Lilly and Gene Devlin met in 1992 at the University of Vermont.  Gene was studying English/Education and Outdoor Adventure and Lilly was a Human Development and Family Studies major. They spent extensive time hiking and climbing in the Adirondack and Green Mountains, further developing their love of the outdoors in the Northeast. Lilly and Gene have spent their professional lives coupling their love of the outdoors with their commitment to working with children and families in both traditional and non-traditional settings. Following college, Lilly taught English as a second language for a year in a small school in the cloud forests of Costa Rica while Gene pursued his love of adventure education and led backpacking and climbing trips in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and in the pacific northwest. They returned to traditional education and worked at a character-based boarding school for 13 years, where they began their family and had three sons, Skyeler, Camden and George.  A time for change led them to become directors of a traditional summer camp for 7 years in the southern Adirondacks of New York. Their life work has led them to where they are today as managing partners and day-to-day operators of Quimby Country.  In a world that is becoming more and more difficult to unplug and connect with others, time spent at Quimby Country allows for a much-needed pause to be reminded of the value of relationships and shared time spent together in the outdoors.  Quimby’s daily programming provides rich opportunities for families and individuals to grow and try new things while being among a spectacularly beautiful place. Lilly and Gene are thrilled and honored to carry forward the traditions that Quimby’s guests have been experiencing for over 100 years. When you arrive to Quimby’s they promise you will feel its warmth and a feeling of returning home, even if it is only your first time.

What does Lilly look forward to the most in this season ahead?

I look forward to facilitating experiences in families and guests’ lives where they come to know one another more deeply through time spent in the authentic environment that Quimby’s affords.  For children to see and interact with their parents in an environment that offers little to no distractions and for parents to see their children experience freedom and discovery in ways not easily achieved back home. Quimby Country facilities these moments of growth and connection and I am honored to be a witness to these moments. I also cannot wait to swim every morning before breakfast, to sit around a campfire under a star-filled sky and to meet new friends.

What does Gene look forward to the most in this season ahead?

I look forward to welcoming our guests back this season and catching up with them and learning how we can help shape their stay at Quimby Country. I love the opportunity we have to be apart of this process in helping families and individuals have an unforgettable stay while in the Northeast Kingdom. It is so gratifying to see our guests have ‘first-time’ experiences, whether it be pulling a brown trout out of Forest Lake or standing agape while taking in the setting sun on the shores of Great Averill. There is so much to explore and experience while at Quimby Country and I look forward to sharing it all with you!

Meet Jason Marcoux~ With 40 years of experience in the food industry, he has dedicated his life to the culinary arts, transforming his passion for cooking into a career that has not only fulfilled his dreams but has also allowed him to inspire others along the way. This season will be Jason’s 3rd season at Quimby Country. Jason arrives to work everyday just as the sun is beginning to peak over the horizon, being one of the lucky ones to see each morning’s sunrise. He welcomes each new day with a calm and kindness that helps others do their best work. No matter the chaos that can infuse in the kitchen, Jason is always available to help out another. Jason cares about his work and the people he works with and we are grateful to have him a aprt of the Quimby team.

From Jason-

As a chef, I have had the incredible opportunity to showcase my skills on several Food Network shows, where I have had the privilege of sharing my love for cooking with a broader audience. The energy and excitement of being in front of the camera, connecting with food enthusiasts, and celebrating the diverse world of gastronomy has been a truly rewarding experience. Throughout my career, I have worn many hats in the culinary world. From working in high-pressure restaurant kitchens to developing innovative dishes for various culinary events, every moment has been a learning experience that has helped shape my style and philosophy as a chef. I believe in the power of food to bring people together, create lasting memories, and serve as a medium for cultural exchange. My journey has taken me from humble beginnings to coaching aspiring chefs as a junior Iron Chef coach, where I have the privilege of mentoring the next generation of culinary talent. It’s a role I cherish deeply, as I get to share not only my technical skills but also my passion for creativity and flavor. One of the aspects of my career that I am most proud of is the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented chefs and 1 am most proud of is the opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented chefs and culinary personalities. Each collaboration has enriched my knowledge and broadened my culinary horizons. I thrive on the energy of shared ideas and the collective passion for food that drives our industry forward. My experience: have taught me that cooking is not just about the end product; it’s about the journey, the techniques learned, the flavors explored, and the people we connect with along the way. As I continue my journey in the culinary landscape, my enthusiasm for food remains unwavering. I am dedicated to pushing the boundaries of flavor and presentation, constantly seeking out new ingredients and techniques to incorporate into my cooking. Every dish I create tells a story – a narrative woven from my experiences, inspirations, and the rich tapestry of cultures that influence my approach. Whether I’m in the kitchen crafting a new recipe or on set sharing my culinary expertise with viewers, my commitment to excellence and my passion for food shine through. I believe that food is a universal language that evokes emotions, foster connection, and creates community. I am excited to continue this journey, sharing my love for cooking and inspiring others to embrace their culinary passions.

Welcome back Chef Jason! 

Zinnia will be joining the Quimby team this season and we are so excited to welcome her. She possesses a creative energy and a deep love of the outdoors which we know will absolutely enhance our guests experiences this summer. She is thoughtful and insightful, with a wonderful eye for detail. The daily life of the counselors is right up Zinnia’s alley, and she is excited about the opportunity to meet new people and facilitate the welcoming nature of Quimby’s. Zinnia loves the creative aspect that comes with being a counselor and hopes to bring mindfulness, yoga and creativity to her summer. Zinnia is also a drummer in a band in college, attending Sara Lawrence College in upstate New York.

We are thrilled to welcome Zinnia this summer and so happy she will be a part of the QC team.

Welcome Zinnia

Andrea will be returning to Quimby’s for her second season. Andrea is hanging up daily housekeeping responsibilities for an apron and mixing spoon and returning as Quimby’s baker. We are thrilled for Andrea to take on this new role and she is excited to practice new and familiar ideas for our guests delight.

Welcome Andrea! We are so happy to have you join us for your second season! 

Renae will be returning to Quimby’s for her 5th season! Renae will be working in our housekeeping department, doing her best to help make cottages, the Lodge and the laundry room shine! This comes easily to Renae as she always has a smile on her face and an attitude of helping and giving her absolute best. Renae brings warmth and laughter wherever she goes and makes any work environment a happy place to be. We are so fortunate to welcome her back for her third season at Quimby’s.

When Renae is not working she loves to soak up the sun down along the shores of Great Averill.  She is always glowing!

More from Renae:

I am so excited to be returning to QC for my third season! I discovered the world of seasonal work 4 years ago after years of working as a travel agent and with Amazon.com. I have since worked in Florida, California, Vermont and Ohio. Always looking for my next adventure! My roots and family are in West Virginia but my true loves are traveling and the great outdoors. In my down time I enjoy soaking up the sun, long walks, biking, camping, reading a good book and watching sunset after sunset! I was drawn back to QC not only for it’s beauty and simplicity but because Lilly and Gene are truly the heartbeat of QC and what makes it such a special place…I know I am with family when I am here!

Welcome back to Quimby Country Renae! We are THRILLED to have you apart of the QC family. 

We are excited to welcome Balazs this summer. We believe his considerate, kind and playful ways will bring goodness and enrichment to our Quimby summer. Although his main responsibilities will keep his work in the kitchen, we know he is excited to experience and explore the beauty and joys of a Quimby summer. Maybe you will meet Balazs for a one on one game of basketball or challenge him to a game of chess on the porch of the Lodge? We look forward to the hard work he will bring to his job and we equally look forward to the fun of having Balazs a part of the fun and games that take place from day to day. We know you will help us welcome him to his first summer at Quimby’s as well as his first trip to the United States, as he will also look forward to welcoming you this summer!

Meet Balazs, a 19-year-old sports enthusiast from Debrecen with a heart for adventure. He’s currently studying in Budapest to become a PE teacher, a role that perfectly fits his strong yet gentle personality. When he’s not focused on his studies, you’ll likely find him watching Bayern München or planning his next travel destination. He is a kind, gentle, and reliable individual who approaches new challenges with a ‘team-player’ mindset. Driven by a curiosity for the world, he is eager to combine his athletic background with his love for travel and new adventures.

Welcome Balazs! We are so happy to have you join us for your 1st season at QC!

Stay tuned for more info on Larry!