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CAMP STAFF
Joe DeBiso
Camp Director
joe@campmerz.org
Joe DeBiso brings a wealth of experience to Camp Merz, with 25 years in the Summer Camp program, and 17 as Camp Director. Joe came to Chautauqua County 36 years ago from Buffalo, where he attended Hutch Tech High School, Bryant & Stratton College and Medaille College. He is currently employed as the Technical Implementation Manager at Plantrol Systems in Westfield. Joe joined the Plantrol team in 1985.
Joe has a lifetime of Scouting - he was a member of Pack 406 and Troop 406 in Buffalo. In the mid 90’s he became a Den Leader, Cubmaster and is currently the COR for Troop and Pack 201 in Westfield.
Joe became involved with Camp Merz in the late 90’s helping with Cub Program. Later he held roles as the Day Camp Director, Cub Program Director and Boy Scout Program Director. In 2005 Joe took on the role of Camp Director and has been there since.
Camping is Joe’s passion both in and out of Scouting. During the summer when he is not at Camp Merz he is enjoying nature in his camper in Cassadaga with his wife Ellen and two dogs. Joe is a busy guy but still has time for his "Fun Job" - being a DJ and providing entertainment for weddings, schools, clubs and private parties.
Alex "Alli P" Peterson
Program Director
alex@campmerz.org
Hello! I am Alex Peterson, and I’ve served as Program Director for Camp Merz since 2017. My Scouting journey began with Pack 177 out of Celoron, NY. Years later, in 2006, I joined the Camp Merz staff as a counselor-in-training. I earned my Eagle Rank in 2010. During the off-season months I teach locally as a band director; Music and Scouting have been reliable constants my entire life.
It is a shared goal of ours here at Camp Merz to make available all of the opportunities and advantages the Boy Scouts of America has to offer. We extend this invitation not only to youth in the five counties comprising the Allegheny Highlands Council, but to any scout prepared to do their best and do their duty. I hope to see you this summer at Camp Merz!
