Black River counselors and instructors are competent, well-qualified women, 18 years of age and older, who view campers as peers and friends. Many of the counselors are former Black River campers and there are usually some international staff members as well. The camp director is assisted by the program manager, who oversees the riding, activity, waterfront, and barn management programs.
Lois Donovan -
Black River Farm and Ranch is Mrs. D's lifelong dream. Along with her husband Mr. D (who passed away in 2000), she has
held every position that the ranch offers. Mrs. D's love of children and horses has kept her active in the day to day operations
of the ranch since 1962.
Mike Ciferri -
Originally from Millbrook, NY. BR's Executive Director Mr. C is a 1971 graduate of the United States Military Academy at
West Point. He has been an active part of the BR since 1977. He owns and operates Donovan Enterprises, Inc. and puts his
vast business experience to use at the BR.
Renee Ciferri -
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D, Renee has grown up at the BR. She is a 1973 graduate of the University of North Carolina at
Pembroke with a degree in home economics education. The mother of four has spent her summers at the BR and is proud that
her daughters are joining the family in running the ranch.
Pam Todd - Has
lived in Croswell, MI most of her life. Our Business Manager has been married for 31 years and is the mother of two, one
of who is a long time BR girl. She has been at the BR since 1989.
Tara Bricker -
Originally from Ithaca, NY. BR's Equine Manager is a graduate of Cornell University. During the school year she manages
an after school program. She has been at the BR since 1974. She has been a camper, CIT, AC, counselor, and director. She
lives in Ithica with her dog and horses.
Danielle Meira -
The Staff Manger is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Degree in Recreation Programming. During the winter she resides in Palm City, Florida with her husband Hank and son's Troy, Jake, and Luke.
Katy Scott -
Our Camper Parent Liaison is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a BS in Business Administration. She was a camper for 11 years, and has been on staff since 1998. She has grown up at the BR and now resides in Palm City, Florida with her husband Brian and son's Davis & Bennett.
Jessica Ciferri -
BR's Activity Director is a graduate of the College of Charleston with a BS in Business Administration. She was a camper for 12 years, and has been on staff since 1995. She has grown up at the BR and now resides in Palm City, Florida where she teaches Middle School Social Studies.
Gina Ciferri -
Our Office Assistant is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University. She has been a part of the BR since 1999. She now resides in Palm City, Florida with her husband Michael, son Michael, and dog Stuart.