Dear Fairview Lake Families,
Back in 2007, a spunky, funny, adventure-loving 9-year-old arrived at Fairview Lake as a sleepaway camper. After spending weekends at camp with her dad as an Adventure Guide, there was no where else she wanted to spend her summers. She loved the water, thrived on traditions, leaned all the way into Color War, and embraced camp life with her whole heart.
The only thing she didn’t love? Pickup day.
Fast forward nearly 20 years, and that camper is all grown up—an accomplished leader, educator, and camp professional who truly embodies what Fairview Lake is all about.
We are thrilled to share that Maya Gujral is stepping into the role of Camp Director at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps!
Maya quite literally grew up at camp. Her journey includes completing her senior Montclair-Kimberly Academy Mayterm project here at Fairview Lake, where she spent a full month shadowing staff, teaching, and learning the ins and outs of our year-round operations. She went on to earn a B.A. in English Language & Literature from the University of Maryland (go Terps!), while continuing to work summers at camp and staying connected to the Y through the aquatics department at the Bethesda YMCA.
Maya brings deep experience and passion to this role, most recently serving as our Assistant Summer Camp Director. In that position, she played a key role in leading summer operations, mentoring staff, and bringing our values to life each day across camp. She is a Lifeguard Instructor (LGI), Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Level 2 Archery Instructor, and peer-to-peer trainer. She also spent several years working on the Camp Inclusion Project—helping ensure camp is a place where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.
Ask Maya what camp means to her, and you’ll hear it right away: camp is where people find belonging. It’s a place to try new things, make mistakes safely, grow independence and interdependence, learn how to be part of a team, and build a deeper connection to the natural world. It’s where young people learn not just how to do things—but how to be good humans.
We couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter. Maya’s story is a powerful reminder of what camp makes possible—and we’re so proud to see her leading the place that helped shape her.
Please join us in giving a huge Fairview Lake welcome to Camp Director Maya Gujral. 💚
