MEET OUR management TEAM
Geoff Park – ‘Parky’
Owner + Senior Camp Director
geoff@campsummit.ca
Geoff Park, (better known as “Parky”), is the founder and Director of Camp Summit. Since Summit invited its first campers in 1999, Parky has been there to build the camp into what it is today. He is very passionate about the outdoor summer camp experience and is excited to provide an opportunity for other kids to share the joy. As director, Parky is very committed to his staff, as well as, ensuring that each camper has a positive camp experience.
Geoff attended the University of Waterloo in Recreation and Leisure studies. He has over 30 years of camping experience, ten of which include counselling and senior staff responsibilities at one of Ontario’s strongest camping programs, Kilcoo Camp. Geoff is very involved in the Squamish community having sat on the Board of the Squamish Community Foundation and Tourism Squamish. Geoff is currently on the BC Camps Association Board of Directors as the Canadian Camping Association representative as well as the Chair of the government advocacy and relations committee of the Canadian Camping Association.
He is also the founder and Chair of the Board of Coast Mountain Academy, and Independent school in Squamish. This will enable Parky to impact the development of youth year round in an educational setting. Parky’s experiences as a trip leader, combined with his work instructing skiing, swimming, physical fitness and outdoor education are great assets to camp life. Geoff’s wife Daphne is a school teacher and supports his enthusiasm and commitment to youth and Camp. They are also the proud parents of Maya, born November 2006 and Campbell, born August 2010. They also welcomed Ralph the dog into the family in November 2011 and Coby in June 2020.
Olivia Craft
Outdoor Education Director
olivia@campsummit.ca
With over 15 years of experience, Olivia is thrilled to join the Summit team. Olivia grew up in Ontario and was a longtime camper and staff member at Cairn Family of Camps. She has also had the opportunity to work in Outdoor Education with ALIVE Outdoors and YMCA Cedar Glen. Several roles she has filled includes Assistant Director, LIT Director, High Ropes Director, Wilderness Program Coordinator, and she is now pleased to be serving at Summit as the Assistant Director of Outdoor Education.
Olivia earned her Bachelors of Arts studying Dance at York University and she is also a 200hr certified Yoga Instructor. Olivia believes in the importance of self-expression and well-being for people of all ages!
At camp, Olivia loves hearing the sounds of laughter and asking campers to share highlights from their day. She sees Summit’s programs in Camping and Outdoor Education as an opportunity for participants to strengthen their sense of self, connect with their community, and feel the healing effects of nature.
Cam Cottrell
outdoor education – assistant director
cam@campsummit.ca
Cam has been with Summit since the fall of 2017, serving in various roles including Instructor/Host, Village Section Director, Activities Director, and LIT Director. He grew up in North Vancouver and developed his passion for Outdoor Education as a student in the Outdoor School program at the Cheakamus Center. After high school, Cam continued his journey there as a cabin counselor and later as Senior Counselor.
During the winter months, Cam has worked as a Snowshoe Guide and Trail Supervisor at Mt Seymour for over nine years! Cam graduated from the Outdoor Recreation Management (OREC) program at Capilano University. He also holds an 80-hour Wilderness First Responder certificate, which has enabled him to lead numerous trips for Summit over the years.
In his spare time, Cam enjoys watching movies, kayaking, playing board games, and cuddling with his fluffy dog, Mylo. He also values the connections he has built over the years with campers, teachers, and staff at Camp.
Rianne Barette
Office Manager + Registrar
rianne@campsummit.ca
Rianne brings over 25 years of experience to her role at Camp Summit. As a long-time staff member of Camp Wenonah in Muskoka-Ontario and previous member of the team here at Summit, she has held several roles in the professional camping industry including Outdoor Education Director, Assistant Director, Administrative Director and Tripping Head.
During her time in Ontario, Rianne sat on the Ontario Camps Association – Outdoor Education Committee that worked to establish standards and support for OEC throughout the province. She has also been a past board member and secretary of the British Columbia Camps Association.
Rianne completed her Bachelor of Arts – Global Studies degree with a minor in Women & Gender Studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and is a past recipient of the Schaefer Scholarship and Service without Recognition Award which acknowledges outstanding contributions and high ideals of service. She has also obtained her Small Business Bookkeeping certificate from Capilano University in the fall of 2021.
Rianne is an avid paddler and hiking enthusiast who loves going on adventures with her dog Arlo!
Daniel Pletz
Site & Facilities Manager
site@campsummit.ca
Daniel Pletz has been an integral part of the Camp Summit team for many years, showcasing his exceptional carpentry skills by building nearly every structure here at Summit. His dedication to creating a welcoming and functional environment has truly left a lasting impact on the camp community!
Now stepping into the role of Site and Facilities Manager, Daniel is excited to bring his experience and passion for camp life to a new level. He is committed to ensuring that Camp Summit remains a safe, vibrant, and enjoyable space for everyone.
At Camp, you’re sure to meet Daniel’s spirited Texas Heeler, Duke, who loves to join in on the fun with campers. Together, they embody the adventurous spirit and sense of friendship that make Camp Summit so special!
Emily Kalil
Alumni Coordinator
Emily Kalil is a beloved longtime staff member at Camp Summit, having previously served as the Outdoor Centre Director for over 10 years. Her deep commitment to the camp community has positively impacted generations of campers and staff alike. In 2024, Emily and her husband Aaron, also a former Summit staff member, took an exciting new step by purchasing Northern Tales, a successful tourism business in Whitehorse.
Emily remains dedicated to Camp Summit in her role as Alumni Coordinator. Her extensive experience and passion for the camp ensure that she will continue to foster connections among alumni and support camp’s vibrant community. Emily’s journey reflects her unwavering love for Camp Summit and her desire to carry its legacy forward.
Meet the Camp dog’s!
