A Bittersweet Farewell to Camp Director Cristel Braga

After seven remarkable summers, we’re sending off someone who has truly shaped the heart and soul of Camp Allen NH, our Camp Director Cristel Braga.

Cristel’s incredible journey began back in 2018, working in the kitchen to keep our campers and staff well-fed and cared for. But it didn’t take long for her to become an integral part of every aspect of camp life. In 2019, she stepped into a counselor role, where her passion for connecting with campers and creating unforgettable experiences shined - including forming a special bond with a camper named Richie, who she proudly calls her best friend to this day.

From there, Cristel’s leadership continued to grow. In 2020, she was asked to lead the kitchen as Head of Staff - a plan delayed by the pandemic, but her commitment never wavered. By 2021, she returned as our Assistant Director, guiding staff, supporting campers and navigating one of the most challenging summers we’ve ever faced. Through it all, she showed up with strength, compassion and grace.

She returned in 2022 and took on even more by running our programs department, Day Camp and kitchen. Under her leadership, our Day Camp program grew from a handful of participants to more than 25 campers per session, welcoming individuals of all ages and abilities.

Then, in 2023, Cristel became Camp Director - a role she filled with creativity and heart. She brought exciting new programming to life, championed staff appreciation initiatives and worked closely with the Board of Directors to elevate every aspect of camp. Her leadership even helped Camp Allen achieve a major milestone: accreditation by the American Camp Association (ACA)!

But beyond her accomplishments, Cristel’s impact lives in the relationships she built. She was not just a director, but a mentor, a friend and a guiding light to all who knew her.

She met her husband, Liam (Assistant Director in 2022-2023), right here at camp. She walked beside countless campers and staff through their journeys, always with open arms and an open heart. And though we’ll miss her dearly, we know her legacy will live on in every camper’s smile, every staff success and every moment of joy that fills our campgrounds.

Please join us in celebrating Cristel and all she’s done to make Camp Allen NH the home we all know and love.

Thank you, Cristel!