Our Staff

Meet NHDC's Admin Team!

Seth Blender

Owner, Founder, & Director

Seth has been involved in day camps for over 20 years. He spent the majority of his camping career at Camp Horizons in Livingston, NJ. During his 10 summers at Camp Horizons, Seth was a Kindergarten and 1st Grade Counselor and during his last 2 summers was the Director of the Shadow Counselor Program at Camp Horizons with direct supervisory responsibility for special needs campers in grades 5 through 9. Currently, Seth is a Special Education Teacher for the Glen Ridge Public Schools and holds a Masters Degree in Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction. Seth lives in Cedar Grove, NJ with his wife, and three children.

Chris Purdue

Owner, Founder, & Director

Chris is a Health and Physical Education Teacher at Collins Elementary School in Livingston, NJ with 22 years of experience teaching at multiple schools within the District. Chris holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from Montclair State University as well as one in Educational Leadership. He holds both his Supervisor’s Certificate and Principal’s License. Before New Horizons, Chris directed the sports program at Camp Horizons for 8 summers from 2005 through 2012. Chris currently lives in West Caldwell, NJ with his wife and two sons.

Mike Wynne

Owner and Program Director

Mike Wynne, aka The King of Camp™, is entering his 22nd camp summer. After running the Media Programs at Camp Horizons and New Horizons Day Camp, he took over the Unit Head position for 6th-9th grades. In his current role of Program Director, Mike focuses on activities, special events, and ensuring every camper has the best summer experience of their lives. In addition to his duties as Program Director, he also serves as Media Director, Head of Assistant Counselor Development, and Color War High Chancellor. Easily recognizable by his shockingly orange sunglasses, booming voice, and propensity for carrying around a bull-horn, Mike gives 172% every day of the summer to ensure our campers have the best 8 weeks of their lives.