The American Camp Association of New England celebrated their 2^nd Annual Camp Champions Celebration was co-chaired by Jason Silberman of Needham, owner and director of Camp Matoaka in Smithfield, ME on November 1st. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino was this year’s honoree for his extraordinary work on behalf of children and families throughout the state. Daphne Griffin, Chief of Human Services for the City of Boston and Executive Director of Boston’s Centers for Youth & Families, accepted the Camp Champions award and spoke on behalf of Menino, who was absent due to illness.  This event was hosted by 7News sportscaster, Joe Amorosino, who also served as the auctioneer for the evening. Alejandro Garcia, a camper at Hill House, and Alirio “AJ” Gomes, a Leader in Training at Camp Harbor View, spoke about their person life-changing camp experiences. ACA New England is locally based in Lexington, MA.

Photos include (from left to right) -

Jason Silberman with Jeff Hacker of Lincoln, owner and director of Camp Cedar in Casco. Hacker co-chaired the event with Silberman and Dan Isdaner of Jupiter, FL, owner and director of Camp Mataponi in Naples, ME

Silberman, Hacker, and Isdaner

Hacker, Daphne Griffin, Chief of Human Services for the City of Boston and Executive Director of Boston’s Centers for Youth & Families (accepted award on behalf of Menino), Nat Saltonstall (of Dover, MA, President of the Board of Directors, ACA New England and Director of Beaver Summer Programs, Silberman and Isdaner.

Silberman and his wife, Leslie Silberman, who helps run Camp Matoaka