Communication – Partnering with Families
Dear Gwynn Valley friends and families,
As we near the summer, we are getting very excited to welcome our campers and staff back to camp for Gwynn Valley’s 87th summer. We have been very busy getting ready, hiring staff, planting at the Farm, cleaning trails, and preparing dynamic, fun programs as well as planning our 85th+2 reunion. One of the preparations that is extremely important to us is communicating with our camper families. Our goal is to provide the best information for you as we strive to create an easy adjustment to camp for both our new and returning campers. We believe in partnering with our families to create the best and most successful camp experience possible for our campers.
Shelley Heath, along with our other directors, has been a key person in communicating with our families. She has sent hundreds of emails, enrolled thousands of campers, been a familiar and reassuring voice on the other end of the phone, and helped to organize our office. As we move into April, we are writing to let you know that Shelley has made the decision to pursue a new career, one centered around communication and partnering with others to help impact their lives in a positive way, (similar to her role at Gwynn Valley). She will be leaving in April to pursue a graduate degree in counseling. Although we are very sad to say goodbye, we are excited for her as she embarks on the next journey in life.
Shelley began her work at Gwynn Valley as a summer staff member working as the program leader on the Farm, and in leadership in both the Mountainside and Riverside programs before moving into a full-time position with Families First where she helped to provide services and support for children with behavioral needs. She has always had a passion for working in mental health and for coaching. She joined the GV year-round team in 2011 and has served as our Director of Communications. During her tenure, she has helped improve many organizational systems in the office and for registering campers. With her talents in art and technology, she has also helped with many marketing projects.
As we move into the summer, we have several year-round staff who will be helping fill her responsibilities. Katie, who oversees operations will be in direct communication with our families about the many details of being ready for camp. Rebecca, our office administrator will continue to oversee the medical paperwork, and Barbara, our business manager, will help with the many details of running a smooth office and communicating with families. Our director team is always available to talk about your camper and wants to partner with you, our GV families, to help provide a positive and fun camp experience.
As we say goodbye to Shelley, we know we will see her often as a Gwynn Valley parent, a musician who will continue to play at the Farm’s evening program, and at our reunion!
Our best,
Anne, Grant, and the GV Team
