Operational staff
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Emily Dellinger – Program Director / Lead Adventure Guide
Emily founded Venture Free in 2014. She has a great love for adventure and enjoys inspiring those around her to live happy and healthy lives. She started on her journey as an outdoor educator as a surf instructor and has been working with kids for over 18 years. Her positive attitude and zest for life are contagious – she makes every day at camp great fun! Emily’s education and certifications:
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Julie Pedersen – Senior Camp Counselor
Julie works at Kings Mountain Elementary School as a paraprofessional in the K/1 classroom and leads the art in action program. Julie has worked with students for over 20 years, and her goal is to promote physical, mental, and social development through the implementation of outdoor recreational activities. |
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Alyssa Raisis – Administrative Developer/ Camp Counselor
Alyssa enjoys hiking, camping, sprint triathlons and snowshoeing! Alyssa has worked with kids in an outdoor environment for over 10 years. Alyssa earned her Bachelor’s degree in Geology at Sacramento State. She loves rocks and volcanoes! When not working in the office or with kids, Alyssa loves exploring the great outdoors with her dog Buckbeak. Alyssa is also a Wilderness First Responder. |
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Bobby Simmons - Maintenance/Summer Surf Counselor
Bobby has been a part Venture Free since it began back in 2014. Now many years, camps, and trips later, Bobby continues to be involved in Venture Free by maintaining gear and equipment and serving as a surf counselor for the annual surf trip. He remains instrumental to Venture Free's operations!
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Joe Sison - Project Consultant
Joe joined Venture Free in 2018 as a high schooler with limited outdoor experience. He credits his time in Venture Free with not only helping him to acquire the skills and experience to adventure responsibly, but also for helping him grow as a person and leader. As a member of the Venture Free team, Joe is helping to create new programs and expand Venture Free’s influence! He is currently in his senior year at UC Berkeley. |
programming staff
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Sarah Carlson - VFCR Camp Counselor
Sarah came to Venture Free in 2021 with more than 12 years of experience working with children. She’s been a counselor at a summer quilting camp, volunteered in the library’s children’s literacy program, and worked in an after school program for children with disabilities. Sarah loves experimenting and exploring new things alongside the kids at VF and is happy to have a place where she can combine her love of arts and crafts, with her love of working with children! |
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Taj Polonchek - VFCR Camp Counselor/Summer Adventure Guide
Taj joined the Venture Free Team in 2021. He loves to bring his enthusiasm and positivity to camp everyday. He is a favorite of campers and staff alike! After this summer's trips he will begin his college journey at the University of Kentucky.
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Quinn McNamara - VFCR Camp Counselor/Summer Adventure Guide
Quinn has been part of Venture Free since the summer of 2015! She started as an eager Summer Camper and has since participated in years of After School adventure camp.
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Madison King - Adventure Guide
Maddy has been part of Venture Free since it started in 2014, first as a camper, and now as a counselor. Being a part of VFF for so many years has shaped her into who she is today. As a camper Maddy learned to stay positive while overcoming and adapting to uncomfortable situations (like 75 mph winds while setting up a tent, or camping in 15F!). As a counselor, she loves introducing young campers to new experiences and sharing the freedom that the outdoors offers. |
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Emily Dorazi - Camp Counselor
Emily enjoys hiking, camping, crafting and backpacking! She has worked with children in a variety of backgrounds from babysitting to camp counseling for over 10 years. Emily has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from SF State. She is focused on inspiring curiosity and creating an exciting and encouraging environment for kids to learn and grow! When not hanging out at the children’s center, Emily enjoys taking her dog Maia on long beach walks collecting rocks and shells! She can’t wait to share her crafting experiences with the kids! |
Terra teens staff-in-training
Rocco P. - Counselor-In-Training
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Natalie - Counselor-In-Training
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Annika L. - Counselor-In-Training
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Ellery B. - Counselor-In-Training
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Sammie S. - Counselor-In-Training
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