This Year’s Counselors

Kit is a long-time former Mishawaka camper and this will mark his 9th year on staff. When not leading campers in the Big Show, or cracking up kids (and staff) with his amazing sense of humor, Kit hangs his hat in Denver,CO. This summer Kit will serve up a wonderful slate of activities for campers in his role as Boys Camp Program Director.

This is Haley’s third year at Mishawaka, and she is so excited for a fun-filled summer. Growing up in Calgary, Canada, Haley has always loved hiking, backpacking, and all things outside. She loves travelling by bike, rock climbing, and trying out new activities. She is studying Psychology at Concordia in Montreal and works as a baker. She can’t wait for a summer in nature, and to meet all the campers and staff!

Mark will be back at Mishawaka this summer! He lives in Rochester MN area with his wife, Angela, their two year old son and two dogs. He is originally from the UK. He has been on staff at Mishawaka for many years and is a physical education teacher in the off-season. Mark can’t wait to get back and see everyone - and jump in that lake!

Originally from northeast Missouri, Crystal studied Journalism at the University of Missouri before obtaining a second Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College. During her healthcare career, she has primarily worked in emergency medicine and critical care. She encourages a holistic approach to wellness that encompasses the the mind, body, and spirit. Crystal currently resides in Tampa, FL, where her husband is stationed at Macdill Air Force Base. During her leisure time, she enjoys staying active through nature hikes, paddling, and pilates. Additionally, she takes pleasure in reading, birdwatching, and culinary experimentation. She looks forward to seeing everyone again and spending the summer outdoors!

Janainna is from Peru and studied Communications at university. She currently works as a coordinator at a telecommunications company. In her free time, she enjoys practicing yoga, reading, and painting. But above all, she’s a big fan of capturing moments. This year, she will be a photographer for the second time, and she couldn’t be happier to see everyone again. She misses you all and can’t wait to get back in action with her camera.

Trent is from Appleton, Wisconsin, though he has recently moved to Raleigh, North Carolina! This will be his 12th summer at Camp and 5th on staff. He graduated from Ripon College in December with a dual major in Mathematics and Secondary Education, camp is actually the place where he realized that he wanted to be a teacher! Trent enjoys swimming, sailing, log rolling, really any camp activity on the lake, along with many sports and the big group games that we play at camp. He is very excited to return to camp and cannot wait to see everyone there!

This is Amber’s first year at Mishawaka and she is very excited for an action packed summer. Amber is from Queensland, Australia and studied a Bachelor of Animal Ecology in University as well as her Cert III in exotic animals. She loves animals and the outdoors as well as reading and painting in her spare time. Amber absolutely loves to go camping and snorkelling along the coast with her family and can’t wait to meet everyone at camp this year!

Hi, I’m Tamsin. I live in Southampton England where I am an undergraduate student, studying Education to become a Primary School Teacher. I have only been to America twice and this is my first time being a camp counsellor. I am excited to arrive at Camp Mishawaka and cannot wait to meet everyone! I love being creative, reading, playing games and travelling the world. I also cannot wait to explore the camp and try new activities.

Excited once more for another summer at camp, Nick is in the midst of continuing his education in developmental psychology/behavioral neuroscience. With a soft spot for anything crafted by hand or conjured through dream, he enjoys writing, ceramics, baking and finding ways to use the environment around him to connect with others. He is looking forward to inventing new games and traditions while immersing himself in the traditions he grew up around while a camper. A sauna or two wouldn’t hurt either…

Sara is originally from Cholula, Mexico, and this will be her fourth year in Mishawaka. She studies Biology, driven by her love for nature and animals. This year, she is excited to return to teaching various activities, such as crafts, riflery, painting, archery, and sports. However, her greatest enthusiasm lies in fishing, an activity she enjoys immensely. Sara is looking forward to reconnecting with old friends, meeting new people, and enjoying the opportunity to learn new things while having fun with the campers.

Shea is looking forward to another wonderful summer at Camp Mishawaka! Shea has worked at camp for 11 years in a variety of roles including cabin counselor, head of Parkside, CIT counselor and girls program director.

I’m Kyam and I’m from West London. I have never been to America before. I am excited to be a part of the Camp Mishawaka family. I love working in camps, I have experience doing that in the UK. I am currently studying Sport Business Management, and I have also studied economics and psychology. My favourite sports are football (soocer), cricket and tennis.

Hi, I’m Lauren! I grew up in the small town of Mendota, Illinois, and relocated to Roscoe, Illinois right along the Illinois Wisconsin border a few years back. I have a bachelor’s degree majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. I played collegiate basketball and soccer at Monmouth College. I am currently utilizing that degree as a medically integrated fitness aid /safety lead. I also coach ECNL youth club soccer. My passions lie with our wild spaces. Backpacking is my specialty, I’m an avid hiker, snowboarder, kayaker, and trail runner too (bonus points for any of these activities that I can bring my dog along for). If it’s physically challenging, and takes place outside: count me in! When I’m stuck inside, I like filling my time with reading and solving puzzles.

Carolina is from Mexico and she’s really excited to come back for her second year on staff! She’s studying Marketing and Digital Media and loves any kind of art expression, specially performing arts. She enjoys to dance, sing, act and write. She has a special place in her heart for cinema, and she enjoys reviewing every movie she watches. She can’t wait to return, meet new people and see old faces! It’ll be fun!!

My name is Fanni, and I am from Hungary, Budapest. I am studying International Business and Economics. My favorite activities are soccer, swimming, kayaking, arts & crafts, volleyball, and all camp games!

Hey, I’m Jack! I am from Lake Forest,Illinois, and I am extremely excited to be back at camp for my first summer as a counselor. I am excited to help with tennis, swimming, and the talent show. I hope to give some new campers the same experience I had at camp.

Karol is from Mexico and is studying Art History and Curatorship. This will be her fourth year as a counselor after being a camper for three years. She loves singing, kayaking, archery, arts and crafts, riflery, and swimming. She can’t wait to be back at camp. She is very excited to see old and new faces and make this summer one to remember!

Daniel is from from Colombia and has lived in Spain for several years to study Audiovisual Communication. In his free time, he enjoys playing chess and participating in a variety of sports, including basketball, swimming, and running. He also has a passion for cinema, anime, and reading. Recently, he started learning to play the guitar. Daniel loves spending time in nature. This year is his second at Camp Mishawaka, and he’s thrilled to get back and see everyone again!

Hector is very excited to be back for his 5th summer at camp and 2nd summer on staff. He is from Paris, France and is studying political science and international relations there. He loves being outdoors and being in beautiful places such as Camp Mishawaka. He also loves travelling, and visited a big part of Asia last summer. Hector is currently doing physical preparation to run a marathon next year. He can’t wait to meet everyone again and be back on the lake!

Hi! My name is Quinn and I am from Winnetka, Illinois (near Chicago). I was a camper at Mishawaka for seven years, and this will be my second year on staff. I play volleyball, love spending time outside, and I am hoping to become a pediatric nurse. My favorite camp activities are arts and crafts, waterskiing, and anything else on the water. I can’t wait to get back and see everyone again!

Gabriella is very excited for her second year as the pottery teacher at camp. Originally from St. Paul Minnesota, she now spends her summers in Grand Rapids and winter in Bluffton South Carolina. She is a rising senior at Loyola University Chicago and has spent her last semester studying abroad in Rome where she studies art history with a minor in visual arts. She loves creating anything and can’t wait to be back at the lake!

Will is excited to be back on the shores of Pokegama again this summer. He is looking forward to being a part of everything Camp has to offer. While eager to be on the lake for any and all waterfront activities, Will is also hoping to join in for some mountain biking, archery, floor hockey, horse back riding and any other spots the energy is present. Most of all, he cannot wait for a visit to the sauna and Mishawaka sunsets.

Stella is from St Paul, MN. She was a camper at Mishawaka for six years and she will be back this summer as her second year on staff. She attends Cal Poly and is studying Environmental Science. Her favorite camp activities are canoeing, pottery and fishing. She can’t wait to be back this summer and meet all of the campers!

Claudia is from Barcelona, Spain, and this is her second year on staff. She studies Audiovisual Communication and she has always had a passion for exploring new places and cultures. This summer, she is excited to meet the campers again and spend time outdoors.

This will be Juan’s second summer traveling to Camp. He is an architecture student. He is from Puebla and he likes to play soccer very much. He has basic knowledge about carpentry and he can draw very well. He likes nature and swimming in rivers, lakes, etc. He is excited to get back to camp and see everyone again!

Hi! I’m Jameyleigh and I’m from Birmingham, England. I currently work within a pastoral team in a school to help look after children and families who need extra support. I really enjoy going to the theatre and concerts. I love walking, swimming and especially seeing the sunset/sunrise. I can’t wait meet you all!

Gavin is from Appleton Wisconsin, but recently moved to Kansas City. This will be his 8th summer at Mishawaka but his first year as a counselor! Gavin is planning on majoring in Statistics next year for college. He is looking forward to finally being back at camp and hopes to spend a large amount of the summer on the lake! Some of his favorite activities include sailing, swimming, and participating in the camp plays! Gavin can’t wait to meet new people and see old friends during this fun-filled summer!

My name is Louisa, and I am studying agriculture and history. Some of the most formative experiences I had growing up were from being outdoors in Idaho, backpacking, canoeing, or hiking. I love working outdoors because it is always challenging, and I want to encourage others to find their own home in nature. My favorite backcountry meal is cheesy garlic rolls!

Will is really excited to return for his fourth summer as a counselor. He is studying at Denison University and is majoring in economics. He is looking forward to teaching riflery, canoeing, fishing and other activities. He can’t wait to see everyone and is ready to have a blast.

Hi!!! My name is Allie and this is my 6th year on staff! I was a camper for 9 years and love spending my summers at Mishawaka. I live in Kansas City, Missouri and I’m a 4th grade teacher during the year! I went to Emporia State University where I ran track and was a pole vaulter! At camp, I love driving the boats, spending time in the sun, and being in Parkside! I’m looking forward to another amazing summer on Lake Pokegama!

Hi! My name is Markos. I’m a Canadian living in Montreal, Quebec but I was born in Minneapolis, MN and I hold the northlands of Minnesota close to my heart. I will be graduating this spring from HEC Montreal with a bilingual (French + English) undergraduate degree in project management and entrepreneurship. I grew up on family canoe and bike trips, activities I continue to love and value sharing with others. Camping is a favorite activity for sure. This will be my third summer on staff, following six years as a camper. I am very excited to be in an extended wilderness trip coordinator role at camp this summer. I look forward to seeing old and new faces!

Marta is from Barcelona, Spain. This will be her second year as a counselor. She’s currently studying Audiovisual Communication. Marta enjoys reading, traveling, art, books, and cinema, and always seeks to bring laughter and joy to those around her. In her spare time, she delves into photography and video editing. Marta is ecstatic about returning to camp, especially excited to work on this year’s drama productions, and can’t wait to make lots of friendship bracelets!

Henry is excited to return to camp for his third year on staff! Hailing from London, England, Henry studies in Cleveland, Ohio. He rows on the crew team and loves to read in his free time. Henry looks forward to getting back on the lake this summer and meeting everyone!

Alyssa is excited to come back for her second year at Mishawaka as the CIT counselor! In her free time, Alyssa loves being outdoors, drawing and painting, and swimming. During the year she is studying Electrical and Computer Hardware Engineering at Colorado School of Mines, but she thinks about lake Pokegama almost every day! She cannot wait for another great summer at Camp!

Katie is from Missoula Montana but recently moved to Raleigh, North Carolina. This will be her 9th summer at Mishawaka and 4th year on staff! She graduated from the University of Montana in December with a degree in Political Science. Katie enjoys sailing, zumba, gymnastics, and team games. She is looking forward to another wonderful summer at camp!

First year at Mishawaka for Ryan and he is super keen to get into a summer filled with fun! Ryan is from a little town in Queensland, Australia and loves the great outdoors, he never passes up an opportunity to get out and have an adventure with his mates. His biggest passion in school was photography which he continued with after school building a nice portfolio. He has a massive love of 4 wheel driving and camping as well as getting to the beach any chance he gets. Ryan cannot wait to get started at Mishawaka this year!

Nina’s getting ready for her third summer at Camp Mishawaka! She’s from Grand Rapids, MN, and loves sports like hockey, golf, and soccer. When she’s not playing sports, she’s hanging out with her family and friends, and in the summer, you can find her enjoying water sports and athletics. Swing by the office and say hi!

Hi my name is Ella and I am from Grand Rapids,Minnesota. This will be my second year working at Camp Mishawaka in the office. I will be a Senior at Grand Rapids this upcoming fall. I enjoy hiking, hunting, paddle boarding, playing the piano and hanging out with my family and friends. I am excited to meet everyone this summer!!

Tess is excited for her first year at camp. She enjoys running, paddle boarding, scuba diving and travel. Perhaps her favorite thing is to take her friends for a pontoon or jet ski ride on Lake Pokegama. During the school year, you can often find her in the ballet studio or at the track. Please introduce yourself to her when you come into the camp store!

Sean has been at camp for ~25 summers. He’s been a counselor, program director, trip director, BC director and head of volleyball :). He winters in the Kansas City area with his wife Vanessa, daughter Allie, and dog Pepper. Sean recently retired from middle school teaching and coaching. He’s looking forward to fishing, kayaking and Humberto’s pizza!

Uncle Humberto just graduated as a Mechanical and Electrical Engineer; this will be his fourth year at camp Mishawaka. He is from Cholula Puebla, Mexico. He lives with his 2 dogs and enjoys adventures in high altitude mountains in Mexico, He loves teaching Campers in the woodshop, playing any kind of games and of course make and eat PIZZA. He is excited to go back and meet old and new friends.

Kat is delighted to be returning to the amazing peaceful woods and lake in the north, where she loves wandering the woods with her husband Duane, who is lead of boy’s camp crafts! Kat is planning some more stuffies this year with some more sewing happening and lots more crafting and imagination and her favorite, PAINTING!

Duane is a multi-medium artist with over 25 years in puppet and mask theatre. He loves being outside and bird watching and hiking, especially with his son Max. He really likes making things and will try any medium available.

Alec grew up in Rochester, MN, and is a former camper (with George Lottes) and counselor (1970) when he focused on canoeing. He credits Mishawaka for exposing him to the outdoors which led to a life of many outdoor activities. He has lived in Seattle for over 50 years and still participates in sailboat racing in Puget Sound. With his return to Mishawaka in 2023, he suspects he set a record for the longest interval in history between summers as a counselor. Alec is excited about returning to camp with a focus on sailing instruction, and renewing his friendship with campers and counselors alike.

Mary Jane is a retired middle-school teacher but doesn’t have the heart to leave her second home, Camp Mishawaka. This will be her 30th summer at camp, and when she isn’t working to find the most interesting, committed, adventurous young people to work as counselors, she can be found on her bike, exploring the many trails around Minneapolis/St. Paul, camping in her sprinter van, traveling, visiting friends, volunteering, and enjoying much more time with her beloved grandchildren.

Nate will be spending his fifth summer at Camp Mishawaka! Nate is in his 21st year as a teacher and coach in Manakto, Mn. He teaches High School History and Psychology and coaches the Boys Varsity Golf Team. He also used to coach Varsity Girls Hockey for a dozen years. Nate has three wonderful kids, an amazing wife of 19 years and Tala (his 5 year old dog). He enjoys being active and loves the outdoors. He spent 5 summers as a Waterfront Director and Activities Dirextor at a camp on Lake Winnipesaukee, before making Camp Mishawaka his summer home.