Takodah Alumni Spotlight: Katie Marinoff-Silk, CT 13

Name: Katie Marinoff-Silk

Maiden or Former Name: Katie Marinoff

Years at Camp: 2005-2018

CT: 13 (I was a one-weeker for my first year in 2005!)

LIT Year: 2012

Staff Positions held at Takodah:

I was a Cabin Leader, the 2015 LIT Leader, and Hobby Nook Director.

How were you introduced to Takodah?

In the spring of 2004, my sister went on a weekend trip that took place at Takodah. She came back asking to attend camp that summer. I wanted to go too, but as many younger siblings know, I had to wait for my older sister to test the waters first. Fortunately, she enjoyed her session. So I got to go for one week the following year, which felt like it went by far too quickly and led to many more summers spent knotting friendship bracelets on Mem Lodge’s porch, strumming guitars in TPAC back, and getting humbled on the four square courts.

Did you attend college and, if so, where and what did you study?

Yup, I went to Keene State College for my undergrad and UNH for my graduate degree, at both I studied Math.

What do you do for work?

I’m the Director of Development at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, NH.

What moment in your career are you most proud of?

I’ve been with the Discovery Center going on five years now. What I’m most proud of in my career is not a moment, but an arc. Throughout my time at the museum, I’ve seen it grow and improve. Every time I see a group of students in awe of the planetarium or excited to explore the exhibits, I feel a sense of pride that I helped make that possible.

Did your time at Takodah influence your career? If so, how?

Absolutely! I feel as though summer camps and science museums live in the same realm of informal education–they’re both places where you learn by doing and immerse yourself in a fun and safe place to explore your interests. My time at Takodah led me to look for a career in the informal education space to begin with, and the skills I learned at Takodah prepared me to take on a leadership role within such a space.

Are there any skills or traits that you gained at Takodah which you use in your professional life?

I think the most valuable skill I gained at Takodah was an ability to roll with things as they happen. Working in a small nonprofit organization requires flexibility and an ability to change course when necessary. I owe my comfort in that environment to Takodah. Takodah also allowed me to grow my public speaking and organization skills, as well as gave me my first experience in a managerial role, providing feedback and leading a team.

Are there any specific memories from your time at Takodah that are still impactful to you?

So many, but I think the most impactful are the quick flashes of memories that stick in my mind like photographs–paddling across a foggy, silent pond from D-field the morning after an overnight; watching a meteor shower on candlelight night, swapping our favorite moments from the session while the pavement of the basketball court warms our backs; dance parties in the twins; tears and hugs after singing about the closing of trunks and car doors.