Our Mission

The board currently has five members who possess the necessary qualities and desire to provide summer camp opportunities for children. All involved have experience and knowledge of kids, athletics, and youth programming. Each member also has significant managerial and leadership experience through their respective careers.

A brief bio of the board members:

Dan Burns
Title: Chief Operating Officer
Company: Athletes’ Performance

Todd Smith
Title: Director of Programs
Company: Turn 2 Foundation

Todd Foreman
Title: Partner and Co-Owner
Company: UCG & Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers

David Schiff
Title: Co-Owner, Camp Manitou and Middle School Social Studies Teacher
Company: Camp Manitou and Tenafly Middle School

Jon Deren
Title: Co-Owner, Camp Manitou
Company: Camp Manitou

Having had the opportunity to attend one of the nation’s foremost summer camps, Manitou alumni, including its two owners, have long wanted to share the experience of summer camp with those who have not had the opportunity to go. Levering the network of resources available to them, including the Camp Manitou facility, Manitou Nation is committed to adding to the lives of others by giving them the opportunity to go to camp. Of all of the values that can be learned at summer camp, the desire to pay-it-forward has driven such a tremendous response to this effort. The support mechanism that camp provides will be enhanced through year round programing and partnership with a network of community leaders and volunteers.

The camp experience forever changed the lives of David Schiff and Jon Deren, now co-owners of Camp Manitou. As owners and directors, they have the opportunity to positively affect many others with the camp experience and decided to start a foundation that supports that goal. Camp Manitou has a devoted alumni and friend base who want to share the opportunity of summer camp with children who need it the most.

The Manitou Camps Foundation (MCF) was legally established in 2007, with fundraising and program development beginning in 2008.

The MCF Mission is to provide opportunities, and financial assistance, for children to attend summer camp that might not otherwise be able to have that experience. Manitou and its partner camps provide quality programs that promote youth development through sports and active recreation. The goal is for participants of all MCF programs to gain confidence, appreciation for others, and outdoors and leadership skills that they will carry with them into their adult lives.