SOMA Living May 2025

MEET THE HOPKINS-DAVIS FAMILY

Photography by Jamie Meier

In 2008, when Will Hopkins paddled his canoe across a Canadian lake to invite the “cute actress” from across the water to a campfire, little did he know that a whole life would unfold in the years to follow. Will was working as a schoolteacher in Brooklyn and spent his summers running the canoe tripping program at his camp alma mater, Camp Pathfinder. Diane’s family owned a cottage across the lake. “I was sitting in our family cottage with my dad. Will paddled up, invited me to a campfire, and the rest is history.” Their summer romance continued in Brooklyn that fall, and they married two years later … at Camp Pathfinder, of course. Fourteen years, three children, and a move to Maplewood later, the previous owners of Camp Pathfinder discussed selling the camp to Will. Diane recalls, “While caring for my mother during her final days, Will called with news that Pathfinder was for sale. It was a ‘why not?’ moment for us. We realize life is short and when adventure comes, you should seize it.” Camp Pathfinder, situated on a 17-acre island in Algonquin Park, specializes in canoe trips for boys. “Anyone identifying as a boy,” Will clarifies. For over 112 years, it has taught leadership and collaboration through challenging expeditions. “I don’t work there,” says Diane, adding with a laugh: “I consider myself the First Lady of Camp Pathfinder. I have my own career, one that keeps me fulfilled and busy.” Diane is a Broadway actress whose career includes notable roles such as Ginny Potter in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and in the latest Tony winning revival of “Appropriate”. In her free time, she loves to sing with her band, The Local Heroes, who play Country Americana music around South Orange and Maplewood.

MAY 2025 | SOMA LIVING 7

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