Introducing Our New Director, Andrew Hano

Andrew Hano, smiling, in a Susquehannock senior staff shirt and a ball cap
Andrew Hano (’83), Director

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are thrilled to announce Andrew Hano (’83) as the new Director of Camp Susquehannock. Andrew’s connection to Susquehannock spans more than four decades—from camper and counselor to senior staff, camp parent, and Head of Boys’ Camp—and he brings with him a deep understanding of the traditions, values, and spirit that make Camp so special. He is a dedicated educator, having spent 20 years as a middle school Social Studies teacher, as well as an interscholastic and community youth sports coach. Andrew and wife Erika are the parents of Abigail (’07) and Drew (’12). We are equally grateful to Jim McDaniel (’75) for his leadership and dedication as Interim Director during this important period of transition. Jim will remain closely involved as Andrew steps into the role, helping ensure a seamless handoff and setting Camp up for a successful 122nd summer.

A letter from Andrew Hano

Dear Camp Susquehannock—

In the fall of 1982, Mr. George (Shafer!) arrived at my family’s house. As he set up his slide projector, my father removed a piece of art from the wall so I could get my first glimpses of the Endless Mountains on his slide images. Mr. George turned to my parents and me on the couch upon finishing the slide show and said, “I think all you need to decide is four weeks or eight weeks?”

I’ve traveled the camp landmarks from the waterfront to the Three Rocks campsite, to the Girl’s Camp challenge course at Choconut, to Mongaup on the Delaware River. I made my way through the ranks: Junior, Intermediate, and Senior camper; then continued as Work Crew, CIT 1, CIT 2 (Junior Counselor now!), and cabin counselor. I assisted camp as a visiting alum and unpaid staff. I led campers and cabin counselors as senior staff, and raised our two children as a camp parent. Every stage of my life has been marked in camp years.

A pillar of Susquehannock’s educational foundation is new experiences. And so, just when I thought I had gotten all the “new” experiences I could from camp, camp now offers my family and me a new chapter as I accept the position of Director of Camp Susquehannock. I am humbled, joyful, and eager to lead an institution with over 120 years of people, history, and tradition. Challenges still lie ahead for camp; however, the loyal people, celebrated history, and honored traditions at Susquehannock meet challenges with purpose. A purpose inspired by the transformational experiences Susquehannock provides from elementary age children to young adults.

In 1982, I declared to Mr. George and my parents, “I want to go to camp for eight weeks!” I was all in. I wanted camp to give me sports, campfires, and the cool refreshing waters of Tripp Lake. Now, 44 years later, I fully commit myself to Camp Susquehannock again. Susquehannock gave eleven-year-old me all the things I asked for. I hope to give those same experiences to as many children as possible. Every child should go to summer camp. Every child should go to Camp Susquehannock.

Go Orange and Blue!

Andrew Hano's signature

Andrew R. Hano, Sr.
Director, Camp Susquehannock
hano@susquehannock.com