Meet our Summer Camp Staff
Meet our exceptional summer camp team at YMCA Camp Bucks in Fairless Hills and Holland. Discover the passion, expertise, and infectious energy that our dedicated staff brings to create unforgettable summer experiences for your children – explore their brief bios and get to know the heart and soul of our exceptional camp programs.
Buckster, Mascot
Buckster was born and raised in Bucks County, PA. Two years ago, he graduated with honors from High School and has been working towards his Bachelor’s Degree in Fun with a minor in Hugs and High-Fives at the very prestigious YMCA University. This will be Buckster’s second summer at the YMCA. He made such an impact last summer that at the Staff Awards Night, “The Buckster,” was named in his honor. Buckster is most excited to meet all of the campers and dance with everyone to his favorite camp line dance, “Waka Waka.” Buckster loves playing Gaga at Holland, swimming at Quakertown, skateboarding in Doylestown, making art projects at Cabrini, exploring nature in New Hope and his all-time favorite camp memory is greeting campers in the morning but he always hates saying goodbye in the afternoon. Buckster can’t wait for his first summer at Palisades. Fun Fact: Buckster lives under the Teen Center at the Doylestown YMCA!
Alex Gatto
Director of Youth Development
Alex has been involved in Camp Programs at our YMCA since 2016. He has spent the majority of his time in the Sports & Specialty department. Alex attended Kutztown University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management with a minor in Coaching. His favorite camp game is handball and his favorite camp memory is Sports Camp winning the Spirit Stick.
Fairless Hills at Cabrini Summer Camp Staff
Allison Reed
CIT/Sports/Specialty Coordinator
Alli is so excited to join Cabrini’s team this year as our CIT, Sports, and Specialty Coordinator. She recently graduated from Bloomsburg University and received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. Her favorite memories of the YMCA revolve around her high school swim team, who practiced at their local Y!
Fun fact: Alli’s favorite hobby is reading! She also loves being outdoors and spending time with her friends and family.
Holland Summer Camp Staff
Amanda Bunje
Camp Director
Amanda has worked for the Y since 2016 in the Child Care & Camp department. She has experience as a Camp Counselor, Camp Activities Specialist, and as an Assistant Teacher within our Student Success Program. She currently serves as the Holland Camp Site Director. She will graduate next year from Wilkes University as a member of their Honors Program and the Women’s Ice Hockey team. Amanda will hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education, with minors in both Reading and English. Her favorite camp memory was the popsicle trials of 2021! Fun facts: Amanda attended summer camp herself until the age of 13. She loves being outdoors, at the beach or in the mountains! She has dreamt of being a Site Director since she started her roles at the Warminster YMCA Summer Camp, and she is beyond excited to work with your family this summer!
Tom Plunkett
Assistant Camp Director
Tom is 21 years old and this will be his third summer working at the Holland YMCA camp location. Tom is going into his final year of College at Temple University where he is studying Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education. Beginning next school year, Tom will be student teaching in the Philadelphia School District. Tom’s favorite camp memory was when we had “The Trial of the Popsicle Thief” last summer. Hopefully no one steals his popsicles this summer! Fun Fact: Tom’s favorite color is Green (Go Eagles!) and he enjoys trying new restaurants, watching sports, and going to the beach with friends and family.
Sam Forr
Warminster to Holland Camp Supervisor
Sam began working camp in Summer of 2021 at our Holland location. Sam is studying Secondary Education at Delaware Valley University. Sam absolutely loved working at camp and is very excited to serve as the Warminster to Holland Camp Supervisor for the 2022 camp season!
Regional Summer Camp Staff
Melanie Spratt
Camp Administrator
Melanie graduated from Delaware Valley University with a Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Business Administration. Melanie has been with our Y for 16 years, and is looking forward to working with families in our community to ensure each camper has the best summer camp experience!
Fun Fact: Melanie’s favorite ice cream flavor is Peanut Butter, and her favorite camp memory is the annual Talent Show!
Catherine Refice
Associate Director of Financial Assistance
Catherine attended LaSalle University earning a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management and Psychology. Catherine has been with our Y and a valued member of our Camp Leadership team for 18 years. Catherine is at camp each Monday morning, and is excited to see opening ceremonies and another summer of fun! Fun Fact: Catherine’s favorite ice cream flavor is Black Cherry!