Davis Swift

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Davis Swift, Camp Susque’s Operations Director, started as Year Round Staff in 2016. Having been a camper in 1999, Retreat Staff in 2005, and Summer Staff in 2007, Davis is no stranger to camp culture.  Add to that his experience in working with summer staff, teaching how to do a skill, and driving tractors, Davis is ideally suited to serve as Susque’s Operations Director. His love for tractors and his skill for mentoring colleagues in the office, cutting down trees, teaching rappelling, and coordinating building projects makes him the perfect person for this role. Working closely with the facilities, hospitality, program, and School of Discovery departments to make sure everyone works well together is one of his many strengths.

When Davis isn’t teaching how to do a skill or driving tractors all across camp at Susque, you can find him turning to his dearest mentor, YouTube, to learn new skills and creating videos for his D-Swizzle YouTube channel for pure fun. You may even find him building campfires or finding new #secretplacesofsusque, although Moss Run remains his favorite! Davis has a heart for family and finds it his perfect day off when he gets to hike and build a campfire with his wife, Kelsey, and two daughters, Evie and Piper.

What year did you start at Camp Susque?

Camper in 1999, Retreat Staff 2005, Summer Staff 2007, Year Round 2016

What kind of experience do you have in your field?

Was a poorly behaved camper and an incompetent counselor. So I can teach what not to do! If I don't know how to do something I turn to my dearest mentor: Youtube.

What kind of schooling do you have?

Mansfield University, BS Geography Concentration in Outdoor Recreation Leadership

Where were you born and raised?

Trout Run, PA

What is something most people don’t know about you?

What I had for breakfast this morning.

What was your first job?

Taking trash out of the Hemlock Hall after retreats.

Describe your perfect day off?

Hiking with family and a campfire.

Where’s the coolest place you’ve ever been?

Camp Susque!

What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’d love to do?

Fix that pesky leak in the kitchen.

What is your favorite Scripture?

Psalm 104:24-35

What is your favorite area at Camp Susque?

Moss Run. Or any of the #secretplacesofsusque

What is the story behind your fun photo prop?

It's a white sheet hung over a coat rack. Behind the sheet is the rest of the Hemlock Hall Hallway.

Describe your job at Camp Susque in a nutshell, and what is your favorite day in the life of your job?

I get to work closely with the facilities, hospitality, program, and School of Discovery department to make sure we all work well together. My favorite days include working with summer staff, teaching how to do a skill, and driving tractors.

What are you good at? 

Building campfires.

What challenges you?

Scheduling, committing to a course of action for a building project

What is your favorite camp memory as a child?

Watching Susque Lodge being built.

When did you become a Christian?

I made a decision to pursue Christ when I was 5 or 6. In 8th grade I was baptized and made a public proclamation of my faith.

General Camp Info

Mission and Beliefs

Susque's mission, statement of faith and beliefs

Directions

How to get to Camp Susque

Camp Map

Interactive map of our buildings and property

Financial Accountability

How we use the gifts and finances entrusted to us.

Board of Directors

Our Leadership

History and Tradition

How Camp Susque came to be

Staff & Employment

Meet the Staff

Meet your year-round staff

Work at Susque

Join the Susque team

Internships

For credit & not-for-credit programs available.

Camps & Trips

Summer Youth Camps

For campers entering grades 1-11

Winter Youth Camps

For campers in grades 3-12

Family Camp

Camps for whole families

Wilderness Trips

A camping experience at a whole new level.  Grades 6-12.

Trout Run Community Day Camp

A day camp for Grades 1-6.

Educational Programs

Educational Programs Overview

Special programs and classes throughout the year.

School Field Trips

Field Trips Overview

Unique, interactive and memorable experiences for students.

Susque Podcast

The Susquodcast

A regular podcast dedicated to all things Camp Susque.

Other Programs

Susque Trail Run

Annual 5k through Susque's property

Youth Summit

For Jr and Sr high youth groups

Harvest Festival

Activities for the whole family

Spring Family Weekend

Weekend getaway for intentional family time.

Pastor & Spouse Retreat

A refreshment retreat open to Pastors and their spouses

Work Fellowship Weekend

Sign up for a work weekend to help us gear up for camp season.

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Volunteer

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Wishlist

A list of items that can benefit Susque's mission