We build memories that last a lifetime because our leadership is:

• Experienced – Our founders have been involved as camp professionals since the 1950’s, our directors have been on board since 1985
• Contemporary -- Our director is an American Camp Association (ACA) Certified Camp Director, an ACA standards instructor and visitor, and a member of the Connecticut Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council
• Committed – Camp is “what we do” – it is the central focus of our efforts, year-round
• In tune – As parents and grandparents of two generations of campers and counselors, we are in constant touch with the pulse of camp

FOUNDERS/OWNERS
Gwen and Lloyd Duff have enjoyed five decades of experience in camp management in a variety of situations, including ten years outside of Connecticut before starting Holiday Hill in 1960. Lloyd served as Coach of Track & Cross Country, Coordinator of Recreation and Instructor of Emergency Medical Service during his 25 years at the University of Connecticut and was an Associate Professor in Physical Education. He has been a First Aid and CPR Instructor Trainer with the American Red Cross and a member of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Camping Association. Gwen taught music in the Mansfield schools for 17 years, and stays busy with church and community activities. She has served on the Mansfield Board of Education, directs the Mansfield Senior Center Chorus and is active in a women’s philanthropic education organization. Holiday Hill represents the fulfillment of their lives' dreams and efforts in the realm of education and the healthy development of young people.

DIRECTORS
Dudley and Wendy Duff Hamlin represent the second generation of Holiday Hill’s management team. Dudley graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1974 with a degree in Music Education. He performed professionally as a folk singer for eight years before becoming involved with Holiday Hill in 1982. He started out as the Aquatic Director then served as Alternate Director before becoming the state licensed director in 1985. He is a Certified Camp Director having successfully completed a Camp Director Institute, and met education, work experience and professional involvement requirements of the American Camp Association (ACA). He serves an ACA standards instructor and visitor and a past president of the Connecticut Camping Association. Dudley is a member of the Connecticut Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council working with the State Department of Public Health and the legislature on camp safety regulation issues.

Wendy Duff Hamlin grew up at Holiday Hill and attended the University of Connecticut, graduating with a degree in Music Education. She taught music in the Hebron, CT school system for 13 years. Wendy served as Aquatic Director at the camp for several years before entering graduate school. She received her Master’s Degree in Music Education in 1988 and is now the camp’s co-director. Wendy and Dudley have three children; two staff members and a camper! Spencer, a sophmore at UCONN next fall, will be in his fourth year on staff and will be a Group Leader in our Younger Division. Haley is a counselor in our Kindercamp and will be Senior at E.O. Smith High School next year. Hunter will be a freshman at E.O. Smith, and will participate in our NEST Leadership Training Program this summer! The family team works year-round operating Holiday Hill, planning and evaluating programs, maintaining and upgrading facilities, and selecting and training staff members to continually improve the quality of the camping experience.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Shannon (Gallagher) Cartier has been at Holiday Hill since the summer of 1997.  She grew up in Massachusetts and attended a number of different camps throughout New England as a child.  Shannon is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work followed by her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Connecticut.  Shannon is currently employed as a School Social Worker at E.O. Smith High School, she also recently obtained her LCSW (License in Clinical Social Work).  At camp she has served as a Group Leader, Junior Counselor Coordinator, Up-to-Night Director and, as our Assistant Director since the summer of 2000.  Shannon lives in Storrs with her husband Paul, and two children Reid (current camper) and Brynn (future camper).