Training the Next Generation of Leaders
EMPOWERED CAMPS, CONNECTED COUNSELORS, HAPPY CAMPERS
About Campers ConnectED
ConnectED Mission
ConnectED Trainings
ConnectED Mission
At CampersConnectED, our mission is to empower camp counselors with the tools, training, and heart of great education so they can create emotionally safe, connected, and growth-filled environments where every camper thrives.
With a combined forty years of experience in teaching and child development across early childhood through high sch
At CampersConnectED, our mission is to empower camp counselors with the tools, training, and heart of great education so they can create emotionally safe, connected, and growth-filled environments where every camper thrives.
With a combined forty years of experience in teaching and child development across early childhood through high school, we bridge the gap between classroom and camp. Our approach equips counselors with practical, research-backed skills they can use from day one, building confident, compassionate leaders and ensuring a proactive, supportive camp community.
ConnectED History
ConnectED Trainings
ConnectED Mission
Some connections are meant to last a lifetime. Over 25 years ago, Joy Marchese was Lily Poloner’s middle school teacher and volleyball coach, sparking early lessons in empowerment and leadership. What began as a student-teacher bond grew into a lifelong friendship and professional partnership, strengthened as Lily continued to follow Joy’
Some connections are meant to last a lifetime. Over 25 years ago, Joy Marchese was Lily Poloner’s middle school teacher and volleyball coach, sparking early lessons in empowerment and leadership. What began as a student-teacher bond grew into a lifelong friendship and professional partnership, strengthened as Lily continued to follow Joy’s work, from volunteering in her NYC nonprofit supporting at-risk youth to training with Joy as a certified Positive Discipline Parent and Classroom Educator. Years later, they even returned to the volleyball court, this time, side by side as teammates.
Today, Joy is a global educational consultant, author, and emotional architect. Lily is the Assistant Principal at an independent school in New York City. Both are moms raising young children, and both believe deeply in the power of education to change lives.
CampersConnectED was born out of a shared vision: to ensure that camp counselors are equipped with the same tools, strategies, and mindset as top educators in the classroom. When Lily’s oldest child prepared for her first summer at sleep away, she wanted to be sure her counselors had the training to foster not just fun, but confidence, kindness, and connection.
So Lily and Joy teamed up once again. CampersConnectED blends evidence-based research and best practices to elevate the next generation of camp leaders, and help every camper feel seen, safe, and supported.
ConnectED Trainings
ConnectED Trainings
ConnectED Trainings
We work with both day camps and sleep-away camps to offer half-day and full-day trainings during staff orientation. In addition to ongoing staff development throughout the summer, we also provide workshops during mid-summer transitions and second-session changeovers.
Contact us to discuss training packages, rates, and availability for Sum
We work with both day camps and sleep-away camps to offer half-day and full-day trainings during staff orientation. In addition to ongoing staff development throughout the summer, we also provide workshops during mid-summer transitions and second-session changeovers.
Contact us to discuss training packages, rates, and availability for Summer 2026 and 2027.
We believe every moment at camp is a chance to build the life skills that matter most, life long meaningful- CONNECTIONS!