Email yourFriendship and Caring for Treasured Camp Experiences
Campers return year after year to Camp Bernadette. Many become counselors themselves. Why? We think it is because of the strong sense of community at Camp Bernie. Our staff becomes friends and mentors with our campers. We make it a priority to hire staff members who can inspire, lead, motivate, reassure, protect and laugh with our campers.
We hire teachers or mature high school and college students. Although most of our staff comes from the local area (and many were campers themselves!), we also hire staff members from across the country and around the world. Every staff member undergoes a thorough interview, including criminal background check and orientation to camp life, which will prepare them to help your child get the most of her camp experience.
All counselors receive special training in first aid, life guard skills, water safety instruction, CPR and crisis management.
Year-Round Personnel
Gus Planchet, Diocesan Director
Gus began his career in 1980 as a counselor and served in various roles for the next few summers. After receiving his degree from UNH, he returned full time in 1987 as the Assistant Diocesan Director for Camp Fatima and Camp Bernadette. Gus was promoted to Diocesan Director in 1990 and serves in that capacity presently. Gus is currently the Vice-President of the New Hampshire Camp Director's Association and a member of the American Camp Association. As a Lead Visitor for the ACA, Gus ensures other ACA camps maintain their accreditation. He also serves as the chair of the Steering Committee for the ACA. Gus and his wife have four children, who have all attended camp, his youngest still at Fatima.
Sue Marcoux, Resident Director
Sue has been the Resident Director of Camp Bernadette since 1998. She first became involved with Camp Bernadette in 1969 as a counselor-in-training and then a counselor for two summers. Sue earned her BA in Sociology/Social Work from St. Joseph College in West Hartford, CT and her Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. Prior to returning to camp work, Sue was employed as a clinical social worker in a mental health center and then as a medical social worker with the VNA. She is the mother of two grown children (both former campers). Her daughter, Liz, is returning to camp again this summer as the Intermediate Division Head. Sue is a member of the New Hampshire Camp Directors and is a Lead Visitor for the American Camp Association.
Joanne Towle, Business Manager
Joanne has been Camp Fatima and Camp Bernadette's business manager and camp registrar since 2000. Joanne is a member and volunteer with the American Camp Association and is a past secretary with the New Hampshire Camp Director's Association. Joanne and her husband, Mike, have three children, who are all current campers. Joanne enjoys playing soccer and volunteering her time coaching youth soccer.
