Our Location
The camp’s facilities are inspected by the City of Manchester Health Department and by the State of New Hampshire who gives the facilities a rating of Excellent. The water in both our swimming areas is tested weekly by the City of Manchester Health Department throughout the summer months.
Meet Our Team
At Melody Pines, we take pride in our dedicated team of approximately 65 staff members, including Assistant Directors, Waterfront Directors, Senior and Junior Counselors, and Counselors in Training. Our team is passionate about creating a safe, fun, and enriching experience for every camper. All lifeguards undergo rigorous training and certification to ensure water safety.
Steve Connors, Owner/Director
Staff management, Waterski Instructor, Camper Behavior/Adjustment, Planning, Bookkeeping, Construction Services, Sandcastle Building
Steve Connors, Owner/Director
Specialty:
Staff management, Waterski Instructor, Camper Behavior/Adjustment, Planning, Bookkeeping, Construction Services, Sandcastle Building
Experience & Background:
Melody Pines was founded by my mom’s parents in 1951. In the mid-60s, my parents bought the camp and ran it for 35 years. I don’t have a single memory of summer that doesn’t include camp—I’ve spent every summer camp day here at Melody Pines. Over the last 35 years, I have moved through every role at camp, which has been both fun and rewarding.
After high school, I attended UNH and earned a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies with a focus on Child Development, as well as a Master of Education in Counseling. I worked as a school counselor for about five years before starting a construction business for off-season work. I have served on the NH Camp Directors Board of Directors for 15 years and currently serve as the Chairperson of the Department of Labor Subcommittee.
Why I Love What I Do:
I love spending time with my family, alpine skiing, working out, and reading.
Outside of Work:
Building something for camp or a home project, attending my kids’ sporting events/shows, hanging out with friends, and camp planning.
Fun Fact:
I love to binge true crime podcasts when I’m driving.
Favorite Quote:
“Believe in yourself and you’re halfway there.”
Superpower of Choice:
The ability to read minds—so I could help people when they can’t find the words to get the help they need.
Coffee Order:
Iced, black with sweetener.
Erika Connors, Owner/Director
Scheduler, organizer, planner, and registrar
Erika Connors, Owner/Director
Specialty:
Scheduler, organizer, planner, and registrar.
Why I Love Melody Pines:
I love that camp brings individuals together who may not otherwise find one another. Staff and campers who, as individuals, are athletes, musicians, gamers, and readers all come together to play, grow, have fun, support one another, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Outside of Work:
Hiking, strength training, reading, planting, doing yoga, organizing, or planning for the next camp season!
Fun Fact:
During the winter months, I spend time announcing at USSA and FIS alpine ski races.
Favorite Quote:
“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day.”
Superpower of Choice:
Time travel! Not to change the past, but I am a history nerd. I would love to be able to travel the world and see history in action!
Coffee Order:
No coffee for me! Just coffee ice cream!
Additional Note:
Camp is not just a job for us—it is our way of life. We live and breathe camp and hope every child comes to love it as much as we do!
Miles Warner, Assistant Director
Specialty: Creative
Miles Warner, Assistant Director
Specialty:
Creative
Experience & Background:
I have been working at Melody Pines in different roles since the summer of 01 and have been developing creative and training staff for 15 years. I started as a camper in 93 and never left! In the off season I work as a professor at Keene State College where I teach in Sculpture and 3D Design.
Why I Love What I Do:
I love working with the staff to create inspiring and thoughtful activities and events for our campers. We are in the business of happiness and fun and it’s just that, I love every moment.
Outside of Work:
I’m always on an adventure with my family, my wife Britta, my boys Charlie and Bo and our pug LuLu. We love the beach and a good old fashioned cook out.
Favorite Quote:
“Train yourself to see the awe beyond the obvious” Rick Rubin
Superpower of Choice:
Omnilingualism—the power to communicate in any language. This would allow me to have genuine interactions with people from any culture.
Coffee Order:
1 cream, no sugar (like my fifth grade teacher said, I’m sweet enough)
Sam (Sizzle) Tynan, Assistant Director
“It’s rare to find a community where everyone truly cares for one another, despite any differences they may have.”
Sam (Sizzle) Tynan, Assistant Director
Why I Love Melody Pines:
It’s rare to find a community where everyone truly cares for one another, despite any differences they may have. That’s the culture Melody Pines has created.
Why I Love What I Do:
Every day is a blast. There’s nothing better than making someone smile, and that’s all anyone does at MPDC.
Outside of Work:
I love basketball, skiing, surfing, and spending time with friends and family.
Fun Fact:
One of my dreams is to ski down Tuckerman’s Ravine.
Favorite Quote:
“If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. You do that seven days a week, and you’re going to have something special.” – Jim Valvano
Superpower of Choice:
Super speed—so I could win a bunch of Olympic golds.
Coffee Order:
I’m anti-coffee, but love iced tea.
Celia Ponto, Waterfront Director
“There is no better feeling than watching a camper pass a swimming test they have worked hard to prepare for”
Celia Ponto, Waterfront Director
Why I Love Melody Pines:
It is so cool to see different personalities mesh at camp. Each staff member (and camper) brings something awesome and unique to the table. It takes a special place to bring out the best in everyone, and it is something I am proud to be a part of.
Why I Love What I Do:
There is no better feeling than watching a camper pass a swimming test they have worked hard to prepare for—especially when their friends are cheering them on from the docks! It is amazing to watch and be part of these lifelong memories.
Outside of Work:
Going to the gym, spending time in the sun, or hanging out with friends and family.
Fun Fact:
Every winter, I rewatch the old Olympic Week videos when I am missing summer!
Favorite Quote:
“The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
Superpower of Choice:
I would love to fly—it would make traveling and seeing the world so much easier!
Coffee Order:
Iced caramel swirl with regular cream.
Additional Note:
Melody Pines has given me so many wonderful experiences and memories. It truly is my happy place, and something I look forward to year-round. I hope our campers enjoy their time at camp as much as I do!
Caroline Buxton, Co-Waterfront Director
All things aquatics.
Caroline Buxton, Part-Time/Fill-In Waterfront Director
Specialty:
All things aquatics.
Why I Love Melody Pines:
What I love most about Melody Pines Day Camp is the lifelong friendships I’ve made and the sense of belonging it provides—it truly feels like a home away from home. Camp creates a special, tech-free world where both kids and staff can connect with nature, take a break from the hustle of daily life, and simply enjoy the little things. It’s a place where kids can truly be kids, making memories that last a lifetime.
Experience & Background:
I have been a part of Melody Pines since 2002—starting as a camper, then moving through the roles of CIT, Jr. Counselor, Counselor, and spending the past 10 years as Waterfront Director. After starting a new full-year position as an Assistant Principal, I will now be at camp part-time, filling in as Waterfront Director and continuing to live my best life at the best camp.
Why I Love What I Do:
At Melody Pines, I have the privilege of working outdoors with the most creative and passionate people, who love making a difference in others’ lives as much as I do!
Outside of Work:
Spending time outside, going on trail walks, soaking up the sun, hanging out somewhere by a body of water, or curled up on the couch watching Netflix—all with my family by my side.
Fun Fact:
I wrote a book in 2024 called Tommy T’s First Day of Camp with some illustration help from campers and staff at Melody Pines!
Favorite Quote:
“Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!”
Superpower of Choice:
Omnilingualism—the power to communicate in any language. This would allow me to have genuine interactions with people from any culture.
Coffee Order:
Dunkin’s iced coffee with caramel swirl and almond milk.
Additional Note:
“Once a Melody Piner, Always a Melody Piner.”
Testimonials
– Kelly, Londonderry, NH
– Amy, Auburn, NH
– Catherine, Bedford, NH
– Angela, Londonderry, NH
– Jenifer, Hopkinton, NH
– Heather, Bedford, NH
– Chris, Derry, NH
History
