1. DAVID MEIZELS
32 Vera Street, West Hartford, CT 06119
860-810-5331 dmeizels@outlook.com
SUMMARY
Compassionate, resourceful and dedicated professional with thirty years experience in Youth
Camp/Education Program environments. Effective problem solver and leader who can train and
supervise personnel in achievement of desired results. Multi-tasker with a track record of developing and
managing multiple programs. M.Ed., Certified Connecticut Camp Director. Instructor/CPR/First Aid/AED
(American Red Cross), strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and various camp registration based
software.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
CHANNEL 3 KIDS CAMP, Andover, Connecticut 1995-2014
Camp Director
Management:
Reporting to the Executive Director, initiated, developed and implemented programs that build
community, diversity and tolerance for youth (ages 6-17) of all physical and emotional abilities and
economic strata. Supervised up to 100 staff, Counselors in Training and a team of Registered Nurses
ensuring safety of campers and staff. Managed a Program Director. Human Resources responsibilities
included employee relations, recruitment, compensation, and camp policies and procedures
implementation. Facilitated presentations to the Board of Directors.
 Staff retention increased from 12% to an annually consistent 58% through creating contract
completion bonus program/return bonus, and developing Teen Leadership, Counselor training, and
staff skill development programs.
 Increased revenue by $100,000 annually by partnering with various interest groups to offer unique
programs to children otherwise not able to be part of the camp.
 Reduced staff terminations by 70% through instituting a revised organization and staff support
program creating Unit Leaders and a Head Counselor.
Financial:
Collaborated with the Executive Director to forecast, develop and administer the camp’s operating
budget.
 Increased revenue and provided budgetary relief by establishing after school and home school
programs. Resulted in fuller utilization of staff on payroll.
 Saved 50% plus of medical staff expense by structuring an approach to schedule nurses on a rotating
basis while still providing necessary coverage defined by state regulations.
 Held expenses constant over 10 years while annual costs continued to rise by creating strict staff
payment structures and partnering with local community groups to enhance programs and provide
supplies.
Programs:
Managed the Siblings Connections Program in conjunction with the Department of Children and Families
for siblings in Foster Care, Camp Ventures After School Educational/Enrichment Programs, Camp
Homeschool Program, Adolescent Development and Team Leadership Programs, Counselor in Training
and Teen Leadership Programs and Operation Purple (Military Program). Developed a program schedule
encompassing multiple activities. Coordinated the camp’s participation in a Fellowship/Exchange
Program in affiliation with the University of Connecticut.

2. David Meizels Page Two
 Reduced behavioral issues from 32 to 5 per summer by establishing protocols and corresponding
marketing and training.
 Doubled overnight camper enrollment over 10 years by creating programs with full activities
scheduled with experienced leaders enhancing the quality of programs.
 Increased weekend bookings by 75% during the spring and fall seasons by replacing staff and
becoming certified as a Qualified Food Operator to supplement services.
 Increased revenue by $90,000 and reduced expense by $24,000 by introducing a Day Camp
Program. Over ten year’s enrollment tripled.
Marketing:
Marketed/promoted camp programs to state schools and agencies. Marketed and led the “weekend”
business including retreats and conferences at the camp’s facilities. Participated in fundraising events
including telethons.
 Within one year, 100% of marketing activities completed as scheduled by instituting a referral
program to augment staff establishing a recruiting network and cross training staff for multiple
certifications.
Training:
Authored the Staff Training Manual, the Administrative Training Manual and Low Ropes Initiatives
Manual. Trained and certified staff in CPR, First Aid and AED. Hosted a South African student and
provided mentoring in leadership development and outdoor education programs.
 Trained twice the number of staff at 1/3 the cost for First Aid/CPR/AED certification by becoming
certified to teach the material internally rather than paying for external services.
Compliance:
Coordinated all camp related licensing and regulatory compliance with the State of Connecticut and
accreditation with the American Camp Association.
 Achieved 98% score on licensing inspections and held ACA accreditation for 10 years through
establishing and maintaining standards.
NATURE’S CLASSROOM, Charlton, Massachusetts 1990-1999
Director - Andover, Connecticut/Becket, Bourne and Brewster, Massachusetts
EDUCATION
Masters of Education, Measurement and Evaluation; Western Governors University
Bachelor of Arts, History Education; Michigan State University Honors College.
ORGANIZATIONS
Member, Presenter and Visitor for the American Camp Association.
Board Member and Immediate Past president, Connecticut Camping Association. Chair the Nominating
Committee for recruitment of Board Members, Chair a Promotions Committee with a focus on news in
camping and marketing the value of camps statewide and ensuring the association/camps are current
with licensing and regulatory news.
Serve on a panel for the Youth Camp Safety Advisory Council in Connecticut. Focus on camp licensing
and identifying regulatory concerns and appropriate certifications for camp staff.