2006 Junior Nature Camp Staff Photo: Jeff Altemus
About our Staff
The strength of Junior Nature Camp's staff comes from their years of experience and varied backgrounds. Small group sessions are led by experts in their field including college professors, researchers, natural resource professionals, and professional interpreters. Former campers, now nature experts, return to serve as counselors and stay in the units with the campers. The Camper to Staff ratio never exceeds 5:1.
Safety at camp is our number one priority: A Registered Nurse is on duty at Junior Nature Camp at all times; Certified Lifeguards direct all aquatics activities; All counselors are CPR and First Aid certified.
Jeff Altemus - Director
Growing up in Michigan, Jeff was always interested in the outdoors- spending every second of his free time on the lake, hiking in the woods, or sloshing through a swamp. "Nature was all around us and it was 'natural' that I began to study it in earnest at a young age," he recalls. Along with his twin brother Jon, birding and ornithology became his passion.
Jeff graduated with a Bachelors degree in Geography and a Masters Degree in Education from West Virginia University. Currently, he works for the West Virginia University Medical School.".
Jeff first attended Junior Nature Camp at the age of 11 years old. He progressed through the program as a CIT and staff member until the age of 22. As a young man, Junior Nature Camp was the highlight of his year. Jeff states, "I could not wait for it to come each year and was very sad when it ended all too soon."
In 2002, Jeff returned to Junior Nature Camp as the Director and has lead a resurgence and unprecedented growth in the program. While most campers remember him for flipping pancakes during breakfast, it is his leadership in connecting with past campers and attracting dynamic teachers that has cemented JNC well into its sixth decade. Jeff affirms, "I have always been interested in doing my part to take care of our natural environment and wanted to be in a position to make a difference; as Director of Junior Nature Camp, I am actively contributing to the nature education of young people. What better way to make a positive contribution to protecting our natural world?"
Lenny Muni - CIT Director
Currently in his 33rd year with the Berea City School District, Lenny teaches general science and astronomy at the high school level and also directs the School District's planetarium. Lenny serves as Director of Camp Mi-Bro-Be, the Berea City School District's camping, nature, and outdoor education program.
In 1976, Lenny began attending Junior Nature Camp as the Counselor In Training director, and except for three years, has been C.I.T. director through the present- a span of more than 28 years. Lenny is an invited presenter for various nature organizations around the region including the Brooks Bird Club. His passion for teaching usually includes morning sessions on astronomy or orienteering, and Lenny is famous for his talented singing and guitar playing around the campfire.
Greg Park - Senior Naturalist
A native of Ripley, West Virginia, Greg Park has been teaching about nature and history for over 35 years. Greg first became interested in wildlife and the outdoors through his participation in the Boy Scouts of America where he reached the rank of Eagle.
He received his Bachelors Degree from Concord College in Athens, WV and his Masters Degree from West Virginia University in Biology Education. Greg has served as a swimming coach at the US Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey where he studied, taught, and lived in one of the premier birding locations in the world.
Moving to the Wheeling area, Greg has worked at Oglebay Institute for more than 15 years. Currently, Greg serves as Associate Director of Environmental Education. A highlight of his professional career was his participation as a Re-Enactor Specialist in the film The Patriot.
Though teaching is his passion, Greg has also completed important scientific research including the discovery of a new species of troglobite cave beetle named in his honor- Pseudanopthalmus parki.
Greg continues to increase his knowledge of the natural world and reinvigorate his enthusiasm for teaching by Directing Terra Alta Mountain Nature Camp each June.
Dave Sapienza - Naturalist
Dave Sapienza first attended Junior Nature Camp in 1983 after the encouragement of his sixth grade teacher, Mr. Lenny Muni. Dave graduated from The Ohio State University in 1994 with a Bachelors degree in Environmental Interpretation, Communications, and Education. He has worked as a Park Naturalist for Ohio State Parks since 1992 including Salt Fork State Park (1992-1994) and Lake Hope State Park (1994-present). In 1998, he was awarded the first Annual Bill Price Award for Interpretive Excellence in Ohio State Parks. In 2002, The Lake Hope Nature Center, which Dave directs, was voted the best in Ohio State Parks. Dave has also worked with Oglebay Institute as a R.E.A.P Assistant Director and a college intern and is a certified Ohio Peace Officer.
Annually, his creative morning programs are a highlight of the camp. Dave is a talented teacher, and his passion for exciting youth about the natural world leads to unique opportunities such as hand-feeding hummingbirds.
Glynis Board - Program Director
Glynis Board first came to Junior Nature Camp in 1992 at the age of ten years old. Lasting friendships and being awakened to environmental concerns have left her believing in Junior Nature Camp and the educational methods employed.
Witnessing the effects that the camp consistently has on the campers and staff, learning about the natural environment, and the opportunity to work with our greatest natural resource--our youth--is what keeps her returning year after year. A West Virginia University graduate, Glynis is employed with West Virginia Public Broadcasting in Morgantown where she is learning the filmmaking craft.