02/25/2026
Staff Spotlight: Hi! I’m Julie Hinchman, one of the Assistant Directors at Camp Wabun—and honestly, Wabun has been part of my life since before I can even remember it. My very first summer on Garden Island was in 1963, when I was just three months old. My dad, Nibby, was a trip staff, and my mom, Ann, was the camp nurse, so you could say camp life was my original summer home.
My official Wabun journey began in 1977, when I proudly became the first female camper. Since then, I’ve experienced Wabun from almost every angle, serving in a variety of roles over the years. One of my absolute favorite moments is watching new campers paddle back from their very first trip—faces glowing, confidence soaring, and a brand-new sense of what they’re capable of.
I’m already counting down the days to the 2026 season, when we’ll celebrate 50 years of Women of Wabun (WOW 50!)—a milestone that feels both incredible and deeply meaningful. It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since my first summer as a camper, but Wabun continues to feel just as special.
When I’m not helping get campers and staff ready for trip, I’ve spent the past 40 years as a teacher and coach at The Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, Connecticut—bringing the same love of learning, teamwork, and growth that camp has taught me into my work during the school year.
Stay tuned for more staff spotlights to come!
