Year-Round Staff
Administration
Dennis Dockstader
Camp Director and Owner
Percussion/ Timpani
Dennis has been a resident of camp since 1968 following 3 years as an Army band member. He is a life member of the AFM (musicians' union) and has performed many concerts and shows in Southern California as a percussionist/timpanist. Dennis has BA from CSU San Bernardino and did graduate work at UC San Diego. For 24 years he was a counselor/ teacher at an at-risk-teen school. He became Camp Director in 1984.
Larke Dockstader
Camp Manager
Violin
Larke is the granddaughter of Camp Founders Fred and Edna, and the daughter of Camp Director Dennis. She grew up at the camp and participated as a camper from 1988 to 1998. Her various roles throughout the summer seasons have included Elementary Session Program Director, Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, Camp Counselor, and Health Supervisor.
She holds a bachelor's degree in fine art with an emphasis on installation and sculpture from Long Beach State.
Larke is a hobby violinist who has played with Redlands Community Orchestra, Glendale Community College Orchestra, Santa Monica College Orchestra, and Santa Cruz University Orchestra.
When not busy in the camp office you may find her leading hikes, teaching at the arts and crafts station, and hanging with her two rescue pups, Marco and Lola.
Seasonal Staff
Ross Durand
Assistant Camp Director- Advanced
Horn/Guitar
Ross first camped at Arrowbear in 1982 under the baton of Fred Ohlendorf and others. He joined staff as a counselor in 1985 and has not missed a summer since. In addition to a key role in hiring and supervising counselors, he is also the songleader and Dennis’ faithful sidekick when at camp.
Ross studied Environmental Science and Music Composition at UCSB. Having started his teaching career at Orange County Outdoor Science Schools since 1996 he has spent his school year teaching Biology and Environmental Science at Rancho Alamitos High School in Garden Grove.
Ross lives in Orange, California with his wife, two daughters, and their dog.
Jessandra
Administration~ Jazz Improv, Choral, Advanced, Elementary/ Program Director- 1st & 2nd Intermediate
Cello
Jessandra is a cellist, music teacher, and former Arrowbear camper. She holds bachelor’s degrees in cello performance and educational sciences from the University of California at Irvine. She is currently pursing a master’s in music education with licensure at Boston University. She hopes to one day teach music in public schools as an orchestra conductor. In her spare time you can find Jessandra reading, studying, or enjoying the west coast weather.