Our Tamarack Team
No matter how great a camp’s activities and facilities are — and we are pretty proud of Camp Tamarack’s program and infrastructure — it is the people, the campers and the staff members that literally give life to a camp.
Camp Tamarack’s caring, committed and professional counselors and staff members are truly in a class of their own. The combination of “veterans” who have grown up at Tamarack, together with newer staff whose ideas and energy are contagious, makes for a high-quality, kid-focused group of leaders. Tamarack staff are thoroughly interviewed and trained to understand our desire to develop safe and fun activities and cohesive cabin groups, while always focusing on the needs and aspirations of each individual camper.
Our Director Team
Rick Howard L.L.B.
Rick practiced business law for over 10 years and has spent many years as the Director/Owner of Camp Tamarack, as well as being extensively involved in recreational and other programs. Rick’s organizational and business skills, sense of humour and natural ability and effectiveness in dealing with campers, staff and parents have also proven successful in his other experiences as a parent, coach and teacher. Rick has a long history of camp experience, having been a counsellor, unit head, head counsellor and camp director. Rick is also a long-time volunteer and leader in the Ontario Camping movement, a member of the Society of Camp Directors, and a Past President of the Ontario Camps Association.
Ellen Howard B.P.H.E., B.Ed.
Ellen has brought her enthusiasm, creativity, leadership and love of children to the wide variety of roles she has filled during her career, including physical and health education teacher, swim professional, program director and camp director in varioust camps. Ellen’s main portfolios at Camp Tamarack are connected with waterfront, health & safety and activity programming. Ellen looks forward to continuing her volunteer work with the Ontario Camps Association as a standards visitor and co-chairing the Out Of The Cold program in her local community.
Danny Goodman
Danny is a highly respected educator in York Region and an experienced camp professional. As Tamarack’s Assistant Director in Summer 2021, and despite challenging circumstances, Danny was instrumental in making the camp season so successful for Tamarack campers, staff and families. As expected, Danny was quickly welcomed, respected and appreciated by the Tamarack community for his professionalism, empathy, intelligence, adaptability and calm nature. He is a natural leader who is seamless and excellent addition as a Tamarack Director for Summer 2022 and what we look forward to being many years to come. Danny and his wife, Erin, and sons Zach and Bradley, are long-standing and valued members of the Tamarack family.
Respecting Tradition and
Enhancing the Experience
While we work hard to honour and maintain Tamarack’s history and traditions that have evolved since its inception in 1981, we also seek to improve and enhance the Tamarack camp experience. Ideas and suggestions from Tamarack campers, parents and staff, as well as those gained from Tamarack’s involvement in the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) and North American camping movement, are seriously considered and often implemented.
Camp Tamarack’s enthusiastic and involved directors and owners appreciate, and never take for granted the trust that Tamarack families place in us. We look forward to building and growing strong relationships with Tamarack campers, staff and families for many years to come.
Our Camp Leadership Team
Mitch Pichosky
Mitch is a graduate of the Ivey Business School and has been working in the marketing field for the past few years. Many in the Tamarack community know Mitch as a long-time staff member, including stints as Elder Unit Head and Head of Flyboarding. Mitch has transitioned seamlessly into his role and looks forward to connecting with, and supporting, Tamarack families moving forward.
Jeff Kahn
After an incredible first summer back at camp with his wife Hayley, and kids David and Isaac, Jeff is excited to utilize his incredible skill set as an experienced senior camp leader and professional teacher as our new Head of Activities. Jeff will be supporting, overseeing and working closely with our activity heads and support staff in helping take all of the activities in Summer 2022 to a whole new level!
Joanna Perlus
Joanna (and her husband Mik) are veteran Tamarack parents of Dov and Everett and we could not be more excited about Joanna’s return to the team as our Program Director/Head of Special Programs! Joanna has extensive teaching and camp experience, and her incredible creativity and enthusiasm in helping run the World Games, Second Month All-Day, Moonlight Madnesses and other special camp events and traditions have helped bring the usual amazing Tamarack spirit to another level!
Holli Rosenblatt
Holli’s extensive background as an educator, camp professional and Tamarack parent (kids Ryan, Abby and Emily (husband Adam)), as well as her incredible job last summer as our Wellness Coordinator, make her ideal to fill this new role in which she will overseeing and working closely with our unit head team, counsellors, campers and families in making Summer 2022 truly incredible!
John Hannant-Minchel
After an incredible Summer 2021 as our Head of Activities, John will be taking his knack for creating strong bonds and interpersonal connections to his new role as Staff Coordinator. As Staff Coordinator, John will help us recruit top notch staff for Summer 2022, and work closely with them throughout the summer, including overseeing staff support, duties, days off and recreation. We are also excited that John has joined the Tamarack team full-time, and his responsibilities will also include helping oversee both our spring and fall group programs.
Leah Berson-Weinberg
Returning for her 17th summer, after her successful tenure as a much respected Juniper and Hawthorn Unit Head, Leah is making the jump to the Leadership team in the new role of Assistant Head Counsellor! Leah will bring her valuable camp leadership experience and skills as a professional teacher in supporting Holli, our unit head and counselling and supporting the unit team, counsellors and campers.
