This is Jacqui’s first summer working as the Swim Director at OBYG and she is so excited to be joining us! As a former athlete, lifeguard, and substitute teacher, she loves to work with kids! She graduated from East Carolina University in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education. Jacqui grew up in Mount Sinai, Long Island and spent many summers visiting Ocean Beach. She’s looking forward to coming back to have some fun in the water with the campers!
Patrick (Pat) Hopkins started at OBYG in 2019 as an Assistant Art Director, rose to the roles of Head Counselor, yearbook editor, photo elective teacher, and now returns as the Director of the new Film & Photo Program! His experiences at OBYG has inspired him to become an art teacher. During the off-season, he works as a teacher’s aide in Dix Hills, New York.
Pat’s favorite aspect of camp is not only watching the campers grow up but to also witness them discover new interest, forge friendships, and learn something new everyday. He loves helping all the other program areas both in and out of Windswept and can’t wait to return in his new position!
Alexa is a certified NASM personal trainer, nutrition coach and NYC based professional dancer and dance teacher. She brings modalities from dance, pilates, yoga and her knowledge of self-improvement and holistic practices to her classes. This is Alexa’s third summer at OBYG and she is excited to be back in the role of Dance Director!
This will be Michaela’s third summer as the nursery director at OBYG. It is also her 22nd summer spent at OBYG!! During the winter, she is a first grade teacher in upstate, NY. Michaela’s favorite camp activities have always been art and boating. Her favorite thing about camp is all of the memories that she has made there. She is looking forward to making many more this summer.
Kim is so happy to be back for her 5th summer at OBYG! She has been the dance director, the drama director, and became the OBYG Arts Coordinator during Summer 2023! She also runs our aftercamp program Broadway Beach where the campers get to sing and dance to their favorite showtunes!
Kim is originally from Iowa and studied Performing Arts at Iowa State University. In the off season she lives and works in New York City as a Theatre Teaching Artist, ASL-English interpreter, Actor, Director, and Choreographer. It is such a joy to share her love of theater and the performing arts with all of the campers at OBYG.
This summer will be Mike’s fourth summer at OBYG! Mike played baseball at Long Island University and graduated with a degree in Physical and Health Education. During the off season, Mike teaches in the Patchogue Medford School District and coaches varsity baseball!Â
Mike’s favorite thing about OBYG is seeing all of the campers learn new skills and experience new things throughout the summer. He is super excited to see all of the campers and staff at the end of June!
This is going to be Jake’s 4th summer returning to OBYG as the Sports Director. He is more excited than ever for this summer. He can’t wait to teach more sports and watch the program grow.
Jake says there is no greater joy than seeing the campers smiling and having a great time! Their ultimate goal at sports is to keep the campers happy and of course keep them safe. He looks forward to another amazing summer at OBYG where he can do what he loves.
This will be Lauren’s third year as the OBYG art director. During the school year, Lauren is an art teacher in Kansas City, Mo!
Lauren’s first two years were truly an exceptional experience for her, surrounded by the wonderful staff and community at OBYG! Lauren is looking forward to helping create more lasting memories through art with the campers and community at OBYG!
This is Liz DiCristo’s 4th summer at OBYG. Before becoming boating director, she worked as the Nursery Director and also the head counselor of the fives! Liz graduated from St. Joseph’s College for both her undergraduate and graduate degree. During the off season, she is a mathematics special education teacher at Rocky Point High School. Liz loves working at OBYG because she gets to spend her days with her family and has made so many amazing new friends working here. She is excited to return to her role on the water and being able to help kids love the water as much as she does!