Director - Camp Development & Planning (CampDev)

Zayanne “Zay” Thompson’s job as a camp naturalist in college sparked a career in YMCA overnight camping that spanned more than 30 years –– and in some respects she never left. She joined Gro to continue supporting YMCA camp projects focused on site master planning, land use, inclusive design, and facility management. 

With more than 230 overnight camps and conference centers in the Y movement, Zay works on projects to address the diverse and changing needs of our population through functional spaces, sustainable services, and intentional aesthetics. “Camps have different challenges than member centers” she says. “I understand camp facilities, camp operations and culture, have grown camp programming, managed camp capital projects – and know that nothing gets done at a camp without a team of support. That includes staff, camp leadership, the board, and the association.”

Zay earned degrees in Environmental Biology (BA, UC Santa Barbara), Education (MA, San Diego State University), and a Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential (California). She worked as a naturalist, Program Director, and Department Head, eventually retiring as the exec at YMCA Camp Surf in San Diego.

Among her driving objectives are the overall camp look and experience. “I work with the facility team, program/staff team, and volunteers to shape the look and function of the camp,” she says. Against a harsh oceanfront environment, she led capital projects that replaced aging cabins, built a new dining hall, and directed contractors and subcontractors to achieve quality, comfort, aesthetics, and longevity of service. Zay supports the Gro team on camp projects (overnight, day, and conference centers), and has served as the project manager for several Cohorts with Y-USA, serving over 50 camps to date.

“I am exceptionally proud of our team at Gro,” says Thompson. “They are all so incredibly talented and passionate about the Y. They don’t work with clients and buildings: they have relationships and use their talent to build and support health and community. That is what I love about Gro!”

Zay is passionate about environmental stewardship and is a vegetarian, gardener, composter, quilter, community volunteer, and swims at her local Y. She has won YMCA, statewide and national awards for her work and writing.

Zay is a Rotarian, ACA volunteer, and served on the California Association for Environmental & Outdoor Education board for 13 years. Additionally, her husband Mark has spent much of his own career in local and regional Y leadership. Their son is an environmental scientist.