Resident Camp Directors & Staff

Nancy Garran and David Peterson met while counselors at camp and began their careers as camping professionals in 1978 soon after their marriage at the Camp Monomoy Chapel. They are the parents of two boys who both attended CCSC as campers and are now on staff themselves. Both Nancy and Dave are committed to the philosophy that “camping can make a difference in a child’s life”. Nancy who has a B.S. in nursing from Skidmore College oversees the management of the overnight and day programs as the Executive Director of the Cape Cod Sea Camps. David, having graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a B.S. in science education and physical education, works closely with Christie Peterson and Stephen Wallace in directing the overnight residential programs. Both Nancy and David are involved in the American Camp Association at the regional and national levels as well as being active in their local community. Camping is a full time career for Nancy & Dave along with being parents and grandparents.

Christie has worked at CCSC in a number of positions, including cabin counselor, head counselor, swim head and, most recently, assistant director. She is a former elementary school teacher on Cape Cod and received her Bachelor’s degree from Springfield College. As a full time camping professional, the management and direction of Cape Cod Sea Camps is her sole career. Christie is an active participant in the American Camp Association where she volunteers as a Standards Visitor. Christie is also a Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Trainer for the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Red Cross. She will join two other directors in overseeing CCSC’s overnight camp.

Stephen serves as one of the resident camp directors and also oversees the many aspects of our teen leadership and staff training programs. He has broad experience as a school psychologist and adolescent/family counselor, is a member of the faculty at the American Camp Association’s e-Institute, a feature writer for Camping Magazine and serves on the advisory panel of Camp, the American Camp Association’s parent publication. In addition to his role in camping, Stephen is an associate research professor and director of the Center for Adolescent Research and Education (CARE) at Susquehanna University. He also serves as senior advisor for policy, research, and education at SADD, Inc. (Students Against Destructive Decisions) after fifteen terms as its chairman and chief executive officer, and principal of Summit Communications Management Corporation. Stephen writes and lectures widely on the subject of youth development and decision-making and has been formally recognized by the White House, the American Camp Association, Susquehanna University, and SADD as a national leader in youth advocacy. He is a regular contributor to Psychology Today and his book, Reality Gap, was published in August, 2008 as a lead title by Sterling Publishing Company/Union Square Press. More information about Stephen’s work with youth and families can be found at stephengraywallace.com.