Summer and vacation camps
for kids and teens, located in Waltham, MA
for kids and teens, located in Waltham, MA
Our Leadership
Director 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.
“Kids love this camp, especially the swimming, high ropes, karate, and yoga. But the biggest factor is the spectacular counselors.” Laura - Mother of 1st grade boy and 4th grade girl
Alex Guard, M.A.
Assistant Director of Summer & Auxiliary Programs, Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall School
Assistant Director of Summer & Auxiliary Programs, Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall School
2020 will mark my 12th Summer here at Running Brook and honestly I still feel the same level of excitement each year as I did my first! I am absolutely fortunate to be a part of a work environment that at the core, values community, compassion, challenge, creativity, cooperation and celebration above all else. Before RBDC, my professional road started when I received my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. From there I worked in various settings providing home-based, school and crisis intervention counseling for children and their families. I continue to love coming to work every day where the goal is to create a nurturing environment where staff and kids alike can learn, be silly, make friends, step out of their comfort zone, unplug and most importantly - play!
The fun doesn’t stop for me when I leave camp. I go home to a goofy and inquisitive toddler, two playful pups, a cunning kitty, and 16 peaceful, giant goldfish. I can’t wait to see you at camp!
Director of Health Services - Chapel Hill - Chauncy Hall School
Assistant Director, Running Brook Day Camp
Summer 2020 will be my 6th year at Running Brook Camps! I am also excited to share that I get to be a part of the community at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall throughout the school year as I am now the Director of Health Services for the high school as well.
Camp continues to be my favorite part of the year! I get to enjoy the outdoors, engage in group activities and help campers create their own success! My passion is working with campers to feel comfortable and excited to be at camp despite any social or emotional challenges they endure, along with mentoring counselors to feel confident and prepared to assist with such challenges as well. Prior to this fabulous job of dressing up like Cool Runnings or getting pied in the face, I received my Bachelor's of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, and then received my Master's and License in Marriage and Family Therapy.
My favorite parts of camp are hearing camper jokes, learning a new game and partaking in spontaneous dance parties!
Assistant Director
I am thrilled to be returning to Running Brook for my fifth summer and consider myself one lucky guy! As an Assistant Director, I get to spend my time in the company of our awesome campers and staff, on our beautiful campus, enjoying the outdoors, while helping ensure that we all have a fun, safe, and memorable summer together. Although I grew up in California, I’ve also lived in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New Zealand, Italy, and Malaysia. I have many hobbies but some of my favorites are running, traveling, playing golf, and scuba diving. While I love those hobbies, my true passion and calling in life is to support and foster the emotional and social well-being of children and adolescents. After earning my B.A. at Boston College, I joined Teach For America and became a high school math teacher in Jackson, Mississippi. After two years of teaching, I returned to Boston College and earned my M.A. in Mental Health Counseling. I then gained clinical experience in a wide array of areas, ranging from leading group play therapy, to providing in-home adolescent substance abuse counseling, to supervising graduate students. Currently, in addition to my summer position at RBDC, I am a full-time Upper School Counselor at Beaver Country Day School. These various roles, past and present, have all allowed me to use my clinical skills and passion to help children and adolescents live happy, healthy lives. I’m excited to do the same this summer at camp!
Assistant Director
I am so excited to be returning for my ninth year at Running Brook Day Camp. Camp has always held a special place for me. I truly enjoy being able to watch kids learn and grow over the years, developing lasting meaningful friendships and creating a strong bond with amazing counselors. When I am not at camp I work as a school adjustment counselor in Medford and I also have a small private therapy practice. I have always had a strong love for music and play drums, guitar, and piano. I love spending time with my family be it going to the beach, skiing, hiking, playing outside or just relaxing around the house. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to get to know and work with the campers and staff at Running Brook and I look forward to meeting you soon!
"They make the camp feel very personal and welcoming despite the scale. Couldn't be more impressed with camp administration."
Assistant Director
I am so looking forward to my fourth year at Running Brook Camps - it really is the highlight of my year! I love spending the summer playing games, meeting new friends, being silly, and - most importantly - making connections with the kids at camp. My very first job was at a performing arts summer camp, and I have fostered my passion for working with children in various capacities since then. I received my Bachelor's degree in psychology from UMass Dartmouth. While I was there, I spent time as a mentor in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. This program sparked my desire to learn about development and gain the skills necessary for building strong relationships with children. I went on to receive my Master's degree in Child Study & Human Development with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University. I am now a kindergarten/first grade teacher at the FUSE program during the school year, where I work with students to develop their social skills. It is so wonderful to have the opportunity to work with children in two different settings, and to help them have fun, learn, and grow in a group! One of my favorite things to do is learn everything I can about a child - from their favorite color to their biggest worry - and use that knowledge to support them in challenging situations. Outside of work, I love reading, swimming, going on outdoor adventures, and spending quality time with friends and family. I can't wait to dress up, wear wacky socks, spend some quality time with Enzo the camp turtle, eat tacos, (maybe) try some high ropes, and enjoy all the other things that camp has in store for this summer!
Director, Running Brook Adventures
I’ve always said my dream job is to be a professional camp counselor and though I've yet to find a way to work at camp year round, I've been pretty successful at coming "home" to camp in the summer. In 2007 (after 10 years of attending/working at overnight camp), I found Running Brook and a new adventure began! This is my 12th summer with Running Brook Adventures and my 5th Summer as Director! I love supporting kids in stepping outside of their comfort zones, recognizing their own strengths and building connections with others. Through hiking, biking, kayaking, rock climbing and camping, Running Brook Adventures provides the perfect opportunity for this growth and I am beyond excited to be part of it.
During the school year, I am an in-home therapist at Wayside Youth & Family Support Network where I provide support and counseling to youth and their families. I have many years of experience working with youth in schools, after school programs and camp settings, and I am passionate about empowering youth to make change in their community. I also have two amazingl kids of my own (ages 1 & 3) who have taught me the true meaning of "going with the flow" and helped me see the excitement in every moment.
In my "free" time, I enjoy exploring new activities with my family and friends, including but not limited to: Toddler dance parties, home depot kids workshops, street fairs & food festivals. I also love planning trips and taking photos along the way. I love being outdoors, and am excited for this summer and all the new adventures to come!
Denise Goguen
Camp Manager
I am excited to share that this is my 25th year with Running Brook! When I started out, I was doing the accounting work for camp behind the scenes. A few years into it, I began managing the camp office year-round. For the past ten years, I have been both the camp Office Manager as well as the Accounts Receivable Manager for Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School. I have very much enjoyed being directly involved with the campers, parents, and staff each summer and throughout the year. It is great seeing the kids summer after summer, watching them grow-up and getting to know so many of their families.
Some of the things I enjoy doing outside of camp are cooking (either for my family at home or in East Hall for my family at work), volunteering, traveling and in the summer hanging out by the pool and entertaining.
Business Office and Summer Programs Coordinator
I am excited to say that summer 2020 will be my 7th summer at Running Brook Camps, and I am looking forward to it! I grew up in Waltham and graduated from Endicott College in 2017. After high school and throughout college, I spent my summers working with Denise in the Running Brook Camps office. Following graduation, I began working full time for Chapel Hill – Chauncy Hall School in the Development Office. After almost two years in Development and missing one summer of camp, I realized I couldn’t miss another summer. Now I am happy to say, as the Business Office and Summer Programs Coordinator for CH-CH, that I am a part of Running Brook Camps year-round. I enjoy being a member of this fun, supportive community, and getting to know our campers, parents, and staff every summer!
When I am not at camp, I love spending time with family and friends as well as cooking, reading, watching movies, finding new restaurants to try, being outside, and playing with my energetic young cat!
"I have had very positive interactions with all of the camp administration - they do a wonderful job."
RUNNING BROOK CAMPS AT CHAPEL HILL - CHAUNCY HALL SCHOOL
785 Beaver St.
Waltham, MA 02452
Phone: 781-314-0994
Fax: 781-894-5706
Fax: 781-894-5706
Email: runningbrookcamp@chch.org
Director: Jim Bellanca, L.M.H.C.
Office Hours: We are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Please give us a call with any questions that you have, or to schedule a personal tour.
Director: Jim Bellanca, L.M.H.C.
Office Hours: We are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Please give us a call with any questions that you have, or to schedule a personal tour.
Running Brook Camps, located at Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School in Waltham, MA, provides summer camps for children in preschool through high school.