Aila Brennan, who has worked for over 20 years in the outdoor industry, has been named Program Director of the Silver Lake Camp and Retreat Center.
Brennan has most recently been serving as the compliance officer at the camp. The change in role is effective immediately.
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| Aila Brennan in a photo from May of 2021, when she said she came to volunteer pre-summer "and then ended up sticking around. " |
"Silver Lake is my foundation. My first summer job was at the Lake and to have the opportunity to help foster a new generation of campers and staff will be a life goal achieved. I have so much hope for the future of Silver Lake and it's an honor to be in this role," Brennan said.
Brennan says that over the past two decades, she has learned the importance of listening to those she works with in order to create a community of positive change, and has encouraged those around her to stand up for what is right.
As Program Director, she is responsible for planning and overseeing the day-to-day summer camp program and occasional retreat season weekend programs. Oversight includes program design, implementation, and marketing communications. She will also be directly involved in the recruitment, hiring, and supervision of summer camp staff and volunteers.
"Aila brings her deep love of Silver Lake Camp and Retreat Center into focus as she is welcomed as the Program Director," said David Camphouse, Director of Outdoor Ministries at Silver Lake. "Her commitment to the four loves of Silver Lake - Love God, Love Your Neighbor, Love Yourself, and Love Creation - are on display as she shares her enthusiasm for the community created because of the people and place of Silver Lake."
The Rev. Chris Davies, Executive Minister for Programs and Initiatives, added: "I am so excited to have Aila on board! We first worked together in 2002 or 2003, and it’s amazing that 20 years later, we’re both here, in leadership, helping to bring Silver Lake’s community-building hospitality to more campers, volunteers and retreat guests."
Brennan's education includes a Bachelor of Science in Adventure Recreation, a Master of Business Administration, and she will finish a Master of Arts in Elementary Studies by the end of 2023. Looking back on this educational path, Brennan said she realized this role was the one she was striving for all these years.
She will move to Sharon, CT with her spouse and cats. When not working she enjoys long bike rides, building puzzles, listening to live music, and spending time in nature.
