Parents can rest assured knowing children are supervised at all times. We maintain low camper-to-staff ratios for all groups, allowing our staff to maintain control and sight of every member within their group. Our youngest groups maintain a ratio of 5 to 1, while our older groups have an 8 to 1 ratio – far below the American Camping Association requirements.
Each group is often staffed by an experienced unit leader who is a certified teacher. These leaders are assisted by senior counselors, 17 and older; and assistant counselors, age 15 and older, who are students at area colleges and high schools.
Prior to being offered a position with Pilgrim Day Camp, each applicant must undergo a rigorous and extensive background check including mandatory CORI and SORI reporting check.
After staff have been screened, they participate in our extensive pre-camp training programs which covers emergency procedures, safety, positive discipline techniques and leadership skills. This enables staff to provide a fun, enriching and structured experience for our campers.
Further complementing the Pilgrim Day Camp staff is our a full-time onduty nurse, and an onduty EMT during extended day and over-day experiences. Fully certified and experienced lifeguards are also on duty at all times at each of our two swimming pools.
Pilgrim Day Camp complies with all regulations of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and is licensed by the local Board of Health. All parents have the right to request complete information regarding staff background checks, health care, behavior and disciplinary policies, procedures for filing grievances, among other policies and procedures. If you would like to review this information, please submit a written request to Pilgrim Day Camp.
Directors
Kristen Kirby is the Director of Pilgrim Day Camp and the PDC Family Center, where she brings her lifelong passion for camp and education to create meaningful, year-round experiences for children and families. Kristen’s journey with Pilgrim Day Camp began at just 3 months old, when her mother served as the Arts and Crafts Director. Kristen’s connection to the camp has been unbroken since, with each summer deepening her love for the outdoors and child development. Today, she continues the family tradition, now bringing her own daughter along as part of the camp’s extended community.
Kristen’s dedication to education led her to pursue a degree in English from James Madison University, followed by a Master’s in Special Education. She spent several years teaching in Massachusetts, first as an English teacher and later as a Learning Specialist, focusing on helping students with diverse learning needs. Her experiences both in suburban schools and in New York City’s public school system gave her valuable insight into the importance of outdoor learning and experiential education. As one of the founding team members of a public school in the Bronx, Kristen helped develop an interdisciplinary curriculum that aligned with common core standards and emphasized the importance of hands-on, real-world learning.
Having seen firsthand the positive impact outdoor play and exploration can have on students’ emotional and social development, Kristen is a firm believer in the transformative power of summer camp. Under her leadership, Pilgrim Day Camp and the PDC Family Center continue to be spaces where children can grow, learn, and thrive, both during the summer months and throughout the year.
Kristen is a certified English and Special Education teacher in both Massachusetts and New York, a trained Project Adventure specialist, and a certified lifeguard. She brings her expertise and passion to every program at Pilgrim Day Camp, ensuring that each child’s experience is as impactful as possible.
Program Director Jon Kirby started working at Pilgrim Day Camp in 1975, and has spent 45 summers here – 40 of them as Director. Jon recently retired from Medfield High school after 34 years there, serving as Athletic Director, teacher and coach. He continues coaching in area schools.
Assistant Director Debby Denman has been at PDC for 32 years, and has been teaching for 19 years in the Worcester Public School system. Debby is the director in charge of the younger units: Plymouth House, Pilgrim House and Block House.
Assistant Director Mark Nickerson has been at Pilgrim Day Camp for 30 years; he has been a teacher and coach in Medfield Public Schools for 22 years .Mark is in charge of the Birch Hill, Quarry Hill, Banner Hollow and Maple Ridge Groups.
Assistant Director Rob Evans has been at PDC for 31 years; he’s been a teacher and coach in the Bellingham Public School system for 24 years. Rob is in charge of the oldest units, which include Shady Woods, Badger Knoll, White Pines and Rocky Ridge.
Thomas Woods is our Assistant Director in charge of the Senior Division program, Camper-in-Training program, arts and athletics programs. Thomas is a teacher and coach in the Medfield Public School system.
Michelle Nelson is our Lower Camp Assistant Director. She is a teacher in the Framingham Public School System.
Caitlin Ciminelli is our Assistant Director in charge of the CIT program and our Middle Groups.
Together, our veteran staff form the foundation of Pilgrim Day Camp. They create a safe, adventurous and nurturing environment where children of all ages and backgrounds can feel welcomed, enriched and challenged.
