Boys Camp Director

When Sam Houghteling first met Keith Zucker eight years ago, he was a 13-year-old camper who needed to shed more than sixty pounds.

At the age of ten Sam loved to play many sports, especially baseball. His active lifestyle had to be put on hold when Sam contracted a bone infection, which also lead to the discovery of a previously undiagnosed disease in his left hip. At 13 Sam had corrective surgery, which left him bedridden for several months, causing his muscles to weaken and the weight to pile on.

During Sam’s first summer at camp he made enormous progress; he spent many hours working with Keith and his counselors in the gym to regain his strength. The impressive weight loss and overall camp experience gave him the confidence to continue training. Sam went on to be a starter on his school's varsity baseball and football teams, as well as class President. Each year Sam returned to camp, developing new skills, and eventually passing his love of activity and health on to younger children when he became a camp counselor.

Sam has spent three years as a counselor, where he has worked with boys of all ages. He has most recently taken on the role of Boys Hill Director, and still finds the time to instruct football and baseball regularly.

Sam recently matriculated at the University of Vermont, and lived in Burlington where he worked for a political campaign. Sam is now completing his junior year at a SUNY school back in New York - but we all know him best for his tribute to the Backstreet Boys in our Camp Talent Show!