Sydney Hamilton
Catalina Sea Camp Summer Camp Director - Toyon Bay
I’ve been coming to Catalina Island since before I could walk, and it’s always felt like a second home to me. I started attending Catalina Sea Camp when I was 12 and over the years, it’s been where I met my best friends and learned the values that have shaped who I am today.
I returned for multiple years with my science classes and eventually joined the summer camp experience. As soon as I was old enough, I applied to work as a summer camp counselor in 2013. I continued to return every summer as a crew captain, then head counselor, and eventually assistant summer camp director. And now I have the privilege and honor to be the summer camp director for our 1-week Sea Camp Program.
I have lived in San Diego for most of my life and spent a few years in Napa Valley. I am one of 10 siblings, and my best friends are my cousins. The family has been a huge part of my life growing up and has shaped me into the woman I am today. I went to The University of California San Diego for undergrad and eventually continued on for my master’s in biology. I have had many jobs like working as a bus driver, room service delivery lady, lifeguard, and many more but my all-time favorite was being a nanny. I truly enjoy the company of children, some of my best life lessons have come from working with kids. It is always an adventure!
“All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage. Just literally 20 seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”
We Bought a Zoo