Jim Bellanca, M.A., LMHCDirector of Summer & Auxiliary Programs, Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall School
Director, Running Brook Day Camp I am proud to share that summer 2020 will be my 25th summer working at Running Brook Day Camp, my 21st summer as the Program Director and my 10th as the Director of Summer Programs for Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall School. I am very excited about the continued growth and impact of our camp programs.
As a licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have spent the majority of my post-grad school work in various elementary and middle schools, both public as well as private therapeutic settings. I also spent fifteen years as a part-time clinician at The Academy of Physical and Social Development in Newton, where kids play actively in small groups as they work to build their social and physical skills, as well as their self-esteem. Throughout that time, I spent my summers working at Running Brook, where I was continuously reminded of the incredible importance of a structured, fun, nurturing environment for kids of all ages during the summer months. There is so much growth that can happen for kids in a relatively short time at camp in the summer; taking on new physical challenges and trying new activities, enhancing social skills and making new friends, growing in self-confidence and feeling a part of a larger, close-knit community. It is no coincidence that all of my professional time is now spent with Running Brook Camps - a place where every member of our community spends the summer laughing, playing, learning and growing together. I am very fortunate to have found a career working in such a great place.
Outside of camp, I spend as much time as possible outdoors with my wife, young daughter and our dog. Much of that time is spent on a snowboard, a mountain bike, in a pair of snowshoes, camping, in a kayak or on a hiking trail in Vermont, our “home away from home.” I’m looking forward to another great summer at camp.