“Everyone has the same goal—to make a great summer for the kids,” said Macy Hare, Waterfront Director at HFH Summer Camps.
Macy has returned to HFH Summer Camps for her third season—beginning as a lifeguard, then assistant waterfront director, and now leading the entire waterfront operation. Raised on the coast of New Zealand, she grew up swimming, playing water polo, and volunteering as a swim teacher. She has brought those lifelong skills—along with her trademark energy and optimism—to HFH Summer Camps.
“When the kids are leaving and they say, ‘I’ll see you next year,’ it’s so hard to say goodbye,” she said. “That’s one of the reasons I keep coming back. It’s really cool to keep returning and get a bit more responsibility each year.”
Macy first heard about HFH Summer Camps through her sister, who spent a summer working at Camp Wakonda through Camp America—a cultural exchange program that connects international counselors with camps in the U.S. After hearing her sister’s stories, Macy was eager to apply. She joined in 2023 after finishing high school and quickly felt connected to the mission and the community.
“Macy definitely grew tremendously from her first summer, where she was learning about the kids and just the camp environment,” said Shawn Thorns, Office Manager at Camp. Over the past nine years, Shawn has held a range of roles at HFH Summer Camps—from Program Coordinator to Camp Culture Manager—and has worked with Macy for all three of her summers. “Now she is the one that everybody goes to.”
Macy’s role at the waterfront goes beyond lifeguarding. She oversees swim safety, manages medical equipment like first aid kits and defibrillators, schedules lifeguard breaks, plans swim lessons and boating activities, and ensures that every child receives proper instruction. Her commitment to camper safety and learning has made a lasting impression on the team.
“Her program down at the waterfront is not just swimming for fun. Some of these kids are learning how to swim in a week’s time, and that’s because of her leadership,” said Shawn. “Macy is a superstar. She has a heart for this program and for these kids.”
That care doesn’t go unnoticed. Baran Işık, a lifeguard at HFH Summer Camps who has worked under Macy’s leadership for two summers, noted her understanding, creativity, and passion.
“Macy is open to innovation. I have never had this magnificent of a director in my life,” said Baran. “She makes everyone love swimming and waterfront activities.”
For Macy, teaching swimming is especially meaningful.
“I feel like swimming is such an important skill to have,” she said. “I also love teaching it, so it works perfectly. The kids think it’s important too—a lot of them ask me to help them during free swim.”
What makes HFH Summer Camps especially meaningful to Macy is the opportunity to work with children experiencing homelessness. Their circumstances give her an even greater sense of purpose—she wants to make sure they have time to just be kids and take their minds off everything else.
“Kids are kids, everywhere, and [working at HFH Summer Camps] helps you learn that,” she said. “Even though they might have had a completely different background growing up, you can still relate to them. Our campers are really respectful and always curious about where you’re from.”
Macy credits the supportive culture of HFH Summer Camps with helping her grow.
“Everyone at camp is especially supportive of each other,” she said. “It comes from the top down—everyone wants the best for everyone. The people here are super passionate about getting kids outside, having fun, and teaching them whatever skills you have.”
Camp Administrator Tyrone Squire, who has worked with Macy since her first summer, sees her as essential to the program.
“She learned from past waterfront directors, and I think that really makes her a strong leader now,” said Tyrone. “Macy’s always positive. She brings optimism, support, and camp spirit that everybody enjoys. Everyone can depend on her to really be that guidance and that positive light.”
HFH Summer Camps are more than just a place for the kids to explore the outdoors—it is a cultural exchange for both campers and staff. Each year, counselors arrive from across the globe to build connections and share experiences with campers from New York City.
“Meeting people from all around the world—and the kids—it’s a cultural experience,” said Macy. “Working with kids from the New York is a cool experience, and they have so much to teach you. I would not have met people from the U.S., or Turkey, or Poland otherwise. You learn something from every person and every camper. It’s just really good energy all the time.”
Some of Macy’s favorite moments at camp are helping organize evening program activities—from color fights to Halloween night—and the final deep-water swim day, when campers jump into the lake in life jackets and celebrate everything they have accomplished.
“Everyone is so happy that day,” she said. “They’re so excited. It’s just the best.”
Shawn believes Macy’s strengths go beyond her waterfront expertise.
“What makes her unique is just her being herself. She has a great sense of humor. She can relate to anybody—whether they’re from the city, or from Nigeria, or Australia. People feel comfortable around her.”
Outside of camp, Macy has many hobbies. She loves running, cooking—she has recently been learning to make Spanakopita—listening to music (jazz is a favorite, especially Roy Ayers), hiking (or “tramping,” as it’s called in New Zealand), photography, and going to the beach. Whenever she can, she gets out into nature—often heading to huts in New Zealand where hikers can stay overnight.
Despite her many interests, returning to HFH Summer Camps each year remains one of the most meaningful parts of her life.
“I just feel so happy all the time here,” she said. “It’s the best place.”
