Though you can probably see it in the “From” line, I’d like to officially introduce myself… My name is Mario Del Cueto, and as of recently, I’m the new Owner/Director of Eagle’s Landing Day Camp. You’ll be hearing from me a fair amount from here on. Consider this the first “Hi! Nice to meet you,” message!
I know some of you have been waiting to hear something about this move. In full transparency, this is the first moment I’m able to contact our camper families, and writing to you is my first priority. And I couldn’t be more excited.
Over the summer, I got to spend time at camp, meet the team, talk with leadership, and see camp in action.
For years now, the thing I’ve wanted most is for kids to have life-changing experiences at summer camp. Experiences that foster independence, drive social-emotional growth, and build friendship-making skills. So much of what I saw told me Eagle’s Landing is one of those places.
I visited week six, and the camp was spotless. Directors, Division Leaders, Counselors, and campers bending over to pick up anything they saw on the ground. This action is emblematic of something larger. It’s a sign that people care, and that they want camp to feel (and look) as good in August as it did at the first day drop-off.
And I saw so many Counselors walking backward.
You might be thinking, “Walking backward? Mario, why does this matter? Won’t they trip?”
It’s subtle, but it’s a significant signal of something special. I saw staff walking backward between activities, counting heads, talking to gaggles of campers, and making sure everyone’s involved and engaged during transitions. When staff walk backwards, it makes kids feel seen, heard, and cared for in the group.
Also, during those visits, I sat down individually with every Division Leader, eager to hear their camp stories. It was a great chance to see why kids and families keep coming back to Eagle’s Landing. The people here at camp, those folks dressing up for Special Days and energetically singing during Morning Gathering, truly care for children… and want to see that happen summer after summer.
I’ll have more to say about the above camp nuggets, and about the other small things that make camp special, shortly.
A little about me. I’ve worked in camps and around kids my whole career. While in management consulting at Bain & Company in NYC, I saved my vacation days to visit Camp Directors, tour camp facilities, and present at camp conferences.
This was all with one thing in mind: own and run a summer day camp. I bought this one myself, with my own name on it, and no investors. When this group of 30 camps went up for sale, most of them were bought by private equity and investment groups. Two were bought by individuals. Eagle’s Landing is one of those two and will forever remain a family business.
Oh, and one more thing, because it seems just a little bit (a lot a bit) important. Our daughter Isa was born late Labor Day Monday night. My wife Monika was a champ. So, yes, it’s been an incredible stretch.
It’s not lost on me that Isa joined our family and the Eagle’s Landing family within a few days of each other. She’ll grow up at this camp. Her childhood will be this camp. I want it to be great for the same reason you do.
More from me shortly. I want to tell you how I’m thinking about next summer, including hosting events for campers to play and reconnect with one another, and for Monika, Isa, and me to get to know camp families.
Importantly, we want to hear from you, in ways big and small, about your hopes for Eagle’s Landing Day Camp.
Message here, call me, text me, whatever works for you. My cell is 818-669-9367. I’m eager to chat camp!
With excitement and summer cheer,
Mario, Monika, and Isa
