Jon Deren has an extensive work history in the summer camp industry. Jon is the owner and director of Camp Manitou, an overnight summer camp for boys ages 7 to 16. Jon also serves as a partner at Camp Somerset for Girls, an upcoming camp for girls opening in 2018. Jon co-founded Experience Camps, a non-profit organization that provides free summer camps for children who have lost a parent or sibling. Additionally, they are a co-founder of Academy Camps, an upcoming venture, and Camp Manitou / Four Seasons Adventure Camp, which offers adventure and nature-based programs for children ages 9 to 16. Lastly, Jon co-founded Camp Eastwood for the Performing Arts, an overnight summer drama camp for young actors and actresses.
Jon Deren completed their Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics at Tufts University from 1993 to 1997. Jon then pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Marketing at Columbia Business School from 2003 to 2005. In addition to their formal education, Jon also obtained certification as a Certified Ski Instructor in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 1997. No further details about the institution or the month of obtaining the certification were provided.
Experience Camps for Grieving Children
Experience Camps is a nonprofit that champions the nation’s 5.6 million children who will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. We run a network of no-cost camps that help grieving children thrive. Our summer camps in California, Maine, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Georgia provide a safe environment where kids can explore their grief, break the isolation they may feel with their non-camp peers, and have a whole lot of fun. They have the opportunity to meet and connect with kids who are coping with similar challenges, while getting all of the benefits of the traditional summer camp experience. Through team sports, individual challenges and community living they learn about leadership, confidence and cooperation. Under the guidance of professional bereavement staff, campers have the opportunity to share stories and remember the one who died, while exploring skills that will help them after camp.