Dr. Jay Woodward - Camp Director
Dr. Jay Woodward is “ready to re-enter the atmosphere of the Youth Adventure Program one last time for the summer of 2010! He's looking to go out with a “big bang” in his last year as Camp Director before handing the mission controls over to his successor. Besides coordinating the camp, Jay serves as a faculty member in the Department of Educational Psychology teaching undergraduate courses in Educational Psychology, Adolescent Development, and Creativity and a graduate class in Educational Research & Measurement. Dr. Woodward has received numerous awards and recognitions for his efforts at Texas A&M University, including several teaching awards and the honor of serving as a namesake for Fish Camp in 2007.
Jay holds a B.A. in Psychology, a M.S. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on educating gifted and talented students, and was awarded his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology in 2004 in the area of Intelligence, Creativity, and Giftedness.
Jay has been "orbiting around" Texas A&M (both as a staff member and a student) for a sweet sixteen years and he certainly bleeds maroon (though don't poke him to find out). In his spare time, Jay enjoys traveling, following A&M athletics, playing with his beagles, trying to hit a golf ball, attending live entertainment (from the stage to the silver screen), watching all reality television, reading a good book, singing tenor in church choir, and (most importantly) taking care of his teetering toddler "Emma Leigh," who just celebrated her winter ONEderland birthday in December.
Janet Sandera- Program Coordinator
Jurassic Janet Sandera rejoins Jay in the office for her sixth year with YAP! She served as a counselor in 2005 and 2006, worked as the Administrative Assistant from 2007-2009, and has recently been named Program Coordinator for 2010. She will work alongside Jay to plan and program an out-of-this-world YAP 2010!
Janet was born during the bighairstoric era (1986 A.D.) in San Antonio, Texas, where she was raised in a family of AlamoCitysauruses, a species known for their sense of humor and love of Mexican food. After graduating from Tom C. Clark High School in 2004, Janet migrated to College Station to become the proudest member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2008. She graduated in May 2008 with a B.S. degree in Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences and again in December 2009 with a M.S. in the same field.
When she is not busy with YAP-related activities, Jurassic Janet enjoys spending time with family and friends. Like any dinosaur, she also enjoys playing outside, going to the beach to fish and attending concerts featuring her favorite Texas countrysaurus bands.
Brett Taylor – Camp Manager
Brett Taylor will celebrate a decade of summers spent in College Station when he returns as Camp Manager for the 2010 Youth Adventure Program. This will be Brett’s tenth year with the camp after serving as a counselor in 2001 and the camp manager since 2002. Although he is the only non-Aggie on staff, Brett is proud of his association with Texas A&M through the YAP Camp program and has embraced the traditions and spirit of Aggieland.
Brett holds a degree in elementary education from the University of North Texas and has been teaching for 17 years in the Plano Independent School District. The past eight years he has served as the lead teacher at the district's outdoor learning center, educating elementary students about the natural world and life here on planet earth via nature hikes, scientific investigations, and fossil hunting. Brett’s interests include baking cakes and chocolate desserts, enjoying a variety of music and movies, attending Dallas Stars hockey games, and reading books.
Laura Stafford - Dorm Parent
Laura Stafford will return as Dorm Parent for the seventh consecutive year after serving in this capacity for YAP 2004 - 2009. This is "Mom's" eighth full year with the camp after participating as a counselor for all four weeks of the 2003 session. She holds a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M and a M.S. in Educational Psychology. She has taught 2nd grade at Mary Branch Elementary in Bryan for thirteen years (lead teacher for past eight) and holds her certification in gifted and talented education.
From one classroom to another, Laura enjoys teaching the youth Sunday school class at West Oaks Baptist Church. In addition to all of these activities, she is married to Mike Stafford and has a 25-year old son, James, who graduated from SHSU in Huntsville. She also has a lovely princess puppy named Heifer, a rescue sheltie named Angel, and a new member of the family named Lil Bit.
Mark Mims – Recreation Director
Mark Mims joins the Youth Adventure Program Staff for his rookie season this year and is excited to be part of the team! He is looking forward to working with the veteran staff members to make this year's YAP a grand slam!
Originally from San Antonio, Mark was drafted into the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2010 and will complete his B.S. degree in Nutritional Science with a minor in Creativity Studies in May. Post-graduation, Mark will advance to the major leagues where he will play for the University of Texas - Houston Medical School this August.
Beyond the roles of his teams, Mark enjoys all types of activities including: sports, camping, fishing, playing guitar, reading, country western dancing, and of course, supporting Aggie athletics!
Michael Cook - YAP Manager of Camp Activities
Michael Cook returns to the Youth Adventure Program for the first time after attending camp as a high school student for four years (2004-2007) to be a member of the YAP Camp staff. He's more than ready to give back to the program that he considers a life-changing event and the major reason he now attends Texas A&M.
Born and raised just an hour south of Aggieland in Houston, Michael is a loud and proud member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2012. He is majoring in Biomedical Engineering and plans to pursue a Master's degree in that same field after his undergraduate studies. Michael looks forward to transitioning into the working world and improving the medical imaging equipment industry.
Aside from his studies, Michael is an avid bowler and is a member of the Texas A&M Bowling Club Team. He is also heavily involved in campus organizations especially Class Councils and Fish Camp. Michael loves all things Aggie sports and can be found at Reed Arena and Kyle Field for every home basketball and football game.