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Home again at Nabby!

Some stories at Camp Nabby don’t end, they just find new chapters. We always like to celebrate alumni who grew up at camp, built lifelong memories here, and are now returning as Nabby parents, counselors, or both. Their journeys remind us how powerful camp traditions can be across generations.

ALEX KURITZKY

Some stories just have a way of coming full circle, and for Alex Kuritzky, that circle leads right back to Nabby.

Alex first came to camp in the early ‘90s, a sporty 8-year-old who loved every game that came his way, especially tetherball and TRB (Tennis Racquet Baseball). He still remembers Ranger Rick, bunks named after colleges, and the friendly competition that filled each day. “It always felt homey and family-run,” Alex said. “There was something about Nabby that just felt right, like everyone belonged.”

His mom worked as a swim instructor while he and his brother and sister spent their summers at camp, proudly calling themselves Team Nabby. “It was such a fun, active place to grow up,” he recalled.

Today, Alex is a math teacher at Fox Lane High School and is returning to Nabby this summer as both a parent and a counselor. He and his wife, who also attended Nabby the same years, though they didn’t meet until much later in New York City, are excited to share the tradition with their daughters, ages 5 and 3.
“When we came for a tour, we knew right away this was the kind of place where they’d have incredible experiences and feel part of something special.”

As for joining the staff, Alex laughs that it just makes sense. “My students always ask why I’m not a gym teacher. I love being active, running around, and staying young. So the idea of being a Nabby counselor again felt perfect.”

What struck him most about returning was how genuine it still feels. “Being in Joe and Rita’s office, you can tell right away that their hearts are in the right place. They hire great people and truly care about their campers.”

For Alex, Nabby has always represented family, fun, and growth. Now, with his daughters beginning their own Nabby journeys, the legacy continues from one generation to the next.

MARISA DAVANZO

For Marisa, Camp Nabby has always been a place filled with joy, friendship, and unforgettable summers. Now she gets to experience it again through the eyes of her son.
Marisa arrived at Camp Nabby at age nine and went on to spend 19 summers here, working her way from camper to CIT, assistant counselor, and eventually head counselor for Radcliffe. Her siblings followed similar paths, making Nabby a true family thread woven through her childhood.

She has countless fond memories and she loved it all — the amazing counselors, the friendships, the interest periods, the morning-announcement shows, and of course, the Apache Relay. One of her favorite memories is building the winning fire in her final Jackson summer.

As a counselor, the magic only deepened. “The counselors were a family unit,” she says. “I am still close with so many of them.” Her final season in 2017 remains legendary. She won every Epic Wednesday Games as captain and capped her Nabby career with an Apache Relay victory.

Her years at camp also shaped her future. Now a fifth-grade teacher, Marisa says her time at Nabby made it clear that working with kids was exactly where she belonged.
When she and her husband bought their home in 2021, they already knew their future children would be Nabby campers. That dream became real this past summer when their son Anthony joined the Cubs. He took to camp instantly, diving into activities, meeting new friends, and climbing into the car each afternoon with a huge smile before falling asleep almost immediately. “That is a successful day at camp,” Marisa laughs. “This year, he is most excited for the pool, the sandbox, Superhero Day and all the popsicles he can get!”

Now seeing camp through a parent’s eyes, Marisa says Nabby has only reaffirmed everything she believed as a counselor. “Nabby exceeded all expectations,” she says. “We couldn’t feel more sure about sending Anthony.”

To Marisa and her family, Nabby isn’t just a camp — it’s a place that radiates warmth the moment you step onto the grounds. It’s tradition. It’s a community. It’s the Bertino family welcoming them through every chapter of life. And it’s the kind of place where, year after year, the magic somehow stays the same.

Through Their Lens: Capturing The Spirit Of Nabby

This summer, Camp Nabby was lucky to be seen through the eyes – and the lenses – of three talented photographers, Allison, Shanti and Molly. Their work gave families and staff a chance to relive special camp moments, and their unique perspectives brought Nabby spirit to life in every frame.

Allison has been a professional photographer for over 10+ years and has her own studio in Downtown Peekskill www.allisonhoobanphotography.com

She is also a child and family therapist currently working with young children through Early Intervention. This is her third summer at Camp Nabby and it brings her so much joy being at camp and working with kids every day!

For Shanti, photography has always been about storytelling. A family and kids photographer based in Westchester, she specializes in capturing life’s natural, candid moments – families, newborns, milestones, and everyday joy. Her love of photography started young, when her dad first handed her a film camera. That early spark grew into a passion, shaped further by her art school studies in graphic design and advertising. After moving to the area and welcoming her daughter, Shanti launched her own business, blending her love for art and storytelling.

At Nabby, Shanti found joy in photographing the little moments that truly define summer: campers laughing with friends, running across the fields, savoring popsicles, or diving into silly games. “Those candid shots really capture the true spirit of camp and the happiness that makes Nabby so special,” she said. What stood out most to her wasn’t just the images, but the sense of community – the warmth and welcoming nature that made camp feel like one big family.

Molly’s path into photography took shape during high school, where she first discovered the camera as her favorite art form. That early interest grew into years of study, including formal training in art and photography at SUNY Purchase, where she recently graduated. Now working for a magazine in Katonah, Molly continues to build her career as a professional photographer.

For Molly, Nabby offered a unique challenge and opportunity. “Camp Nabby is a great place for a photographer to master their craft and be challenged by the unpredictability of weather,” she reflected. She loved being surrounded by the camp community – a welcoming mix of ages and personalities – and found inspiration not only in the campers and activities but also in the camaraderie of working alongside other photographers. “It was wonderful meeting two talented photographers who shared their experiences with one another. I enjoyed the company of my fellow photographers the most at Camp Nabby.” For Molly, Nabby offered a unique challenge and opportunity. “Camp Nabby is a great place for a photographer to master their craft and be challenged by the unpredictability of weather,” she reflected. She loved being surrounded by the camp community – a welcoming mix of ages and personalities – and found inspiration not only in the campers and activities but also in the camaraderie of working alongside other photographers. “It was wonderful meeting two talented photographers who shared their experiences with one another. I enjoyed the company of my fellow photographers the most at Camp Nabby.”

Together, Allison, Shanti and Molly’s photos captured the laughter, energy, and heart that make summers at Nabby unforgettable. We hope you enjoyed the images as much as we have sharing them with you!

The Wonder Of Nature At Nabby

Nature at Nabby is one of our most popular activities, giving campers a chance to experience the great outdoors in exciting and memorable ways. This summer marks the 29th year (wow!) that the program has been led by Rick Lee—better known around camp as “Ranger Rick.” He’s joined by an enthusiastic team of assistants: Alexis, Sophia, and Jason.

The program takes place in two main spots: the Nature Center, home to Nabby’s animals and reptiles, and the Nature Trail, where campers can explore the natural world up close. The Nature Center’s residents are beloved by all, and this summer the family has grown with some new additions—Sasha the California King Snake, two lively lizards, and a Kenyan Sand Boa!

On the shady Nature Trail, campers dive into hands-on adventures. They’ve gone animal tracking (spotting baby hawks and even fawns!), picked raspberries, roasted s’mores at campfires, and explored a shallow, muddy stream. Along the way, many campers have proudly caught frogs, newts, and snails. Senior campers have especially enjoyed more advanced challenges like making fire with friction, tackling longer hikes, and making exciting new discoveries in the woods.

Rick states, “My goal is to develop and inspire a genuine respect for the natural world. If our campers learn to enjoy and understand more about the environment, they’ll do their best to protect it.” At Nabby, we believe that connecting with nature is essential for every child’s growth and development—and we’re grateful to have our nature team leading the way in fostering a love for the outdoors.

Spotlight On Music & Movement

At Nabby, our Music & Movement program inspires campers to explore the joy of rhythm, expression, and performance all summer long.

Music & Movement Team
From left to right – Mariah, Phoenix, Marisa & Mike

Now in his fourth summer at Nabby, “Music Mike” brings energy and expertise to our music program. A middle school band teacher in Putnam Valley during the school year, Mike combines music education with fun, interactive games that our junior campers love—like freeze dance and four corners. Campers also experiment with percussion instruments and explore concepts like speed, tempo, and musicality in an age-appropriate, playful way.

On the dance side, returning for her second summer, Marisa leads our Dance & Movement program. Deeply involved in arts and education in her home community of Croton, Marisa serves as PTA President at Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School and recently launched CHAMP (Croton Harmon Arts, Music, and Performance), a new community arts initiative. In her dance classes, campers learn how music shapes movement, explore rhythm and beats, and use props like scarves, hula hoops, and ribbons to express themselves freely.

Supporting Mike and Marisa are Phoenix and Mariah, both college students with impressive backgrounds in dance and the arts (and performing dance teammates). Their creativity and enthusiasm bring additional excitement to each class.

Senior campers can choose music and dance as part of their interest periods—often working toward performances on the Nabby stage. Whether it’s their first time dancing or they’re seasoned performers, Marisa loves watching them grow in confidence and expression. “I love when they get to perform and try something new… whether they’ve danced before or are completely new to dance,” she says.

Together, Mike and Marisa strive to help campers build confidence, creativity, and a lasting appreciation for music and movement—skills they’ll carry with them into school and beyond.

Tumbling Into Confidence: Inside Nabby’s Gymnastic Program

Nabby’s gymnastics program is led by Jackie Brunell, a school-based pediatric physical therapist and lifelong gymnast. Jackie’s love for gymnastics began at age three when she first stepped onto the mat, and she went on to compete for ten years. Today, she brings her passion for movement and working with children to her professional career–and her summers at Nabby.

Jackie is joined by her college-aged assistants, Gianna and Holly. Gianna brings a background in competitive cheerleading, while Holly is a former competitive gymnast. With Jackie’s expertise in physical therapy and their combined experience, the team is able to adapt and personalize lessons for all levels—from first-timers to seasoned gymnasts.

Throughout the week, campers participate in 30-minute classes tailored to their age and ability. Pre-K campers practice foundational skills like forward rolls and walking on a ground-level balance beam. Junior campers may move on to cartwheels and handstands, while Senior campers– during interest periods–work on more advanced routines such as back handsprings over the barrel, side aerials, and jumps like tucks, straddles, and pikes. Campers also take on “hold”challenges including planks, tabletops, and superhumans.

What does Jackie love most about teaching at Nabby? “The strong community here–and when a camper steps out of their comfort zone, tries something new, has success, and then wants to keep doing it!”

She adds, “When a young camper tells me they love gymnastics and will choose our program again as a Senior camper, that makes me so happy!”

Last summer, many campers had the opportunity to showcase their skills during Nabby’s end-of-season sendoff show–and with so many enthusiastic gymnasts this year, we hope to do it again!

From left to right – Steve, Cassandra and Vinny.

Cassandra running a soccer game with Douglass.

Vinny and Steve sharing laughs with the Skidmore girls!

Passing The Torch: Sports Specialists Build Skills, Confidence, And Fun

Physical education has always been at the heart of Nabby’s summer experience. When Frank and Flo Bertino purchased Camp Nabby in 1970, Frank – then the athletic director and head football coach at Riverdale Country School – reshaped the camp’s program to emphasize teamwork, cooperation, athletic development, and social skills. These values remain the foundation of Nabby’s mission today.

With more than 35 years as a physical education teacher and swim coach, their son Joe continues that legacy, making fitness and skill development a key part of every camper’s day.

This summer, we’re proud to welcome three dynamic sports specialists who bring a passion for physical education, a deep understanding of youth development, and a love of the game to our program. Their focus: building skills, boosting confidence, and always keeping it fun.

Vinny and Steve, new to Nabby this summer, are leading the way in our Junior Camp. Their goal is to support gross motor skill development through structured activities and play.

Vinny, a physical education teacher at a charter school, discovered Nabby through our very own Senior Camp Program Director – his former high school football coach, Joe C! He’s also enjoying life as a Nabby parent, with both of his young sons enrolled. After just one day, one of his sons told him: “I can’t wait to go to sleep so I can wake up and go to Nabby!”

Steve, who lives in Yorktown and has been teaching Physical Education in Pelham for over 24 years, also coaches football, basketball, and lacrosse. With experience at a variety of summer camps, he brings a well-rounded coaching style and a deep love for teaching: “It’s easy to work here – the counselors are so wonderful with the campers, and the kids have been listening and excited to learn.”

This summer, junior campers are learning the fundamentals of basketball (dribbling, passing, shooting) and baseball (hitting o! a tee, base running, throwing, and fielding). “There are lots of future basketball and baseball stars here,” Steve adds.

Returning for her second summer at Nabby is Cassandra, a full-time physical education and health teacher at The Hackley School and a coach for girls soccer and lacrosse. This summer, Cassandra is working with third grade and senior campers, creating full-season activity and progression plans that keep sports instruction fresh and developmentally appropriate.

Before camp began, all three specialists led training sessions during sta! orientation, giving group counselors the tools to run engaging and instructional games with their campers.

Together, their shared goal is simple but powerful: help campers build skills, develop a love for sports, and – above all – have fun!

Supporting Every Camper: Welcoming LISA SCHUR, Our New Behavorial Support Specialist

We’re always looking for meaningful ways to enhance the camp experience for every child. This summer, we’re excited to welcome Lisa Schur, M.S.Ed in a brand-new role as our Behavioral Support Specialist.

Lisa will work closely with our team to support campers based on individual needs. She will be responsible for providing practical feedback and strategies to promote positive behavior and emotional well-being. Her role will add an important layer of support across camp by helping to ensure that every camper feels safe, understood, and can fully enjoy a positive camp experience.

Lisa attended the University of Miami for both undergraduate and graduate school. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Psychology and Journalism. In addition, Lisa also graduated with a dual Maser’s degree in Special Education and Counseling Psychology. Since relocating to New York in 1999, she has worked as a NY State certified special education teacher and has dedicated her career to supporting children with a wide range of needs and abilities.

For more than two decades, Lisa has worked with general and special education students, providing services through NY State’s Early Intervention Program, as well as CPSE services approved through local school districts. In addition, Lisa has also provided academic support to school aged students from K-12. Based in Northern Westchester since 2004, Lisa has developed a reputation for her compassionate and practical hands-on approach.

“While there are many aspects about my job that I love, seeing the positive educational and emotional impact not only on the child, but on the whole family unit is the most rewarding,” she shares.

Lisa’s first introduction to Nabby was 15 years ago when she provided services to one of our campers at the time. Since then, she has been a regular service provider at Nabby, working with campers every summer. As she looks ahead to this summer, Lisa is eager to bring her wealth of experience to a setting that celebrates community, growth, and joy.

“My goals for the summer are to help children navigate social-emotional challenges and provide them with the tools to reach their full potential. In addition, being able to collaborate with counselors and staff to share strategies they can utilize to support campers in my absence is another aspect of my role I am looking forward to,” Lisa says.

While every camper is unique, having Lisa on site gives our team an added layer of support to respond thoughtfully and compassionately to the needs of each child. Her presence builds on the strong foundation of care and connection that’s always been at the heart of Nabby.