Charles "Chick" Tayer

Boys' Head Counselor



After the 1978 season, Irv Goldstein told Bill Heft that he would not be returning for a seventh year as the Boys' Head Counselor. Bill was left with the difficult task of finding a new chief for the Boys' side. On Shelly Schneider's recommendation, Bill hired Chick for the 1979 season. It was a great opportunity for him, as Chick was coming to the best camp in the business, along with some of the best counselors and Group Leaders around.

Video Clip: Extra! Extra! Chick helps pass out the 1988 CW papers

While Sy Sundick continued to take the lead on events that involved both sides, Chick and Sy worked well together, as they got along very well. Chick quickly established himself as strong leader on the Boys' side. He was respected by his staff and the kids loved him. He helped to maintain the standard of excellence that everyone had come to expect from Tyler Hill Camp, as he benefited greatly from his experienced staff. He served as Head Counselor for ten years, which was longer than any of his predecessors. Before Chick's tenure, Gabe Smith, Eddie Michael and Irv Goldstein had each worked six summers at Tyler Hill Camp.

Chick really enjoyed his time at Tyler Hill Camp, and when he decided to hang it up after the 1988 season, few could have imagined the changes that were coming over the next several years at Tyler Hill Camp. Several years after his retirement from camp, many of the alumni were saddened by Chick's sudden passing.

While many of the campers on the Boys' side will remember the special attention they got from Chick, most people will remember his friendly manner, his easygoing style, and that he was a genuinely nice man.