I Want to be an Ambassador! Camp 2025 Leadership Team (L to R) Deb Casini Klein, Hilda Pang Fu, Michael Reed-Iams, Elizabeth Nielsen and Tom Berich.
At Luminari, every summer is shaped by the people who lead our camps: creators, educators, chefs, musicians, and global thinkers who love helping young people stretch their imaginations. As we open registration for our 2026 Summer Camps, here’s a quick introduction to the team who will be inspiring your teens this summer.
Debbi Casini Klein, Director, I Want to be an Ambassador!
Tuesday, June 9 – Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (excluding weekends)
👉🔗Register here
Deb brings a global lens and a storyteller’s touch to our diplomacy camp. After years producing Emmy‑winning television and traveling the world (including a three‑month round‑the‑world adventure after her wedding), she now helps students explore cultures, communication, and what it means to lead with curiosity. She also serves on Churchill Borough Council and is always up for a great food experience.
Camp director Chef Derek Fritzel with his 2025 team of instructors, Chefs Chris Secrist and Vanessa Dreyer.
Chef Derek Fritzel, Director, Camp Delicious!
Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26, 2026
👉🔗Register here
Chef Derek has cooked everywhere from Michelin‑starred kitchens, private clubs, off‑shore ships, and he brings that same sense of adventure to Camp Delicious. A lifelong culinarian who started cooking at 13, he’s passionate about teaching young chefs, sharing the joy of food, and building confidence in the kitchen. He now lives in Ligonier with his son and continues to mentor the next generation of culinary creators.
Front row (L-R): Elizabeth Nielsen, Dana McCutcheon, Hilda Pang Fu. Middle row (L-R): Brian Ammon, Jimmy Hoyson, Bob McCutcheon, Tom Berich. Back row (L-R): Brent Russell, Liam Bieber and Rob Deaner.
Bob McCutcheon, Director, Music Makers!
Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10, 2026
👉🔗Register here
Bob is the founder of The Vault Recording Studio, where Music Makers students get hands‑on experience in a world‑class creative space. A lifelong musician and producer, he built The Vault from a basement dream into a multi‑studio hub. His work is also deeply connected to the Ryan McCutcheon Rhythm19 Fund, which expands access to music and the arts for young people.
Hilda Pang Fu, Founder & President
Hilda created Luminari with a simple belief: the world opens up when we broaden our minds. A social entrepreneur and community leader, she has built organizations, launched regional initiatives, and served on numerous nonprofit boards all with a focus on equity, creativity, and global thinking. She continues to shape Luminari’s vision with energy, imagination, and heart.
Tom Berich, Operations Manager
Tom is the behind‑the‑scenes force who keeps Luminari running smoothly. With a career spanning public media, arts organizations, festivals, and even Nickelodeon, he brings a rare mix of creativity and logistical know‑how. He’s also a touring musician and an avid outdoors enthusiast who loves hiking, climbing, kayaking and cooking.
Ready for an unforgettable summer?
Our team is already gearing up for Summer 2026, and we can’t wait to welcome a new group of curious, creative, big‑thinking teens. Spots fill quickly each year, especially for our hands‑on camps, so we encourage families to register early.
👉🔗Registration for all 2026 Luminari camps is now open.
Give your teen a summer that sparks imagination, builds confidence, and opens doors.
