Venture Free Team
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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! |
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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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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! |
Taj Polonchek - VFCR Camp Counselor/Summer Adventure Guide
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Andrew Williamson- Adventure Guide
Andrew has been a part of Venture Free since it started in 2014. First as a camper, and now as a counselor. Andrew loves spending time with young campers, sharing new experiences and exploring the outdoors. He brings so much joy to all his campers and makes every day at camp so much fun! When Andrew is not out adventuring with VF, he might be occupied by one of his many other interests; his dirt bike, his college school work, fishing, or tinkering on some mechanical machine. |
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Alena Stern – Adventure Guide
Alena stern is one of our rock star Adventure Guides who returns for summer programming. Currently, she plays lacrosse and attends school at Colorado college. |
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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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Joe Sison
Joe joined Venture Free in 2018 as a high schooler who had limited outdoor experience. Now three years - and many camping and backpacking trips - later, Joe credits Venture Free with empowering him through the opportunity to experience the great outdoors. As a member of the Venture Free team, Joe is helping to create new programs and expand Venture Free’s influence! He is currently studying at UC Berkeley. |
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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! |