Meet The Year Round Staff

Administrative and maintenance Staff

John Tilley, Executive Director

“Old Man Tilley,” as he sometimes refers to himself, came to Coniston in November of 1999. John started camp work as a summer counselor in 1982 and has worked at camps in North Carolina, Kentucky, Utah, California and Pennsylvania. John’s wife, Tricia was raised in Concord, NH and they both love calling the Granite State home. When not focusing on Camp he loves to share the inner workings of Coniston’s success, in hopes of making camping programs across the nation more successful and impactful for youth. John has become integrated in the local community through participation as a Ballot Clerk and a member of the Planning Board– but is particularly known for his passion of chatting at the local coffee shop during the winter mornings. john@coniston.org

Emily Judkins, Registrar

Emily worked at Coniston from 2012 to 2022 as our Office Administrator and is now back in 2023 as our Registrar. Emily has taken over duties such as the registration of campers, wait list management and parent communications. If you are looking for registration information or anything concerning camp operations Emily is your go to person. Parents – get ready to receive info from Emily all winter long! She’s fair and focused on getting everyone possible into Camp… but bribes won’t work regarding the waitlist (believe us, people have tried)! emily@coniston.org 

Lorraine Newcomb, Finance and Office Administration

Lorraine, the Camp’s Registrar for over 20 years is now working in a re-organized position involving finance and administration. Lorraine joined the Coniston team in 2000 and her two children have attended and worked at Coniston. Lorraine and her husband Joe are lifelong residents of the Croydon/Grantham area. From working in the school systems to being on the school board, Lorraine knows everyone! In her spare time, Lorraine is found working on her log home… the home that she and her husband built themselves… want to know how to get bark off a tree, just ask Lorraine! office@coniston.org

John McNair, Summer Camp & Operations Director

John has a long history at Camp Coniston—camper in 1993, CIT in 1998, and staff member in 2002. He has served as CIT Director, Boys Camp Director, Maintenance, and Senior Program Director just to name a few. He also schedules, trains and supervises Adventure Camp, Service Trips and all Coniston travel program staff. In addition, he focuses on the management of facilities, infirmary, and food service, as well as the general oversight of summer camp. John will help with staff recruitment, hiring, and capital development. jmcnair@coniston.org

Nicole Berthiaume, Summer Camp &
Staff Development Director

Nicole has been connected with Coniston since 1993! Most of Nicole’s family has also worked at Coniston or attended as campers. She has held many staff roles, over the years from Cabin Counselor, Office Assistant and most recently the Afterschool Director. As Director of Summer Camp and Staff Development, Nicole focuses on camp operations including staff recruitment, hiring, training and management, alumni relations, community outreach, and career development. Nicole loves animals; you should ask her about her love of the Wildebeest! nicole@coniston.org

Carter Bascom, Development Director

Former camper, ’07 CIT, and staff member, Carter Bascom worked as an Assistant Summer Camp Director in summer 2024 and has now joined the year-round team as the new Development Director. Carter is grateful for the lifelong connections he’s made at Camp and is eager to give back to the Coniston community that supported him growing up. His goal is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the magic of camp, regardless of financial means. carter@coniston.org

James Newcomb, Maintenance

James has been tied to Coniston in many ways over the years. As someone who grew up on the same road as Camp, he has been a camper, and worked summer maintenance in 2001. Did you notice the same last name as Lorraine? Yes they are related… she is his aunt! Over the years, James has become an excellent carpenter. He has an eye for detail and wants to make everything work just right. If you’re unsure how to fix something – James definitely will have the answers. We’re lucky to have him on our team again!

Adam Eaton, Maintenance

Adam Eaton joined our Maintenance team in Spring 2022. Adam is originally from Cleveland, OH and now lives in Wilmot, NH with his family! He is a huge fan of the Cleveland Guardians. If you have any questions about baseball Adam’s your man!!

Brackett Lyons, Interim Marketing Manager

Brackett first came to Coniston as the new Aquatics Director in the summer of 2023. He stayed on for that winter as a member of the maintenance team, returned as Aquatics Director and a CIT trip-leader for 2024 and is now running Camp’s social media, crafting Chronicles and  designing the yearbook as the Marketing Manager. He enjoys sunsets, soft jazz, and long walks on the beach. brackett@coniston.org