A trained actor, NATHAN BRANT set out to work in theater, but an interim position with the YMCA in his native Cumberland County put a curve in his path – one that has led to a career in the great outdoors. After 11 years as executive director of camping services for the YMCA in Akron, Lancaster County, he moved to Wernersville two and a half years ago when he was named CEO of South Mountain YMCA. Although today he can’t imagine his life without camping, he confessed that his first sleep-away experience was less than positive, mostly due to green beans.
What is it like being the CEO of such a fun place?
It’s wonderful. Those of us who do jobs like this get to have such a positive impact on kids and families. I’m able to see children learn new things – new skills and interests – and families spend time together making memories. We have family camps that allow whole families to come and enjoy. They swim in the pool, participate in activities like horseback riding, hiking, all kinds of fun, but without the usual work. Parents don’t have to cook or set up camp; they just enjoy each other and nature. Making that kind of difference for people is something I couldn’t have done as an actor.
So you didn’t always plan on this kind of work?
No, I went to Grinnell College in Iowa and was a psychology and theater major. I worked as an actor in small theaters, and, in between acting jobs, I took a part-time position as a youth and resident director with the YMCA in Carlisle, which is where I grew up. When I took that job, I was getting ready to audition for the drama program at Yale, but I enjoyed my job so much that I decided to put that on hold for a couple of years. I still haven’t made it to that audition.
Were you always a camper?
No. I was seven when I went to overnight camp for the first time. My parents thought it would be a good experience for me. However, the counselors at that camp made you eat everything on your plate, and it seemed to me that they served green beans three times a day, and I hated them. I also got poison ivy. I went home and I told my parents I hated camp and was never going back. As social workers, they always asked me to try something twice to be sure how I felt. I’m glad they did because I went back the following year and loved it and went every year after that. It was only when I was in college, working as a counselor myself, that I realized I could make it a career.
What’s your favorite camp meal?
My favorite camp meal for kids is pizza pockets, made from scratch. They’re fun and kids love them. A little Bisquick, canned sauce and cheese – bake them on the fire. Always a hit. For me, I’d choose lighter foods like rice and tuna; you need the protein and carbs for stamina.
Do you have a favorite camp necessity? Also, around the campfire, scary stories or singing songs?
When camping with kids, you must have chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. S’mores are like a bribe to get work done. When I was a kid, my dad and grandfather used M&Ms to motivate me. I love both songs and scary stories! I have guitars strategically placed everywhere, even in my office, and feel music is a community activity. On scary stories, I’m a fan, but my staff is not, and I don’t recommend them for kids under 13. Our camp is more than 130 years old, so its history can help with spooky legends.
Since outdoor fun is your business, what is your idea of a perfect day off?
I am lucky to be surrounded by nature and recreation, so a change of pace for me is heading to the beach with my family. Or taking all my girls – my wife, Kristi, and our three daughters, Annalee Elizabeth, 6; Dahlia Tru, 4; and Gwyneth Clair, 16 months – to New York City for a carriage ride and a show. Closer to home, we all enjoy sports and shows at the Sovereign Center.
If you could have an alternate career, what would you choose?
My job allows me to pursue all my favorite things, so that’s a tough question. I think I’d probably be a writer. I write a lot for work and enjoy it. Actually, I get to do many of my favorite things through the course of my workday – music, photography, working with people – so I guess I’d really be hesitant to make a change at all. That’s a nice feeling.
South Mountain YMCA | 201 Cushion Peak Rd., Wernersville 610.670.2267 | smymca.org
BY MICHELLE E. BIGGERSTAFF | PHOTO BY JOHN SECOGES
