Directors & Staff
Our Directors
Lesley Marcus Carlson – Executive Director
Lesley is one of the Executive Directors at Quinebarge, overseeing camp operations alongside Eric and assisting in various roles throughout the summer. She makes it a priority to get to know the campers, understanding their unique interests, and ensuring that they have a positive, fulfilling experience. Lesley also plays a vital role in supporting our adult staff, helping them navigate their summer at camp and creating a supportive environment for everyone.
Lesley loves the spirit of Quinebarge—the traditions, the songs, and the way it provides campers with a return to simpler times, offering them the opportunity to connect with nature and each other in a meaningful way.
A graduate of Colgate University, Lesley has spent much of her career in international development and democracy-building abroad, as well as working with nonprofit organizations. Originally from Kenmore, NY, she is a passionate Buffalo Sabres and Buffalo Bills fan and a proud mother to two wonderful daughters.
Nick Hercules – Camp Director
Nick Hercules, known at Quinebarge as Herc, has been one of the camp’s directors since 2017. With 15 years of professional residential camp experience, Herc has worked as a coach, counselor, mentor, and friend to countless campers. Before becoming a Director, he served in a variety of roles at Quinebarge, including Sports Director, Head Boys Counselor, and Assistant Director—where he played a key role in managing staff and supporting the overall camp experience.
In addition to his camp work, Nick has been an Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach at Plymouth State University, where he helped lead the team to its best start in program history.
Every summer, Herc and his daughter Grace return to Quinebarge for a season full of fun and friendship. And of course, they bring their dog, Camper, to join in the excitement. Outside of camp, Nick is a proud Kansas City Chiefs fan and lives with his family in Lenexa, KS during the off-season.
Nick holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Benedictine College and is also the proud inventor of the Campfire Fire, a cherished Quinebarge tradition.
Casey Sukeforth – Camp Director
Casey joined Quinebarge in 2022 and brings a deep passion for summer camp. With over 15 years of residential camp leadership experience, she has dedicated her career to fostering community, learning, and joy in the camp environment. Before arriving at Quinebarge, Casey successfully ran a nonprofit camp in the Adirondacks for 8 years and has also gained valuable experience in camp and outdoor education across New Hampshire, Connecticut, and California.
A firm believer in the transformative power of summer camp, Casey is committed to the unique learning and community-building that Quinebarge offers. She loves working at Quinebarge because of the opportunity to develop great staff training, create a welcoming environment, and provide a safe space where both campers and staff can grow together. The sense of belonging and personal development that Quinebarge fosters is at the heart of everything she does.
Casey holds a Master of Science in Ecological Teaching and Learning from Lesley University and is a Wilderness First Responder, an American Red Cross certified lifeguard instructor, and a trained facilitator for both high and low ropes courses.
Outside of camp, Casey enjoys spending time outdoors—whether cross-country skiing with her sons, Malcolm and Desmond, hiking with her dog, Tucker, or creating pottery in her studio.
Eric Carlson – Executive Director
Eric was a camper and counselor at Quinebarge from 1980-87, having risen from the youngest boys cabin (Mohawk) through to counselor. He worked in the wood shop and on the waterfront as a swim and boating instructor. As an adult, Eric founded an environmental foundation that supports environmental leaders and projects around the world. Eric loves Quinebarge’s focus on kindness, friendship and fun; being an accepting community; and striking a balance between the traditional and new camp activities. Eric grew up in Cohasset, Mass. and lives in East Aurora, NY. Quinebarge is a family affair; Eric, Lesley and their two daughters are all Quinebargers.
Senior Staff
Our Senior Staff is made up of mature and professional Directors and Senior Staff from around the world, bringing expertise in the fields of childhood development, healthcare, program development, environmental education, and more to the Quinebarge experience. Our team works year round to find a great team that will create an incredible summer experience for all Quinebargers.