Ariel Blanton has been the Resident Director of 4-H Camp Timpoochee since 2017. She began her camping career in 2010, where she took her first position as summer program staff at 4-H Camp Cherry Lake and fell in love with summer camp programs and the impact it makes on everyone who attends. She has since worked with multiple camping programs, both in the states and internationally. Ariel earned her bachelor’s degree in 2012 from Florida State University in Family and Child Sciences and her master’s degree in 2015 from Clemson University in Camp Management. Ariel believes wholeheartedly that #campismagic, diet coke is the sweet nectar of life, and there is a Disney movie quote for nearly every situation.

Clair Norden has been dedicated to the Florida 4-H Camping program since 2019, when she accepted her first role at Camp Timpoochee as summer program staff and lead marine science educator. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2019 with her bachelor’s degree in marine sciences and sustainability studies. As Assistant Director, she has revamped the summer marine camp programs, designed and facilitates a marine science school field trip program, and sees to the daily operations of Camp Timpoochee. Though Clair neither attended camp nor participated in 4-H while growing up, since beginning her 4-H journey she has seen firsthand the value that both play in youth development. 4-H camps prepare youth to enter their adult lives and give them a healthy space to just be kids. Her passion for all things ocean education has grown to include summer camp and creating a positive environment for youth to grow, play, and thrive in. As a rule, Clair never goes anywhere without a book, her dog Josephine, a full water bottle, and a smile!