CAMP MENDOCINO
A Program of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco
STAFF
OUR STAFF
Camp Mendocino is a program of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco (BGCSF), a San Francisco institution since 1891. We understand that hiring, training and retaining the best staff possible is critical to our success with young people.
Each summer, we hire 90+ professional staff members, including approximately 30 international staff members. Our foreign exchange program is designed to broaden our campers’ understanding of other cultures and backgrounds. Our domestic staff are also very diverse in terms of race, gender, age, place of birth, interests, etc.
Meet Our Year-Round Team!
Camp Director
SARA RICHARDSON
(she/her)
srichardson@kidsclub.org | Phone: 415-445-5476
Sara has been on the Camp leadership team since 2012 and has served as the Camp Director since 2016. As Camp Director, Sara provides oversight of the programs and daily operations for Camp Mendocino. Many of her responsibilities include: Hiring and training staff; ensuring the safety and well-being of all campers and staff; overseeing Camp programs and facilities; managing the Camp budget, and ensuring that Camp continues to meet the needs of young people in our community. Prior to joining BGCSF, Sara provided program leadership to a gang prevention grant and day camp for a Boys & Girls Club in Southern California, as well as led a residential substance abuse program in Detroit, Michigan. Sara received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women & Gender Studies, and a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy.
Assistant Camp Director, Operations
FREDERICK ANDERSEN
(he/him)
fandersen@kidsclub.org | Phone: 707-459-6458
Frederick Andersen joined the year-round Camp team in 2022, but has been involved with the facilities at Camp since he was young through the volunteer weekends he attended with his family. As Assistant Camp Director, Frederick is responsible for overseeing the Camp property and facilities, managing the operations budget, directing priority projects, and ensuring that Camp is a welcoming and safe space for campers and staff. Before working officially at Camp, he worked in construction, excavating and, most recently, rigging and tent set-up for shows and circus.. Frederick is located at Camp Mendocino year-round.
Facilities Manager
JIM MATHEWS
(he/him)
jmathews@kidsclub.org | Phone: 707-459-6458
Jim joined the Camp Mendocino year round staff in 2023. As Facilities Manager he is primarily in charge of upkeep and maintenance of the Camp facilities, that includes 57 buildings and power and water production. During the summer, Jim also teaches teens in the Careers-in-Training Program trade skills including: Woodshop, Metalshop, Carpentry and many other trades. Prior to joining Camp, Jim was a Firefighter/Medic for 20yrs. Jim also has a Polaroid camera collection of 200+ cameras. Jim is located at Camp Mendocino year-round.
Manager of Camp Administration
KATYA RICE
(she/her)
krice@kidsclub.org | Phone: 415-445-5477
Katya Rice began working for Camp Mendocino in early 2023, and became Manager of Camp Administration (MCA) a few months later. As MCA, Katya oversees the application process, communicates with families and social service agencies, helps with outreach, and ensures our camper registration software is working smoothly. Katya has always enjoyed being outdoors, and had the opportunity to study ecopsychology in college. In 2019, she received her degree in studio art with a minor in psychology, combining the two for her thesis on how natural environments impact the internal self. She has worked for nonprofit organizations and nature-based schools, and believes that all children deserve access to the outdoors. Katya splits her time between Camp Mendocino, remote work, and San Francisco, and is based primarily in San Francisco during the summer months.
Executive Chef
MARTY BOHLEN
(he/him)
Marty Bohlen joined the San Francisco Boys Club in 1955, and began attending camps as a result. Marty began working at Camp Mendocino in 1961 as the Dining Hall Stewart, and in 1962 he became First Cook, and has been working in the food service industry and with youth from disadvantaged circumstances ever since. For many years, Marty has served as Executive Chef at Camp Mendocino. Marty has also been a part of the Purple Kumquat group providing valuable volunteer efforts to Camp Mendocino. In his current position, Marty volunteers his summers to provide three healthy meals a day to the Camp community, and takes a great amount of pride in giving back to Camp Mendocino. Marty is on-site at Camp during the summer.
Meet Our program Directors!
Activities Director
ANGEL SNYDER
(they/them)
This will be Angel’s third summer as the Program Director for Activities. During the summer, Angel supports the team of Activities Specialists to ensure that all activities are providing the ultimate camp experience! Angel began working with Camp Mendocino in 2018 as an Americorps NCCC volunteer. Their first summer as a staff was in 2021 facilitating the ropes courses. These days at camp, you can spot Angel doing a cartwheel, chatting with a banana slug, or perusing the garden. Angel treasures experiential enrichment through joyful and challenging activities at camp. Angel is on-site at Camp during the summer.
Director of Leadership Programs
ANTHONY ALVES
(he/him)
Anthony first began working at Camp Mendocino in 2016 as a Teen Program Coordinator. After spending a few years in college earning his teaching credentials he returned to camp in 2021 and has been serving as the Director of Leadership Programs ever since. In this role he oversees the Teen Program by working with the teen coordinators to create the camp experience for our campers that are in the Leaders in Training (LIT) and Career in Training (CIT) programs. Anthony also oversees camp awards night, the gold C program, and working campers. Anthony is passionate about serving the youth, and this passion drives him to develop professionally and strive to be an impactful educator and youth advocate. He brings valuable experience to camp from his 8 years teaching middle and high school. He is committed to maintaining restorative practices at Camp, and to serve our youth the empathy and respect they deserve. In his free time Anthony enjoys the outdoors, and loves the beauty of our Camp. He is dedicated to being a good steward of the land, and preserving Camp for future generations. Anthony is on-site at Camp during the summer.
Behavioral Health Director
IZZY CHAVARIN
(she/her)
Izzy began working at Camp Mendocino in 2014 as a Camp Counselor and has held many positions at Camp since then. Before working at Camp she was a camper and an LIT. As the Behavioral Health Director, she supports the ongoing efforts of Camp staff to ensure the wellbeing of all campers. Izzy consults with all Camp staff on the mental, emotional, and social health of campers. Izzy attended UCSB where she double majored in Sociology and Global Studies. She also received a master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance and a PPS credential. Izzy enjoys nature, reading and spending time with her dog. Izzy is on-site at Camp during the summer.
Director Of Staff Experience
FRANCES BROWN
(she/her)
Frances started working at Camp Mendocino in 2018 as a camp counselor before moving into a leadership position. At Camp, Frances primarily supports staff and works to ensure that Camp staff are able to learn in their roles, work comfortably, and enjoy all that Camp has to offer. She is a Bay Area local who attended San Francisco State University where she earned a Liberal Studies degree with a focus in Math Education. During the school year, Frances lives and works in Oakland as a High School Math and Science teacher. She also continues to work with the Camp team throughout the year by supporting the Youth Of The Year program and working with the rest of the directors team to continually improve the camper and staff experience. Outside of work Frances enjoys comedy, fashion, and music.
Village Life Director
DIKLAH BEAVER
(she/her)
Diklah began her journey at Camp in 2021, she quickly moved from a role in leadership to a place on the director’s team. Diklah works closely with staff, campers, and families as the Director Of Village Life. In this role she coaches village leadership, helps campers navigate their experience at Camp, and supports staff in honing their youth development skills. During the year, she continues to support the directors team by planning for the summer and ensuring the focus is always on youth. Diklah works with young people during the year providing childcare and supporting students. Diklah attended Cedar Hill High School in Cedar Hill Texas where she graduated with a diploma. To further her education, she attended Johnson and Wales University in Rhode Island to study in Equine Sciences until the start of the covid quarantine. Outside of work /Diklah can be found enjoying nature, putting together wonderful outfits, and spending time with horses.
Join the Team
If you are a role model with a commitment to putting youth first, we want you to be part of our team!