We’re thrilled to announce that this quarter’s Alumni Spotlight features someone whose roots at Forest Lake run deep, both in family and in spirit. You might catch her around Kelm Pond, reminiscing by the water or sharing a laugh with camp friends as she recalls her favorite memories under the stars.
Well, we managed to catch her long enough to ask a few questions, and let me tell you…she is full of stories, wisdom, and memories that truly capture the heart of Forest Lake Camp. From helping campers pass their first swim tests to late-night candlelight campfires, she’s lived it all and then some. You may have guessed it… RYAN DIFALCO!
1. Ryan, thank you so much for taking the time to fill out our questions. We know you aren’t living in the Yellow House with all of our ghostly friends at camp so where do you call home these days?
I recently moved to Harlem, NYC after 8 years in Boston!
2.How did you hear about camp? What were your feelings when you first arrived?
So I was lucky because my cousins, the Cullens, went to camp before I did, and their parents actually met at camp! I was also really lucky because my dad, who some of you may know as Uncle Paul, worked at FLC, so I was always surrounded by family.
3.Was there a moment/experience that made you say “I belong here” and what was it?
I don’t know that there was a specific moment that I felt like I belonged at FLC, I just know that it was a place that I never had to be anyone but myself. Like I knew that returning year over year I would see people who knew who I had been the year before, and I think there’s something beautiful in that.
4. What years did you attend FLC, and what are some of your most vivid memories from your time at camp?
I was a camper from 2000 – 2010, and then was a counselor from 2011 – 2014, and came back as general staff for one year in 2016! Some of my most vivid memories are star gazing with Marielena Octavio, helping my campers pass their very first swim test, forgetting the silverware during cabin overnight [dinner was mac and cheese], and, of course, candlelight campfire my LIT year.
5. What were your favorite camp activities? Were there any particular experiences or challenges at camp that influenced your personal growth?
Ultimate and archery were always my favorites! I think both were things I wouldn’t have known were something I could explore if I hadn’t been to camp. I also did a few drama shows, and I think that really helped me as an adult with public speaking and honestly helped me develop a no-shame policy when it came to performing and just existing in the world.
6. Looking back, which counselors or mentors at FLC had the biggest impact on you, and why? How did they influence your development?
Mary Hearst! Jen Burke! Ria Hanish-Oakes (even though Ria and I were technically counselors at the same time!) All of these people demonstrated an enthusiasm for life that I think is really important, and is something that is really pivotal in my leadership style now as an adult.
7. From your time at FLC, what values did you learn that you have carried with you into your adult life, both personally and professionally?
I attribute so many facets of my personality to being a camp kid – and I’m truly not kidding. I think the social skills I gained, the enthusiasm-forward mindset instilled in me, and frankly just the extreme pride I had in the work I did as a counselor, helped shape me into an effective leader and just a well-rounded adult. Plus so many of my close friends are camp people – and I’m so obsessed with them.
8. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would remind myself that leaving camp and going back to school is actually a wicked hard transition and not to worry when your friends at home don’t get it!
9. Outside of your professional life, what are your interests/hobbies?
Well mostly I’ve been spending my time decorating my new apartment! But I am interested in writing poetry, going to concerts, reading, watching women’s sports, and journaling.
10. Now for the most important question . . . Green or White?
White Team!
