Here’s to the fun-loving people who love kids. The adventurers who stir up adventure for their campers. The ones who lead by example and help develop leaders. They have curious minds and inspire curiosity in those around them. They’re superstars who shoot for the stars, creating a one-of-a-kind camp experience. Here’s to our Fairmont Summer Team!
With the distinction of being accredited by the American Camp Association, Fairmont brings the level of experience and understanding of education you want for your child. Our team comes with an innovative, out-of-the-box way of thinking, which keeps things fresh and exciting at our summer camp. Every counselor has completed an extensive interview process (including fingerprinting and background checks with the Department of Justice and FBI) and comprehensive training (including CPR and first aid certification for summer camp directors, along with diversity and safety awareness training for all staff). No wonder Fairmont’s summer camp has been voted the best day camp in Orange County five times.
Take a moment and get to know the team!
Chris Keramidas – Managing Director of Enrollment Operations
Favorite childhood memory of summer?
My favorite childhood memory was attending summer camp for the first time. I was 8 years old and attended theatre camp at the Pasadena Armory Center. It was here that I was inspired to be in the performing arts and make camp a part of my life forever!
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Barcelona, Spain! This was the first time I traveled out of the country by myself. I learned that I could do anything I set my mind too and that the world we live in has so much to offer.
Ice cream you can’t live without?
I love sorbet and gelato
Favorite summer purchase?
Travel, travel, travel!
Splurge summer treat?
Popsicles at the beach!
Camping or travel hack?
Bring bug repellent & sunblock
What’s the biggest lesson you learned from your time as a summer camp director?
Let the campers drive the experience. Take their lead and you will always get it right!
One meal to eat for the rest of your life?
Pizza
Karen Saturday – Camp Director
Favorite childhood memory of summer?
Camping with my family and taking adventures around my city on my bike.
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Hawaii
Ice cream you can’t live without?
It’s called Gold Medal Ribbon at Baskin Robbins- Vanilla, chocolate, and caramel…what else do you need?
Splurge summer treat?
Ice cream/frozen yogurt out with my kids
Favorite national park?
The Redwoods
Cooking hack?
As a mom, just using the Crock-Pot or AirFryer to make quick meals.
Camping or travel hack?
Put colorful duct tape on the back of your black luggage. It makes it easily recognizable on the carousel.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned from your time as a summer camp director?
Just be prepared for the unexpected.
Favorite thing to binge-watch?
I’m a traditional DVR kinda girl. Not much for the binging. As a working mom with kids in sports, don’t have time to binge anyways.
Something unique about you?
I’m still a fan of my favorite band from childhood…New Kids on the Block
Brittany Ickes – Summer Camp Director, North Tustin
Favorite childhood memory of summer?
Every summer when I was a kid my family and I would go to Laughlin and have fun at the river. We would go out on our Sea-Doo and boat and just enjoy the time together.
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Wyoming. I road-tripped and went to Grand Teton and Yellowstone. It was an amazing experience.
Ice cream you can’t live without?
Strawberry
Favorite summer purchase?
A vacation somewhere nice!!
Favorite national park?
Grand Teton
Camping or travel hack?
Just to have stuff planned before you go. Make sure you hit the places you want to see.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned from your time as a summer camp director?
Patience
Favorite thing to binge-watch?
K-Dramas
One meal to eat for the rest of your life?
Pizza
Nupur Saxena – Director of Student Activities, Anaheim Hills Campus
Favorite childhood memory of summer?
Running through sprinklers, eating popsicles, and catching fireflies – until the sky got dark at 9 pm.
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Bali (Indonesia) has been my favorite place I’ve been. The beauty of the land, the food, the people – can’t wait to go back and visit again!
Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Bubblegum. Thought I would grow out of it, but I haven’t. 🙂
Favorite summer purchase?
I am a sunglasses collector – buy a few every summer. I usually always go back to my aviators though.
Splurge summer treat?
Kona Ice at every place I see it.
Favorite national park?
I’m originally from the Bay Area – so Yosemite will always be my favorite as I traveled there so often.
Cooking hack?
Never make bacon on the stove again. Line an oven sheet with foil and bake it in the oven instead. This hack changed my life…haha!
Camping or travel hack?
If you are looking to start a campfire, but can’t find sticks, Doritos work so well as a fire starter. The oil in them burns easily.
Most inspiring person you follow on Instagram?
I like following Chrissy Teigen. I think she’s funny, and relatable, and she holds herself accountable for the things she does.
Favorite thing to binge-watch?
I can’t help but binge-watch “Selling Sunset” every time it gets released. Between the gorgeous homes, outfits and heels, and high drama – that show always sucks me in.
Something that recently surprised you?
Probably something a lot of people realized during the pandemic, but that I love to indoor cycle. I love using the Peloton bike to get my workout in and actually really enjoy the whole process from start to finish.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned from your time as a summer camp director?
You are never fully “done” or caught up with work as a summer camp director, for when you finish one thing, something else is always waiting. As someone who likes to check things off as complete, that has been my biggest learning lesson, but it’s also made me grow and become EVEN better at juggling lots of balls at once.
What have you taken away from working at Fairmont?
You will work very hard in your role at Fairmont, but will also have the most fun when doing so.
Hack for better habits?
As much as my email and messages on my phone are calling, I really try and make a conscious effort to shut it down at a certain point each night so that I have time to decompress and reset for the next day.
One meal to eat for the rest of your life?
Tacos
Favorite new discovery?
Watching the personalities of my little girls develop. I love seeing what makes them laugh and the things they are interested in.
Something unique about you?
I have a twin sister.
Lara Aguilar – Summer Success Associate
Favorite childhood memory of summer?
I would go visit my dad every summer in AZ with my sister and we would always just have a great time with him and all his Air Force buddies.
Favorite place you’ve traveled?
Would love to go back to Italy
Favorite flavor of ice cream?
Rocky Road
Favorite summer purchase?
Anything for the pool
Splurge summer treat?
Ice cream and churros sundae
Favorite national park?
Zion National Park
Cooking hack?
Why cook? Just eat out – hee hee!
Camping or travel hack?
I try not to overpack. I don’t like camping haha!
Most inspiring person you follow on Instagram?
I honestly only follow my family and we are always cracking jokes!
Favorite thing to binge-watch?
Grey’s Anatomy
Something that recently surprised you?
Myself stepping out of my comfort zone and starting a different career
What have you taken away from working at Fairmont?
I am new to Fairmont and just love the people! And I am so excited to have joined the summer department!
Hack for better habits?
Time management. Plan out your day.
One meal to eat for the rest of your life?
Hardshell tacos!
Our summer team is excited to get going! Let us know if you have any comments or questions about Summer 2022!
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