CO-FOUNDER & CEO

Philippa has over 30 years of experience establishing new functions and businesses. She was a C-level banking executive before founding Camp Chateau and has an extensive global network of professional women. Philippa has a close connection with the Quercy region having visited her parent’s family home there every summer for the past 15 years.

CO-FOUNDER

Lynda has 10 years experience in curating meaningful and memorable corporate events and weddings. She is an avid cruiser with 30 years experience in participating in cruise entertainment activities and curriculum.

CO-FOUNDER

Leah has 10 years experience in pedagogy, school operations, and curriculum design. In 2018 she became a founder of an EdTech startup based in New Orleans, Louisiana and has extensive experience in business startup and user experience design.

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CAMP DIRECTOR

Tegwen was born in the United States and spent many wonderful summers at summer camp in Pennsylvania, first as a camper and then as a camp counselor and camper’s advocate. They are a photographer, artist, and entrepreneur living in Berlin for the last 7 years. Tegwen lives on-site at Camp Château every summer during the camp season. Tegwen loves logistical puzzles and their goal is to facilitate
a flow that allows campers to have an authentic and restorative stay.

Fluent: English
Conversational: German
Basic: ASL

(she/her)

ASSISTANT CAMP DIRECTOR

Originally from Mexico, Angie has explored Europe since 2014, immersing herself in diverse cultures through volunteer work, academics, and employment. Embracing "multipotentialism," she values diverse skills and empathy. With experience overseeing small businesses and leading projects in Mexico's regenerative tourism, Angie brings extensive management expertise as Assistant Camp Director, enriching the camper experience.

Fluent: Spanish, English
Conversational: French

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HEAD COUNSELOR
Yoga, Wellness, and Nature

Hello, I am Manon, I will be teaching yoga and leading electives in outdoor & wellness at Camp Château! My aim is to bring creativity and imagination into your everyday life by connecting with the things I love the most: people, nature, movement & creativity.

Fluent: French and English
Conversational: Spanish and Portuguese

(she/her)

COUNSELOR & RA
Art, Games, and Resident Assistant

Bonjour! I'm Valerie and am thrilled for this summer! Originally from Miami, Florida, I'm the proud daughter of immigrant parents—my mom from Colombia and my dad from France. With degrees in Economics and French, I spent three years as a Resident Assistant, loving every moment. Now, to have a similar role in France? In a 13th-century château? My life is complete. I cannot wait to meet everyone and release our inner child together.

Fluent: English, Spanish, French

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PROPERTY MANAGER

Steve and Di have moved into La Ferme, which is the house that sits at the top of the property, right next to the Chemin St. Jacques hiking trail. Steve is a skilled builder and roofer and will be helping to maintain and improve the property over the coming months and years.

Fluent: English

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HEAD CHEF

Jérémy sources locally grown products from the Lot region and surrounding areas. He enjoys the Spanish and Mediterranean culinary influences in Southern France, providing us with light, colorful, and flavorful twists on savory classics. He is more than happy to prepare custom dishes to accommodate your dietary needs.

Fluent: French, Spanish, and English

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SOUS-CHEF

Six's culinary journey began in Italian and French kitchens in Berlin, where they swiftly transitioned from a prep-chef to mastering the grill in less than a year. Moving from traditional kitchens, Six now focuses on crafting creative and affordable dishes in communal spaces for LGBTQIA+ Berliners. Passionate about the transformative power of eating together, Six believes that food can foster a sense of community unlike any other.

Fluent: English, German
Basic: French

(she/her)

GROUNDSKEEPER & COUNSELOR 2023/2024
Gardening and Antique Specialist

My name is Emily. I come from Cornwall in the UK. I have been living in France for the past 15 years and live locally to the Château. I am a mum of three. I am passionate about permaculture, vegetable gardening, and antiques. I love to spend my time cooking the produce from my vegetable garden and love making jam! I have plenty of animals too (chickens, ducks, cats, a dog, and 2 draft horses)! I look forward to meeting everyone soon.

Fluent: English, French

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GARDENING ROSES & PERFORMANCE

Hi there, I'm Ruth, one of the gardeners at the Château. Originally from the U.K., I relocated to France in 2016. Gardening is my absolute passion; to me, a garden is a dynamic canvas, alive with color and form, offering endless creative possibilities. Horses have also been a lifelong love—I've been riding since I was three and now care for two horses. And let's not forget music—I adore entertaining! I'm eagerly anticipating the summer ahead and can't wait to meet everyone.

Fluent: English, French

(she/her)

COUNSELOR 2024
Flowers and Art

Hello, my name is Kilda and I'm from Bath, UK now living in Figeac (15 mins from camp) since 2021.

I am an artist, florist, and flower grower. I am passionate about the positive power of nature and creativity on our well-being.

This summer, I'll share this passion through arts and floral workshops that will enable campers to tap into their creativity and foster a connection with nature.

Fluent: French, English

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WINE INSTRUCTORS

Marcus and Suzan Paddon have lived in the southwest of France for 20 years. They worked in the restaurant trade and managed the wine cellar of a local restaurant for several years before starting their wine company, Les Caves GV. Passionate about the French terroir, they are dedicated wine enthusiasts!

Fluent: English
Conversational: French

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MASSAGE THERAPIST

Hi everyone! I'm Lucie, a Parisian massage therapist now based in the lovely town of Figeac. My passion for bodywork drives me to continuously improve as a practitioner. I was fortunate enough to train in Thailand and to learn from a master of traditional Thai massage. Before bodywork, I worked in the art world in Glasgow, Scotland. As a therapist, I incorporate my creative background into my practice. Combining different techniques and approaches, I create unique sessions tailored to meet each client's needs. I am grateful for the opportunity to be your massage therapist this summer and I look forward to meeting you all!

Fluent: French, English