Directors and Staff

 

Steve spent eight years as a camper and eight years on staff before coming to serve as the Executive Director in 1991. A graduate of Lawrence University, Steve was previously an instructor and counselor at the Culver Academies. He is active within the American Camp Association as a standards visitor and has served on the editorial board of Camping Magazine and on the board of the Association of Independent Camps. Julie Purdum grew up in Minnesota and attended residential camps as a child. Julie has degrees from Lawrence University and the College of St. Catherine, where she received her nursing degree. During the summer, Julie serves as the Health Care Director. They have two children, Shelby and Harrison who are enjoying their own camp experiences.

The idea that I can give back, and provide Mishawaka campers with an experience similar to the one I had as a camper keeps me going.

Mary Jane joined the Mishawaka staff in 1996 and has served as the Girls Director since 1997. She lives in Minneapolis, where she is a middle school English teacher at Breck School. Her sons, Murphy and Kevin were Mishawaka campers for many years. Mary Jane brings a variety of talents and skills to her role as the Girls Director, but none more important than her ability to provide young women with a safe, nurturing environment in which to learn and grow.

When any girl is accomplishing things- and feeling accomplished- her general well-being and happiness is always improved.

Dan came to Mishawaka in 1997 and has been part of the year-round staff since 2001. After graduation from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Dan worked in environmental education programs on the East Coast and Midwest. Dan has served in a variety of roles at Mishawaka, including Waterfront Director and Boys Program Director, before assuming his present position in 2006. He also serves as the resident Mishawaka tech-geek and helps keep camp up-to-date with all things digital. Dan and his wife Kelley live in Grand Rapids with their dog, Lola.

In addition to all the standard activities you might find at a residential summer camp- sailing, climbing and horseback riding- Mishawaka offers a number of unique activities invented here at camp. This creativity on the part of our staff keeps the campers excited and involved.

Camp Mishawaka takes great care in selecting its staff. Married couples, veteran teachers and college aged men and women work together to carry on the tradition of Safety, Health and Happiness.

Staff members take part in a week long staff training prior to the arrival of the campers. Counselors are trained in first-aid and CPR and many have advanced certification in water safety, sailing, climbing, tripping, horseback riding and canoeing. In recent years, our staff has averaged five years experience at Mishawaka. Camp Mishawaka maintains a 4:1 camper to staff ratio.