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Meet Our Leadership Team

Ken Cotton
Executive Director

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Jen Block

Assistant Director

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Stacy Pollack
Camp Mom

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Julian Ziskin
Program Director

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Danny McLaughlin - Assistant Director in Charge of Programming

Danny McLaughlin
Mental Health Counselor

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Candice Masters - Director of Administrative Operations

Candice Masters
Administrative Operations Director

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Ken Cotton
Executive Director

Before accepting his dream job at Camp Bauercrest, Ken acquired extensive experience in childhood development. He was a middle school teacher in Natick from 2003-2016, coached high school boys’ lacrosse in Framingham from 2002-2014, and served as President of Framingham Youth Lacrosse from 2010 - 2021 because he “loves those little bobbleheads.” Ken also has an impressive background in camping, having spent 13 summers at JCC Camp Kingswood in Bridgton, Maine, in a variety of leadership roles, including Assistant Director, Athletic Director, Waterfront Director, and Unit Head.

Ken says his teaching and coaching career prepared him for his leadership role at Bauercrest. “With a camp so steeped in tradition, and with alumni who are so supportive, I couldn’t be prouder to call this place my second home and embrace these traditions while exploring new ways to make Bauercrest even better.”

Ken lives in Framingham with his wife, Dyan, and their lovable mutt Jessie. The Cottons are active members of Temple Beth Am in Framingham. In his free time, Ken likes to hang out with his two adult sons, Jake and Jared, hit the links, and relax on the beach.

Education
Lesley University: Masters of Education, Elementary Levels 1-6
Ithaca College: Bachelor of Science in Business Management

If you have questions for Ken about camp or anything else, you can reach him at ken@bauercrest.org or on his cell at 508-251-9811.

Jen comes to Bauercrest with a wealth of experience in the camping industry, including day camps, student travel, overnight camps and pre-college enrichment programs.

Jen grew up spending every summer at camp. Her uncle owned an overnight camp in South Windham, CT, so camp is in her DNA and she wouldn’t spend her summers any other way. She spent 14 years living in NYC and loves talking about all things NY, especially the food. She loves seeing the camp community come together, from the nerves, excitement and spirit on Day 1 to leaving with hugs and a strong bond on the last day. Jen can’t wait to get all her steps in walking up and down the Hill!

Jen lives in Natick, MA with her daughter Sydney and their bunny Honey, who may also make an appearance in the Big House. Jen is the Senior Class Advisor for Gann Academy (Sydney’s class) and coordinates all their Staff/Faculty appreciation events. In her free time, Jen enjoys hula hooping, hot yoga, walking, making photo books online, and party planning. She once submitted an application to be a contestant on “Survivor”.

Education
University of Maryland: Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Jen is happy to talk to you about camp, your child, or anything else. You can reach her at jen@bauercrest.org

Jen Block
Assistant Director

Jen comes to Bauercrest with a wealth of experience in the camping industry, including day camps, student travel, overnight camps and pre-college enrichment programs.

Education
University of Maryland: Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Jen is happy to talk to you about camp, your child, or anything else. You can reach her at jen@bauercrest.org

Stacy Pollack
Camp Mom/Director of Communications

Stacy married into the Bauercrest family; her husband, Micah, is a Bauercrest alum. Their two boys, Max and Jaden, are current campers at the Crest. She came to Bauercrest after enjoying a fruitful career as Director of Marketing and Special Events at three major Boston radio stations. This, in addition to her love of writing and attraction to all things wonderfully chaotic, makes Stacy a perfect fit for the role of Camp Mom. Stacy writes our popular Dear Camp Mom blog and works year-round to ensure that Bauercrest creates memorable experiences for parents and campers alike. She also creates photo montages inspired by songs most of our campers have never heard before but make the parents very nostalgic.

The Pollacks are active members of Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley. In her free time, Stacy pretends she has a show on HGTV, as she is always in the middle of a DIY project. Stacy is an avid Springsteen fan and can frequently be heard screaming at Alexa.

Education
Tufts University: Bachelor of Arts in Child Study and English; Concentration in Creative Writing

Stacy is happy to talk to you about camp, your child, or anything else. You can reach her at stacy@bauercrest.org or on her cell at 781-205-9625.

Julain Ziskin
Program Director

Julian started his Bauercrest career in 2011 and instantly fell in love with camp. This was not surprising; his dad, Josh, loved it too, as did his brothers and cousins. Julian has not only made his mark on Bauercrest as a camper, but he was a beloved counselor and Group Leader as well. In these roles, he gained valuable experience in program development, resulting in his well-earned promotion to Bauercrest's full-time Program Director. Julian is completing his degree in Children's Learning and Development at UMass and hopes to utilize those skills one day as the Bauercrest Director (when Ken is ready to move on, of course). In his free time, Julian enjoys video editing, playing and watching hockey, and anything related to Marvel and Star Wars. He also considers himself a connoisseur of kids' menus the world over.

Danny McLaughlin
Mental Health Counselor

Danny has been in the field of Mental Health for eight years. His training includes working with patients in the VA Hospital in the Bronx, as well as a therapeutic boarding school for children and young adults here in Massachusetts. He is on track to obtain his Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) from William James College and is part of a Clinical Psychology consortium at LifeStance Health, where he treats children and adolescents. Danny joined the Bauercrest leadership team when we reopened in 2021. His warmth and compassion, coupled with his knowledge and experience, made him an instant go-to for our campers and staff. Danny's hobbies include swimming, cycling, and pretty much any other outdoor activity. Despite his New York upbringing and much to the chagrin of his father, Danny is an avid Sox fan. He is ready to dive into any issues our boys may be facing this summer, including generalized anxiety, feeling left out, and homesickness. His mission remains consistent with Bauercrest: to make the Hillside a safe, fun home away from home for our boys.

Candice Masters
Director of Administrative Operations

Candice spent the best summers of her childhood at Camp Robindel. She remembers every word to every Color War cheer song and requires little to no coaxing to prove it. She attended UVM, where she received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication Sciences. Candice has been a practicing speech therapist for 20 years, helping countless children become successful communicators while promoting their social and emotional growth. Candice currently lives in Medfield, MA with her husband, Ken, sons Max and Brody, and their 200-lb. American Mastiff, Zeus. They are active members of Temple Israel in Natick. In her free time, Candice enjoys traveling, Cricutting, party planning, and competitive games of Monopoly.

If you need to get in touch with Candice, email her at candice@bauercrest.org.

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"My son had the time of his life. He made new friends, discovered new skills and was able to be himself."

- Jason, Camper Dad

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Meet Our Leadership Team

Bauercrest offers endless opportunities. Learn more about our activities

"My son had the time of his life. He made new friends, discovered new skills and was able to be himself."

QUESTIONS?

Feel free to contact us

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17 Old County Road, Amesbury, MA 01913

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