Longtime Silver Laker Morgan Aery Hired as Retreat and Business Manager

Morgan Aery, who has been involved at the Silver Lake Camp and Retreat Center as both camper and counselor, has been hired as the new Retreat and Business Manager.

A lifetime member of the United Church of Christ, Morgan was baptised at North Guilford Congregational Church, attended Sunday School and was later confirmed at First Church of Guilford. In high school, Morgan was an active member of Pilgrim Fellowship, and as an adult has returned as a chaperone. Morgan began attending Silver Lake as a camper as soon as she was old enough, and returned each summer through Pioneer in 2003. Morgan then counseled in 2004 and 2005, before working on the Adventure Team in 2006 and as the "Nature Lady" in 2007.

The experience of attending and working at camp inspired Morgan to study Recreation & Leisure Studies at Southern Connecticut State University to fulfill her dream of a career in camping. From 2011 through 2019, Morgan served as a Director of Christian Education & Youth Groups, first with North Madison Congregational Church, and then at First Church Congregational, Woodbridge. In addition, Morgan served as the Recreation Program Supervisor for the City of New Haven from 2016 through 2018. For the past four years, Morgan has been a licensed Personal Lines Insurance Agent, and an Airbnb Superhost.

"Silver Lake has lived in my heart since 1996, and I'm excited for the opportunity to now live at Silver Lake while serving as the Retreat and Finance Manager," Morgan Aery said. "Silver Lake creates and sustains communities of caring individuals, and I look forward to serving in a position that can actively encourage both the development of new communities and facilitate opportunities for its deep-rooted existing community to gather." 

Morgan Aery began in her new role on Saturday, April 15. She is responsible for booking and managing retreat reservations, hospitality, and operations for groups of all ages year-round, and is responsible for the financial operations at Silver Lake including managing and tracking the annual budget, and cost analysis of revenue streams, events, and operational costs.

"I am so thrilled to see Morgan continue her love of Silver Lake Camp and Retreat Center as our new Retreat and Business Manager. Her background in marketing and hospitality, paired with her academic work in Recreation Studies and Business Administration, round out an array of gifts she brings to us here at Silver Lake that makes for some very bright days ahead for all of us in the SNEUCC," said Rev. David Camphouse, Director of Outdoor Ministries for Silver Lake.

Added Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, Executive Minister for Programs and Initiatives: "Morgan and I have worked together at Silver Lake Camp and Retreat Center before, and there is no question that she loves camp dearly! She is clearly called to this work and I am excited to witness her leadership in Business and Retreats,"

Morgan and her Treeing Walker Coonhound are looking forward to making Silver Lake Camp and Retreat Center their home. Morgan's three siblings all attended Silver Lake while growing up, and her sister Holly worked at camp many summers as well. She looks forward to one day seeing her nieces and nephew attend camp.