Owners and Directors

Mom and Pop Walton founded Walton’s Grizzly Lodge in 1926.
Today, the fourth and fifth generations are proud to continue the 100 year tradition.

ADAM AND JULIE WALTON WITH THEIR DAUGHTERS, GEORGIA AND ELLA in tropical wear

Adam and Julie Walton

Camp Owners

Adam and Julie met at camp and were married in 1991. Their daughters, Ella and Georgia, grew up spending their summers at Walton’s, just like their father. Adam holds a bachelors degree and teaching credential and is a former special education teacher and current high school basketball coach. Julie earned her bachelors degree in business, did her graduate work in education and taught elementary school for ten years.  She is an avid photographer. Adam loves disc golf and drumming. Together they enjoy traveling in their van.

Jared and Erica Stein with their children, Greta, Abby and Charlie

Jared and Erica Stein

Camp Owners

Jared and Erica met at Walton’s Grizzly Lodge and were married in 2000. They have three children, Abby, Charlie and Greta. Jared spent his childhood at camp. He graduated with a degree in Recreation Administration from CSU, Chico and has an extensive background in ropes course building and facilitation. Erica has worked at Walton’s since 1994. She holds a bachelors degree in nursing from CSU, Chico and works as a Registered Nurse. Together they enjoy live music and outdoor recreation in their hometown of Truckee.

Paul Dolfini

Paul Dolfini

Camp Director

Paul began working at Walton’s during the summer of 2014 and became part of our year round staff in 2019. He graduated with a degree in Exercise Physiology from CSU, Chico and has a background in rock climbing, ropes courses and backpacking. He is also the Director of our Outdoor Adventure Program. Paul married Riley Grim, whose parents met at camp when they were counselors. Riley was a camper and staff member at Walton’s for many summers. Paul and Riley welcomed their son, Quincy, days before camp in 2023.

Ella Walton

Ella Walton

Camp Director

Ella grew up in camp and began working at Walton’s in 2015. She joined our year round staff in 2022. Ella graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine with a degree in Government and Global Studies. After graduating, she worked on a California Congressional campaign. Ella lives in Truckee with her partner, Tony, who manages our camp kitchen. They spend much of the off season biking, climbing, skiing, snowboarding and playing fetch with their dog, Clover.

Mara McDonough

Mara McDonough

Assistant Director

Mara began working at Walton’s during the summer of 2018 and joined our year round staff in 2022. She graduated from Colby College with a degree in Environmental Science. She has a passion for sustainability and previously worked at a solar energy company with a focus on sustainability and communication. In her free time, Mara enjoys ultimate frisbee, crafts, hiking, and reading.

Brandon Kuligowski headshot

Brandon Kuligowski

Assistant Director

Brandon began as a counselor in 2018 and went on to become our dazzling Special Events Director. He is now our Program Director and Assistant Director. Brandon graduated from the University of Delaware in 2020 with a degree in Biology. Since graduating, he has worked in environmental and outdoor education programs across Washington and California. Brandon lives in Olympia, Washington during the off season, where he enjoys numerous outdoor activities.

Georgia Walton headshot

Georgia Walton

Assistant Director

Georgia grew up in camp and has worked as a dishwasher, cook, counselor and Director of our Leadership Program. She is now an Assistant Director and member of our Leadership Team. Georgia will graduate with her Masters in Social Work and supports students from kindergarten through high school in the off season and all campers in the summer. She lives with her fiance, Myles, and their kitty, Matcha. They love to spend their free time snowboarding and skiing.

In 1943, Mom and Pop Walton were on a deer hunting trip when Mom Walton came over the hill, saw the lake, and turned to Pop Walton and said, “We’re going to buy this for the camp.”

My brother Jared and I grew up here at camp, and I’ve met many of my closest friends here, including my wife, Julie. Together, we’ve raised our two daughters here.

Because of our family history and our experience, my brother and I both understand where camp has come from and what camp is today. We want to preserve the same feeling we had as campers.

We’ve also had the chance to raise our children here every summer, and the memories they’ll have will be a lot like mine, which I think is wonderful.

A lot has changed on the property over the years—more lodges, more flowers, more activities, and more—but the central structure has remained the same. The philosophy behind that structure is giving kids the freedom to choose what they want to do.

Grandpa Joe came up with that system years ago, and it still works incredibly well today. By allowing campers to make their own choices, we believe camp becomes a more meaningful and well-rounded experience.

You can tell that Adam, Julie, Jared, and Erica truly care—about you, about the kids, and about making this camp the best it can possibly be. It’s not just a business to them. It’s their family.

Their love for camp shines through in every detail.

What I love most is how they interact with the campers. They just make everything awesome.

There’s something really special about tradition—that connection we all share.

We are incredibly fortunate to be in such a beautiful setting, but what really makes camp is the people: the friendships, the relationships the kids build, the bonds our staff create, and the way new campers quickly become part of the camp family.