Camp Director: Jaime Bairaktaris - "Mr. B"

Email: prtravelcamp@townofreddingct.org

I am very excited to be returning for my third summer directing the Redding Park & Recreation Department's Travel Camp.

Though I currently live in Westport, I grew up in Redding; my brothers and I were all die-hard Redding Day Campers as kids. I returned in 2021 to shadow the former Travel Camp Director, Mrs. Sarah Ewud {Mrs. E!], so I could learn how the camp operated as we climbed out of the pandemic lockdowns.

I am no stranger to Redding or the families who call Redding home. During the school year I work for John Read Middle School in their Technology Department, and formerly worked as a paraeducator in the special education and behavioral support  programs at Redding Elementary School. I am also not a stranger to summer camps, as I was the Lead Counselor for a Fairfield County nature center's adventuring group - where I lead teenagers and our staff around the tristate on trips that included multi-mile hikes, wildlife encounters, museum tours, camping trips, canoe excursions, and other adventures.

Background

I  have a varied background in child development, emergency preparedness, and training for the safety and welfare of children, teens., and adults that adapts well to our camp environment. Outside of my work in Redding, I am a volunteer EMS Crew Chief with the Westport Police Department's Division of Emergency Medical Service - serving with active Emergency Medical Technician, BLS-CPR /AED, Stop the Bleed, Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, and DCF Mandated-Reporter certifications and trainings.

I also have further experience as a QPR Gatekeeper  Instructor  for suicide and mental health awareness and prevention classes, and have taken additional courses in human trafficking prevention and in Restorative Practices for child behavior management and growth. I previously worked as a Red Cross certified Life Guard with additional open waterfront training.