Jeff graduated from U.C. Berkeley (’69) and the University of Santa Clara Law School (’72). He has been involved with Skylake since 1984, first as a parent when his daughters began to attend Skylake as campers, and then as the owner/director since 1995. Jeff resides in Marin County with his wife Bonnie during the off season.
Jeff has three primary goals as the director:
Every child is safe both physically and emotionally in their camp experience
Every child experiences the simple and pure joy of a true summer camp experience
Every child returns home happier and more confident
Adrienne Portnoy-Durgin has lived, breathed, and dreamed Skylake most of her life. She first attended Skylake as a 9 year old camper and spent the next 15 summers at Skylake as Camper, CILT, Counselor and Leadership Team member. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Adrienne relocated to Lake Tahoe where she focused on a career in Special Events and Hotel Sales & Marketing. In 2010, Adrienne returned to Skylake and now loves calling Camp her full time career and passion in life as Co-Director. When Skylake is not in session, Adrienne and her husband Mark, live in Truckee, Ca where they are raising their three sons, Jacob, Miles and Asher.
Jessica Portnoy Sonka spent her first magical summer at Skylake as Chickadee in 1985. She hopped on the bus at age 7 for an adventure that turned into 10 incredible summers as a Camper and CILT, followed by 5 more summers as Jr. Staff, Counselor, Girls Head Counselor and Kitchen Manager. Jessica graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in Anthropology, and went on to earn her Master of Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Reno. After dedicating many years contributing to the success of some great non-profit organizations, Jessica felt a yearning to return to Skylake full time in 2016. She lives in beautiful North Lake Tahoe with her husband Matthew, son Noah, and daughter Morgan.
Lyle joined the Skylake team in 1996 as a High School Student looking for a summer job. He fell in love with the kitchen responsibilities and was privileged to work with many qualified chefs. Lyle worked his way up the ladder from a dishwasher, to cooks assistant, to lunch chef and is now our dinner chef. He is not only a great chef, but a fun personality in the kitchen who motivates the entire kitchen staff. Lyle's mom Ellie was also working in the kitchen in those early years. Lyle has also learned the construction business from his dad. Many years ago, Lyle began to assist our on-site construction contractor, Carl Jackson. Carl and Lyle rebuilt just about every part of this camp over the last 15 years. Lyle is our consistent presence in camp 12 months of the year and is a cherished member of the Skylake team. "Cookie, Cookie, listen while we sing to you…"
Paul returned to Skylake late in 2022 after a 2 year hiatus. He originally joined Skylake in 2016 as PM Director and On Site Facilities Manager. He was immediately struck by the Skylake Magic and fell in love with camp life. During the off season Paul oversees improvements and projects in camp, assists in the office, and supports Adrienne and Jessica on various year round projects. Paul has a degree in Organizational Leadership and spent nearly 30 years managing restaurants before finding his "Dream Job" at Skylake.
Shane is excited to be back working for Skylake, this will be his 3rd summer. Shane works as our Assistant Registrar answering emails, phone calls, and performing other office duties while he pursues his Master’s Degree in International Relations. Shane was a counselor for two seasons at Skylake back in 2011 and 2012. Shane actually met his wife Laura at Skylake who was also a counselor during that time! After he graduated with his BA in 2013, he lived and worked overseas in Morocco, Turkey, Tanzania, and Taiwan for a number of years before returning stateside. Shane speaks several languages, loves the outdoors, but most importantly, knows the amazing impact Skylake has on its staff and campers!
Mary Christopher graduated from Cal State Northridge with a BA in Early Childhood Education. Mary continued her education at Fresno State in a Masters Program and taught in the public school system for 25 years.
Mary's culinary experience started at Narrow Guage Restaurant located near the entrance to Yosemite. Here she handled responsibility in the Pantry Station before becoming a sous chef. In 2010, Mary joined Skylake and has managed the kitchen since 2013. Mary enjoys the challenge of teaching a new group of kitchen assistants each summer the skills necessary to serve almost 1000 meals a day.
Mary's off seasons are filled with travel, camping, gardening and being with her grandchildren.
Johnny started his culinary journey at one of the most prestigious culinary schools, Johnson & Wales. He traveled and worked across the southern US cooking in Florida, Tennessee, and New Mexico, before settling into the Bass Lake area. Johnny was the chef at Mountain House Restaurant and most recently at Erna's Eldererry House. Johnny has been working as the Specialty Chef at Skylake for five years. During the off season Johnny enjoys camping, fishing and working as a private chef. He is enjoying teaching his grandson culinary techniques and recipes.
Jon Moore first came to Skylake in 1971. His intimate knowledge of all that is Skylake comes from over 30 seasons as a camper, a counselor and a director. He did his undergraduate studies at Pomona College and earned a master's degree in physical education from California State University - Fullerton. He currently lives in Alameda, California, with his wife, Beth, and two daughters, Emma and Abby. Jon's year-round work as a Real Estate Agent at Guy Blume Group / KW Advisors. Skylake is lucky to have Jon at camp each summer.
Nicole is so excited to be returning for her 9th summer at Skylake! She was a camper for six years, on staff for two, and she is beyond excited to be taking on a bigger role within camp this summer. Nicole is from Calabasas, CA and is graduating from the University of Michigan in April 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. In between summers at camp, she is super passionate about pediatric oncology nursing and hopes to pursue a career in that direction. Nicole is so looking forward to taking on the Head Girls role, helping campers and staff towards an unforgettable summer at her favorite place!
Lily is beyond excited to return to Skylake for her 9th summer, having been a camper and counselor. This will be Lily's first year on the Leadership Team. She is currently a student at Oberlin College and will graduate in 2024 with a BA in English and Politics. Lily aims to use her passion for activities and programming to create a fun, safe, and magical summer of Activities at Skylake!
Jack is so excited to spend his 11th year at Skylake! Jack was a camper for nine years, on staff for two, and is now thrilled to be working as the Special Programs Coordinator. Jack is from Boulder, Colorado, and spent his childhood enjoying hiking, running, music, and the great outdoors. Jack will be graduating from the American University with a degree in International Service with a focus on identity, race, gender and culture and justice, ethics and human rights, with a minor in Business and Entertainment. Jack is thrilled to create an incredible and meaningful summer program for our Campers in Leadership Training (CILTS) and to add to the overall magic of Skylake.
Maddie joined Skylake in 2011 as a camper, and is thrilled to be returning for her tenth summer, and third year on staff. Maddie is coming back a recent graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Human Development & Family Studies and Communications. This will be Maddie’s first year in the office, and she is eager to take on this new role and experience camp through yet a new lens! In her spare time, Maddie assists at a preschool, and enjoys hiking, yoga, and seeking out adventure. Maddie is excited to start her newest adventure this upcoming summer, and is looking forward to another summer at Skylake!