Founders

Harold Breene
Founder
The late Harold Breene was involved in camping his whole life! After a stint in the Army during World War II, he earned a Masters Degree in Camping Education from NYU. He was the Athletic Director of a local private school, and then a college professor of Recreation and Camp Administration. Harold was a proud Eagle Scout, and was a scoutmaster in Berkeley Heights for many years. He was also a stalwart member of the American Camp Association, serving as President of the New Jersey section and of the Association of Independent Camps. He worked to improve camp quality nationwide as a member of the national ACA Standards Board. Harold passed away in 2019 but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of campers and counselors.

Marianne Breene
Founder
The late Marianne Breene was the very first counselor for our preschool campers. For many years she was the director of the Summit Co-Op Nursery School. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education from Kean University when her own children were in college and high school. She was an avid bridge player and loved to read and go to the theater. She and Harold had 4 children and 10 grandchildren, who have been campers and then counselors. Marianne passed away in 2017 but her values continue to inspire how Camp Riverbend is run.
Directors & Staff

Roger Breene
Assistant Director

Jill Breene Cheng
Assistant Director

Paul Breene
Assistant Director

Robin Breene Hetrick
Waterfront Director

Miriam Peretsman Breene
Program Director

Katie Higgins
Clubhouse Division Head

Jenni Lawrence
B Division Head

Dave Muller
B Division Head

Mike Glackin
C Division Head

Brian Bigelow
D Division Head

Jeff Kaesshaefer
E Division Head
