summer camp

We are pleased to announce the team of Camp Directors for the 2022 Summer of Goshen Scout Reservation.

If you ever have any questions about camp or the programs we provide, please visit www.gotogoshen.org to get in touch with your camp director.

Eric Smith, Goshen Scout Reservation Director

This will be Eric’s first summer as Goshen’s Reservation Director though he is no stranger to camp with this being his 25th year on camp staff. He has held a number of positions spanning three different camps. In 2019 Eric was selected to be a National Camping School Course Director.

Avery Tarwater, Camp Bowman Director

Avery first came to Goshen in 2009 as a cub, and Bowman as a Scout in 2011. Avery joined staff as a CIT in 2014, and has lived and worked 9 summers at Camp Bowman. They’ve filled positions in almost every area around Camp, including Shooting sports, Bowman Vets, Aquatics, and Scoutcraft before becoming an Area Director in 2017 where they’d go on to run Bowman’s Handicraft, Scoutcraft, and Aquatics areas, as well as founding and Directing Bowman’s Culture Craft area in 2018. Avery’s humbled by the opportunity to represent the best staff in Bowman’s history, eager to welcome scouts and venturers new and old. When not at Camp, Avery works and goes to school in Baltimore, Maryland.

Talbot Taylor, Camp Marriott Director

This will be Talbot’s seventh summer working at Goshen Scout Reservation and second year as the Camp Director at Marriott. He has been a lifelong scouter having been involved in Cub Scouts and later Scouts BSA where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout while camping at Goshen in the summers. Outside of Camp Marriott, Talbot is completing his B.S. in Computer Engineering at Boston University where he also assists in research on campus. Talbot is excited to be returning to camp to give scouts the same fun and exciting summers he had while attending.

Tom Van Patten, Camp Olmsted Director

This summer will be Tom’s tenth year on the Goshen staff and his second as the Olmsted Camp Director! During his time at camp Tom has worked in Ecology and Scoutcraft and was previously the Bowman Program Director. He has also served on the National Camping School Ecology staff. Tom lives in Maryland and is an avid birder. Tom’s favorite Goshen memory is the Astronomy merit badge that he took as a camper; the group went on an Astronomy Hike which was the first time he saw the Milky Way galaxy and a lifelong interest in astronomy was set in motion. Working with Scouts is a deeply gratifying experience for Tom and he looks forward to using the methods of Scouting to positively impact the lives of young people this summer.

Richard Holtslander, Camp Ross Director

Richard attended Ross as a scout, and joined the Camp Ross Staff as early as he could. Since Richard’s first Summer in 2011 he has worked in various positions at camp, learning what it means to be part of the Ross Staff. This will be Richard’s twelfth Summer working at Ross and third Summer as Camp Director. When Richard is not at camp he attends Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia and is studying for a Bachelors in Mathematics with a Minor in Environmental Science. Richard is excited for the new challenges the position will bring, and is looking forward to working with Scouts to have a great Summer and introduction to Scouting!

Elisabeth Warren, Lenhok’sin High Adventure Director

This is Elisabeth’s 6th summer at Lenhok’sin, and second as Camp Director. She started her Goshen journey as a Venturer in 2014, and earned her Ranger Rank in 2016. When she’s not hiking the Lenhok’sin trails, Elisabeth is pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Science and a B.A. in Theatre at Dickinson College, and hopes to make her career in forestry and conservation. Elisabeth is looking forward to an adventurous summer and is excited to watch Scouts grow in confidence on the trail.