Camper of the Week: Tyler Gildin Elite Daily Creative Dir. + Comedian

Knock, knock! Who’s there? Remember that kid at camp who was always the center of attention, constantly cracking jokes and doing impersonations of people at camp, king of color war skits, and making you laugh till your belly hurt? Give a round of applause for funny man Tyler Gildin, who went to his 8-week sleepaway camp for 13 years, and now lives in NYC. He is using his camp creativeness and funny personality to bring humor and wit to the online pages of Elite Daily.

Tyler has an impressive resume. Besides being a legendary color war general, he has headlined Caroline’s On Broadway’s Breakout Artist Comedy Series and has opened up for comedic greats; Damon Wayans, DL Hughley, and most recently Gildbert Gottfried. His 2011 Syracuse Football “Man on the Street” TV Commercials won a 2012 National Silver Telly Award and were broadcasted on SNY and Time Warner Cable. As a native of Long Island, Tyler created the hit YouTube video titled “Nassau (County) State of Mind” that went viral, gaining over 1 million views and landing him an interview on NBC back in 2010. Additionally, he has made amazing and hilarious camp videos and written about the exclusive world of sleepaway camp alumni for Elite Daily. Tyler loves getting social! Check him out on YouTube, on his website, and on Twitter! And of course, read about him here, and see why have named him Summer 365’s Camper of the Week and Camper Comedian of the Year!

What are you currently doing?

Currently the Creative Director at the website Elite Daily where I do everything from writing, to producing, to directing and starring in original online video content, as well as advising on all social media and overall content strategies. I also perform stand up on a weekly basis throughout NYC. I pretty much never sleep.

How has camp influenced what you do/your career path?

Camp was definitely an important part of my life that I’ll never forget. It helped me come out of my shell (if I was ever in one) and made me a more social person who felt comfortable being myself. I might not feel as natural talking in front of a group of people had it not been for the plays, Color War skits, and other fun and creative activities I did at camp. I also learned a tremendous amount of life lessons at camp about how to both be a leader and a team player, things I am constantly implementing in my every day life. Being a winning Color War general has also looked excellent on my resume.

What are your top three essentials that you packed in your trunk?

Hockey equipment, bathing suits, and never enough underwear.

What are three words to describe your camp experience?

Amazing, unforgettable, Not-long-enough.

Who was someone at camp that you looked up to?

Everyone, I was short.

Why do you think it is important to go to camp?

You learn so much about how to get along with others and about yourself. People who went to sleepaway camp have an easier time transitioning to college life and a have an enormous leg-up when it comes to playing Jewish Geography.

What is your favorite camp memory?

Being a winning Color War general. Is there anything better?

How has camp affected your adult life? Is there something you learned there that you still do today?

Whenever I hear an old song that was used during Sing, I only know the camp lyrics, yet I know all of the words to O Canada.

Words of wisdom for current and future campers?

Enjoy it, it goes by fast. Stay as long as you can (Billy Madison impression). If you can make the transition to one day becoming a counselor too, do it! It’s amazing seeing it from both sides. There is no place EVER like camp.

What is your favorite camp tradition?

Color War

What was your favorite camp food?

Grilled Cheese

What is your favorite camp cheer?

“Quiet please….”