2012 Summer Staff

Eden Cooke - Program Coordinator

Bonjour tout le monde!

I’m so excited to be spending yet another summer on my favorite island!  I’m 23 years old, and I grew up here in the Pacific Northwest.  Currently I’m studying Illustration at Emily Carr University in beautiful Vancouver, BC. Although I spend the majority of my time creating doodles, I also spend considerable time tasting French pastries and traveling to visit friends.  In fact, I only just returned from a mini tour of Europe that included stops in Montpellier, Paris, Lille and eastern Belgium.  I really enjoyed the opportunity to utilize my French, and be inspired by the art, food and companionship that France has to offer.  I’ve been really blessed to have spent so many wonderful summers on Canoe and cannot wait to have another amazing summer with all of you, this time as your fearless Program Coordinator!

Amaury Coin - Counselor

Jeunes gens, bonjour!

Summer 2012 will be my third summer spent on Canoe Island, and I cannot really find words to describe how delighted I am to go back to camp this year. I even gave up a chance to work with the Fencing competition at the London Olympics this summer to be on Canoe Island!  Political science and English are big parts of what I am studying this year along with  汉语  in my masters courses in Lille, Northern France. This spring I will do an internship in Paris for a few months. Besides spending my time with an épée, I love wearing my climbing shoes, running, and discovering and meeting new people around the world. Before the summer, don’t worry, I will practice my poor ukulele skills and hope to get ready on time. I am looking forward to seeing all of you. A très vite Yoda!

Maxence Leconte - Counselor

Re-bonjour les amis !

My name is Maxence, I am 21 years old and I come from Lille in the North of France!  Some of you should know me quite well, as this summer will be my 3rd one on Canoe Island! I am, as always, very excited to bring you my passion for the French language and culture. This summer is going to be a lot of fun again! I am currently finishing the first part of my College degree in San Francisco, where I am studying History and also teaching French! As you can see, I still love to travel.  My plan to become a French teacher here in America is getting closer and closer. Last but not least, this summer will also be a great adventure as my twin sister is going to come for the first time! You will soon meet the whole family!

Jennifer Douglas - Counselor

I’m thrilled to come back to Canoe for my third year in a row. I’m from Vancouver, Canada where I grew up exploring the mountains and coastline. Besides being outdoors, I enjoy playing Ultimate Frisbee and mucking about in the dark room. I graduated from Lewis & Clark College and spent time in Quebec, Senegal, and France. I’m currently living in a small city in Austria and working as an English teaching assistant. While I enjoy speaking and learning German, my true heart lies with French and I can’t wait to be surrounded by the language again. I look forward to seeing everyone and having fun this summer!

Emily Hunter - Counselor

Salut! I’m a past camper and Program Assistant on Canoe, so I’m very excited to be returning for my fourth summer on the island. I grew up near Seattle, and after spending the majority of the year in Massachusetts at Smith College, I can’t wait to spend the whole summer in my favorite archipelago, the San Juans!  I’m 18, and I just finished my first year of college. I’m pre-med, and my favorite classes are Chemistry and French. I love the theater, which is what I’ll be teaching this summer. My other interests include music and soccer (I’m a huge Seattle Sounders fan), and I’m also a decent knitter. This summer I hope to see some orcas and learn how to sail. I look forward to meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones!

Patrice Albert-Thenet - Counselor

Salut! This summer will be my first time as a Canoe Island Counselor and I can’t wait to start! I’m 22 and am from Wollongong, Australia (just south of Sydney). I am currently in my third year of a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and I am hoping to study post-graduate medicine. I love to be outdoors and play Ultimate Frisbee. I love to read and keep my mind sharp. I have studied French for about 5 years and my family is Mauritian (Mauritius is an island near Madagascar owned by the French in the 18th century) so I have grown up around French speakers. I love to travel and keep an open mind while maintaining a strong connection to my roots. My personal motto that I try to live by is:  ‘Aspire to great things but respect your retrospect’. I love to share my knowledge and experiences with new people, and I can’t wait to start helping children to have a fun and memorable summer at Canoe Island! À bientôt!

Camille Leconte - Counselor

Salut tout le monde !

My name is Maxence, I am 20 years old and I live just next to Lille in the North of France. Some of you may remember me, as it’s going to be my second summer on Canoe Island! Anyway… You will all know me very soon!

I am currently studying History at the University, and I used to learn Literature when I was in highschool. I really enjoy learning all these things about the past, because I believe it helps you to understand better the present time. I am fond of reading, music, and theatre of course. I intend to become a French teacher in an English speaking country. But for the moment, I am aiming to travel all over the world to discover as many different places and cultures as possible, as well as sharing my French culture with all of you! I have already been to Italy, Greece, Germany, South Africa, Canada… Every time it’s a new sensation, between excitement and curiosity, that I call adventure. And for the moment, one of the greatest adventures I have lived was on Canoe Island!

This summer, I will share my time between the stage and the kitchen, being your theatre teacher during some morning activities, or your French cuisine one during some others! I will make you find the ideal mix between Moliere’s plays and the art of French pastry! I will also be in charge of sports during afternoon activities. I love swimming, soccer, and especially badminton that I practice two times a week.

Now, let’s see you all this summer, and be prepared to have a wonderful summertime learning French and having fun with mr

Hi everyone ! I'm Camille, a new French counselor, I'll spend my first summer on Canoe Island with you, but I almost feel like I know it as I am Maxence’s twin sister and he has told me so much about Canoe Island. I'm so excited about this; it will be a great summer!  I'm studying restoration of sculpture masterpiece in Tours, so I'm very fond of arts, crafts and I'll do everything to share my passion with you ! This summer I'll be your art instructor, you will discover the French art culture by painting, drawing, modeling, etc. like French artists. I'm sure you are a young  Auguste Rodin, Camille Claudel, Edouard Manet, George de La Tour or Henri Matisse. I also love cooking and it will be a pleasure to show you all the regional specialties and of course to taste them!

Marisa Ikert - Counselor

I was a camper for three years, and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to come back as a counselor.  I’m from Portland, OR , but I currently attend Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA, where I study French and English. I sing in the choir  and work for the newspaper and the literary magazine at Whitman, which will be great experience for my position as the journal instructor this summer. I traveled to France for the first time this year, and I can’t wait to use my French at camp. I have Canoe Island much to thank for my interest in French language and culture—Canoe was where I first began learning French, and even now many French words continue to remind me of songs and games from camp. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and having some fantastic adventures this summer!

Curtis Valasek - Counselor

Enchanté, tout le monde! My name is Curtis Valasek, and I am super excited to be a Canoe Island counselor for the first time this summer! I will have just finished a year of teaching English deep in rural France (France Profonde, one might say), in a city of 20,000 called le Puy-en-Velay. I taught my 8th and 9th grade students about many brilliant topics of American life, from fun Halloween to basketball and March Madness. Having studied at Northern Illinois University, about an hour and a half from my home of Chicago, IL, the year in France coupled well with my studies in French Literature and Anthropology. I also have had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Morocco, learning a different perspective on French as it is used outside of France, as well as a handful of useful phrases in Arabic! My goal is to continue to find interesting chances to teach teens and young adults and becoming a well-rounded and experienced educator. See you this summer on Canoe Island!

Ismael Moulay - Counselor

 

I'm a native of Northern France, from a city of Lille.  Currently I'm studying Civil Engineering however I prefer to spend my free time rocking climbing, skiing, running, travelling and cooking.  Among other activities I also enjoy practicing guitar and I was trained in a French Conservatoire!  However I think if I had to choose a favorite activity I would choose tennis, which I've been practicing since childhood.

 

I'm really excited to come to America for the first time this summer.  I've been able to travel throughout Spain, Scotland, Germany, Tunisia and Italy but I'm sure the United States will be a whole new adventure and I can't wait to share this experience with the campers!  I think the most important thing in life is smiling, I can't wait to meet you all and put smile on your faces!

 

Sarah Stephens - Counselor

Salut! I'm 21 years old and have completed my BA in French at Western Washington University and will be completing my degree in Psychology this upcoming year.  This will be my second year on the enchanting Canoe Island. My love of French began at a young age, and I was lucky enough to attend Concordia Language Village in Bemidji MN during high school and spend a year abroad. This sparked my interest in camp counselling, and I've had the opportunity to be a counselor in France for American Village at a site near Lyon and another near Mont St. Michel and then here on Canoe Island in 2011.  My interests include exploring the majestic nature of the Pacific Northwest on foot or by sea; traveling to new places to experience the sights, sounds and people; singing and listening to jazz and all other music; baking an endless supply of pastries and sweets; tossing a disc around; and continuing my discovery of the French language and culture, bien sûr!

Mindy Weinberg - Program Assistant Sessions 1 & 2

Salut! I’m 17 years old and come from Mercer Island, WA. I have gone to Canoe Island for the past seven summers and I am thrilled to come back for an eighth. During the school year, I participate in many activities including tennis, marching and concert band, volunteering and fundraising for charities like the American Cancer Society and The Seattle Humane Society. I also am intrigued by photography and cooking. I have been familiar with the French language since elementary school and have been to France twice. In my senior year of high school, I plan on taking AP French. I cannot wait for summer to get here so can spend five weeks at the best summer camp in the world!

Emma Stallworthy- Program Assistant Sessions 3 & 4

Bonjour!  I’m very much looking forward to spending my 4th summer on Canoe Island – this time as Program Assistant. I’m 17 years old and I currently live on Bainbridge Island, Washington. I grew up in Southern England and Myanmar, but I’m glad to be close to Canoe for now! When I’m not in school, I play on the varsity tennis team, volunteer at the local historical museum, and work at a retirement center. This past summer, I spent a month in Annecy, France, and I’m excited about experiencing the French culture a different way this summer. I look forward to meeting new counselors, volunteers and campers!

Aaron Andrews - Chef

Hello!  I’ve been cooking since I was a kid, and I truly love food and cuisine!  I was born and raised in Olympia, but have been living in Seattle for the last decade, except when I’ve been travelling the world.  I will have just returned from New Zealand when I start cooking for spring programs in April.  This summer I look forward to exploring the reach of French cuisine around the globe, and spending a wonderful summer on Puget Sound with everyone at the camp.

Amanda Webber - Sous Chef/Baker

Bonjour! I am very excited to return to Canoe Island for the first time since 2008, this time doing what I love the most– cooking and baking! I love all food, but French Cuisine especially. Baguettes to macarons, I love it all!  I grew up in the Seattle area participating in the arts, from theater to pottery. Outside of school, my time was spent travelling, being lucky enough to visit France twice, or more often in the kitchen, teaching myself to decorate cakes and experimenting with recipes. I took my passion to the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute, and graduated as the Baking and Pastry Student of the Year in 2011. My culinary externship was fulfilled at the beautiful Sun Mountain Lodge in Eastern Washington. I cannot wait to spend this Summer at another gorgeous Washington location!

Volunteer Kitchen Assistants, Sessions 1 & 2

Jordan Fong

I live in Portland, Oregon. I've spent the past 4 summers at Canoe as a camper, et j'ai super hâte d'y retourner for my 5th! I've been taking French at school for a really long time, but I learned most of my French in the Canoe Island bibliothèque. I've also had Francophone experiences during a home-stay exchange in Québec, this last summer when I explored Paris on my own, and perhaps most notably, the day YELLE's Safari Disco Club Tour came to Portland (she even complimented me on my zebra costume!) This year, I'll be back as a kitchen assistant, so I'm very excited to help cook, bake, and wash a lot of dishes. Some of my other interests include traveling, ceramics, saber fencing, drama, modern history, languages other than French (je parle aussi le japonais), being outdoors, and microbiology.  I have a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of heart, so I can't wait to be working and playing (in that order) at Canoe this summer.

Taylor Stanton

Salut! I come from just outside of Portland, OR, and live on a fruit orchard with three hens, two cats, and an English bulldog. I’ve been a camper at Canoe Island for four years but haven’t been back for a while, so I’m excited to see all of the changes! French is my favorite subject at school and I will be taking the AP test next year. Outside of school, I take ballet and pointe classes, go to the gym, enjoy yoga, attend indie/alternative concerts (my favorite thing to do!), and bake and cook of course! I’m so excited and grateful to spend another year on Canoe Island. Can’t wait to meet everyone in June!

 

 

Volunteer Kitchen Assistants, Sessions 3 & 4:

Katie Becker

I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to spend a sixth summer on Canoe Island – this time as a volunteer kitchen assistant!  I am from Bellevue, Washington and will be a senior at the International School next autumn.  I am taking AP French, was an exchange student in Nantes, France, and also recently traveled to Peru with my church choir.  I owe my passion for the discovery of other languages and cultures to Canoe Island and its programs.  In my free time, I participate in community theater, voice competitions, and several choirs.  I can't wait for this summer and the opportunity to practice my French, reconnect with old friends, and meet new people! À bientôt!

Kallan Gustafson

Bonjour! I am super excited to be returning to camp for an eighth summer. I am from Sumner, WA, and will be a senior at Sumner High School next year. I will be pursuing a full International Baccalaureate diploma, which includes taking advanced French. I also play French horn in the school band and am on my local swim team. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing, and playing guitar. I am looking forward to meeting new people and having a great time as a volunteer this summer.

Volunteer Maintenance Assistants, Sessions 1 & 2:

Maxwell Choka

I am 17 years old and I currently attend Saint George’s School in Spokane, Washington. Although I enjoy all of my classes, chemistry and photography are undoubtedly my favorite ones. I absolutely love the outdoors, and I try to go out and run, swim, climb rock, or hike as often as possible. I also like to read and play the mandolin during my free time. So far, I have taken three years of French.  In the future I would like to study genetics or biochemistry, and possibly Russian. Some of my best memories are of French Camp, and I cannot wait to spend a fourth summer in the San Juan Islands. I look forward to meeting everybody in sessions 1 and 2!

Raymond Russel

Salut! I am Raymond Russell. I live in Anacortes, WA, so I am very lucky to have the San Juan Islands close by. This will be my fourth summer on Canoe, and I’m sure it will be another incredible experience! I am a senior at Anacortes High School, where I am captain of our sailing team. I have lived most of my life near the ocean, so I love all water sports, in particular sailing, rowing, and kayaking. The academic subjects I find most interesting are chemistry and foreign language- I take French and Spanish at school and Russian at home. Next year I will continue my studies in International Relations in college, and I will continue my language studies with Chinese or Arabic. I am thrilled to be able to return to Canoe Island again!

Volunteer Maintenance Assistants, Sessions 3 & 4:

Michael Smith

Salut! My name is Michael Smith. I have been a camper at CIFC for 5 years and am returning to be maintenance assistant. I’m looking forward to coming back this summer and working outside. I am currently living in Kirkland, WA. I was born in New Zealand and have lived in New York. I compete on the track, cross country, and swim team for my school. If anyone wants to play sports I’m your guy. Running is my passion along with chemistry and mathematics. This year, I am studying psychology at school and I am thinking of continuing it in college. Can’t wait to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Keegan Papakipos

Bonjour! I hail from Palo Alto, California, and this is my fourth year on Canoe Island. I enjoy biology, reading, programming, and maintaining things. I am a senior at Palo Alto High School, where I ran cross country for two years and am currently throwing discus and shot put. I have had some of the best times in my life on Canoe Island, and I am unbelievably excited to be coming back as a staff member for the first time. I met some of my best friends on Canoe, and while I am excited to see them again, I can’t wait to meet new people too!

TuYen LeTran - Session 1 Nurse

Tuyen was born in South Vietnam to a family of teachers and professeurs de lycee. At the age of 5, her parents sent her to a French elementary school. She then attended the French High School of Saigon, the famous Lycee Marie Curie. The high school graduation diploma she obtained is exactly the "baccalaureat" awarded to French students in their native France. Four  years of college at The University of Saigon in "L' Ecole de Pedagogie, section Francais" placed her as a French Language and French literature teacher in Saigon High School from  1961 to 1975.  In the USA, she returned to school in 1979 and became a registered nurse. When the opportunity was presented to her to join the Canoe Island French Camp staff in the summer of 1996, she accepted with full responsibility. She is looking forward to returning this summer to assume her duty as a camp nurse for the 17th summer on Canoe Island.

Elaine Adams - Session 2 Nurse

Elaine grew up in South America speaking English, Spanish, and German. She later studied French and was amazed how similar it is to Spanish. Unfortunately, today she only claims to speak English, and Spanish fairly well, but intends to improve her French this summer.  She is an elementary school nurse in Houston, Texas, and has been a camp nurse before. For a short time she departed from nursing to study architecture. She also loves being outdoors, art, photography, music, traveling, and kids! Elaine is returning for her 4th summer.

Glenda Schuh - Session 3 Nurse

Glenda has been a volunteer nurse at Canoe Island French Camp for 30 summers and has been a constant supporter of our programs.   A Girl Scout life member and alpine ski instructor, she has focused on infectious disease nursing in her professional life.  Glenda always has her camera ready to document the fun activities at camp.

Sharon Whyte - Session 4 Nurse

Hi!  I'm looking forward to my first summer camp session on Canoe Island. I've been a Nurse for 25 years and am really looking forward to this new adventure. Other adventures I've enjoyed include canoeing in the wilderness in Canada, trekking in the Himalayas, and going on long runs in the rice paddies of Japan and the English countryside. My favorite adventure was to travel to Russia to bring my little boy home to Seattle.  Andrei, who  just turned 9, will be enjoying his first summer camp experience on Canoe Island. We have a yellow lab, Scout, who will also be joining us, and you can expect to see her on the beach and in the water most of the time! Connie and Joseph are long time friends, and I'm certainly looking forward to making many more friends in August. See you then!