Alina Ackenbom
Alina is originally from Russia and has been a Camp Friendship staff member since 1997. She holds a Masters Degree of Education from
Together with her husband Chuck Ackenbom, she oversees Camp Friendship’s business operations. Alina is the Founder and Director of Friendship Tennis Academy that offers tennis programs to children and adults of all ages and abilities.
Certified by the United States Professional Tennis Association as an Elite Tennis Professional, her summer tennis clinics draw tennis players from around the world. Alina is passionate about educating youth and teaching them valuable life skills both at camp and on the tennis court.
Alina and Chuck are the proud parents of Nika and Tyler who love growing up at camp and making new friends with campers from all over the world.
Skye Ackenbom
Daughter of founder Chuck Ackenbom, Skye oversees all operations of Camp Friendship and its year round team. She brings a unique perspective to Camp leadership since she spent her childhood here, and what a place to grow up! In her younger years, she had the opportunity to be a camper, counselor, lifeguard and riding instructor so she certainly knows the ropes.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology in 2004, Skye returned to Camp Friendship as the Equestrian Director and has never looked back. She feels lucky to live and work at such an incredible place. With a natural love for the outdoors, animals and working with children, Skye is excited to continue the legacy her father built for years to come.
Sarah Ackenbom
Daughter-in-law of Chuck Ackenbom, Sarah Ackenbom is from a military family and grew up in several areas around the United States. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in American Studies and a Master’s of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Mary Washington. She worked as an elementary school teacher for 10 years and loved being a part of a child’s individual learning journey.
A member of the American Camp Association, Sarah is a behavior specialist and brings expertise in child development to Camp by helping to train and oversee our staff.
Sarah coordinates retreats and weddings at Camp Friendship in the fall and spring as well as field trips for students and teachers hoping for a unique outdoor learning experience.
In addition, Sarah is an avid equestrian and is an integral part of our Equestrian Center.
Erin Raderstorf
Erin’s first experience at Camp Friendship was at age 9, when she excitedly arrived for her first two-week sleep-away camp experience. Over the next seven summers, Camp Friendship would become her second home. From her time as a camper, Erin gained lifelong friends, a stronger sense of self, and a love for silly camp songs.
After graduating from the University of Mary Washington, Erin returned to Camp Friendship as a Counselor, and subsequently, as a Village Supervisor. Between summers, Erin explored both the entertainment and hospitality industries in Atlanta and Los Angeles but recognized that her heart always brought her back to Camp Friendship.
She is passionate about creating a safe environment for campers that fosters independence and connection. Erin is excited to have the opportunity to share the magic of camp with a new generation of children and staff.
KD Burns
KD is excited to be joining the Camp Friendship family! Having just moved to Virginia from Berkshire County, Massachusetts, she, and her spouse Tristan, have been enjoying the warmer climate with their two cats, Steve & Lily.
KD has a background in the camp world, working throughout high school and college for Musical Theatre Experiences, a performing arts day camp based just outside Boston.
After earning her degree in Fine and Performing Arts from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts she spent eight years running the front-of-house operations for Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
An avid arts and crafts enthusiast, she spends her spare time exploring her love of fiber arts, sculpting, and painting. KD is thrilled to have the opportunity to return to the world of summer camp and looks forward to being your first point of contact when you reach out to the Camp Friendship family.
