Spirit
DEDICATION
Kat Nelson
Presented at the Final Banquet on 8.18.2017 by #20001 Marnie McDonagh
2007 marked #20595 Kat Nelson’s first summer at Camp Dudley. Her Blair Academy teacher, #15288 Mike Schloat, recommended Kat to Dudley’s then Leadership Director, #11264 Mark “Davo” Davenport. Davo listened, agreed and offered Kat a position as tennis instructor. Davo remembers Kat as one of Dudley’s best hires ever! Her dedication to the Dudley program was evident in everything she did, from teaching tennis to lip-syncing “Stop in the Name of Love,” on the stage. Seeing tremendous potential, Davo encouraged Kat to visit and tour of Kiniya with #21288 Julie Schloat. Little did Kat or Davo know that her staff summer at Dudley would lead to opportunity at Kiniya benefiting girls for years to come. In 2008, Kat joined us at Kiniya as a leader. Displaying excellent potential, Kat found herself quickly promoted to D Head when Kari McKinley injured her ankle. Kat stepped up with a “can-do” attitude, leading Senior Village through the completion of the season. Davo still recalls Kat’s rendition of the Kiniya Cheer the very first time he heard it. The smile on her face as she and her girls delivered it at Dudley’s Hymn Sing during CDA Reunion that summer was priceless. When offered the opportunity to join our year round team in 2010, Kat accepted and took on all aspects of the job… admissions work, recruiting efforts, program planning, staff hiring, and long-term strategic thinking. Perhaps hidden from campers and leaders alike is Kat’s formidable problemsolving skills. A strategic thinker, she runs thoughts on program adjustments through all possible scenarios, making sure we haven’t missed anything. Kat has an amazing balance of traits and skills. She has the best playful side, making fun out of thin air and drawing you right into it. She listens deeply and is able to both dispel drama while making one feel understood. She has an inspiring level of professionalism, diligence and drive. She makes one want to do the best thing for Camp and each other. Her mixture of skills, and impact on leadership ranks, leaders and staff is rare.
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Through Kat’s 10 summers at Kiniya, she has mentored many, providing each with support and encouragement to grow in their jobs personally and professionally, just as she has done herself! We have witnessed Kat develop the Leadership Program to its’ success today. She has been instrumental in the admissions process for both camps, and recently in leading the way with #18794 Tom McDonough for Dudley and Kiniya’s first Gap-semester experience this fall. Kat graduated with her Masters in Educational Leadership from UVM, got engaged and ultimately married the love of her life, #17681 Steve Nelson; brought Roscoe-the-dog into their life and our camp community; acquired their first home in Chittenden County, all while dedicating each summer to her role at Kiniya! Hard-working, dedicated and practical, Kat’s leadership, warmth and compassion for everyone makes her one of the outstanding camping professionals we know. It is a thrill to witness and work alongside one who is so deeply invested in her work. Because of this, it is my honor to dedicate the 2017 Spirit to #20595 Kat Hood Nelson! May we all be blessed with your continued excellence and integrity.
KAT NELSON