Darnay G. Dodson, Program Director

Teaching and education were my destiny. They are in my blood. From the first time I visited my father’s classroom in my hometown of East Orange, New Jersey, I realized that helping youth in my community was the career for me. I’ve been teaching middle school math for more than 20 years in the Newark school system, and coaching girls and boys basketball.

I have been employed at LifeCamp for a decade, but the camp, its unmatched programs and experiences, were on my radar long before. My own children were campers, volunteers, and counselors. As a parent and as program director, I see firsthand the layered experience for inner city children that is uniquely possible on LifeCamp’s 90 acres of beautiful land. Regardless of how short or long a camper attends, my goal for them is the same. I want them to have the time of their lives. My not-so-secret side gig and passion is that I am a baker. Custom celebration cakes are my specialty!