The Camp Skote Board of Directors provides governance and oversight to ensure the organization remains mission-focused, financially responsible, and legally compliant. The all-volunteer Board sets strategic direction, approves budgets and policies, manages risk, supports fundraising efforts, and ensures strong leadership is in place. Directors act in the best interests of Camp Skote at all times, safeguarding its long-term sustainability and integrity while guiding its continued development.
Matthew Clarke
Director at Large
Matthew Clarke is an adventurer at heart, a proud Newfoundlander, Arctic explorer and lifelong student of the wild. His deep respect for nature has been shaped by years of exploration in some of the world’s most rugged environments, where resilience, skill, and humility are essential. Growing up surrounded by the raw beauty of Newfoundland’s landscapes instilled in him a deep connection to the land and sea, and that foundation continues to guide his work and philosophy today. Through his expeditions and hands-on experience, he has developed a profound belief in the healing power of the outdoors and the importance of working with your hands.
As the founder of Camp Skote, Matthew’s vision is rooted in creating opportunities for people to reconnect with nature, with one another, and with themselves through guided outdoor education and skills-based learning. He is passionate about sharing practical skills, encouraging hands-on learning, and fostering confidence through bushcraft, exploration, and craftsmanship. At the heart of his leadership is the belief that time spent outdoors—building, creating, exploring, and simply being—can restore perspective and strengthen community. His dedication ensures that Camp Skote remains a place where nature is accessible, skills are shared through structured and responsible programin, and people are welcomed into a deeper relationship with the land and each other.
Kelly Clarke
Director at Large
Kelly Clarke is a lover of all things outdoors, nature and connection with people and weaving all of these aspects of life together. She has been a travelling musician in the United States, songwriting and entertaining for over a decade. She is actively involved in shaping programs and inspiring people of all ages through creativity, connection, and example.
Kelly brings creativity, heart, and a deep commitment to fundamental values into every aspect of Camp Skote’s direction. She believes that access to nature, art, and music should never be limited by financial barriers, and she is passionate about keeping Camp Skote focused on its core mission. Through thoughtful leadership and imaginative programming, she supports experiences that foster community, self-expression, stewardship of the land, and meaningful human connection. Her priority remains ensuring that Camp Skote continues to be a welcoming, inclusive space where people can gather, create, and reconnect with both nature and one another.
As Director at Large, Kelly serves as a visionary and hands-on leader alongside her husband, Matthew Clarke.
Heather Harrington
Chairperson
A Newfoundlander and graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland, Heather brings over 35 years of senior leadership experience in finance, economics, governance, and organizational oversight across Canada, the United States, and the Middle East.
A Chartered Professional Accountant with an academic background in economics, Heather has held senior leadership roles involving financial stewardship, strategic planning, performance management, risk oversight, and governance within complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Her experience includes working with regulators, partners, and communities, and developing accountability frameworks and governance structures that support responsible decision-making and long-term sustainability.
As Chair, Heather supports the board and leadership team by providing governance oversight and strategic guidance to advance the organization’s mission and vision, ensure alignment with its charitable purposes, and uphold its fiduciary and public-benefit responsibilities.
Richard O'Brien
Treasurer
Richard is a retired banking professional with nearly three decades of experience in financial reporting, business plan execution, and board governance. A graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland with professional designations from the Canadian Bankers Association, Richard spent nine years as a Board Member for the Lawrence Kinlin School of Business. Now residing near London, Ontario, Richard has a deep-rooted history of community service, including coaching minor hockey and softball, and volunteering for organizations like Diabetes Canada and the United Way.
As Treasurer, Richard provides financial oversight and accountability by safeguarding the organization’s funds, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance, guiding budgeting and financial planning, and helping the board make sound, informed decisions to protect the organization’s long-term sustainability.
Dan M.
Director of Safety & Risk Management
“Safety Dan” is a Semi-retired career Occupational Health & Safety professional with 35 years’ experience in Construction, Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Natural Resources and Outdoor Education. Dan holds multiple professional designations including National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) and COR Auditor. One of Dan’s safety passions is Children’s Camps and Outdoor Education facilities, having worked with the YMCA Calgary and Camp Chief Hector as their COR Auditor, coupling his Camp experiences growing up with his professional skills in Health and Safety. Dan currently consults for an Archeology Firm and several small businesses, in the BC Interior.
An avid outdoorsman, Dan spent years living on various boats on the West Coast and currently resides on Shuswap Lake, British Columbia enjoying all of the outdoor pursuit opportunities the area affords. (Boating, Camping, Fishing etc.). Dan is passionate about Matt and Kelly’s vision for outdoor education and experiences for all, while helping to keep everyone Safe and the Organization legislatively compliant as it prepares for future operations.
As the Director of Safety & Risk Management, Dan protects the organization by identifying and mitigating risks, ensuring policies and procedures promote safety and compliance, fostering a culture of accountability, and helping the board proactively manage liability to maintain a safe and productive camp.
Albert Pike
Director of Facilities & Capital Projects
Albert Pike is a proud Newfoundlander and entrepreneur with a deep respect for hard work, craftsmanship, and community. He has built two successful businesses from the ground up — one in retail building supplies and the other in metal roofing manufacturing — developing a strong foundation in operations, leadership, and hands-on project execution along the way. His practical experience and steady approach reflect a belief in building things that last.
Outside of his professional life, Albert enjoys time at the cabin, boating, and being outdoors — values that naturally align with Camp Skote’s spirit of connection, stewardship, and community.
As Director of Facilities & Capital Projects, Albert brings thoughtful leadership and real-world construction knowledge to Camp Skote’s continued growth. He is committed to responsible development, sustainable infrastructure, and long-term planning that protects the integrity of the land while supporting the organization’s mission. His focus remains on creating strong, lasting foundations so Camp Skote can continue serving generations to come as future sites are developed.
Jay B.
Secretary
Jay brings a steady, community-focused perspective to the Camp Skote board, with experience in board governance, fundraising, and business management across nonprofit and service-based organizations. His background emphasizes building strong systems, clear accountability, and solid foundations that support long-term sustainability.
With a preference for working on organizations rather than in them, Jay contributes practical strengths in planning, process improvement, risk mitigation, and governance support. He has experience helping boards establish clear, common-sense structures that support good decision-making and responsible growth, particularly in volunteer-driven settings. Jay has fond memories of camping, boating and spending time in nature as a youngster and is looking forward to creating opportunities for others to enjoy their own outdoors experience.
As Secretary, Jay serves as a steward of the organization’s records and processes, supporting accurate minutes, clear documentation, and institutional memory. In this role, he helps Camp Skote remain well-governed, well-organized, and focused on serving its community today while building responsibly for the future.
A note on governance
Camp Skote is in an early development phase. Core governance and financial control policies are being developed and refined as the organization prepares for future operations. While not all policies are finalized or fully implemented at this stage, Camp Skote is guided by clear principles that inform decision-making and policy development, including board accountability, transparency, responsible financial stewardship, risk awareness, safety, and compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements. These principles will guide how governance structures, financial controls, and operational practices are established and applied as Camp Skote progresses toward launch.