We believe that just like a high-quality education, an amazing summer camp experience should be available to all children. One of the most important components of making this dream a reality is a fun, talented, dedicated, and mission-driven team. Camp Uncommon is staffed by Uncommon teachers and alumni as well as dedicated individuals looking to ensure campers are safe and have the time of their lives.

 
 
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86% of team members feel connected to the mission of Camp Uncommon.

 
 

Meet our Director

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Mike Callahan, Director of Camp Uncommon

Mike is in charge of every aspect of Camp Uncommon. He manages all staff, campers, and family relations. Mike is a proud husband and father as well as a musician, champion of lawn games, and holder of the highest batting average in the history of Camp Uncommon’s Tennis Baseball League. He earned a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Rutgers University and a Master’s in Social Work from NYU. Mike’s camp career started as a camper at Camp Kingsley Pines, continued as a camp counselor at the Montclair YMCA Day Camp, and later as Assistant Director of Camp Sunshine at the Westfield YMCA. Next, he helped to found the Better Days Foundation to serve families who lost a parent or loved one on 9/11/01. He also served as the Assistant Director of Camp Better Days for 10 years. In 2013, Mike joined Uncommon Schools as a school Social Worker at North Star Academy’s West Side Park Campus. In 2016, Mike co-founded Camp Uncommon. He is currently a member of the American Camp Association of NY/NJ Tri-State Conference Committee.

 
 

Daana Nelson, Assistant Director

Daana fell in love with camp while serving as the Founding Assistant Director for Camp Beyond. She is a proud mom of Cameron and a Mississippi native with an extensive background in K–12 and higher education and mental healthcare. She received a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Spelman College and a Master’s in Marriage & Family Therapy from The University of Southern Mississippi. Daana is intensely passionate about advocating for equal access of opportunities in underserved communities; strengthening families; and practicing mentorship, holistic development, and community service. In addition to being an avid sports fan, Daana enjoys reading, learning new skills, meditating, going on adventures, and being at CAMP!