Founders
Heather Mitchell (she/her)
Co-Founder & Director
Heather grew up between Brooklyn’s lively streets and summers in a Catskills bungalow community—two worlds that shaped her love of play, nature, and intergenerational community. In 1998, she founded Monkey Business Camp and has since created and led programs from Tilden Outdoor Camp to Girls & Boys on the Go. With a background in early childhood education and leadership studies, Heather blends creativity, care, and community into everything MBC does. She loves hiking East Bay hills, dancing to live music, and spending time with her husband, Brad.
“Thanks for being such a continued presence in our lives and a great leader in the community… you’re helping to raise so many kids with your great values.” —Parent
In Loving Memory of Stacy Raye (1960–2011)
Co-Founder
Stacy was born in Tasmania, raised in Sacramento, and graduated from UC Berkeley, where she was active in student leadership and social justice. She devoted her career to working with children—teaching ASL, nurturing creativity, and helping kids feel both free and caring toward others. In 1998, she co-founded Monkey Business Camp with her partner Heather Mitchell, launching beloved programs like Girls on the Go. Stacy’s passion for community, music, dance, and children’s literature still infuses camp culture today. She passed away in 2011; her spirit continues to guide MBC’s warmth, creativity, and joy.
Leadership & Administration
Samantha Swor (she/her)
Assistant Director
Samantha has been part of MBC since 2011—her kids grew from campers to youth leaders to staff. She supports operations and curriculum, helps set up camp daily, teaches art, and mentors staff and youth leaders. With deep roots in early childhood education, Samantha brings color, care, and playfulness to everything she touches.
Zach Bigelow (he/him)
Program Manager & Site Director
Zach began at MBC as a youth leader and now helps shape programming year-round. He supports admin and operations and also serves as an on-site director. A Bay Area native, he loves board games, stories in all forms, and time in nature. You’ll find him leading field games, creative projects, and community moments with steady enthusiasm.
On-Site Directors
Freesia Huth (she/her)
Site Director (Strawberry Banana)
A Bay Area native and longtime dance teacher, Freesia has brought joy and movement to MBC since 2015. She believes fun is the key to healthy living and loves creating playful, inclusive spaces for campers and staff. Her energy, creativity, and care set the tone for many sessions throughout the year.
Zach Bigelow (he/him)
Site Director (Mango Coconut)
In addition to his program role, Zach directs on-site sessions year-round—supporting campers, mentoring youth leaders, and teaming closely with staff to create playful, caring days.
Operations & Special Guests
Brad Olson (he/him)
Operations Assistant & Special Guest
Brad supports camp operations year-round and keeps things running smoothly behind the scenes. He’s also a beloved on-site guest—leading cooking projects, BINGO, and bubble dance parties that campers talk about for weeks. Outside of camp he enjoys mountain biking, rollerblading, disc golf, cooking, stonemasonry, and playing saxophone.
“Brad’s bubble dance parties and BINGO games are highlights my kids talk about for weeks after camp!” —Parent
