Jamie Cosson – Executive Director of Overnight Camp
Jamie has been Executive Director of the YMCA of San Diego Overnight camps since 2022 and has worked in overnight camping since 1993 where is began is camp journey as an international camp counselor from Australia. Jamie graduated from RMIT University in Melbourne with a degree in Recreation. He has 2 children who both love camp, Isabella 12 years old and William 7 years old. Jamie is married to Stacy who is a career teacher and camp supporter.
Brett Tillman – Associate Executive Director
Brett moved with his family to YMCA Camp Surf in 2022 after 15 years with the Frost Valley YMCA in the Catskills of New York. Growing up in suburbs outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Brett was lucky enough to be able to stomp in creeks, chase down snakes and frogs, and explore local woods and open spaces with friends and family. Brett has spent his professional career working to inspire and empower youth and staff to build strong connections with others and with the outdoors. At Camp Surf, Brett has found an amazing place to spread this magic to the young people and families of San Diego and beyond. You may find Brett and his family chasing lizards and hermit crabs all around Southern California.
Payton Schoonmaker – Camping and Community Programs Director
Payton Schoonmaker grew up as a camper in Oregon at YMCA Camp Silver Creek and participating in other programs his local Y offered. He started at Camp Surf in 2011, serving as a counselor, unit leader and coordinator. Payton left Surf to run the teen program on one of Carnival’s larger ships, then to direct large YMCA Day Camps in Chula Vista and Kearney Mesa, becoming a respected leader in the field. He is excited to be back at Camp Surf leading the Overnight and Day Camps to provide a fun and impactful experience for today’s youth. In Payton’s spare time he likes spend time outside and travel to new places.
Alfredo Haros – Facilities Supervisor
“Fredo” has been working for the Y for 9 years, starting in the Maintenance Department as a technician and now serving in the Facilities Supervisor role at Camp Surf. Born in Ensenada, Baja California, and moving to San Diego at the age of 8, Fredo has always pushed to speak and write proper English as his second language. Fredo takes great pride in always maintaining and having a safe place for kids and families to come and enjoy everything the Y and Camp Surf has to offer. As a father of two (campers both!) he really values camp and has experienced the impact of our mission first-hand. In his free time he really enjoys camping, off-roading, and Photography.