Staff
Julia Temple
Director
An experienced educator and naturalist, Julia has taught math and science in both private and public schools and held leadership positions at several summer camps. Julia holds a bachelor’s degree in math education and after teaching environmental education for several years, went on to earn a master’s degree in environmental science. If there’s not work to be done at the Cove, Julia is likely writing a letter, cooking lentils, walking to the library, or creating something from her vast collection of fabric and yarn.
Eleanor Kenimer
Associate Director, Lead educator
Eleanor Kenimer is a former cove camper, staff, and Burgundy student (class of 2007). She is an experienced outdoor educator and completed her PhD in curriculum, instruction, and teacher education, with a focus on informal-formal science education partnerships. She loves insects, snails, slugs, centipedes, millipedes, and all other things you might find under a log! Eleanor is also a rock climber, knitter, and loves going on adventures with her husband, Casey, and their two dogs, Stanley and Scarlett. She is so excited to be back at the cove!
David Rodriguez
Associate Director, REGistrar
David (affectionately known as D-Rod) is a seasoned environmental educator, who spent his first summer at BCWS in 1999. Having guided a wide variety of students from Massachusetts to Oregon, he works to tap into kids’ natural joy and wonder and fosters connection with the natural world by encouraging students to pursue their own curiosity wherever it leads them. All children have a right to be outdoors, and he sees environmental education as an important tool for environmental justice. He is never far from his overalls and would really like to hear about the bird you saw on your walk.
Greg Szewczyk
Facilities & Kitchen Manager
After many years of leading environmental education programming in New England, Greg transitioned back into classroom teaching for several years. He’s taught elementary school in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and worked for several Scouts camps in New York state; though nowadays he’s typically felling trees, planning menus, patching roofs, or supporting programming in a dozen other ways. While at the Cove, Greg misses having a basketball court nearby, but still pursues his interests in music, disc golf, and ultimate frisbee.
Seasonal Staff
The camp is staffed by high school and college students, many of whom were once BCWS campers and are knowledgeable in specific areas of the natural world. Our staff bring their education, experience, energy, creativity and sense of humor to each moment. All are certified in CPR and either Basic or Wilderness First Aid. Workshop and hikes include about 8 campers and 2 staff members. Backpacking trips typically include 7 campers and at least 3 staff.
In Memory
Longtime Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies Director Vini Schoene passed away on November 30, 2020 after a brief illness. Vini was the Director of the Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies for 37 years after having been a camper and counselor in the late 60s. She shared her love of the outdoors and the environment with thousands of campers and school students. We are dedicated to honoring her legacy by living out the lessons she taught us and preserving the program and place that were so dear to her heart.