Our Team

Zachary Friedman - Director

Zach joined the Camp Emerson community as Camp Director in 2023, and he looks forward to continuing the Emerson tradition of camping excellence. He grew up in the Boston Area and attended his childhood camp, YMCA Camp Coniston, for fourteen summers. Zach has formerly taught middle school science, directed a day camp and community programming on an urban farm, and in 2017 co-founded Eden Village West, a nonprofit farm and wilderness overnight camp in Northern California.

Zach received his B.S. in Chemistry from Tufts University in 2009 and his M.S. in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania in 2021. Following graduation at UPenn he continued to serve as an Assistant Instructor for the course Empowering Nonprofit Leaders to Thrive, and has worked with students and nonprofit leaders across the world who are committed to building organizations (like camp!) that support people in flourishing. In his free time Zach enjoys backpacking and mountaineering in the White Mountains, gardening, and playing guitar. He lives with his fianceé, Lucy, and their two cats in the Boston area.

Tony Oyenarte - Director

Tony has been an overnight Camp Director for over 26 years, spending time in Florida at his childhood camp and as a seasoned New England Director. Tony has been active in the American Camp Association, including as Vice Chair of the National Board. He’s a safety fanatic, and is certified as a Wilderness First Responder and a Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor. At camp, you’ll find Tony fly fishing, paddle boarding with campers or sharing his passion for grilling while wearing his favorite Red Sox hat.

During the summers, Tony will be joined at camp by his wife Stacie, who has over 30 years of teaching experience in Middle School. She is currently an ESOL teacher and was named Teacher of the Year for her school. At camp, you’ll find Stacie walking their beloved golden retrievers—Scout and Summer. Tony and Stacie are the proud parents of Michael and Max. They are a true summer camp family, and love the water and enjoying Florida Gator sporting events.