The Team


Meet Laura - Founder
I’ve worked in childcare since the age of 14, (many years haha) and caring for children has always been more than a job for me. Over the years, I’ve gained hands-on experience as a gymnastics coach, nursery worker, private nanny, and summer camp counselor. I also spent three unforgettable summers at an incredible summer camp in upstate New York, where I was responsible for a group of twelve 6-year-olds throughout the full summer season.
My passion lies in giving children the freedom to explore, grow, and have fun outdoors. I love watching their confidence build as they try new activities, form friendships, and discover what they’re capable of away from screens and everyday routines.
As a parent to three children myself.
I understand firsthand what families want for their children: a safe, nurturing environment where kids can learn, explore, and be fully present without technology. I value the importance of balance, independence, and meaningful experiences that children carry with them long after camp ends.
One of the most rewarding parts of camp life for me is seeing children arrive unsure of what the week will bring, then leave with full hearts, new friendships from around the world, and already talking about coming back next summer. Watching returning campers grow year after year and welcoming new ones into the community is exactly why I do what I do.
Creating a place where children feel happy, supported, and excited to return is not just my goal ,it’s what truly matters to me.

Meet Max (Camp Chef) & the rest of the family
Max and Laura met nearly 15 years ago in the French Alps, brought together by their shared love of the mountains and outdoor life. Max is originally from Sappada, Italy, and is the proud owner of the family-run Rifugio Piani del Cristo, a mountain refuge built by his parents over 50 years ago and still at the heart of the family today.
Max works alongside Laura to run Camp Marmot and is a huge part of daily camp life. Together with their three children Giorgio (10), Matilda (8), and Isabelle (5). Camp Marmot truly is a family affair. The children are fully bilingual and are often around each week, helping campers make friends and supporting both languages naturally and playfully.
All three children were quite literally born into Camp Marmot, growing up surrounded by the camp community, and they can’t wait to meet both new and returning campers each week.
This exceptional family-run camp is supported by generations: Grandad lends a hand with woodwork and caring for the fields, while Max assists with camp activities and helps design the menus for campers. With over 50 years of family heritage and 10 years of a family-run camp, Camp Marmot offers something truly special ,warmth, tradition, and a genuine home-from-home in the mountains.
Camp Staff Members
Welcome the 2026 Camp Marmot Family!

Staff Member 2025&2026
Tiana Welikela
My name is Tiana Welikela. Last summer (2025), I had the amazing opportunity to work in Sappada and Sacile, Italy. It was an unforgettable experience where I spent my time supporting and working with children, helping to create fun, safe, and engaging activities for them every day.
Working with the kids was truly magical. Their energy, curiosity, and excitement made every day special, and it was incredible to see their confidence grow as they tried new activities, made friends, and created lasting memories. Being part of their experience and sharing so many laughs, games, and moments together is something I will always be grateful for.
I’m so excited to be returning again this year and can’t wait to experience it all over again, create more memories, and spend time with the amazing kids and team.

Staff Member 2026
Niamh
Hi, I’m Niamh!
I’m so excited to be part of Camp Marmot this summer as Camp Activity Leader & Driver, supporting Laura with everything behind the scenes.
I’ll be based in Sappada, but you might see me pop into Sacile at the start of the summer to help with prep!
I currently work as a nanny in Val d’Isère alongside Laura and have over 12 years of experience working with children across clubs, nurseries, and schools.
I can’t wait for a summer full of fun, laughter, and amazing memories!

Staff member 2019&2026
Kayleigh
My experience with Camp Marmot has been nothing short of life-changing. I’ve had the privilege of working across both locations in Sappada and Sacile, first completing the full summer season in Sappada in 2019, and then returning in 2025 for a special three-week trip with my daughter, supporting both camps.
From the very beginning, I fell in love with the structure, energy, and thoughtfully designed experiences that Camp Marmot offers. As someone who truly believes in the power of the outdoors and in letting kids simply be kids, this role felt perfectly aligned with who I am. Having worked in many different childcare settings over the years, I can honestly say this was one of my favourite jobs. There is something incredibly special about spending your days outside, exploring, adventuring, and watching children grow in confidence and creativity.
The activities are unforgettable — exciting, varied, and full of adventure. Canoeing has to be my personal favourite (I’m a huge fan of anything involving water!), but every day brings new opportunities for fun, teamwork, and discovery.
What makes Camp Marmot truly unique is that it’s not just about caring for children — it’s about learning from them. It’s about encouraging imagination, embracing curiosity, and creating magical memories together. The children’s creativity and spirit are inspiring, and being part of that environment is incredibly rewarding.
The memories I’ve made during my time in Italy with Camp Marmot will stay with me for life. Returning with my daughter made it even more meaningful, allowing us both to share in the adventure and magic of camp life. Laura and the whole family make you feel so welcomed to the camp and the people you work with become friends for life.
This summer, we’re hoping to return once again at the start of the season — ready to dive back in, reconnect, and create even more unforgettable moments for ourselves and for the amazing children who attend Camp Marmot. We truly cannot wait to get stuck back in.

Staff member 2026
Charlotte
Hi im Charlotte!
I can’t wait to be part of camp marmot staff this summer creating core memories and building unforgettable friendships . I’m currently attending Middlesbrough college in England and have 2 years experience in working In nursery’s studying early years education at a T level .
This summer I plan to inspire the younger generation as well as grow and learn together.
I’m passionate about nature and working with children to influence their future and open doors to opportunities for success and happiness.In my free time I love to read and go paddle boarding.
During the summer I hope to expand my leadership skills as well as working together with campers to make the summer their summer.
Camp marmot 2026 here I come !!!

Staff member 2026
Libby
My name is Libby Harker and I’m one of the new staff members joining camp Marmot this summer. I’m 17 years old and currently studying childcare T-level 3 at Middlesbrough college. I am excited to join the camp Marmot team, creat memories and have an unforgettable summer.
In my free time, I love to be creative and be out in nature, I enjoy riding my bike, running and hiking. I am always open to trying new things so I am excited to join camp Marmot and have an amazing summer full of new experiences.
I am passionate about travelling, working with children and creating unforgettable memories, so I am looking forward to this amazing summer filled with things I love. During my time at camp I hope to build strong connections with both camp Marmot staff and the campers. I hope to create a safe and amazing environment which will support the campers to create their own memorable experiences.

Staff member 2026
Alexis Cherry
Hi, My name is Alexis Cherry and I’m one of the new staff members joining Camp Marmot this summer. I’ve attached a few photos as I wasn’t sure what would be best. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know. Here’s some information about me:
I’m 19 years old and currently studying Primary Education at Leeds Beckett University to become a teacher.
In my free time, I love watching my local football club, Middlesbrough, play each week, and I enjoy staying active through running and going to the gym. Last summer, I worked at a camp in America, which I absolutely loved, so I’m really excited to be returning to camp life in a new environment.
I’m passionate about travelling, exploring the beauty of nature, and working with children, so this is my idea of the perfect summer. During my time at camp, I hope to build strong connections with the campers while helping to create a fun, safe, and character-building environment where they can grow and make lasting memories.
I can’t wait to join the Camp Marmot team, meet everyone, and have an unforgettable summer!
