jeff is returning this summer as the Boys’ Camp Director for his fifth summer after having been Landsports Director for two summers, Voyageur Section Head for two summers and CIT Director in 2006.  In his 10th summer at Tamakwa, Jeff is a true Algonquin camp personality and certainly keeps everyone on his or her toes.  Jeff adds not only a great element of charisma and humour as one of Algonquin camp’s most colourful characters, but even more so, a great amount of professionalism given his teaching, youth recreation, and coaching experience.  He was born and raised in Boston, where he is a teacher for grade 11-12 math at Danvers High School.  He also coaches the school’s teams in golf, basketball, and baseball.  Jeff’s own education includes a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from University of South Florida in 1992 and an MBA from University of Mississippi in 1994.  And as a true-blue Bostonian, he is an avid Red Sox fan.  He loves them so much he spends his spare time as a groundkeeper at Fenway Park so he won’t miss a game.  As a seasoned teacher and coach, who is also steeped in the ideals of camping, Jeff will once again be an important leader for Boys’ Camp, not to mention an incredible asset to the overall administration of Algonquin camp.

MARGOT PERLMUTTER
Assistant Director (age 36)

Margot and Craig re-kindled their “dormant” camp romance getting married in 2003.  After many years in advertising, Margot assumed a role she never dreamed of taking on, the business administration of camp.  She tends to anything and everything… all the behind the scenes workings of camp for camper families and staff.  But, as we say, Tamakwa is a “people” camp.  And that saying couldn’t be more fitting for Margot.  She is the warm, nurturing, energetic, friendly, bubbly persona, setting just the right tone in the office at camp in Algonquin and year round in Toronto’s office.  She is now the voice of Tamakwa to parents and the entire camp carrying on the tradition of her predecessors Esta Kraft and Marilyn Mendelson.  This will be Margot’s 16th full summer at Tamakwa.  Because of Margot’s many years as a camper and staff member, and her love of camp, she spends as much time as possible involving herself with campers and staff at many activities… and with that camper who now and then needs that special attention and friend at camp.  This summer, we can again expect Margot to be sneaking out of the office to be with hers and Craig’s son Nate (born November 2007) and walking around Algonquin camp with their 1-year-old daughter Molly (born April 2010).  What lucky kids!

PETER VOOYS
Co-Program Director (age 27)

Speaking of personalities, our spirited banjo playing and harmonica playing Peter Vooys will be our co-Program Director. Peter made his first appearance at Tamakwa in 2008. He has been Ropes Director, CIT Director, and Assistant Program Director and has become a tremendous addition to Tamakwa with his fresh perspective and unique experience in camping.  Everyone loves working with Peter and his skills at so many of camp’s activities will be a huge asset to Tamakwa.  Drawing from all of his strengths and experience as Assistant Program Director in 2010, we’re sure Peter will find every opportunity possible to dress-up and act out any role required while helping plan a multitude of creative programs and special excursions and events as well as working closely with Scott (see below) and the Activity Leaders. Peter originally came to us after working at another camp for 8 summers where he worked his way from being a counselor to Assistant Director and we are lucky to have him as part of Tamakwa’s administrative team. Graduating from Queen’s University with degrees in Physical and Health Education and History, Peter topped it all off by becoming a teacher by completing a teaching degree specializing in Outdoor and Experiential Education. Peter enjoys music, public radio, and is currently working on his first novel – which will likely become his first collection of short stories.

SCOTT GRAHAM
Co-Program Director (age 27)

Joining Peter (above) as co-Program Director, Scott Graham brings an incredible wealth of experience and high energy to his new administrative position. Scott has 10 years of experience before coming to Tamakwa in positions such as counselor, activity leader, CIT director, and assistant director, and since 2008 has been one of Tamakwa’s best and favorite canoe trippers. While he has a passion for the Algonquin Park tripping experience, his true passion is being a part of the incredible energy within the camp atmosphere.  This summer he’ll be able to prove that in his new role as he puts all of his energy and experience into creating an incredible and fun summer program for all campers and staff.   Scott graduated in 2007 from Trent University with a degree in English and Theatre and is now a teacher, having completed a Bachelor of Education degree in 2008 from Queen’s University.  It will be great to have Scott’s talents “in” camp this summer.

TAMARA GRUNDLAND
49er Section Head (age 25)

This summer will be her 14th at Tamakwa and her third summer as the 49er Section Head, in charge of the 13-15 year old girls.  Tamara is a fun, sensitive, embracing, and phenomenal role model for girls of all ages at camp.  After a two-year hiatus, Tamara came back to camp in 2008 as the CIT (counselor-in-training) Director and did a fantastic job.  Tamara was a camper for six summers, a CIT for one summer and a counselor for three summers.  Tamara can’t wait to once again be with the 49ers this summer, working hard to make sure every one of them has the best camp experience, as they become role models for the younger campers.  We are thrilled to have Tamara back at camp once again in an administrative capacity and the 49ers are lucky to have such a warm, friendly and humorous leader this summer.  Tamara graduated in 2008 from McGill University where her major was History, with a minor in Political Science.  This spring, Tamara completed her Masters in Social Work and specialized in working with children and families.

FRANCINE HERMELIN LEVITE
Junior Tamakwan (JT) Director – Foresters & Trailblazers (age 42)

Francie Hermelin returns to Tamakwa as the 2011 JT Director. Francie was a camper, counselor and girls’ camp director during her 11 year Tamakwa tenure and has since spent many summers with her family in Algonquin Park near camp.  Her love for the history and tradition of Tamakwa has her eager to return to ensure an incredible summer for all of her JTs.  Francie’s light-up-the-room personality will endear her to each and every JT camper, counselor, and moms and dads.  Francie met her husband Adam Levite at camp and they reside in New York City. Francie and Adam’s extended families both have a deep-rooted history and love for everything Tamakwa.  Years ago, they founded a graphic design studio where they designed print and digital work for the entertainment industry and produced avant-garde film festivals. Today, Francie produces music, art, and cultural events for children and young families as well as writing children’s books.  Their son Asa (11) and daughter Dora (9) are both Tamakwa campers while their youngest daughter Ester (5) will be a part of Tamakwa’s nursery all summer keeping Nate Perlmutter company.

STEPHANIE GOOEL
Pioneer Section Head (age 22) 

Stephanie started as a camper at Tamakwa in 1997 and this will be her 15th consecutive summer on the shores of South Tea and her first as the Pioneer Section Head.  After being one of our best counselors for five summers, Stephanie brings a unique personality to Tamakwa’s head staff group.  Her camper years, staff experience, and skills have fostered her ascension to this year’s administrative staff group.  Beloved by all and a magnet for her peers and campers of all ages, Stephanie embodies the core values of Tamakwa, and of course brings yet another musical talent to camp with her guitar and piano playing and singing. Stephanie just graduated this spring from the University of Michigan as an English major, with a minor in Music. Stephanie is a second generation Tamakwan and has two younger sisters who will both be counselors this summer, Jenna and Michelle.

NATE ZAHN
Canoe Tripping Director (age 28)

Nate has been an integral part of Tamakwa’s canoe tripping program for the last 6 years and has lead every trip Tamakwa offers.  Indeed, he has taken out more cabin trips and long trips than any other Tamakwa canoe tripper (in Algonquin Park & Temagami) and is renowned for lighting up a campfire with his guitar playing and singing, which he also does professionally.  For the last two summers Nate has been the Assistant Trip Director under the tutelage of former Head Tripper Len Giblin. Tripping has always been the quintessential Tamakwa activity and Nate’s experience and enthusiasm will enable him to develop the program to even greater heights.  As one of the most highly regarded programs in North America, the caliber, personnel, popularity, and reputation of Tamakwa’s tripping program have never been stronger and this summer Nate is sure to lead a very successful tripping program.  Nate graduated from Lakehead University in 2008 with a H.B.A. in Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism (with a specialization in leadership), followed by a B.A. in Biology in 2009, and is also a teacher, having completed an H.B.A. in Education in 2010.

GUY TETREAULT
West Park Catering

The summer of 2011 will be Guy’s 15th summer at Tamakwa.  After two summers working for a different catering company in the 1980’s, Guy then started his own catering business (West Park Catering) and rejoined Tamakwa twelve summers ago.  Guy hires his own hard-working staff each summer and together they put in almost 16 hours a day in the Tamakwa kitchen.  Guy’s claim to fame is an article written by a Toronto Star food columnist, featuring his Tamakwa catering service and menu items as setting the standard for all camps.  We couldn’t agree more.  Guy plans a menu with nutritional balance, variety, and children’s tastes.  Other than providing camp with a great menu, Guy’s high energy provides campers and staff alike with a lot of laughter.  He has an infectious personality and sense of humour that no one can match.  Just ask him to say “Shore Lunch” for you, you’ll completely agree.  Guy also spends time before and after each summer helping our work crew with building projects and repairs.  Guy lives in the off-season in Huntsville and has two children, Rebecca, age 20, and Olivia, age 17.

RIC VON NEUMANN
Woodshop Director

This will be Ric’s 14th summer at Tamakwa, and 14th full year as well working on continuing to rebuild every aspect of Tamakwa’s infrastructure.  After being a visitor in previous summers, he followed his wife Libby to Tamakwa and moved to camp in 1998 and have resided in Algonquin Park on a year-round basis ever since.  Ric is an accomplished artist, finished carpenter and jewelry maker by trade.  Not only is he an integral member of the year-round work crew at camp, but he is also the director of our summer Woodshop Program.  When Ric decided to move to Tamakwa, camp built a fantastic Woodshop for him to impart his knowledge and love for woodworking and paddle making to our campers and staff.  His Woodshop activity fills up each and every week during individual choice periods of campers learning to safely use power and manual tools, making projects to take home for moms and dads. Ric’s make-a-paddle and adopt-a-paddle program has become a favorite activity for campers and staff.

SUE BINDER
Administrative Assistant

Sue’s history at Tamakwa spans 5 decades dating back to 1969.  She was a camper for several years then a CIT, counselor, JT Director and Camp Coordinator.  This will be Sue’s 16th summer at Tamakwa.  Sue moved to Los Angeles in 1990 and began a 15 year career in film and television working for Renaissance Pictures (for distinguished Tamakwa film director Sam Raimi) on such films and TV shows as Army of Darkness (Evil Dead 3), Darkman II and III, The Legendary Journeys of Hercules and Xena Warrior Princess, starting out as a production assistant and moving through the ranks to Production Associate and then Office Manager.  Sue works year round running camp’s Michigan office during the off-season, and in the office at camp during the summer working closely with Margot & helping campers and staff day in and day out while making everyone feel “special”.

HOWARD & CAROL PERLMUTTER

Carol (Rotenberg) had already spent four summers at Tamakwa as a camper, CIT and staff member when she coaxed Howard to come to camp in 1955 and 1956, before being married in 1957.  When she was a counselor, Howard was a tripper and then Canoe Director under the tutelage of Tamakwa’s co-founder Omer Stringer.  Howard graduated from the University of Toronto and Carol received her teacher’s degree.  Amid a career as a real estate executive in Toronto, Howard found the opportunity in 1980 to fulfill a dream by returning to Tamakwa to ensure its success for future generations for Tamakwans.  That year, together with Vic Norris and Dave Bale, he purchased Tamakwa from the Handler and Kraft families and since then, he and Carol spend much of their summers at camp. Although he hasn’t had an ownership interest in camp since the mid-1980s, Howard continues to contribute to camp in many tangible and intangible ways.  Both Howard and Carol are active in many service oriented and philanthropic endeavors in Toronto.  Howard and Carol are the proud parents of Camp Director Craig Perlmutter.  Their other sons Lloyd (married to Dawn Gold) and Michael have spent their formative summers at Tamakwa and Lloyd and Dawn’s children are all current Tamakwans.