Co-Director and Lead Art Teacher

Hello, my name is Debi Buxton, and I am one of the co-founders and lead camp counselors here at our camps. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters, they have been a huge part of my career and life journey. Spending time with them—especially enjoying the outdoors together—is one of my greatest joys.

I grew up here in the beautiful state of Maine, and later studied art education at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA. It was there that my passion for creativity and teaching truly blossomed. After graduating, I ventured to New Orleans, LA, where I opened my first business, a juggling company. I not only manufactured and retailed juggling equipment but also taught the art of juggling to children and adults of all ages. This experience introduced me to schools, summer camps, and various children’s art programs, which ignited my deep passion for working with kids and fostering their creativity.

For over 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching the arts to children. Eight years ago, I took a leap and opened Let’s Create, Children’s Creative Arts Studio, in North Yarmouth, Maine. Our after-school arts program and summer arts camp provide children with a space to explore their creative potential, develop new skills, and, most importantly, have fun in an encouraging and supportive environment.

I believe that every child has the ability to express themselves artistically, and I am so lucky to be able to help guide them on that journey. My experience as a mom, educator, and business owner has taught me the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces for children to discover their passions, and I’m proud to be part of a team that offers that experience every day.

Co-Director and Fieldtrip Coordinator

Hi, I’m Julene Gervais and I am so fortunate to be part of this amazing opportunity for kids to learn, make lasting friendships, and have so much fun!

I live in North Yarmouth, Maine with my husband George and three kids — Jack, Patrick, and Julia. I grew up in Woburn, Massachusetts and graduated from Boston College with a major in English. Early in my career, I taught students from K–12 in Arlington, MA while earning my master's in Communications/Broadcast Journalism at Emerson College.

I spent over 10 years teaching figure skating through the United States Figure Skating Program in both Massachusetts and Maine, helping kids build skills, confidence, and resilience.

My love for the outdoors brought me to Maine to work as a TV reporter and anchor for WAGM-TV, NEWSCENTER Maine NBC, and WGME CBS 13. Today, I produce and host Greenlight Maine/College Edition, where I work with Maine college students who are creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and future changemakers.

All of these experiences led me to Eco-Explorer Camp — combining my love for education, the outdoors, and empowering young people. I’m proud to be part of the team and excited to help create a fun, positive, and inspiring experience that kids will remember for a lifetime!

Lead Science Teacher

Hello, my name is Ericka Poppell, I live in Cumberland, Maine with my 3 wonderful children and Fiance. I have 2 school-aged boys and a new baby girl. I absolutely love spending time with all of them, they keep me very active!
I am delighted to be working with your children this summer at the Eco-Explorer camps at both The University of New England, Biddeford Campus and the Thomas College Campus in Waterville. I am very excited to be working with my good friends Debi & Julene to create these wonderfully active and engaging earth conscious fun and educational camps for kids. I love teaching and igniting the spark of curiosity and wonder in children through the sciences, and I look forward to meeting you all!
I was raised in both Maine and Virginia. I pursued my undergraduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University where I obtained a Bachelor Degree in Biology and Global Studies. Subsequently, I attended the University of Richmond for Graduate school, earning a Master’s of Science in Biology. My research during this period concentrated on coral reef ecology in the Florida Keys. From there, I participated in environmental research and ecology studies in Bermuda. I truly enjoyed my experiences in both places. Following my graduate studies, I relocated to Oahu, Hawaii where I began teaching at Hawaii Pacific University.
This experience in Hawaii provided me with a wealth of educational and research opportunities for students. After 2 years in Hawaii, I moved back to Maine and have been actively teaching the sciences to students of all ages at various academic institutions including Bates College, the University of Southern Maine, and the University of New England. I have been teaching the sciences for over 15 years now. I am currently teaching Biological and Environmental Sciences at both York County Community College and Bates College.

Overnight Counselor & Supervisor of Fun

Hi! I am Payton Hatch, an overnight counselor who will be chaperoning and supervising your children for some of their nights here. By day, I am a counselor at Let’s Create summer camp, where I have worked for the past few years helping lead the aftercare and summer program. Summer camp is my favorite part of the year! I have so much fun taking the children on adventures and creating lifelong memories. I am originally from North Yarmouth Maine, and now live in Portland Maine. I just earned my Bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Southern Maine which I am so excited about! Outside of working with children, I enjoy the beach, the outdoors, being active, and spending time with my friends and family. With over four years of experience working with children, I’m passionate about creating positive, lasting impacts in their lives. I look forward to meeting your children and sharing this inspiring experience with them! After dinner, there will be time for campers to unwind and debrief the day’s adventures. They’ll have the chance to share their favorite moments and highlights. In the evenings, campers can enjoy a variety of fun activities like camp games, storytelling, making s’mores, creating friendship bracelets, singing songs, and writing postcards home. As one of the overnight counselors, I’ll be available throughout the night to help and ensure everyone is comfortable and safe.