Tyler Benson (Petoskey) will begin his duties as Camp Daggett Programs Director on April 3, 2023.  In that role he will oversee all programming at Camp Daggett including Summer Camp (Doug DeCeuninck will be Camp Director), Adventure Education (Joe Peters will be Adventure Ed Director), off-summer programs such as Father/Son, Mother/Daughter, Snowshoe nights, etc.

Originally from St Louis, MI; Tyler comes to camp from a career in the US Coast Guard.  (His active duty ends in March 2023 and with leave time, his actual retirement date is June 2023).  He joined the Coast Guard right after graduating from high school and has been stationed in St Ignace (three times), Sandy Hook NJ, Yorktown VA, Buffalo NY, and New York Harbor.  His last duty was in St Ignace serving as Chief Petty Officer and Executive Petty Officer of US Station Coast Guard St. Ignace.

His wife and four children have made Petoskey their “forever home”.  Tyler is active in his church, the Rotary Club and serves as the Cubmaster for his son’s Cub Scout Pack.  His wife is a teacher at Sheridan Elementary.  He has also published a series of children’s books “The Adventures of Onyx” designed to help children and adults better understand the US Coast Guard and how the military organization saves and protects the American public. (Sold over 100,000 copies)

In Tyler’s own words: “My passion and “why” factor is to lead, educate and mentor children, teenagers and adults. Professionally and personally, I have devoted my life to being a servant leader for others in helping them find their life’s “why” or to have their “ah-ha” moments in living a richer and fuller life. I have proven this time and time again as a leader and instructor in the United States Coast Guard, as a Cub Scout Pack and Den Leader, as a Deacon in my Church, as a Published Children’s Book Author and as a husband and father of 4 wonderful children”.

We are thrilled to welcome Tyler as a member of the Camp Daggett team.  His experience, leadership skills, personality and passion for the same things Camp Daggett has been doing since 1925 make him an excellent fit and one that will help us continue to expand our service to youth and families into the future.