--- title: Avid4 Adventure Journal | Eric Rightor description: Eric’s passion for outdoor adventure and youth development started early on and has only gotten stronger since becoming a camp professional 10 years ago. Born and raised in Boston, Eric started going to overnight camp at age 10 and has only missed one summer since, which he did to realize his dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. He spent 14 years at YMCA Camp Coniston in New Hampshire, climbing the ranks from camper to senior leadership, before becoming the Senior Program Director of the YMCA of Greater Boston’s Overnight Camps and the Executive Director of Camp Bauercrest. Eric has his B.A. in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics and Government from American University in Washington D.C. and despite the best efforts of many to draw him into a different career, he simply could not let go of his belief in the power of camp. Eric has seen and experienced first-hand the power of outdoor adventure in teaching kids the valuable lessons of life that will enable them for success, no matter their life’s pursuit. When he’s not at work, you can find him at competing at the curling club, skiing down the slopes, and exploring the backcountry in every way he can. --- **[What's new about camp in 2024?](https://avid4.com/2024)** [COVID RESPONSE](https://avid4.com/summer-updates/covid-19-policies) [Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew) [Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) [Help Center](https://help.avid4.com/help) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-menu-open.svg) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-menu-close.svg) [![](https://avid4.com/img/avid-logo.png)](https://avid4.com/) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-logo.svg) CAMPS LOCATIONS ABOUT US JOBS [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/camp.png) NEW CAMPS ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/camp.png)](https://avid4.com/programs-overview/) CAMPS - [Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - [Camp At Home](https://avid4.com/camp-at-home) - [Camp On The Go](https://avid4.com/camp-on-the-go) - [Valmont Bike Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-valmont-bike-park-camps-day) - [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camps) - [Expeditions](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps) - [Resident Camps](https://avid4.com/resident-camps) - [Grades](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [PreK - K](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=pre-k&grade%5B1%5D=k&date_range) - [1st - 2nd Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=1&grade%5B1%5D=2&date_range) - [3rd - 4th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=3&grade%5B1%5D=4&date_range) - [5th - 6th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=5&grade%5B1%5D=6&date_range) - [7th - 8th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=7&grade%5B1%5D=8&date_range) - [9th - 10th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=9&grade%5B1%5D=10&date_range) - [11th - 12th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=11&grade%5B1%5D=12&date_range) - [See All Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) Locations - [Colorado](https://avid4.com/colorado-camps) - [Boulder](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-camps) - [Castle Rock](https://avid4.com/colorado-castle-rock-camps) - [Colorado Springs](https://avid4.com/colorado-colorado-springs-camps) - [Denver, Greenwood](https://avid4.com/colorado-greenwood-camps) - [Denver, Lowry](https://avid4.com/colorado-lowry-camps) - [Denver, Central Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-central-park-camps) - [Denver, Wash Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-wash-park-camps) - [Golden](https://avid4.com/colorado-golden-camps) - [Highlands Ranch](https://avid4.com/colorado-highlands-ranch-camps) - [Lafayette](https://avid4.com/colorado-lafayette-camps) - [Superior](https://avid4.com/colorado-superior-camps) - [California](https://avid4.com/california-camps) - [Burlingame](https://avid4.com/california-burlingame-camps) - [Mill Valley](https://avid4.com/california-mill-valley-camps) - [Oakland](https://avid4.com/california-oakland-camps) - [Orinda](https://avid4.com/california-orinda-camps) - [Palo Alto](https://avid4.com/california-palo-alto-camps) - [Santa Rosa](https://avid4.com/california-santa-rosa-camps) - [Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) - [Bend](https://avid4.com/oregon-bend-camps) - [Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-camps) ABOUT US - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [Auction Donation Request](https://avid4.com/auction-donation-request/) - [Leadership](https://avid4.com/about-us/leadership-team-2/) - [Press](https://avid4.com/about-us/press/) - [Financial Assistance](https://avid4.com/scholarship/) - [Partners](https://avid4.com/about-us/partners/) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview) JOBS - [Why Work With Us](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Compensation](https://avid4.com/jobs/compensation/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [FAQs](https://avid4.com/jobs/faqs/) - [Positions](https://avid.workbrightats.com/jobs/) - [Staff Portal](https://help.avid4.com/help/staff-portal?_ga=2.139532913.379522487.1606095775-1720513239.1604422259) - [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/pre-camp.svg) Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew?__hstc=100965726.0722881a3a3ce4d5db8cf4dd0fd14c4b.1604422280482.1606238273823.1606253249890.60&__hssc=100965726.64.1606253249890&__hsfp=514153516&_ga=2.132184524.379522487.1606095775-1720513239.1604422259) - [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/user.svg) Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) - [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/store.svg) Help Center](https://help.avid4.com/help) ### Overview - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - [Camp At Home](https://avid4.com/camp-at-home) - [Camp On The Go](https://avid4.com/camp-on-the-go) - [Expeditions](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps) - [Resident Camp](https://avid4.com/resident-camps) ### States - [California](https://avid4.com/california-camps) - [Colorado](https://avid4.com/colorado-camps) - [Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) ### [Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - [Camp At Home](https://avid4.com/camp-at-home) - [Camp On The Go](https://avid4.com/camp-on-the-go) - [Valmont Bike Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-valmont-bike-park-camps-day) ### [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camps) - [Expeditions](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps) - [Resident Camps](https://avid4.com/resident-camps) ### [Grades](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [PreK - K](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=pre-k&grade%5B1%5D=k&date_range) - [1st - 2nd Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=1&grade%5B1%5D=2&date_range) - [3rd - 4th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=3&grade%5B1%5D=4&date_range) - [5th - 6th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=5&grade%5B1%5D=6&date_range) - [7th - 8th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=7&grade%5B1%5D=8&date_range) - [9th - 10th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=9&grade%5B1%5D=10&date_range) - [11th - 12th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=11&grade%5B1%5D=12&date_range) ### [See All Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) ### Overnight Camps - [Colorado, Boulder Area](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-expeditions) - [Colorado, Mt. Evans](https://avid4.com/mt-evans-camps) - [Colorado, Windy Peak](https://avid4.com/windy-peak-camps) - [California, East Bay](https://avid4.com/california-sly-park-expeditions) - [Oregon, Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-expeditions) - [Wyoming, Curt Gowdy](https://avid4.com/wyoming-curt-gowdy-expeditions) ### [Colorado](https://avid4.com/colorado-camps) - [Boulder](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-camps) - [Castle Rock](https://avid4.com/colorado-castle-rock-camps) - [Colorado Springs](https://avid4.com/colorado-colorado-springs-camps) - [Denver, Greenwood](https://avid4.com/colorado-greenwood-camps) - [Denver, Lowry](https://avid4.com/colorado-lowry-camps) - [Denver, Central Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-central-park-camps) - [Denver, Wash Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-wash-park-camps) - [Golden](https://avid4.com//colorado-golden-camps) - [Highlands Ranch](https://avid4.com/colorado-highlands-ranch-camps) - [Lafayette](https://avid4.com/colorado-lafayette-camps) - [Superior](https://avid4.com/colorado-superior-camps) ### [California](https://avid4.com/california-camps) - [Burlingame](https://avid4.com/california-burlingame-camps) - [Mill Valley](https://avid4.com/california-mill-valley-camps) - [Oakland](https://avid4.com/california-oakland-camps) - [Orinda](https://avid4.com/california-orinda-camps) - [Palo Alto](https://avid4.com/california-palo-alto-camps) - [Santa Rosa](https://avid4.com/california-santa-rosa-camps) ### [Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) - [Bend](https://avid4.com/oregon-bend-camps) - [Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-camps) ### Our Core Values - [Live Fun](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Environment](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Truth](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Smart(er)](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Gratitude](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Empowered](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Balanced](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Community](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity) - [Auction Donation Request](https://avid4.com/auction-donation-request/) - [Leadership](https://avid4.com/about-us/leadership-team-2) - [Press](https://avid4.com/about-us/press) - [Financial Assistance](https://avid4.com/scholarship) - [Partners](https://avid4.com/about-us/partners) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview) ### Need Help? - [Housing Resources](https://avid4.com/jobs/instructor-housing-options/) - [College Interns](https://avid4.com/jobs/college-internships/) - [Why Work With Us](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Compensation](https://avid4.com/jobs/compensation/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [FAQs](https://avid4.com/jobs/faqs/) - [Positions](https://avid.workbrightats.com/jobs/) - [Staff Portal](https://help.avid4.com/help/staff-portal) [Day](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/author/eric-rightor#finder-day) [Resident](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/author/eric-rightor#finder-overnight) [Expedition](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/author/eric-rightor#finder-expedition) Pre-K K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Burlingame Mill Valley Moraga Oakland Palo Alto Boulder Boulder - Valmont Castle Rock Colorado Springs Denver - Greenwood Village Denver - Lowry Denver - Stapleton Denver - Washington Park Golden Highlands Ranch Lafayette Superior Portland Go Grade Entering 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Go Grade Entering 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th Go # Blog listing page ## Featured Posts ##### [April 14, 2021 How to Survive Camping with Kids… and Actually Enjoy It. (Seriously.)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/camping-with-kids) ##### [March 22, 2020 COVID-19 Resources for Parents](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/covid-19-resources-for-parents) ##### [March 18, 2019 Overnight Camp Video Series - Founder, Dave Secunda Shares Valuable Message from Parent](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/overnight-camp-video-series-founder-dave-secuda-shares-valuable-message) ##### [January 23, 2019 Forbes Features Avid4 Adventure: Key to Success is High-Quality Staff](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/forbes-featured-article-starring-avid4-adventure) ## Eric Rightor ![](https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/HeadShot_2015.png) Eric’s passion for outdoor adventure and youth development started early on and has only gotten stronger since becoming a camp professional 10 years ago. Born and raised in Boston, Eric started going to overnight camp at age 10 and has only missed one summer since, which he did to realize his dream of thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. He spent 14 years at YMCA Camp Coniston in New Hampshire, climbing the ranks from camper to senior leadership, before becoming the Senior Program Director of the YMCA of Greater Boston’s Overnight Camps and the Executive Director of Camp Bauercrest. Eric has his B.A. in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics and Government from American University in Washington D.C. and despite the best efforts of many to draw him into a different career, he simply could not let go of his belief in the power of camp. Eric has seen and experienced first-hand the power of outdoor adventure in teaching kids the valuable lessons of life that will enable them for success, no matter their life’s pursuit. When he’s not at work, you can find him at competing at the curling club, skiing down the slopes, and exploring the backcountry in every way he can. ### Recent Posts [![](https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/P7280052-1.jpg)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/is-my-child-ready-for-overnight-camp) April 23, 2021 ###### [Is My Child Ready For Overnight Camp?](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/is-my-child-ready-for-overnight-camp) Share This [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/is-my-child-ready-for-overnight-camp&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&text=Avid4%20Adventure%20Journal%20|%20Eric%20Rightor&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/is-my-child-ready-for-overnight-camp) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/is-my-child-ready-for-overnight-camp&display=popup&ref=plugin&src=like&kid_directed_site=0) [Google Plus](https://plus.google.com/share?app=110&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/is-my-child-ready-for-overnight-camp) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/is-my-child-ready-for-overnight-camp&media=https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/524285/P7280052-1.jpg) [![](https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/P7280052-1.jpg)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/is-my-child-ready-for-overnight-camp) As a camp director for the past 10 years, you can imagine how many times I’ve been asked "Is my child ready for overnight camp?" by prospective families thinking of sending their most prized possession away to an overnight summer camp. You are sold on the skill and [personal development](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/transferable-skills-kids-learn-at-summer-camp), making lifelong memories with soon-to-be lifelong friends, all while having a blast in the outdoors—but is your child really ready for sleepaway camp? This is a tough question to answer and it leads to a tougher one, which ultimately leads to the hardest one of all. [Read More](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/is-my-child-ready-for-overnight-camp) Topics: [how to pick the right summer camp](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/how-to-pick-the-right-summer-camp) [Overnight Camp](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/overnight-camp) [All Posts](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/all) - ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Posts by Topic - [Tips and Tricks (26)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/tips-and-tricks) - [Skills Learned at Summer Camp (22)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/skills-learned-at-summer-camp) - [Overnight Camp (18)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/overnight-camp) - [California Family Adventures (17)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/california-family-adventures) - [Colorado Family Adventures (16)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/colorado-family-adventures) - [Working for Avid4 Adventure (15)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/working-for-avid4-adventure) - [Benefits of Outdoor Adventure (11)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/benefits-of-outdoor-adventure) - [California Outdoor Activities (11)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/california-outdoor-activities) - [summer camp (11)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/summer-camp) - [Colorado outdoor recreation (8)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/colorado-outdoor-recreation) - [Day Camp (7)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/day-camp) - [Outdoor Advocacy (7)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/outdoor-advocacy) - [Adventure Stories (6)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/adventure-stories) - [Inclusivity (6)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/inclusivity) - [Mental Health (6)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/mental-health) - [Summer Camp Reviews (6)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/summer-camp-reviews) - [how to pick the right summer camp (5)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/how-to-pick-the-right-summer-camp) - [Avid4 Adventure Jobs (4)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/avid4-adventure-jobs) - [COVID-19 (4)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/covid-19) - [Featured (4)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/featured) - [Sleep-away camp (4)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/sleep-away-camp) - [Soft Skills (4)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/soft-skills) - [Summer Camp Jobs (4)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/summer-camp-jobs) - [Activities (3)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/activities) - [Diversity in the outdoors (3)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/diversity-in-the-outdoors) - [Emotional Intelligence (3)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/emotional-intelligence) - [Public Lands (3)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/public-lands) - [Summer Jobs (3)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/summer-jobs) - [Sustainability (3)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/sustainability) - [California Winter Activities for Families (2)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/california-winter-activities-for-families) - [Gift of Summer Camp (2)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/gift-of-summer-camp) - [Live Community (2)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/live-community) - [New Locations (2)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/new-locations) - [Oregon Summer Camp (2)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/oregon-summer-camp) - [Overcoming Fear (2)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/overcoming-fear) - [Press Release (2)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/press-release) - [Risk Management (2)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/risk-management) - [Summercamp (2)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/summercamp) - [how to choose a summer camp (2)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/how-to-choose-a-summer-camp) - [Available Positions (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/available-positions) - [California Camp Counselor (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/california-camp-counselor) - [California Summer Camp (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/california-summer-camp) - [California Summer Camp Jobs (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/california-summer-camp-jobs) - [Camp Counselor (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/camp-counselor) - [Colorado Camp Counselor (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/colorado-camp-counselor) - [Colorado Summer Camp (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/colorado-summer-camp) - [Colorado Summer Camp Jobs (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/colorado-summer-camp-jobs) - [Cooking Outdoors (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/cooking-outdoors) - [Expedition Camps (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/expedition-camps) - [Games We Play At Camp (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/games-we-play-at-camp) - [Insider (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/insider) - [Jobs (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/jobs) - [Learn to Bike (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/learn-to-bike) - [Limit Screen Time (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/limit-screen-time) - [Military Discount (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/military-discount) - [Outdoor Activities (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/outdoor-activities) - [Outdoor Industry & Guiding (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/outdoor-industry-guiding) - [Screen-Free Week (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/screen-free-week) - [Skiing with Kids (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/skiing-with-kids) - [Teacher Discount (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/teacher-discount) - [What to Bring (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/what-to-bring) - [Winter Family Adventures (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/winter-family-adventures) - [professional development (1)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/professional-development) see all ### NAVIGATION - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps/) - [Policies](https://avid4.com/policies/) - [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camp/about-colorado-mountain-camp/) - [Contact](https://avid4.com/contact-us/) - [Gear Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.avid4.com/blog) - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us/) - [Staff Portal](https://avid4.com/jobs/staff-portal/) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Parent Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew?_ga=2.82785814.1896501485.1508936271-1717527764.1507131859) - [Scholarships](https://avid4.com/scholarship/) - [Request Info](https://avid4.com/request-information/) ### GET IN TOUCH **Avid 4 Adventure** PO Box 287, Boulder, CO 80306 [1.720.024.2412](tel:+17202492412) **Social** ### ACCREDITATIONS [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/licensed.png)](https://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-Main/CBON/1251590215770) [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/accredited.png)](https://www.acacamps.org/) [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/leave-no-trace.png)](https://lnt.org/youth-program-accreditation) © All content copyright 2018 Avid4 Adventure. 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