Camp Woodstock’s staff is made up of 6 full time resident staff as well as over 140 program staff who work seasonally year round. Over 95% of our seasonal staff were campers at Camp Woodstock and know what it’s like to make you and your camper feel at home here.
Woodstock Staff Creed
There is no one more responsible than I. I realize that I am a member of a time-honored tradition, which is known as a “Woodstocker.” I am proud of the Woodstock tradition, and will at all times conduct myself to bring credit upon Camp Woodstock, the YMCA, and the CHoRR values. I recognize my position here is a privilege which I will not abuse.
Respect is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind: to facilitate a safe environment, and maintain the welfare of my campers. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent to that role. All campers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my campers, and I will always place their needs above my own. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and consequences.
Camp staff will have maximum time to accomplish their duties; they will not have to accomplish mine. I will earn their respect and confidence, as well as that of my campers. I will respect those with whom I work, regardless of their position. I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of instruction. I will not compromise my integrity nor my CHoRR values. I will not forget, nor will I allow my peers to forget, that we are counselors – leaders!
Our Year-Round Staff Team
Anthony Gronski
Executive Director
tony.gronski@ghymca.org
Anthony has over twenty-five years of experience working at YMCAs in New Jersey, Tennessee and Arkansas. In 2005, he settled at Camp Woodstock with his wife, Melany, and daughters, Madeline, Grace and Sophie. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science from Penn State University in Parks and Recreation Management. Anthony has also worked for Outward Bound where he developed a love for exploration and physical challenges. When he is not in the office he can be found spending time with his family, playing wiffleball with campers or out behind the office at his pull up bar. His favorite book is “The Call of the Wild” by Jack London.
Terrance Smith
Summer Camp Director
terrance.smith@ghymca.org
Terrance has been part of the Camp Woodstock community since 2013, first as Media Director, shaping how camp stories are captured and shared, and now as Camp Director, bringing over a decade of experience in youth development, education, and community building.
Terrance holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication and Rhetorical Studies from Syracuse University and a Master’s in International Education from the University of Alcalá, using his education to guide young people in finding their voice, developing skills, and understanding difference.
Known for his thoughtful, camper-centered approach, Terrance has worked with youth both in and out of the classroom. With over a decade of experience as a school educator and administrator, he consistently challenges young people to lean into creativity, embrace new experiences, and engage confidently through the arts. When not in the office, Terrance doesn’t catch feelings—he catches flights. His favorite book is “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
Lauren Remillard
Conference and Retreat Director
lauren.remillard@ghymca.org
Lauren grew up in New England and has been at Camp Woodstock since 2013. With a degree in Recreational Management from Arizona State University, Lauren has a special interest in leadership and group dynamics which she uses on a daily basis with our CITs in the summer. During the non-summer months, Lauren is responsible for our year-round conference and retreat center. When not at camp, Lauren is an avid hiker and enjoys researching her family’s history.
Rachel Syme
Business Manager
Rachel lives in Woodstock, Ct with her family on a small hobby farm. Together they raise wool breed sheep, fiber rabbits and chickens. Rachel has worked for YMCA Camp Woodstock since 2018. When she is not at camp she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, coaching softball and caring for her animals. Her favorite book is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
William Parkman
Facility and Property Director
bill.parkman@ghymca.org
William has over fifty years of camping experience at YMCAs in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. He holds a Bachelor of Science from Springfield College in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He received a teaching certification from UCONN and taught for 36 years in elementary and high school public education. William served 26 years as a SeaBee in the United States Navy Reserve construction battalion. When he is not working on camp projects he can be found spending time with his son, working at his home in
New Hampshire, woodturning, or canoeing or sailing on Black Pond. His favorite book is “The Night of The Moonbow” by Thomas Tryon.
Our Summer Staff Crew
Our summer staff hails from all over the country and world. The majority of our staff were Woodstock campers themselves and have worked their way up through the ranks of LIT, CIT, Junior Counselor and Senior Counselor. Many of our staff come from Connecticut and the surrounding states, but we also have staff who travel here from further afield and even abroad. We have staff from countries such as Spain, England, Scotland, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Czech Republic, Turkey, New Zealand, Australia, and Jamaica.
While our staff come from a wide variety of backgrounds, studies and experiences, one thing that they all have in common is that they have been highly trained here at Woodstock to give your child the best summer of their life!