JOLLY CORLEY

Director of Camp Robindel, Renowned speaker

Jolly Corley, M.S. in Educational Leadership, is a camp educator and leadership development specialist with more than 20 years of experience in camping. She’s passionate about camp as a powerful setting for growing emotional intelligence and helping young people—campers and staff alike—practice real leadership in real community.

Jolly’s camp journey began at her local 4-H camp in Indiana, where she started working as a general counselor at age 15. Years later, that path brought her to her “bucket list” camp, Camp Robindel for Girls, where she first arrived as a 19-year-old counselor (yes, inspired by The Parent Trap) and now serves as Director.

For Jolly, summer camp matters because it’s one of the rare places where community is built on purpose—where young people learn to advocate for ideas, navigate social dynamics away from home, and grow into independent, capable humans. She especially loves the camp reality that 18–25-year-olds can be in charge while also being influenced and led by the wisdom (and honesty) of 5–16-year-olds.

Jolly’s leadership lens has been shaped by camp professionals she deeply admires: Jancy Dorfman for her authentic, staff-centered voice; Marcy Brower for inspiring a stronger commitment to social justice and building more diverse camp communities; and Colette Marquardt for her tireless work toward equity, accessibility, and excellent professional education in camping.

Blending research on emotional intelligence with experiential learning practices, Jolly delivers practical strategies and engaging experiences that help individuals and organizations define—and live into—their leadership vision. She is available for keynote presentations, staff training and development, and one-on-one coaching.