About the Camp Concepts Leadership Team

An important factor in any business is the experience of its leaders. Camp Concepts is educator-owned and operated and has over 150 years of collective camp and teaching experience.

 

Their experience and passion are noticeable and unique. Each understands the deep value of camp in the lives of kids and has the experience to make each Camp Concepts camp the best in the region.

 

Steve Haines-Executive Director

Steve has more than 30 years in the camp education business.  Having spent 22 years at George School Day Camp, where he directed, designed, and significantly grew that program,  Steve has devoted his career to working with children. Launching Camp Concepts back in 2000, today, Big Oak Day Camp,  Little Buds Day Camp, and Expressions Day Camp all operate on one community campus to fulfill the Camp Concepts mission to offer Memorable & Meaningful Moments for children at camp. He is also the founder & President of Advantage-USA, an international educational consulting firm that also designed and runs HORIZONS USA-(an English language immersion summer program) as well as providing education consulting to international families seeking admission to US private high schools and universities.  Steve spends significant time in China doing speaking engagements as well as conducting leadership and teacher training seminars.  In 2020, Steve launched Immersive Education Associates to provide schools with a pathway to education reform utilizing VR/AR/MR learning.  Steve is also the C.O.O. of Global Connections Foundation, a New Jersey NGO helping Kenyan people become more self-reliant through entrepreneurship and educational initiatives. Steve earned his Master’s Degree in history and taught US History, Phys. Ed. & Health at Newtown Friends School for 20 years before finishing his teaching career teaching history at Plumstead Christian School. 

 

Steve Bernardini - assistant executive director

Assistant Director Steve Bernardini was part of the dynamic administrative duo “Steve & Steve” at George School Day Camp.  He served that camp community, in multiple capacities, for over 30 years before following Steve Haines to Big Oak Day Camp.  Steve B, as he is known, is our resident animal rescuer, identifier, and overall nature enthusiast, in addition to being a senior administrator.  Having been a teacher math, science, and PE teacher & coach at Buckingham Friends School for over 40 years, Steve is now enjoying his retirement from teaching .  Steve has significant international travel experience, having studied in Paris having taken multiple groups of students to places like the rainforest of Ecuador and to a sister school in St. Petersburg, Russia.  Steve is a gifted and talented administrator, and his passion for education and leadership is exemplary. Steve is married and is the father of two grown children.  Steve is also the grandfather to Madden and Lenyx

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Linda Schloo - Account Services

Linda has been with Camp Concepts for over 15 years servicing the needs of families.  Although camp may only meet during the summer, Linda is busy year-round managing the employees, finances, and planning for the next season.  She is married with 4 grown children and also works part-time at Souderton Area School District.  We are so lucky to have Linda who masterfully handles so many details essential to running our great camp.

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Debbie Kirk - expressions director

Expressions Day Camp Director-  Debbie has been a teacher in the Philadelphia School District for over twenty years, where she brings her energy, passion, and professionalism to the classroom and to those she meets. Debbie's talents were noticed when Steve hired her to serve as a counselor and was soon promoted to Lower Camp coordinator, at the George School Day Camp. This is her tenth year with Camp Concepts and her sixth year with Expressions Day Camp. Debbie loves camp and after even a short conversation with her, you will too! Debbie is married and mother to Adam. Debbie is the director of our camp for kids who need social skill strengthening called Expressions Day Camp which also takes place on our Big Oak campus.  Debbie has also led the camper group to China in the summer and fall of 2019 and to Kenya in 2023. 

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Ashley Carlson - little buds director

Director of Little Buds- Ashley has been with Camp Concepts for more than 10 years.  A middle school teacher during the school year, Ashley brings steady leadership and creativity to the director role of Little Buds.  Ashley graduated from Bucknell University with Elementary & Early Childhood Education and loves her work with Little Buds!

 

Jennifer Schloo - Little Buds assistant director

Little Buds Assistant Director- Jennifer is currently teaching First Grade in the Allentown School District and she has been with Camp Concepts for the past 15 years.  She graduated from DeSales University in Early Childhood Education and from Wilkes University with her Masters in Early Childhood Literacy.  Jennifer is a nurturing and loving leader.  She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and programming ideas to the group.  

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Stefanie Schloo - logistics & Special Programming specialist 

Stefanie has worked in various positions at camp over the past 14 years.  She has become invaluable in logistics and event planning.  She is also the Assistant Director for our Horizons program.  Stefanie works for a company logistically planning college study abroad programs.   She graduated from DeSales University in 2016 where she majored in International Studies,  Marketing, and History.  She received her Masters's in Leadership from  Cabrini University in 2018.  She loves to travel and has been to over 20 countries!