Eagle Island names new executive director

UPPER SARANAC LAKE | Co-presidents of Eagle Island Camp (EIC) named their new executive director. Danielle LaCavalla, of Lake Placid, will take the lead as Paula Michelsen departs after six years, having led the historic summer camp through its rebirth. Presidents Jane Lowell Evans and Karin Walsh Rutledge made the announcement on Feb. 8 "We formed a dedicated search committee who set out to find a candidate with the skills and experience necessary to lead Eagle Island as we embark on our next chapter," Evans said via email. "We have found that in Danielle, and we are thrilled that she has joined us." LaCavalla comes to Eagle Island from the New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) where she has served as communications and development director. "Danielle is a seasoned nonprofit leader with extensive experience in development, communications, and relationship building," Evans said. "She is passionate about the outdoors, and throughout her career has worked to help youth learn and grow through outdoor recreation. She resides in Lake Placid with her husband and two young children." LaCavalla is an alpine skier and attended Northwood School in Lake Placid. She received her bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University and spent early professional years working at Norwich University in the Class Giving and Bicentennial Events departments. LaCavalla also served as executive director at both the Greater Ishpeming Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce and the Western Marquette County Health Foundation in Marquette, Michigan, where she helped found the 906 Adventure Team, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth through outdoor recreation. "Danielle's enthusiasm for our camp is infectious and she already understands the important role Eagle Island plays in the lives of everyone in our community -- alumni, donors, campers, volunteers, neighbors, and friends," the presidents said. LaCavalla began working with Eagle Island early this month and will take the helm full time on March 7. "I am so excited to join Eagle Island. I am incredibly impressed with the organization and everyone who has made this journey for the Island possible," LaCavalla said in a news release. "Listening to the stories and learning more about the programming pulled my heart closer to Eagle Island - the traditions, alumni, staff, volunteers, and current and prospective campers. "I understand that Eagle Island, like many other organizations in the Adirondacks, is 'all hands on deck' — from the camp to the day-to-day activities, to the construction projects. Eagle Island is truly inspiring and empowering young people in a unique and profound way, and I cannot wait to get started." EIC is offering 10 overnight camping programs for girls ages 9 to 15 this summer! There are one week and two-week sessions to choose from with several programs focused on paddling, sailing, hiking, and on the arts: eagleisland.org/overnightcamp In addition, there is a Day Camp for children ages 7 to 11 with swimming, sailing, paddling, nature exploration, crafts, team building, and community building. The Day Camp is run from June 27 to July 1: eagleisland.org/daycamp EIC hosts Family Camps from Aug. 7 through Aug. 12 and a family Mini Camp, from July 5 to July 8, this year. Women's Weekends are scheduled in August: Alumni & Friends Women's Retreat will be Friday, Aug. 12 to Monday, Aug. 15. Women's Wellness Weekend will be Friday, Aug. 19 to Sunday, Aug. 21. To find out more about EIC or register for summer camp on the historic isle: eagleisland.org Eagle Island, Inc., formerly known as Friends of Eagle Island, Inc., was formed in 2011 as a nonprofit corporation with the mission to preserve the unique summer camp and historic landmark located on Eagle Island on Upper Saranac Lake. The group of alumni and friends spanned all the decades of camp operation, including campers from the 1930s through the 2000s. Staff, campers, family campers, neighbors, and more joined together to work toward re-opening Eagle Island for future generations. Several exciting summer job opportunities at Eagle Island are open and accepting applications: eagleisland.org/jobs

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Eagle Island names new executive director

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