Staff Member Bio

My name is Gemma Romano (Tego), and I’m honoured to return to my home away from home as Camp Kawartha’s Summer Camp Director. My journey here began in 1997, when I arrived with my mom, Cathy Romano (Fleet), and stayed in the Health Centre because I was still too young for a cabin. Since then, I’ve grown up in this community as a camper and in many staff roles, including counsellor, canoe tripper, Trip Director, Outdoor Educator, and Environment Centre staff member. Camp has shaped who I am, and it feels incredibly meaningful to step into this new role.

I bring over 18 years of experiential education experience, along with a Master of Education in Sustainable Happiness and Ontario Teacher Certification. I’m focused on building a camp where kids grow confidence and resilience through challenge-by-choice, where environmental stewardship is part of everyday life, and where we hold onto the traditions that make camp feel like home while making space for new ones too.

Outside of camp, you’ll usually find me spending time in nature, learning my surroundings and noticing the interconnectedness of all living things. That time outdoors often becomes the inspiration for my watercolour art, and I love pairing it with reading (both fiction and non-fiction) to keep expanding how I understand the world.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out anytime at gemma@campkawartha.ca.