CAMP DIRECTOR

Sarah returns for her 29th summer at SJYC, bringing a lifetime of connection to camp and a deep commitment to our mission. She practically grew up at SJYC, with some of her earliest memories shaped by camp life long before she officially became a camper—her grandparents served as the camp’s facility manager and cooks, making camp a true family tradition. As Camp Director, Sarah helps guide every part of the SJYC experience, working closely with staff to create a safe, joyful environment where campers and CITs can grow in confidence, character, and community. Her passion for teaching and mentoring shines through in everything she does at camp. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration, and outside of camp she works as an elementary school teacher in Mesa. Her experience in the classroom strengthens the way she mentors staff, supports counselors, and creates meaningful learning and leadership opportunities for campers. She’s especially excited to welcome both returning and first‑time campers this summer and share the traditions that make SJYC feel like home.

HEAD COUNSELOR & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Syd returns to SJYC for her ninth summer, bringing deep camp experience and a strong commitment to the SJYC community. Over the years she has grown from CIT to counselor to Head Counselor, and now focuses on mentoring and supporting the next generation of camp leaders, our CITs! As Head Counselor, Syd works closely with staff to ensure every cabin feels supported, and every CIT grows into a confident leader ready to step into volunteer counselor roles. She is especially passionate about helping CITs build character, develop leadership and communication skills, and learn what it means to care for a community while creating the joyful, meaningful experience that SJYC is known for. Syd holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Bentley University, and she brings those skills to her work mentoring counselors and guiding CITs as they learn what it means to lead at camp and beyond. A big fan of all the quirky traditions that make SJYC special, Syd is excited for a very meaningful and joyful summer!

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Annalise returns to SJYC for her 13th summer, continuing a family tradition that spans 20+ years of having a Petruzella at camp. Originally from Ahwatukee, Annalise grew up under our pines and now helps create that same magic for today’s campers. As the leader of our Program Team, Annalise helps dream up new activities, guide our Program Specialists, and make sure every corner of camp is filled with energy, creativity, and fun. She loves helping campers build character, try new things, and walk away from summer with the kind of joyful memories that keep people coming back year after year. Annalise attends Arizona State University, where she studies Education and Art, and her creative spirit shows up all over camp. Whether she’s introducing a new program idea, leading a lively campfire, or breaking out her signature dance moves during the camp song “60s Party,” she brings a colorful, high‑energy spirit to everything she does. Annalise is thrilled to spend another summer helping make SJYC a place full of learning, fun, and friendship.

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Sonja is back for her second summer with us and is excited to continue being an essential part of the team! After spending 16 years as a classroom teacher, Sonja transitioned into the business world, bringing her organizational skills and passion for helping others to camp. As the go-to person in our office, Sonja is the friendly voice families hear when they call or email, and she works behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly so camp can thrive. Outside of camp, Sonja loves golfing, reading, exercising, and enjoying movies and TV. She’s also a proud dog mom to two pugs and a mutt, and loves spending time with her three grown children. Sonja’s energy and dedication help make our summer season successful!

MEDIA DIRECTOR

Allison is joining us as our Media Director for her 12th summer at SJYC, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her behind the lens this year! Originally from Scottsdale, AZ, Allison practically grew up at SJYC and knows our traditions, songs, and spirit inside and out. When she’s not capturing the magic of the pines, Allison has a hidden talent for doing handstands and be heard singing her favorite camp song, “Hagalina Magalina” around the campfire. Her favorite camp activity is the hike to Giz Ridge, where the views (and the memories) are always worth the climb. This summer, she’s most excited to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new campers, and help tell the story of another SJYC season.

HEAD COOK

Ruben returns to SJYC for his ninth summer and brings with him a deep love for camp life and the outdoors. From Phoenix, Arizona, Ruben is known around camp as a mean cook on the grill, serving up bold, flavorful meals that keep campers, CITs, and staff coming back for seconds. His favorite camp meal is breakfast sandwiches, and he takes pride in making sure everyone is well fed and happy. Ruben’s hidden talent is playing both the guitar and the bass, and a fun fact about him is that he’s a former amateur MMA fighter. Despite his tough exterior, Ruben’s favorite camp song is “Pink Pajamas” though you’ll probably never catch him wearing a pair!

DAY CAMP COORDINATOR

Tasia is back for her seventh summer at SJYC after a 7-year break, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her! When she’s not living her dream as a Special Education Teacher in Flagstaff, Tasia is all about adventure—whether she’s hiking her favorite camp trails, rock climbing, or planning her goal of visiting every national park in the U.S. Fun fact: in her 20s, she dropped out of college to travel, backpack, and chase the wild outdoors! This summer, Tasia is most excited to make more amazing memories and to explore alongside our day campers. Her adventurous spirit and love for all things camp make her a perfect fit for another unforgettable summer!

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Danielle is joining us from Prescott for her eighth summer at SJYC, and she’s ready to make it the best one yet! A student at the University of San Diego studying architecture, Danielle balances her creative side with her love for adventure. She spent many years as a cheerleader and is known for her cool dance moves that are sure to bring extra fun to camp this summer! Her favorite camp activities are the hike to the Bluffs and campfires, and she’s excited to create new memories with campers and counselors along the way.

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Erika is back for her tenth summer at SJYC, and she’s ready to make it the best one yet! Hailing from Tempe, she’s now student at Creighton University who loves playing volleyball, watching movies, and working of her future as an Elementary teacher. A huge fan of 80s movies, Erika can quote all the classics! This summer, she’s most excited to sit around the campfire, singing songs, making s’mores, and getting to know everyone. She’s also equally excited for Skit Night!

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Julia is back for her sixth summer at SJYC, bringing her love of music and creativity to camp. Outside of camp, Julia is passionate about dancing, singing, and dreams of one day becoming a Broadway actress, though she’s currently pursuing a career in music therapy. She is studying music therapy at Belmont University, blending her love for music with her desire to help others. With a beautiful voice and a strong desire to get involved in crafts, Julia’s energy and creativity are contagious. This summer, she’s looking forward to spending time with the campers and enjoying the breathtaking star-filled night skies.

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Niyah is back for her third summer at SJYC and can’t wait to dive into all her favorite camp activities! She loves hiking the trails and bringing plenty of energy to camp songs—especially her favorite, Hermie the Worm. Did you know she’s also an amazing xylophone player? Niyah is a student at Langston University studying pre-med. This summer, Niyah is most excited to stargaze and bring her A-game to the volleyball court. She’s ready to share her adventurous spirit and help make every moment at camp full of fun and laughter!

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Roberto is back for his sixth summer with us, bringing his passion for skateboarding, music, and all things camp! Known for his can-do attitude and ability to make learning fun, Roberto has a special way of connecting with campers and making every moment memorable. This summer, he’s most excited to bring energy and excitement to our campfires, making them as loud and lively as possible. Roberto’s enthusiasm and positivity are an essential part of what makes our team so special!

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

Diana is back for her 10th summer at SJYC, and she’s excited to dive into another unforgettable season! Originally from Scottsdale, Diana now studies at Saint Louis University in Madrid, having moved to Spain to chase her dream of becoming a travel nurse. Her passion for exploring new places doesn’t stop there—she hopes to travel all over the world one day! At camp, Diana loves Block Day, especially the bug block, and you’ll definitely catch her singing Pink Pajamas at the top of her lungs. This summer, she’s most excited to soak up every moment and be part of the future of camp. With her adventurous spirit and love for camp traditions, Diana is ready to make this summer the best one yet!

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

Cam joins our team from Peoria, Arizona for her ninth summer at SJYC! She is currently a student at Northern Arizona University and hopes to become an automotive engineer one day. Cam enjoys cooking and learning about cars, and she’s especially excited this summer to experiment with new recipes and create delicious meals for the camp community. Cam’s favorite meal is spaghetti, and she’s known for being great at card games. Her favorite camp song is “Ah-Once There Was a Wizard,” and one of her favorite camp traditions is singing songs around the campfire. She’s looking forward to reconnecting with the camp community and helping whip up another great summer at camp!

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Eliza is joining us for her third summer at SJYC and her first as a Program Specialist, and we’re so excited to have her on staff. A Flagstaff native, Eliza loves getting to spend her summers in the pines doing what she loves most, camp life. After experiencing camp as a CIT, she’s especially excited to see it from a new perspective as a staff member this year. Outside of camp, Eliza is a student athlete who also loves getting lost in a good book or leveling up in her favorite video games. She’s super into all things culinary and dreams of becoming a baker one day. Her hidden talent is playing the guitar, and her favorite camp song is “Boom Chicka Boom.” Her favorite camp activity is kayaking, and she can’t wait for another summer full of laughter and unforgettable camp memories.

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Paige is joining us as a Program Specialist this summer for her fourth summer at SJYC, and we’re excited to have her back on the team! She’s from Queen Creek, Arizona and attends Northern Arizona University, where she plays ultimate frisbee and serves as one of the team’s captains. Paige is already looking forward to helping make this summer the best one yet at camp. When she’s not at camp or on the frisbee field, Paige loves a good plate of pasta. Her favorite camp song is “Ah‑Once There Was a Wizard,” and her favorite camp activity is the hike to the Bluffs. She’s excited to spend the summer meeting new campers and building community, maybe even with a frisbee in hand!

PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Ale is joining us for his second summer at SJYC, and we’re excited to have him back at camp. He comes to us from San Luis, Arizona and is a wrestler who enjoys staying active and taking on new challenges. Ale’s favorite meal is beef stew, and his favorite camp song is “The Warm and Fuzzy Song.” His favorite camp activity is Hike Day which is our hike to the Bluffs. His hidden talent is that he seems to know a little bit about almost any subject. Ale is excited to return to camp this summer, make more memories, and help create a great experience for campers.

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

Idania is joining us this summer for her seventh summer at SJYC, and we’re so excited to have her back at camp. She’s from Phoenix, Arizona and, outside of camp, works as an elementary school teacher’s assistant, where she enjoys helping young students learn and grow. Idania’s hidden talent is playing the snare drum. Her favorite camp song is “Ah-Once There Was a Wizard,” and some of her favorite camp traditions are campfires, singing songs, and astronomy night under the stars. She’s especially excited to reconnect with old friends and meet new people!

KITCHEN ASSISTANT

Luca is joining us for his tenth summer at SJYC! He comes to us from Chandler, Arizona and is a student at Northern Arizona University. Luca is looking forward to working in the kitchen this year and returning to camp to make even more great memories. Outside of camp, Luca enjoys staying active and trying adventurous activities like skiing, hiking, swimming, volleyball, cooking, and baking. His favorite camp song is “60s Party,” and his favorite camp activities include making ice cream and the Counselor vs Staff volleyball game.