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. |
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. |
vf'S WORKING ALUMNI
JACEY AND MADDI - SUMMER TRIP LEADERS
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Madison King
Since venture free’s beginning in 2014, Maddi has been a treasured participant. As an original camper who then continued on as a terra teen, she is now given the role as a lead summer counselor. The skills Maddi developed through VF have shaped her adult life providing her the experience and confidence to start her own business, backpack new countries, adventure through extreme conditions, and always appreciate a challenge. VF taught her to be adaptable and cherish life's adventures. The influence Venture Free has had on Maddi is why she remains so dedicated to the organization and its mission. As a counselor, she loves introducing young campers to new experiences and sharing the freedom of the outdoors. |
Jacey Kelly
Jacey has been an active member in the venture free family since year one. Her dedication and understanding of venture frees values and mission has led her to be given a lead summer counselor role. More coming soon…. Jacey has been an active member in the venture free family since year one. Her dedication and understanding of venture frees values and mission has led her to be given a lead summer counselor role. More coming soon…. |
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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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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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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. |
Terra teens staff-in-training
Natalie G. - Counselor-In-Training
Annika L. - Counselor-In-Training
Sammie S. - Counselor-In-Training
Rocco P. - Counselor-In-Training
Sola P. - Counselor-In-Training
Cullen S. - Counselor-In-Training