Meet the Founder:

Stan Oken, Coach

As an educator and continued owner of River Way Ranch Camp, Coach, has devoted his life to ensuring every child experiences all that summer camp has to offer. The Oken family has owned and operated River Way Ranch Camp since 1967. With over 100 years combined experience, the Oken family continues to provide a stable, fun, and educational summer adventure for children. Recipient of the California Family Business Award in 2000 and 2008, River Way has also been featured on the “Today” show. The Oken family, along with year-round staff, devotes the entire year to the planning and organizing of the upcoming summer.

Meet the Staff:

Jerry Reid, Mahoney

Camp Director

Mahoney came to River Way in 2007 with decades of experience as a former Parks & Recreation Director and past member of the State Board of Directors for California Park and Recreation Society (CPRS). A BS in Recreation Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration ensure River Way is successful year round. Mahoney’s abilities as a Certified Lifeguard Instructor, Ropes Course Facilitator, Class B driver, make him an excellent manager for River Way’s staff. But it is his hands on approach and ease with our campers that make him a natural Camp Director.

Phil Slaton, Mr. Phil

Associate Camp Director

With decades of education and camp experience, Mr. Phil is the glue that holds the River Way family together. Since 1999, staff and campers alike, credit Mr. Phil with enhancing their camp experience. As he oversees the daily operations, Mr. Phil is never too busy to give a smile, a pep talk, or advice.

Hayley Botwin, Sparkle

Assistant Camp Director

Sparkle began her River Way experience as a Buckaroo more than 15 years ago. Now, a recent graduate of Boston University, Sparkle joins the Camp family in a full-time capacity. Sparkle brings with her the experience as a camper, CIT, JC, Counselor and most recently the last 3 years as one of our Camp Moms.

Jason Rich, Squirrlee

Human Resource Director

Squirrlee joined the River Way family in 2006. He has been both waverunner and ski staff during his tenure at camp and has also been one of the most requested counselors by campers in his years with River Way. Squirrlee is a natural when it comes to motivating campers to try new camp activities and his spirit and energy make him a perfect fit as our top staff recruiter.

Carrie Nighbert-Gross, Sparky

Office Manager 

Sparky is part of the third generation moving up in the company. She has a B.S. Degree in Liberal Studies from California State University, Fresno and she has grown up at River Way giving her the background and knowledge it takes to make camp run smoothly. Starting as a Buckaroo, moving up to Program Director, and now taking on a full time position in the Camp Office, Sparky’s ability to relate to campers and personnel skills make her a perfect fit for River Way. Her mom, Nancy Oken-Nighbert (a.k.a. Munchkin) was the Camp Director for more than 25 years.

Andrea Montross, Little

Director of Enrollment

Little joined the camp family in March 2010. With experience as a high level administrative assistant and a strong customer service background, Little immedidately contributed to our office team. A mother of two, Little relates to our River Way parents with ease, and with a husband as a pilot, she is a pro when it comes to camper transportation. Little has added a new dimension to our camp office with her personnel and organizational skills.

Lacey Oken, Slowpoke

Director of Promotional Design

Slowpoke is 3rd generation family with an eye and creative knack for the arts. Slowpoke, who has been in camp her entire life, is passionate about making sure all campers enjoy the camp experience to its fullest, but it’s her guitar and vocals that bring joyous tears at the close of each session’s campfire.

Michael Williamson, Beaver

Social Media Director  

Beaver started working for River Way in 2009 and has been camp photographer, counselor, and on waverunner staff. He began with camp as part of our leadership team as a high school freshman, working in our Outdoor Education camp since 2005. Beaver uses his relationships with campers and staff as well as knowledge of Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and other Social Media avenues to keep campers, families, and staff in touch with what is going on with camp during the offseason.