Daniel loves camp, and has worked at Camp Huntington since 1982, in virtually every capacity from bunk counsellor, maintenance and program director to camp director; and now is the camp’s owner. Along with his mother, Camp Huntington’s former owner and director Bruria Bodek-Falik, Daniel has played a key role in shaping the camp into the place so many campers have come to love.

In addition to supervising the program, Daniel manages program development to enhance therapeutic content and outcomes. He has expanded the program into Fall & Winter Weekend Camps year-round. Daniel is currently working on an adult residential housing solution for the many children that have attended the program who are now adults.

He is a former fellow in Social Media and Education in Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office in New York City. He is a former board member and current member of the New York State Camp Director’s Association, lobbying for equal representation for special needs camps, as well as work as a consulting member of the New York State Health Department’s Medical Advisory Council. And, don’t be surprised if he turns up in a cameo role in a Camp Huntington theater production, or as a special musical guest.

My first summer at Camp Huntington was 2014; I was just starting at University. I had a passion to work with children on the Autism Spectrum as my cousin had been recently diagnosed. I recall many fond memories from my first summer, the local fire department coming and running through the social hall field covered head to toe in foam with the campers running after me. One of my favorite memories was the first ever prom I experienced, to this day, I still attend the prom with the same camper. I think it’s safe to say that I felt at home, I found my authentic self at Camp Huntington, and it made me realize the value of compassion, care and the importance of having fun!

In 2014 I received the great news that I was accepted onto the BSc Social Work program in Ulster University, Northern Ireland. I graduated in 2017 with a 4.0, and received my grades while I was a Unit Coordinator for B-Unit; later that day, I received a congratulations card which was signed by every camper in B-Unit. It still has pride of place in my house. I continued my employment in Integrated Education working in the Additional Educational Needs Department and I now have the role in the Safeguarding Team.

I have worked at Camp Huntington during the summer season ever since, the Huntington Spirit within me grows year by year. Camp Huntington holds a very special place in my heart; from meeting the new campers and being able to share a summer of fun and meaningful activities, watching new counselors grow strength by strength and exceed their own expectations. I love seeing the faces of returning campers on arrival day. A favorite aspect of Camp for me is that we have 9 weeks to impact an individual’s life, 9 weeks of memories to be made and working on daily living skills; and when that returning camper pulls up and you can see the development, which you know their parents, their teachers, their aids and you have worked on the previous years, there’s no better motivation and inspiration to continue to impact our campers’ lives.

I am very excited about my new role at Camp Huntington as Program Director. Being able to work in a place that I call my second home, with children and adults who with one word or one embrace can make your day means the world to me. I am excited to embark on this new adventure and work alongside you all, parents, professionals, counselors and campers to share the Huntington experience. As Program Director, I am committed to providing both academic and recreational activities for every camper to continue to develop and enjoy. I am passionate about expanding our Young Leaders Program to develop new skills and enrich existing skills for our Young Leaders to enter the work force, be more independent in daily life and expand their experiences.

Cathy has been an integral part of the summer at Camp Huntington since 1984, when she was a bunk counselor between her sophomore and junior years at college. She earned her BA and MA in special education and during the off season works in Florida teaching students with with autism and intellectual disabilities. She was recently named Collier County Middle School Teacher of the Year.

During the summer, Cathy provides support and assistance to everyone. Cathy has an wealth of knowledge about behavior-management strategies and techniques, and brings a unique “bag of tricks” to camp to help all counselors ensure their campers are achieving their goals and of course, having fun!

Cathy returns to camp because she loves the lessons that she learns from watching our incredible campers face their daily struggles and continuing to live in a joyful and loving way, each and every day.

Margaret has been involved in camp since 2005, and is responsible for running the Health Office. Off season she works at Ulster County Boces. During the summer, see oversees the incredible team of nurses, the complex medication and medical needs or our special population. Margaret works tirelessly to ensure a smooth transition for both campers and parents.

Margaret returns to camp year and year to enjoy the heartwarming sense of “family” at camp. She says that she loves seeing both the campers and counselors find a sense of belonging at camp, that they might not necessarily find outside of camp.

Ray has been cooking for camp since 1982 and famously explains in our staff orientation that he continues to return to camp because he has not yet learned all that the campers have to teach him. At camp he is responsible for ensuring the camp meets the nutritional needs of the campers and staff, and also makes sure that the kitchen and serving areas are in compliance with the Board of Health directives.

Dr. Bruria Bodek-Falik, Executive Director and program owner of Camp Huntington since 1982, has a Ph.D. in Clinical Child and Family Psychology and is a licensed New York State Certified School Psychologist, Behavioral Psychotherapist and Teacher. She has had many years of teaching and clinical experience with special populations. During her career, Dr. Falik has been extensively involved in parent education, staff training, program development and workshop instruction.

In her civic and avocational activities Dr. Falik has presided over the Mid-Hudson Psychological Association, served two terms as a board member of the Dutchess County Mental Health Board and the Mental Health Association, and held membership in the Dutchess County Association for the Learning Disabled, and is a member of the American Camping Association, Hadassah and B’nai Brith. Dr. Falik served on the NY State Camp Director’s Board for 14 years. In 2009 Dr. Falik was given the Legend in Camping award by the American Camp Association, honoring her long service and dedication to running summer camp programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.