I believe there is no better way for young people to learn about the world and themselves in a supportive and safe camp environment.”

Craig’s journey with Guided Discoveries began as a camper, attending Catalina Sea Camp for a decade as well as spending time at Astrocamp, the Tole Mour, and various international programs. As a young man, Craig began his career with GDI as a sailing instructor at Toyon Bay during the summer. From there Craig transferred to the business office where he lead the Research and Development department and then became the Director of Administration. Most recently, Craig has taken on the responsibility of running day-to-day operations as the new President.

With an eye towards the future, Craig and the team at Guided Discoveries are excited to evolve the programs to be able to serve kids for another 40 years.

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

C.S. Lewis

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Since then he has held numerous positions within the organization, including Head Aquarist, Assistant Program Director, Director of Educational Outreach, SeaCamp Expeditions Diving Director in Belize, and Program Director for each of the three CIMI programs.

AstroCamp has an incredible way of creating environments that are empowering for all. For our students, teachers, staff, and even executives, there are always opportunities for growth and experiences that profoundly affect and change our lives.

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Throughout her adventures, she discovered her passion for sharing the natural world with others (especially children) and so began her love with informal science education. Michelle first worked at AstroCamp for five years in 1997 as an Instructor and an Assistant Program Director. Her zeal for education brought her to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry as the school partnership manager, where she was able to hone her skills of blending informal and formal education. In 2010, she returned to AstroCamp as Program Director. She feels that nothing can replace a clear night sky to spark the interest of students in astronomy. She has been fortunate to participate in professional development training at JPL and with SOFIA. She is a member of the International Planetarium Society and Astronomical Society of the Pacific. She is an ACEAP Ambassador and part of the IAU’s US NAEC Team. Michelle believes that the best part of science is that there is always more to discover.

One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning and purpose and life are empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.

Stephen Hawking

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Diana discovered her calling for youth development, and specifically the power of summer camp, in 2010 when she attended an American Camp Association (ACA) conference in Palm Springs. She served as the Summer & After School Program Director for 7 years at a local private school organization in Orange County before pursuing her long-time dream as an overnight camp director. Diana joined the Guided Discoveries team in 2018 and has loved getting to know the ins and outs of the residential camp world ever since. Her favorite parts of camp will always be getting to see the campers and staff grow, creating unique programming, and most definitely costume events. Her costume box is getting bigger and bigger every summer!

Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage. & Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.

Brene Brown

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After talking with her about AstroCamp, I went to check out the website. Having grown up in the Boy Scouts and having attended numerous summer camps as both camper and counselor, I thought, “Oh yeah! This place looks right up my alley! Not to mention, I would be working in my degree field. Winning!” I started as a Cabin Counselor in summer 2017 and continued as an Instructor through summer 2019. In that time I took on many roles, from training to administration. I am grateful and honored to serve as the new Summer Program Director for AstroCamp.

Camp introduced me to mountain biking during my first summer, which became a big passion of mine. Nowadays when I’m not at camp, I’m building mountain bike trails in Northwest Arkansas.

Getting lost is a gift, because that is when you find.

Robert Fitzpatrick

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In 1987, Doug came to Guided Discoveries, accepting the position as the Head Chef at Toyon Bay. After raising his family and living on Catalina for 24 years, he decided to change destinations and moved to Austin, Texas, and took a position at Camp Young Judaea as the Kitchen Director.

In April 2014, Doug returned to Guided Discoveries as the Food Service Director at AstroCamp, bringing all of his culinary expertise and experience with him. He’s enjoying all of the new opportunities at AstroCamp, both in the kitchen and out, and is looking forward to all the years on the mountain yet to come.

Food is fun!

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After working in television for 15 years, I love the collaborative nature of the camp world. In no other career do you work so closely with your “competitors.” I am so very proud to work for Guided Discoveries, as we change children’s lives every day, including my own. My daughter attends our summer programs and my son is waiting with bated breath until he is old enough.

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

Soprano Beverly Sills

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She spent 3 years as an instructor with AstroCamp and loved every second of it! Now as APD, Libby spends her time working to ensure AstroCamp’s telescope activities are the best they can be.

The only thing predictable about life is its unpredictability.

Remy (Ratatouille)

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From building underwater robots to caring for sharks and endangered species in aquariums, I’ve been able to do a bit of everything and it all started at camp. I knew I wanted to be a summer camp counselor and give the next generation the same amazing camp experience I had but I also wanted to step out of my ocean-focused comfort zone. So when I was offered the opportunity to join the Astrocamp team in 2015, I jumped right in and the rest is history.

I’ve found a home on this mountain and have been able to bring all my eclectic personality to the table. A typical day might have me dancing with just my fingers at a campfire, leading campers on nature-focused Eco Hunt, or nerding out about Star Wars with anyone who will listen. I also help build the many multimedia elements of the camp from our variety of videos to our medley of music playlists. And when we couldn’t be together during the COVID-19 lockdowns, I worked with Diana to bring a bit of summer camp into our campers’ homes by digitally recreating some of our most popular camp events. The camp holds a special place in my heart and I hope to keep sharing that magic with our staff and campers for many years to come.

The future is in the hands of those who explore… and from all the beauty they discover while crossing perpetually receding frontiers, they develop for nature and for humankind an infinite love.

Jacques Cousteau

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They invited me up to meet their new friends and see the facility. I was in wonder upon visiting and decided that I wanted to work here one day. So I started my academic career in science and soon I was graduating with two degrees! While I originally wanted to teach at Astrocamp, I found myself falling in love with counseling instead. So throughout the school year, I teach at a local school and every summer I come to camp to work one-on-one with the campers attending. 

Know How You Know.

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