Staff

I first found out about Beaver Camp when I applied for my current job! I have worked at Beaver Camp since 2022, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every year. Working at Beaver Camp made me fall in love with the Adirondack Mountains!   My job is a balance between a few areas: Managing our Challenge Course, our Wilderness Trip Program, and our Outdoor Education Program. I also work with our printed materials, interview our TLT applicants, manage our Winter Camp program, and so much more throughout the year.  When not at camp I love rock climbing, hiking in the adirondacks, reading (fiction and non-fiction), writing, ice skating, playing board games, and any way to spend time with my family. 

I have been actively involved with camp in a variety of roles since 1997.  My primary responsibility is coordinating fundraising events, including the annual auction and donor dinners, which help support the camp’s mission and programs.  When I’m not at my primary job, I enjoy spending time at camp connecting with staff and campers, lending a hand in the kitchen, and contributing wherever I’m needed. Being part of the camp community has been a rewarding way to serve, build relationships, and support a place that has been an important part of my life for many years.

I nervously first attended Beaver Camp as a 9 year old in 1981 and I have been here every summer since with the exception of two.  The first few years as a camper and then, in 1989, I had the best summer of life (up to that point:) as a maintenance assistant.  I remember thinking then as I observed the director at the time that "I would never want his job" - but God had different plans!  One of the things I love about what I do is that there rarely is a "typical" day of work.  Generally my days are filled with spreadsheets, data analysis and communication with staff, board and donors.  From interviewing potential summer staff and connecting with donors to carefully evaluating the current financial health of the ministry, my days are filled with variety!  When not at camp I enjoy hiking and the beauty of the Adirondacks, as well as reading books on leadership (my current favorite is Faithful Leaders and the Things That Matter Most by Rico Tice) to historical novels (anything written by Jeff or Michael Shaara).  I also enjoy spending time with my wife, Jeanna, and our two adult children.  

In October of 2004, my husband, four daughters and I moved in as Caretakers of Beaver Camp. In April 2006, I was also hired as the Food Service Director. Prior to that, I had only visited Beaver Camp a couple of times for a Church Day Retreat and a Weekend Marriage Retreat.  As Food Service Director I do all the planning of the menus, the inventory and shopping for all food related and Gift Store items for Beaver Camp including our biggest fundraiser, our Auction. I make sure all of our guests with Dietary Needs are met the best we can. I also cook for most weekend groups and during the week groups, along with overseeing all Summer Camp meals.  When I am not at camp working, I enjoy all the time I can with our family consisting of our 4 daughters and son in laws, along with our 12 grandchildren - we are truly blessed. We also enjoy traveling and using our travel trailer. You may also find me with our chickens or playing in the dirt with our gardens. 

I moved here in October of 2004 with my wife and four daughters as caretakers while I was still working at a local paper mill. In the spring of '05 I got done at the paper mill and worked solely for Beaver Camp. In the winter of '05-'06 Lloyd Brugger retired and I accepted his position at camp. In the spring of 2026 I moved to the position of Remodeling Specialist.  I start my day in my office checking e-mails, making phone calls, ordering supplies if needed. Then head out to work on whatever project is going on.  In my off time I enjoy golfing, hunting and fishing. I also enjoy spending time with our four daughters and son-in-laws and spoiling our twelve grandchildren and attending their sporting events. I also enjoy camping with my wife and traveling anytime we can, I love visiting new places. 

After a short career in engineering post-college, God opened the door for me to work on Beaver Camp Summer Staff in 2021-2023 as a Counselor/Wilderness Trip Leader, Assistant Program Director, and Head Cook. My wife (Belle) and I met at Beaver Camp in 2021 and spent 2.5 years in Colorado getting experience from another summer camp ministry. We are so excited to be back at Beaver Camp, supporting the mission of an organization that has truly been “a place to grow” for us!  I have the privilege of maintaining Beaver Camp’s buildings, grounds, and vehicles as well as overseeing our Cleaning Team. One day I could be changing oil in a vehicle, the next I could be replacing a light fixture in a cabin, and the day after I could be cutting up a tree that’s blocking a trail. If I could sum up my job in one word, it would be…PRODUCING!  When I am not at camp I enjoy spending time with Belle and our son, bike riding, fly fishing, and reading good books.

I first worked at Beaver Camp as a Wilderness Trip Leader in the summer of 2009.  The atmosphere of Beaver Camp, comradery of the staff, and opportunity to connect with campers from a variety of backgrounds has drawn me back many times since then.  In September 2021, I began to work as the year-round Office Manager, and I'm excited to be involved in this ministry!   The office is the central hub of information at camp, and a large part of my job is communicating information with different staff members so that we can all do our jobs effectively.  A normal day in the office involves answering phones and emails, sorting mail, and processing camper registrations and group reservations.  Of course, the highlight of my days are when I'm able to interact with parents, campers, and guest groups!  My hobbies that I enjoy when not at camp are flat water kayaking, gardening, teaching (math especially!), and reading.

I began working as the cleaning specialist in the Spring of 2026 and like that Beaver Camp gives youth the outdoor opportunity and education that they may not receive elsewhere.  My grandchildren have attended Beaver Camp and enjoyed their stay immensely.  Beaver Camp has also assisted with local community events I have been involved in.  A typical day at camp for me usually involves a “Good morning” from everyone I meet, meeting the facility team to determine tasks that need to be done that day and then working hard to finish in a timely manner.  When I’m not at camp I enjoy glass engraving, making sign vinyl graphics, visiting my grandchildren, yard work, cutting wood and visiting neighbors. 

I first came to camp in the 70s with a church group from WNY, and then later as a camper.  I worked as a counselor/wilderness trip leader on summer staff from 1984-1986, and then a couple weeks in 1988.  Marvin and I met on summer staff in 1986, married in 1992, continued to volunteer at camp and then I joined year round staff as the Accountant in 2005/2006.  Our 4 children basically grew up at Beaver Camp and all served on summer staff as well!   A day at camp basically means hanging out in the office and making sure all the bills get paid and the money gets deposited.  And every other week I get to write paychecks!  When I'm not at camp I love spending time with my family (which often means travelling now that they are scattered from Boston, MA to Manhattan, KS).  I also like to read and craft, put together puzzles and coordinate the costumes for the dramas/musicals at Carthage HS.