Rick Garcia rejoined the Catholic Charities as the Catholic Charities CYO Camp and Retreat Center Director in August 2015. Prior to Rick’s return to CYO Camp, he worked for the American Camp Association where he held the role of Membership and Accreditation Manager for the ACA Southern California/Hawaii field office. In addition, he was a member of the 24-hour ACA camp crisis hotline which is available to all ACA camps nationwide, 365 days a year. From 2007 to 2012, Rick was the Associate Director at Catholic Charities CYO Camp. Prior to 2007, Rick was the Executive Director for the Graton Day Labor Center in west Sonoma County. From 1999 to 2007, he was the Director for the Society of St. Vincent De Paul Council of Los Angeles / Circle V Ranch Camp in Santa Barbara which serves underprivileged children from throughout Southern California.
In 1980, Paul Raia attended Caritas Creek at CYO Camp as a 6th grade student of Christ the King School in Pleasant Hill California. Spending five days immersed in the natural beauty of the CYO Camp Retreat Center with his fellow class mates and students from St. Bernard’s in Oakland turned out to be a life changing experience for Paul. He returned to summer camp as a camper each summer until he was old enough to become cabin leader. Over the years he filled various leadership positions and in 2000, became the Director of Caritas Creek at CYO Camp. His passions include spirituality, nature, music, art and especially his wife of 21 years, Mary and his 13 year-old daughter, Isabella.
Emily Wood Ordway brings 20 years of dedication and expertise to her role as Director of Operations at CYO Camp and Retreat Center. Growing up in the scenic Adirondacks, Wood developed a deep connection with the outdoors, which she carried through her academic journey at Oswego State University, where she earned a BS in Anthropology and Zoology. Her passion for environmental education and creating memorable experiences for campers has shaped her extensive career at CYO Camp and Caritas Creek. Over the years, Wood has taken on numerous roles, including Teacher Naturalist, Head Teacher Naturalist, Head of Program, Site Director, Program Director, Cabin Leader Coordinator, Program Coordinator, Summer Camp Director, and Retreats Manager, each position enhancing her leadership and operational skills. Known for her adventurous spirit and love of travel, Wood continues to inspire campers and staff alike through her commitment to fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and enriching camp environment.
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