Meet the 2016 Camp Explorations Staff!!!

Delaney Brewer (Morning Sessions, Red Group) has been an employee at the Museum of Natural History since May 2015. She is a junior in the School of Education at U of M, majoring in Political Science and minoring in History and Spanish. Delaney cannot wait to get to know your kids this summer and share her enthusiasm for learning!

Meghan Hoffman (Morning Sessions, Orange Group) is about to start her senior year at the University of Michigan studying biochemistry and is currently in the process of applying to pharmacy school. In her free time, she gets to carry out cool chemical reactions in a research lab. Meghan also works with local schools teaching kids science through experiments and activities so they can get as excited about this stuff as she is. She loved this museum as a kid and knows we'll have a lot of fun this summer!

Tiara Jones (Morning Sessions, Yellow Group) is a senior at the University of Michigan studying Political Science and Business. She has been working at the Museum of Natural History since the beginning of her freshman

year. She is very involved on campus, and she plans on becoming a lawyer in the near future. Tiara really enjoys working with kids, and has an 8 year old nephew who is her heart. In her spare time, she enjoys running,

writing, and traveling. Tiara likes to smile and laugh, and loves new adventures. She is also a good leader who makes sure that everyone is included.

Liz Lewandowski (Afternoon Sessions, Green Group) is from Dexter, MI and is currently a 2nd year MSW student at the School of Social Work here at UM studying to become a school social worker. Before coming here to UM, she completed her undergraduate education at Kalamazoo College where she majored in International Relations and studied abroad in Cáceres, Spain. Liz also worked as a mentor and tutor with elementary and middle school students in Chicago for two years. She has a passion for working with kids and is thrilled to be a camp counselor working with your child here at the Museum of Natural History this summer!

Sarah Carrillo (Afternoon Sessions, Red Group) will be starting her second year at Michigan this fall and is currently studying Environmental Policy. She loves spending time outside; camping, swimming, hiking, and going on adventures are all activities she loves doing. She has lived in Ann Arbor her whole life and absolutely loves this city. Sarah is very excited to stay here this summer and work as a camp counselor! 

Allen Chang (Afternoon Sessions, Orange Group) is a rising sophomore at Yale University; he hasn’t declared his major yet, but he is a prospective math and music double major. Allen grew up in Ann Arbor and attended King Elementary School, Clague Middle School, and Huron High School. He attended Camp Explorations for several summers during his elementary school years. During his time at Huron, he was an active member of the Science Olympiad team, winning state-level awards and volunteering at local science events. An avid classical musician, Allen plays the piano, clarinet, and violin - you might catch him busking with friends at the Art Fair. In his spare time, Allen likes to browse the internet, eat unhealthy foods, listen to music, and sleep.

Ryan George (Afternoon Sessions, Yellow Group) has lived in Ann Arbor all his life and has junior standing at the University of Michigan. He is majoring in history and classical civilization. As a child, Ryan frequented the University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History and loved every exhibit, diorama and display. To this very day, he still enjoys the amazing things the museum has to offer. Paleontology, and the study of dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals remain among Ryan’s passions, and he is excited about sharing his interests and knowledge as a counselor at Camp Exploration.

Maggie Jones (Afternoon Sessions, Purple Group) is going to be a senior in the School of Education, majoring in elementary education with a concentration in language arts. She has lived in Ann Arbor her whole life, and she loves it here! Maggie loves to sing, dance, and read. She’s so excited for her second summer of being a camp counselor at Camp Explorations. 

Ryan McGowan (Afternoon Sessions, Blue Group) is 25 years old, was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan and graduated from Community High School in 2008. He went to Washtenaw Community College and transferred to Central Michigan University to obtain his Bachelors in History. He really enjoys talking to people about the past and reading books. Ryan also really enjoys the state of Michigan and loves spending time on Lake Huron.  He has become very interested in amateur astronomy after his time working in the museum planetarium and he really enjoys pointing out the planets to people when they are visible. 

Katherine Hamilton (Little Explorers Sessions) is a senior at the University of Michigan studying History and Political Science. She plans to go into secondary education after graduating. In her free time, Katherine competes for the Ballroom Dance team at UofM and is involved in education-related student organizations on campus. She loves camping, dancing, and meeting new friends!

        

Nathan Carrillo (Morning Assistant Director) was a camp counselor here at Camp Explorations last year, and this year he is excited to be the AM Assistant Director.  Nathan will be a senior at the University of Michigan and he studies German. In his freshman year, he was a music performance major in the School of Music, Theater, and Dance. He continues to play the viola and piano in his free time. While at Pioneer High School, Nathan helped mentor and instruct younger musicians through the orchestra program. He looks forward to another fun summer of camp!

Maia Gleason (Afternoon Assistant Director) is currently a Master's Candidate in the University of Michigan School of Social Work. She worked at the Museum of Natural History throughout her undergraduate time at U of M, and is thrilled to be returning for her 3rd summer as an Assistant Director of Camp Explorations! In her free time, Maia loves singing, painting and exploring the outdoors. She is excited for a great summer of science learning!

Brittany Burgess (Camp Director) is ready for her fifth year at Camp Explorations. Brittany holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and a M.A. in Museum Science from Texas Tech University.  She has experience in developing, planning and teaching summer camps at other museums. In addition to Camp Explorations, she coordinates the student docent program and manages K-12 school programming at the Museum. She is excited for another fun-filled summer!