We are thrilled to share that Alex Jackson, who has been with Camp Runoia since 1995 and co-Director for over a decade, has stepped into the position of the Director while Pam transitions to Director Emerita. As part of this transition, Mark and Pam will step back from the day-to-day operations of camp later this fall. With Alex’s 28 seasons of experience at Camp Runoia and her role as a leader within the Maine camp community, including as a member of the Maine Summer Camps Board of Directors, she will keep Runoia’s tradition of excellence going forward. Under Alex’s continued leadership, camp retains the same culture and energy, which has helped Runoia campers build lifelong skills and friendships for over a century.

We share news of our retirement with joy knowing Alex and the team around her will continue Camp Runoia’s strong legacy. Our confidence in Alex is unwavering. She is a seasoned leader and a loyal, dedicated camp professional. We have partnered with Canyonlands Camps to make this transition possible. Founded by a visionary wife-husband team, Canyonlands Camps believes in getting youth into the Great Outdoors to build confidence, community and lifelong skills. These values resonate deeply with us and with the Camp Runoia community. 

What’s next for us? We will continue to enjoy our home on Great Pond, and look forward to being Camp Runoia grandparents, sharing the Runoia experience as Molly, Sawyer, and Frannie continue to grow and thrive at camp amongst all the other campers we adore! Our daughter, Jai Cobb Kells, will contribute to the camp experience in her role as Assistant Director in the summer. Pam will continue her work with the mission-driven Camp Runoia Alumnae Organization (CRAO), championing Camperships and the Diversity Advisory Committee. Additionally, Pam will bring her experience and expertise as a founding advisor to Canyonlands Camps. She will also continue to stay connected to the Maine camp community, including as a board member of the Maine Youth Camping Association and as a member of Maine Summer Camps, Maine Camp Experience, and a long-standing camp director’s round table group. Mark will remain involved in local lake and land conservation efforts to protect and preserve the resources of Great Pond and the Belgrade Lakes Watershed. He plans to stay engaged with the Town of Belgrade community activities, and will provide ongoing consultation to Camp Runoia.

We have loved every minute of dedicating our life work to the camp “movement” and will continue to support the camp experience in the years to come. 

With warmth and love in our hearts, 

Pam and Mark