Summer Camp Senior Directors
Senior Directors
Jon and Sara Deren exchanged vows at Manitou on the shores of East Lake. Jon, a former Manitou camper and counselor, enters his 10th summer of ownership with David. Jon, known as "JD" by campers and counselors, oversees all camp operations during the summer while coordinating Manitou's one-of-a-kind winter program during the off-season. Jon serves on the Board of Directors for the American Camping Association - NY section and is active on several ACA committees regarding leadership and management. Jon, a collegiate skier from Tufts, received his MBA from Columbia and currently resides with his wife, Sara, and golden retriever, Curtis, in Manhattan.
Sara has always had a love for Camp Manitou, and not just because she married Jon there. Her strong family background and passion for working with children add warmth and comfort to the family environment at Manitou. She is a graduate of Columbia Business School, where she earned her MBA, and Lafayette College. Sara joined the Manitou family in 2003.
David Schiff met Jon Deren in 1987 at the bus stop as 9 year old campers heading to Manitou. 20 years later, Dave continues to share his dream with Jon at Manitou. During the summer, David oversees camp's daily program and coordinates operations for the Central Maine Camp League. David has a masters degree in education and teaches middle school history in Tenafly, NJ during the off-season. He coaches Tenafly's boys high school soccer team and co-directs soccer camp in late August. Dave is active in the ACA and will be presenting at this year's Tri-State conference.
Summer Camp Directors—Page 2