If your child has come home from the woods speaking of the elusive Blue Monkeys and singing “YOU CAN’T RIDE IN MY LITTLE RED WAGON” in the back of your car at level 10, then we are certain you know these two lively Camp Directors. They have both been a part of our Redwood City Team for over a decade and probably love their jobs even more today than they did the day they started. Every year, they DEMAND that they return to “Day Camp” at Stulsaft, as they feel like it is their OWN chance to go to camp every summer – not to mention, they LOVE seeing the campers who return year after year.
The relationships they have cultivated with the kids and the parents are a huge draw to why they return each Summer. The camaraderie and consistency of our staff, is what we believe, to be one the major perks of our program. The kids look forward to coming back to camp each summer not only because it’s FUN, but they are also eager to see our staff. There is a comfort in knowing the routine and seeing familiar faces- for parents and children alike! So who are T-Bird and Butterfly? Why of course, they are Telisha and Jake!
Meet Telisha and Jake! Q & A
Telisha BrentCamp Nick Name: T-bird/Grandmother Stulsaft
Co-Director of Tiny Timbers, Explorers, and Mountaineers @ Stulsaft Park
How long have you been working for the City? Current Job?
I’ve been working for the City since 1999, yes 1999! I am currently the Director of the Sandpiper Youth Club after school program in Redwood Shores!
How many years have you worked at Day Camp?
I’ve worked at Day Camp since the summer of 2000. I’ve been the Director since 2006. It’s pretty awesome because I actually went to the camp when I was a kid. Looks like I’m never leaving Stulsaft Park!
What do you love best about working at Day Camp?
There are a ton of things I love about day camp, but if I had to pick just one, it would have to be being outside all the time hiking and literally having fun in the sun! Your favorite Camp Memory from Day Camp? I probably have a million “favorite camp memories” but if I had to narrow it down, one that always makes me laugh was during one of our overnighters. During one of our nighttime leader scavenger hunts (where the leaders hide and the children find them for points) I decided to make it my mission NOT to be found. I found the perfect hiding spot HIGH in a tree over the camp site. Not only was I the first leader to be found, after my disappointment, I wasn’t able to get out of the tree. About 45 minutes later and a truck and assistance from several staff members, I made it down safely. Needless to say, that was the last time I hid in a tree.
Favorite Camp Song? Little Red Wagon
Fun Fact: I am a member of the Justin Bieber fan club. Yes, I’ll admit it, I’m a BELIEBER.
College degree: B.A. in English
Extra Credit: Did you grow up in Redwood City?
My dad was in the Coast Guard when I was younger so we traveled a lot, but Redwood City was always home base. I went to Roy Cloud and Kennedy for a couple years, great memories at both schools
Jacob Hodgdon
Camp Nick Name: Butterfly (it’s a long story, but let’s just say that I did not come up with it)
Co-Director of Tiny Timbers, Explorers, and Mountaineers @ Stulsaft Park
How long have you been working for the City? Current Job?
I have been working for the City for 12 years. I am currently an Administrative Specialist working on various special projects (read Jack-of-all-Trades)
How many years have you worked at Day Camp?
This will be my 8th summer co-running the Day Camp up at Stulsaft Park.
What do you love best about working at Day Camp?
What don’t I love best about working at Day Camp? (The best summer camp ever, by the way.) It’s the camp I went to in the summer when I was a kid and it’s the camp I always wanted to work at. It’s outdoors, in nature, we make crafts, go for hikes, sing songs, put on skits, play in the creek, get dirty – What could be better?
Your favorite Camp Memory from Day Camp?
It is honestly very hard for me to pick out one memory as my favorite. One that definitely stands out though, was my first Challenge Day as a leader, when I was more excited for all of the competitions than any of the campers in my group (spoiler alert: we lost). In fact, my biggest regret about Day Camp is that I still have never won the Challenge Day Cup.
Favorite Camp Song? Easy – An Austrian went Yodeling – Best camp song ever! (Your Mama Don’t Wear No Socks is a close 2nd though.)
Fun Fact: I taught myself how to play the guitar and the drums, and I am currently learning the mandolin.
College degree: Bachelors Degree in Philosophy from San Jose State University *cough – Magna Cum Laude – cough*
Extra Credit: Did you grow up in Redwood City?
Born and raised in RWC. I have been a proud Henry Ford Mustang, Kennedy Cougar, and Woodside Wildcat. I even went to preschool at Red Morton. I can’t think of a better place to grow up.
For more information about our Nature Camps at Stulsaft Park and to join Jake & Telisha, Visit us at RedwoodCityCamps.org! There is still space!
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