Meet our Summer Discovery Team

Come meet the members of our team that will be working to ensure another successful season of Summer Discovery at the Peterborough Museum & Archives! We've got a mix of new and familiar faces that will surely make this the best summer yet!

Laura Manning – Discovery Educator: Junior Program

Hi, I’m Laura! This is my first summer working with the Museum Discovery Camps and I am super excited! I am a teacher with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and I have spent many of my summers working at an overnight camp up north. During camp you will likely find me outside in the forest, or in the Fleming Annex/Portable. When I’m not at camp, I like taking nature walks, enjoying tasty treats and spending time with family and friends. I’m looking forward to meeting you all this summer. A fun fact about me is that I have a twin brother and he is also a teacher!

Bailey Allen – Discovery Educator: Senior Program

Born and raised in the Kawarthas, I have a love for the outdoors, animals, sports, and most of all, family and friends. I have been involved with summer camps for the past seven years and have many cherished memories from these experiences. In the Fall, I will be returning to my full-time job as a Kindergarten teacher. As for right now, I will be spending my summer with the Museum Discovery Camp. I look forward to another summer full of adventures with new and returning campers, while working alongside an amazing team.

Traviss Jackman – Discovery Leader: Junior Program

Hello! My name is Traviss. This will be my fourth year working and volunteering with the PMA Summer Discovery Camp. You will find me in the Junior Discovery Camp Program assisting with supervision and activities, and just generally helping out wherever I can! I really love encouraging the campers to have fun and watching their friendships blossom throughout the week. When I’m not at camp I enjoy reading and watercolour painting. One fun fact about me is that I could watch the movie Pride and Prejudice a hundred times and never get bored of it.

Jess Couper – Discovery Leader: Senior Program

Hi everyone! I'm Jess and I am so excited to be joining the PMA for the summer! You can find me in the Summer Discovery classroom and outside leading camp activities. I have spent the last six summers working at camps and my absolute favourite thing about it is getting to meet all the campers and learn from them. Outside of camp, I enjoy swimming, walking my dog, playing frisbee, and seeing friends and family. During the school year, I spend my time at Trent University, where I am learning to become a teacher. I am really looking forward to making wonderful camp memories! 

Alyssa Gutoskie - Summer Programming Assistant

Hello, my name is Alyssa, and I'll be your Summer Programming Assistant! I'm currently completing my degrees in Fine Arts through the University of British Columbia and Cultural Studies through Trent University. I'm excited to be a part of the PMA's summer programming team this year. I enjoy hiking, music, films and of course art! I hope to share my passion for making and talking art while getting to know you all this summer.

Jessica Ernest - Summer Administrative Assistant

Hey hey! I’m Jessica, and I’m the Summer Administrative Assistant at the PMA . I just graduated from Trent University in Business & Cultural Studies, and I’ve been a part of the PMA team since September of 2021 when I joined as a student intern. I like video games, movies, seeing live music, and talking about cultural theory. You can usually find me in the main office or at the front desk. My favourite part about camp is seeing kids have fun and laugh until they’re doubled over. Feel free to say hi any time, I’m always down to make friends.

Faryn Stanley – Education Officer

Hi there! My name is Faryn. This will be my ninth year with the PMA's Summer Discovery Camps. You will definitely see me throughout the week at camp - supervising the playground and at lunch time, helping with programs, and during sign-in and out. I love the energy summer camps bring to the PMA! Monday mornings are always my favourite; seeing all of the excitement, a few nerves and then watching kids ease into the day and make friends is just the best. When I’m not at camp, I enjoy being with my family and relaxing with a good book. A fun, camp-related fact about me is my nickname as a camp counsellor used to be Peppy!

Dustin McIlwain – Visitor Experience Coordinator

A big welcome to our Discovery Camp families - new to us and returning! This is my seventh summer working with this program. You're likely to see me at sign-in or out, or giving a hand with activities. One of my favourite things about working summer camps is witnessing moments of growth in campers who might be trying something new for the first time, or who have achieved a skill that they have been working on. Outside of camp, I enjoy playing volleyball and softball, and going for hikes with my dogs. Here's a fun fact about me: at my previous camp job, I worked in a position that had me wearing a different costume each day, sometimes twice a day. One summer, I had worn over 60 different costumes!