Joe and Maria DiMassa started Summerkids nearly 35 years ago, when they sought to create an atmosphere of warmth, creativity and fun for their own children’s summer experience. They are still the camp’s driving force.

At camp, they are known as “Cowboy Joe” and “Mamma Maria.”

Retired as professors at Pasadena City College, they are the parents of Giancarlo, an emergency room doctor, and Cara, who runs camp’s day-to-day operations.

They are also the grandparents of four current and future Summerkids (pictured above)!

Joe and Maria’s children, Cara and Giancarlo DiMassa, take an active role of making Summerkids work in the incredible way it does.  

Cara, a former writer and editor at the Los Angeles Times, is responsible for overseeing daily operations, activity scheduling, maintenance of this website and all of our publications.

Giancarlo oversees health and safety, the Summer Challenge, and is a zany addition to campfire.  Each summer, he rearranges his ER shifts so that he can be with us on a regular basis.

Their presence at camp means that most likely, you’ll be greeted by a group of DiMassas each morning at our front gate!

We are joined in the office by the fabulous Jaimi Harrison, our assistant director. She comes to camp with experience working both in the private sector and at an area public school for 12 years.

Jaimi and her husband, Chuck, are the parents of two college-age kids.

Jaimi will often be the friendly voice you hear on the phone at camp... so please say hello!