Molly Palmer

I am lucky enough to have spent a part of every summer of my life on the shores of Lake Tomahawk, from my own first wobbly steps on the waterfront to watching my son take some of his first steps out by council fire this past summer. Camp has always been home to me, no matter where life’s adventures have taken me, and has shaped my life in so many wonderful and immeasurable ways.

I bring to the Board my vast knowledge of Clearwater – both from personal experience, as a camper for 10 years, leadership, and counselor, as well as from the experiences of my sisters, cousins, aunts, mom, grandmother, extended family, and friends – as well as a deep understanding and passion for the land, wilderness, and adventure. During my time at Clearwater, I taught pretty much every activity “as needed and able”, including lots of sailing, and led many memorable long trips, from sea kayaking to Isle Royale to Canadian.

I grew up in Crystal Lake, IL before heading west, obtaining my undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. degrees in environmental science at Stanford University. My scientific research has taken me all across the world, from the shores and mountains of Hawaii to the frozen ice sheets of the Arctic Ocean. I currently live in Texas, where I work as an environmental scientist, and look forward to every summer when I can bring my husband and son Up North to enjoy some quality time on the water and around the campfire, surrounded by family and friends.

I love Clearwater dearly, and am so enthusiastic and thankful to have the opportunity to give back by joining the Clearwater Board. I follow in the footsteps of so many dedicated and passionate people before me, including my mother, Grace Palmer, and grandmother, Sunny Moore, and hope to honor their spirit, generosity, and love for all during my tenure on the Board, so that Clearwater can continue to thrive for many more generations.