MEET OUR 2014 NORTHERN IRELAND TRIP LEADERS!

Each year, youth ages 14-17 have the opportunity to embark on the experience of a lifetime and take an active leadership role in a new community, all while getting abundant time to explore and sightsee in Northern Ireland. This program consists of completing an initial service project at Camp Burgess; assisting at a Northern Irish music, dance and film residential camp called Camp Rock; and implementing day programs at a local youth center. No music, dance or film experience is necessary–just a fun, positive attitude as well as a passion for working with young people. This year’s adventure will be led by two seasoned Camp Burgess & Hayward gurus, Molly and Mike!

Molly Thomas

Molly is absolutely thrilled at the chance to explore Northern Ireland with her slightly younger, albeit equally intrepid counterparts. She hails from Ohio’s beautiful Cuyahoga River Valley, and is grateful to have spent much of her life assembling a mosaic of international/multicultural experiences, including a few years’ stint at Camp as a Teen Adventure Trip Leader and the Adventure Trips & Teen Director. Molly is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and typically enjoys being with her loved ones, windy day/starry night combos, eating Indian or Vietnamese food, and having friendly talks with dogs.

Mike Thompson

Mike has been working at Camp for three years, as both an Outdoor Education Instructor and Teen Adventure Trip Leader. He loves the variety of the work: teaching environmental science classes one day; clearing land or working on various projects to expand the farm the next; and spending his summers helping youth learn how to surf, windsurf, kayak, and experience the thrill of our high ropes courses. The best part of his role at Camp is seeing the sense of community and learning that develops within the different groups that come here, from elementary school field trips to university leadership seminars. It’s amazing what can be accomplished over just a few days and how much fun can be had at the same time. These positive experiences make it easy to stay motivated and to look forward to the opportunity of working with each new group.

 
 
To learn more about the Northern Ireland Leadership program, please visit our Northern Ireland Leadership Webpage