Introducing: Maddy Linder!
Maddy and I both started working at Stomping Ground in the summer of 2021. They were one of my favorite people to get paired with to lead activities. We called ourselves “M&M” whenever we led options like “Horses” (yes, just horses) or creek hikes. We even joked about staying at Stomping Ground long enough to be co-directors. Now here we are. Maddy has incredible drive and ability, but more importantly- incredible kindness.
We are so lucky to have her join the year-round team.
-MK
Hiya! My name is Maddy,
and I am so excited to be joining the year-round Stomping Ground crew as a Camp Director. I can’t wait to meet you all and hear about what makes your heart grow two sizes, but first here’s a little bit about me.
I have been in love with summer camp since I was ten years old, after my first summer I had no idea how much it would change my life. I truly believe that camp is a place where magic is real. At camp, we get to create a space where we lead with empathy and curiosity. I have made some of my deepest friendships at camp because it’s a space where I can be my fullest self. Camp is a space for playing, growing, making mistakes, and learning how to live in a community. Camp to me feels like a sort of kind chaos; it’s a place where we’re committed to leaning into all things messy and learning how to create something beautiful out of it.
I grew up in Washington State surrounded by mountains and evergreen trees. I have a deep love for any and all outdoor adventures, you can often find me on the hiking trail or climbing up the side of a boulder. After going to camp for so long I was finally old enough to be a counselor. I remember the moment I was offered the job, I was seventeen and my face was covered in green paint (because you know, camp), so I had to hold the camp directors’ phone away from my ear while I was telling my parents the news, I was beaming with excitement. Now here I am almost seven years later, and I still get butterflies thinking about how lucky I am!
I worked four summers at YMCA Camp Seymour and got a job at an elementary afterschool care during the year. I am a strong believer in choice-based and kid-centered spaces, I’m always looking for ways to step back and let kids be the decision-makers. I spent my entire K-12 education in a non-tradition school environment at a Sudbury school. Sudbury schools are self-directed and democratic, I grew up learning through play and collaborating with my peers to create a space that felt exciting and inspiring. The adults around me trusted that I knew what was best for myself, and I can’t tell you how much it means to me that I now get to be that adult for our campers.
Last spring, I graduated from The Evergreen State College and packed up my Honda CRV to drive cross country to work my second summer as a seasonal staff at Stomping Ground. I am captivated by how deeply the people here care about each other and this place, and I can’t wait to continue imagining spaces and systems that help kids feel powerful and like they belong.
I’m so excited for all the chaos, laughter, and magic that next summer will bring. See y’all there!
Love,
