Staff: Meet The Director
Steve Featherstone, aka “Savannah Steve”, graduated Mohawk College’s Recreation and Leisure Services Program in June 2000, and Sir Sanford Fleming’s Parks and Recreation Program in June 2002. He has worked for numerous camps in the Hamilton area since high school including S.T.A.R. of Hamilton Wentworth, Camp Kidaca, City of Hamilton Summer Camp, March Break Camps, and most recently, Hatts Off.
During his time of study at these courses, and work at these camps, he developed the skills needed to run a program of this calibre. Steve is always looking for the best possible experience for each and every child. The program is designed to be a week filled with valuable animal experiences and understandings. It is his goal that the children will develop a life-long respect for all living creatures through this program.
His love for wildlife and children show through in his reptile educational shows that he has been performing since 2001. Prior to working at The Reptile Store in Hamilton, he was a staff member at Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park (JCWWP) in Orono, Ontario. It was at JCWWP that he developed his love and understanding of all species of animals, not just the animals that were his first interest, predatory cats! His favourite animal to this day is still the puma concolor, the cougar.
Steve Featherstone is certified in First Aid and C.P.R. both standard as well as instructor’s level. He has numerous other certificates involved in the recreation field including O.R.C.A. (Canoeing level one), 3M National Coaches Certification Program, High Five Training, W.H.M.I.S. Training, People Savers, People Savers Instructors Course, Super Host, Project Wild and U.M.A.B..
His personal interests besides animals and wildlife include photography, kayaking, hiking, jiu-jitsu, baseball, volleyball and camping.
Steve has also traveled extensively. He has found a second home in Central America. His favourite eco-tourism country is Costa Rica, but has travelled throughout Belize, Mexico, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. Costa Rica is held so highly on his travel plans that he and his long-time girlfriend Holly were married there on April 7th, 2007! Steve can teach children about his lifetime experiences in other countries and share about their animals, cultures and beliefs. “You can learn more in a week in a Central American rainforest or Jungle then you can in a month in a library”.
Steve’s professional highlights include his large charitable event called Steel City Safari. Steve and his friends have risen over $54,000 since 2005 to the CHML Children’s Fund. He will continue to make The Reptile Store grow each and every year, starting this year with the Reptile Store Summer Camp!
