By Matt Mackinder
Clarkston News Editor

When Aimee Baker stepped down as Clarkston SCAMP’s executive director earlier this summer after more than six years at the helm she said “it is time again for a new perspective.”
Late last month, Amy Darnell was named as the organization’s new executive director.
“The interview process for executive director was pretty standard,” Darnell said. “I had two interviews with a selection board that included several SCAMP board members, the current executive director (Baker), and the administrative assistant. I feel incredibly lucky that they chose me as the next executive director.
“When I saw the eblast announcing this position, I immediately felt it was custom-made for me. They were looking for an organized individual with fundraising and budgeting experience to continue the strong foundation and work of SCAMP.”
Clarkston SCAMP is a five-week summer day program developed and designed for children and young adults with special needs covering a wide variety of both emotional and physical diagnoses.
Darnell said she understands all that Baker accomplished in her tenure, and is ready to keep building.
“Aimee Baker has left extremely large shoes to fill,” said Darnell. “I hope to continue and build upon the strong relationships and presence she has created for SCAMP in the community. Living in Clarkston, I have always been aware of SCAMP. I have friends and family who have worked for the camp. I also know several people who have sent their children to the camp and loved the opportunity it gave their SCAMPers.”
With SCAMP approaching, Darnell is hitting the ground running.
“The last half of the year is a busy one for us,” said Darnell. “Camp ends the first week of August and we have two big fundraising events coming up – our golf outing on Sept. 8 and Jingle Mingle on Nov. 4. In addition, several grant applications are due by the end of the year. I am so thankful for our grant writer, Robin Maloney. My focus for the next few months is to continue absorbing as much information as possible and to make these events as successful as previous years.”
Away from work, Darnell and her husband Chad have lived in Clarkston for 19 years. The couple has two children, Lindsey, a 2023 graduate of Clarkston High School who will attend the University of Michigan this fall, and Luke, a junior at Clarkston who plays lacrosse.
Darnell earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan and her master’s from Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to having children, she ran a national for-profit education company before choosing to be a stay-at-home mom for many years.
Overall, Darnell is elated to start right away with SCAMP.
“I am excited to take on this new role,” Darnell said. “I have been very involved throughout our time in Clarkston through PTO, sports teams, and other committees for the district. I am anxious to turn my attention to such an amazing organization and have the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people.”