Jimmy Bongino

Counselor, Group Leader, Co-supervisor of the waiters, Camp Director



Jimmy came to Tyler Hill Camp in 1965 and his great service lasted for over 25 year. He started out as a bunk counselor, where he was a Color War general. Jimmy was a terrific Group Leader of the Sub Seniors, where he was well regarded by his counselors and his campers. For many years, he was a partner with Shelly Schneider in running the waiters, where he provided the perfect balance, with their two distinct styles. Jimmy was restrained, but strong, as he always commanded respect and rarely lost his cool. By the time Jimmy was working with the waiters, he often showed up to the waiter bunk holding his baby son Michael, as he was a very devoted dad. He was also well known as a great and very loud umpire behind the plate, especially during the key Color War games.

In one of the more famous of the many Tyler Hill romances leading to marriage, Jimmy married Marian Heft. They had two children (Michael & Sharon) who were lifetime campers, like their mother.

As time went on, Bill came to count on Jimmy a great deal. Jimmy became involved in all facets of Tyler Hill Camp. During the Color War breakouts, he was often directly involved and was usually among those passing out the pamphlets to the kids. He and Marian spent many years in the office in Wayne Hall, helping to run the business of camp. Bill designated Jimmy as the Assistant Director of Tyler Hill Camp, where he and Marian quietly helped maintain Tyler Hill's reputation as a topnotch camp. Jimmy was a good friend with many of the staff, and while he did not have the high profile that some of these other key staffers had, he was the glue that held them together.

In keeping with the rich tradition and heritage of his family, Jimmy's son, Michael is now the Boys' Head Counselor at Camp Pontiac. Jimmy loved Tyler Hill Camp, was a part of its legendary success, and along with Marian, Michael and Sharon, was right in the heart of the Tyler Hill Camp Family for over twenty five years.

Video Clip: Jimmy's tribute to Bill