Dr. Jay Woodward - Camp Director
Dr. Jay Woodward is excited to once again put on a "Fanta"stic summer adventure that will provide attendees with a full look at college and career life with half the calories and no caffeine! Jay serves as a faculty member in the Department of Educational Psychology teaching undergraduate courses in Educational Psychology, Adolescent Development, and Creativity and a graduate class in Educational Research & Measurement. Dr. Woodward has received numerous awards and recognitions for his efforts at Texas A&M University, including several teaching awards and the prestigious Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award for "Extension, Outreach, Continuing Education, and Professional Development" for his work with the Youth Adventure Program.
Jay holds a B.A. in Psychology, a M.S. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on educating gifted and talented students, and received his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology in 2004 in the area of Intelligence, Creativity, and Giftedness.
Despite the fact he is getting 7up in age, Jay still manages to "Sprite"ly maneuver himself around Texas A&M in his 19th year here in Aggieland. In his spare time, Jay enjoys traveling, following A&M athletics, playing with his beagles, trying to hit a golf ball, attending live entertainment (from the stage to the silver screen), watching all reality television, reading a good book, singing tenor in church choir, and (most importantly) taking care of his precious and precocious preschooler, who just celebrated her fourth birthday last December.
Laura Stafford - Program Coordinator / Dorm Parent
Laura Stafford adds the title and responsibilities of Program Coordinator when she returns as Dorm Parent for her tenth consecutive year after serving in this capacity for YAP 2004 - 2012. This will be "Mom's" eleventh full year with the camp after participating as a counselor for all four weeks of the 2003 session. She holds a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M and a M.S. in Educational Psychology. She has taught 2nd grade at Mary Branch Elementary in Bryan for fifteen years (lead teacher for past nine) and holds her certification in gifted and talented education. "Mom" is also an instructor for the TAMU Science collaborative and provides over 100 hours of professional development for teachers in grades K-12.
From one classroom to another, Laura enjoys teaching the youth Sunday school class at West Oaks Baptist Church. In addition to all of these activities, she is married to Mike Stafford and has a 27-year old son, James, who graduated from SHSU in Huntsville and a 17-year old niece-daughter who is currently attending Blinn College. She also has a lovely princess puppy named Heifer.
Chris Watson– Recreation Director
Chris Watson returns to YAP as Recreation Director after being a counselor in 2012. Chris is a Junior Child Professional Services Major with minors in Human Resource Development and Sociology. Chris has worked several camps as a counselor and staff member including Pine Cove, the Youth Adventure Program, and other various camps around Texas. Chris loves Texas A&M football, country music, Dr. Pepper, The Office, naps, and has a less than healthy love for squirrels. Chris is so incredibly excited to be a part of the YAP family and can't wait to hang out and have some great fun with the students at camp this summer!