Summer 2024

Dennis Ombongi
Counselor

Age: 37

Hometown: Kisii, Kenya, East Africa

Parish: St. Peter’s Parish, Massena

What are your hobbies/talents/interests? Swimming, reading, hiking.

Why did you want to work at Camp Guggenheim? This will be my first time to work in Camp Guggenheim this year! I’m looking forward for more experience, and as a seminarian I think it is a witness to young ones. My presence there will bring a full realization a bout priesthood or religious life especially to the campers.

Heide Purtell
Nurse

Hometown: Keeseville, NY

Parish: St. Augustine’s, Peru

What are your hobbies/talents/interests? Volleyball, friendship bracelets, dancing like no one is watching, and spending time with my kids  

Why did you want to work at Camp Guggenheim? As a teen, there was nothing I looked forward to more than my time at camp.   Many of the friendships I formed there are still intact today.  I want to work at camp this summer because I think it’s more important than ever for teens to be able to have an opportunity to connect with each other through prayer, laughter and adventure.  

Bethany Vaisey
Counselor
Age: 20

Hometown: Colton

Parish: St. Patrick’s Church

What are your hobbies/talents/interests? I have a strong passion for being outdoors and enjoying nature. Some of my favorite activities include camping, hiking with friends, and exploring natural environments. I also love doing art and am studying it in a few forms historically.

Why did you want to work at Camp Guggenheim? I wanted to work at Camp Guggenheim because I love the camp. The atmosphere and environment of the camp are healing, it’s an amazing opportunity to connect with nature and God. Additionally, I am passionate about working with kids and fostering both their faith in God and my own. The camp allows me to combine my love for nature, art, and spirituality in a meaningful and fulfilling way.

Christian Gratto
Counselor
Age: 19

Hometown: Schroon Lake

Parish: St. Alexander’s, Morrisonville

What are your hobbies/talents/interests? I am currently studying Television Production at Ithaca College.  I love the outdoors, canoeing, hiking, biking, photography, videography, campfires, Camp Guggenheim, and Jesus!

Why did you want to work at Camp Guggenheim? I have been attending camp since 2016 and can’t wait to be on staff this summer!  Camp has given me so many great memories throughout the past eight years and I can’t wait to continue the amazing legacy this summer!  Hike, Swim, Praise, 2024! I can’t wait to see you there!

Mateo Reilly
Counselor
Age: 20

Hometown: Thousand Oaks, California

Parish: St. Paschal Baylon

What are your hobbies/talents/interests? I love going to the beach with my friends, wrestling, and the movie Cars.

Why did you want to work at Camp Guggenheim? I wanted to work at Camp because I had such an amazing experience as a camper in previous years and as a counselor last year that I wanted to share the joy I found there with as many campers as possible.

Kathryn Samperi
Counselor
Age: 20

Hometown: Saranac Lake

Parish: St. Bernard of Montjoux

What are your hobbies/talents/interests? Running, lifting weights, swimming, music, hiking

Why did you want to work at Camp Guggenheim? Going to camp was always the highlight of my summer as a camper! I think the faith-filled community is so important for young people, especially when it’s not always so easily accessible. The people within this community have always been a source of great joy for me, and I want others to have the same experience! Being around so many wonderful people at Guggenheim, to me, is the best way to spend my summer!

Seth McDonald
Counselor
Age: 18

Hometown: Howes Cave, NY

Parish: St. Kateri Tekakwitha

What are your hobbies/talents/interests? I enjoy playing volleyball and disc golf. I also enjoy board games with my family. Most of all, I love spending time at camp!

Why did you want to work at Camp Guggenheim?  I have been a camper every year since I was 12. It’s always been a dream of mine to be on staff and I’m so happy to say that I’m getting the chance. Camp is such a special place and I can’t wait to share that with the campers this summer!  

Madonna Champagne
Counselor
Age: 25

Hometown: Malone

Parish: St. André Bessette

What are your hobbies/talents/interests? I love to sing, learn about our faith, dance, make music (especially praise and worship!), laugh, be outside, participate in Crossfit, and spend time with friends and family!

Why did you want to work at Camp Guggenheim? I love our faith with all of my heart! I truly believe the most important thing I could do with my life is help others find God and the truth, beauty and goodness of our faith, which is the exact opportunity camp provides! Camp provides a wonderful, FUN place for the youth to be encouraged on their faith journeys. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to share our beautiful faith and hopefully encourage others to see how, “Life with Christ is a beautiful adventure!”

Stephen Dwyer
Counselor
Age: 19

Hometown: Chateaugay

Parish: Catholic Community of Burke and Chateaugay

What are your hobbies/talents/interests? I enjoy getting to know people, singing, baseball, hiking, and being outside in general. I love science, especially human anatomy.

Why did you want to work at Camp Guggenheim?
After being on staff last year, I can truly say it was the best summer of my life. The life and holiness that Guggenheim brings to the campers and the staff make working there again this summer a no-brainer. I want to do everything I can to help the youth of our diocese and beyond deepen their connection with God and keep that flame burning even after camp.