Our Directors

Bruce Ingersoll, Temagami’s Director began his relationship with Keewaydin as a camper in 1976, and went to the Bay in 1979. He returned as an assistant and then a guide from 1980-1986, working his way through the wigwams, eventually working as a guide for Section A.

Bruce spent the next twenty years teaching English and coaching track and field, most recently completing an eleven-year stint at the Fountain Valley School of Colorado where he served as an administrator beginning in 1999. A career educator, Bruce has devoted his adult life to teaching and mentoring both students and faculty and has a history of creating successful and safe educational environments.

A committed outdoorsman and canoeist, Bruce brings vision, significant experience as an educator and a wealthy history of experience in Keewaydin traditions. Bruce is joined on the island by his wife Sarah, a veteran camp counselor and teacher herself and their two daughters, Nathalie and Amelia.

Emily Schoelzel, Temagami’s Associate Director, began her relationship with Keewaydin in 1999 when she was hired to lead the girls program.  Emily has been a source of wisdom and inspiration to the thriving girls' program, as well as a tactful and resilient supporter of its growth since its inception.

Our Staff

Keewaydin's greatest asset has always been its experienced and dedicated staff. Nearly all of our trip staff members are former campers who have "graduated" following many successive seasons at Keewaydin. They join the staff as assistant staff, and work their way up through the ranks. Typically our staff members have about ten years of experience canoe tripping with Keewaydin. Together with the headquarters staff at base camp, the trip staff provide leadership and guidance while acting as mentors to their campers.

Each group is lead by the staffman or staffwoman who is the senior member of the trip staff. They are responsible for the overall safety and well being of every member of the group, and make all decisions regarding the group's welfare. These staff are assisted by the guide, who is the second in charge and oversees all trip preparations. In addition the guide plans the route, sets the pace, and is responsible for establishing camp, cooking and taking care of the trip equipment. The trip staff involve campers with any or all of these activities as their age and interest permit. In younger groups the staff and guide are assisted by up to three assistant staff to help with chores and provide additional supervision.