January Alum Spotlight – Jason Potterton

Back in the 1940’s through the 1960’s, it was not uncommon for the Forest Lake camper roster to be filled with “career campers” – campers who start camp around seven or eight years old and continue for the next eight consecutive summers and, perhaps, becomes staff members. In the 1970’s and certainly the 80’s, the industry changed somewhat and families were more inclined to consider shorter sessions and “specialty camps” thus FLC saw fewer “career campers” going forward.

When Jason Potterton arrived at FLC for his first summer in 1994, he was something of a throwback to earlier times. He attended FLC as a camper, a CIT, a JC (junior counselor), a full counselor, and he completed his tenure at the camp in 2007.

Jason’s family learned about FLC from the Galletly family who had been associated with FLC for many years. The Galletlys had two “career campers” – Bob and Peter so they knew the benefits of long-term attendance. Jason followed in their footsteps as did Jason’s younger brother, Tyler, who also attended FLC as a camper and staff member.

Jason was originally from Closter, NJ. As a camper, he excelled at sports but took part in all manner of camp activities including trips and archery (a personal favorite). He was a member of the RED team and was always ready for any form of competition. As a high school athlete, he made a name for himself as a fierce linebacker on the school’s football team.

Following his graduation from Franklin Pierce University, Jason entered the work force and is now a photo editor for ESPN. He lives in West Hartford, CT and, when not at work, Jason enjoys hiking, skiing, rugby, and photography. He has remained in touch with a number of FLC alum – Tyler Potterton, Erin Clark, Tim Wesley, Brett Booker, John Kefer, Ryan Kefer, Mary Hearst, and Scott Gimber.

Jason cites his favorite camp memories as Candlelight Campfire, friends, archery, and “trying not to get in trouble.” Regarding the impact his FLC experience had, Jason wrote, “There is no better place in the world to figure out who you really are.