Staff

Julia Temple

Director

An experienced educator and naturalist, Julia has taught math and science in both private and public schools, held leadership positions at several summer camps and continues to do conservation and citizen science work through the Virginia Master Naturalist program. Julia holds a bachelor’s degree in math education and after teaching environmental education for several years, went on to earn a master’s degree in environmental science. Julia and her husband, Greg, have made their home in Winchester, VA and she joined BCWS in 2022. If there’s not work to be done at the Cove, Julia is likely writing a letter, cooking lentils, walking to the library, or creating something from her vast collection of fabric and yarn.

Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies Julia Temple
Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies Allie Sorlie

Allie Sorlie

Co-Associate Director/Lead Educator

After earning a degree in Elementary Education, Allie accepted an AmeriCorps position at the Alabama Museum of Natural History in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where she quickly learned that she wanted to work in environmental and science education. She later became the Education Outreach Coordinator at the museum where she built science-based education programs and curriculum, ran outdoor education trips like canoeing and fossil hunting, and eventually was the Camp Director for an in-residence, hands-on, environmental and science education camp. Allie later earned a dual master’s degree in Elementary School Curriculum and Instruction and Biological Sciences, and served on the board of the Environmental Education Association of Alabama. In 2022, she found her way to Burgundy Farm Country Day School, where she taught Lower School Science. She joined BCWS in summer 2023 and is very excited to be a part of the Cove community!

David Rodriguez

Co-Associate Director/Lead Educator

David (affectionately known as D-Rod) is a seasoned environmental educator, who spent his first summer at BCWS in 1999.  Having guided a wide variety of students from Massachusetts to Oregon, he works to tap into kids’ natural joy and wonder and fosters connection with the natural world by encouraging students to pursue their own curiosity wherever it leads them. All children have a right to be outdoors, and he sees environmental education as an important tool for environmental justice. He is never far from his overalls and would really like to hear about the bug you saw on your walk.

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Greg Szewczyk

Greg Szewczyk

Facilities Caretaker & Kitchen Manager

After many years of leading environmental education programming in New England, Greg transitioned back into classroom teaching for several years. He’s taught elementary school in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and worked for several Scouts camps in New York state; though nowadays he’s typically felling trees, planning menus, patching roofs, or supporting programming in a dozen other ways. While at the Cove, Greg misses having a basketball court nearby, but still pursues his interests in music, disc golf, and ultimate frisbee.

Seasonal Staff

The camp is staffed by high school and college students, many of whom were once BCWS campers and are knowledgeable in specific areas of the natural world. Our staff bring their education, experience, energy, creativity and sense of humor to each moment. All are certified in CPR and either Basic or Wilderness First Aid. Workshop and hikes include about 8 campers and 2 staff members. Backpacking trips typically include 7 campers and at least 3 staff.

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Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies David Rodriguez

In Memory

Longtime Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies Director Vini Schoene passed away on November 30, 2020 after a brief illness. Vini was the Director of the Burgundy Center for Wildlife Studies for 37 years after having been a camper and counselor in the late 60s. She shared her love of the outdoors and the environment with thousands of campers and school students. We are dedicated to honoring her legacy by living out the lessons she taught us and preserving the program and place that were so dear to her heart.