Riel Peerbooms

With over three decades of experience in youth development and outdoor education, Riel brings a deep commitment to empowering young people through transformative camp experiences.

His journey in camping began in 1993 as a lifeguard at Trade Winds Lake Camp. Since then, he has held a range of leadership roles, including a 15-year tenure as Executive Director at Trail Blazers starting in 2008. In March 2023, he joined Frost Valley YMCA, where he continues to champion inclusive, impactful programming for children and families.

Originally from the Netherlands, Riel moved to the United States in 1999 to teach science and continued to spend summers working in camps—a passion that grew into a lifelong vocation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science Secondary Education, a Master’s in Social Work with a focus on Children and Families, a Certificate in Senior Nonprofit Leadership from Columbia Business School, and a Certificate in Strategic Leadership from Harvard Business School.

Riel and his wife, Donielle Lee, split their time between Brooklyn, NY, and Frost Valley, along with their two children, Cooper and Coraline. When he’s not working, he enjoys camping, biking, and, most of all, being a dad.