When speaking with families considering sending their son to Pemi, I’m frequently asked, “What makes Pemi different from other camps? What sets you apart?” I give a variety of answers to this question, as I truly believe that Pemi has many distinctive attributes: our equal focus on four stellar program areas, our private location as the only landowners on our lake, unchanged family ownership since our founding in 1908, and I could go on. One answer, however, always comes to mind first for me and typically resonates most with families: the Pemi experience that our cabin counselors have. The vast majority of our cabin staff are Pemi veterans, whether former campers, returning staff members, or, in most cases, both. Our ranks are strengthened every year by the addition of new faces and fresh energy – and we wouldn’t have it any other way – but the experience that our cabin staff brings to the table provides unique levels of continuity of culture and dedication to camp.

At the helm of this stellar group of cabin counselors are our Division Heads. Pemi’s cabins are split into four age groups: Juniors (8-10 year-olds), Lowers (11-13 year-olds), Uppers (12-14 year-olds), and Seniors (14-15 year-olds). Each has a Division Head (or two): the lead counselor for his group, selected during the off-season for his track record of excellence as a counselor, leader, and peer. In addition to still working as cabin counselors, Division Heads fulfill several key roles. They mentor the other counselors in their division, helping them develop skills and navigate challenges; they work with senior staff to support the counselors and campers in their charge, advocating for specific needs or changes; and they lead by example, embodying the best of what it means to be a Pemi counselor.

To prepare for this role, Division Heads attend our pre-season summit, held every May, alongside directors and members of the senior leadership team. They spend time learning more about the position, with dedicated training on mentorship and leadership, particularly around collaboration and feedback. The summit meetings also present an opportunity for Division Heads to be closely involved in planning and preparation for the upcoming summer. They’re key voices in the room as Pemi leadership discusses unique events and special opportunities for the summer.

This year’s Division Heads all have at least a decade of Pemi experience under their belt already, and all were incredible members of our 2024 counseling staff. They’re a group with a deep love for Pemi and who can’t wait to help make 2025 an incredible experience for each and every camper. I’m excited to let them introduce themselves here!

Juniors – Eli Brennan

I’m 22 years old and from Weston, CT. I’m currently finishing my final semester at the University of Maryland and will soon be graduated with a degree in public policy. I am excited to return as Junior Division Head for my 14th summer on the shores of Lower Baker. I spent four ​out of my eight years as a camper in Junior Camp, along with the last four summers on staff, so it’s my favorite area of camp. I’m looking forward to applying the lessons I’ve learned as a counselor to keep Junior-Ville running smoothly. I’m excited to help make sure our youngest boys, especially those who are coming to Pemi for the first time, have a great summer.

When I’m not hanging out in Junior Camp, I spend most of my time in the Nature Lodge teaching astronomy and Weird Science, and coaching swimming at the waterfront. This summer, I’m pumped to bring back Model Rocketry and 4th Hour “The Way Pemi Works” to learn about what keeps camp running and our environmental impact. I love coaching 10-and-under swimming, working with boys who are experienced and brand new competitive swimmers alike. I look forward to Pemi all year long, and I am ready to have a fantastic summer!

Lowers – Jacob Smalley

Hey! I’m Jacob Smalley and I’m thrilled to be back at Pemi for my fourth summer on staff, this time as a Division Head for the Lowers! I just graduated from St. Lawrence University with majors in Psychology and Spanish with minors in European and Latin American Studies. It’s hard to believe, but this will be my 11th year in total at Pemi (yes, counting online Pemi in 2020), meaning I’ve spent about half of my life’s summers on Lower Baker. Wild. I’m 22 now, and as a boy was a camper from the ages of 11-15 as well as going on Pemi West in 2019. 

As many know, Pemi provides boys and men the great opportunity to challenge themselves to grow in dynamic ways each summer as well as preparing them for whatever next step they take in life. Being a Division Head this summer is the perfect next step, and I’m excited to see what challenges and rewards come with this new role. I’m looking forward to joining Pemi’s leadership team, while continuing to work on the ground in the cabins of the Lower Division. 

I’m also very happy to be back on the soccer pitch helping campers foster and develop their passion for the game. You may also see me on the tennis court, getting beaten by campers– which helps me foster and develop my passion for the game, as well as a stoic mindset. Mostly I’m just fired up to be back in a place where the opportunity to learn and create fun is limitless.

Lowers – Oliver Giraud

Hey Pemi Community!

My name is Oliver Giraud, and I’m excited to say that I’m going to be one of the Division Heads at camp this summer. I started calling Pemi a second home when I was 9 years old, and this will be my 11th year at camp. Pemi has become a part of me. I never fail to bring it up while getting to know new people. Outside of Pemi, I am a full-time student at Kenyon College studying Political Science. During my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends, staying active, reading, and learning and listening to music.

This summer I hope to enjoy the outdoors by unplugging and getting to coach some sports. As a kid Pemi taught me to try everything from the arts to rocks and minerals to ultimate frisbee. I feel like being a lifelong camper has made me a jack of all trades. I enjoy a bit of everything, and I think I have Pemi to thank for that. It’s funny how skills from camp have impacted my life. For example I did the yearly operetta at camp as a boy, and now I am in an a Capella group in college. I never would have thought of singing in college, but Pemi gave me the confidence to try and has made me more confident as a man. Moreover, I think Pemi has made me a better citizen in general. It has made me cognizant of my footprint among my community. Living on your own at such a young age with roommates is such a special experience. It instills in you what it means to stay tidy and how to interact with others on a daily basis. As a kid you don’t even realize what’s happening. You’re so immersed in the joy of running around with kids your age, you forget you’re learning, but that’s what camp is about. Camp is about learning who you are, what your habits are, what pushes your buttons, which people do you like to spend time with, and how to stay clean and healthy on your own.

I’m so excited to get the chance to help lead the boys of Lower Baker to another glorious summer. As a Division Head this year, I’m ready to be a point of contact for campers who need someone to talk to. I am excited to have an opportunity to be a bigger voice on the Hill and help instill the same qualities of kindness and leadership that have shaped me into the man I am. As much as I get to teach the boys, the boys are teaching me how to be a kid. An important trait that as I grow up I realize I must hold onto with all my might.

Uppers – Nelson Snyder

 My name is Nelson Snyder and I am from Salt Lake City, Utah and attend the University of Utah. I have been going to Camp Pemi for 11 years now – 6 as a camper and 5 as a counselor! This will be my first summer being the Upper Division Head, and I could not be more excited about it. I love everything Pemi has to offer, but I am especially excited to coach some waterskiing and a wide variety of sports. I am so excited to meet everyone and get this summer rolling!

I’ve spent the majority of my time at Pemi on Intermediate Hill, and I’m thrilled to be there again this summer. The Hill is definitely the center of camp, and being in a leadership position there is an amazing opportunity. Being a Division Head is something I’ve been looking forward to for years. I’m excited to step into a larger leadership role where I can model responsibility, enthusiasm, and what it means to be part of the Pemi community.

Seniors – Owen Gagnon

Hi everyone! My name is Owen, and this will be my 11th summer at Camp Pemi. A rising junior at Occidental College in Los Angeles, studying Diplomacy and World Affairs, I’m originally from Brooklyn, New York. I am extremely excited to be stepping into a Division Head role this summer, and I’m eager to share my love of Pemi with the campers. I am most excited to help out in Pemi’s music department this summer. After an amazing year of Mess Hall singing, Campfire performances, and some truly rockin’ electric recitals, I hope to help bring Pemi’s amazing musicality into 2025!

As a Division Head, I can’t wait to assist in everyday life at Pemi. The Camp Pemi community is incredibly special to me. As an 11-year member, I have seen first-hand the unbreakable bonds that can be formed at camp. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to assist in building the inclusive, tight-knit community in which I grew up. And of course, I cant wait for Tecumseh Day this year. Fostering an environment where competitiveness and sportsmanship are equally balanced is a true joy, and I am eager to feel the Pemi spirit in full force this summer! Can’t wait to see you all in June!