GROWTH IS IN OUR NATURE
i 1924, the residents of Carroll County banded together to purchase 30 acres of land on the banks of the Tippecanoe River. They dreamed of a place where children could explore nature, build lifelong friendships, discover their best selves and develop the important character traits needed to lead the next generation.
100 years laterCamp Tec*mseh has grown into one of the largest YMCA camps in the country while staying true to our founding principles. With more than 660 acres and 30,000 guests annually, Camp Tec*mseh's year-round programs shape children and adults who use their Tec*mseh experience to build better families, better communities and a better world.
Vision
A world where people thrive and grow in harmony with others and outdoors.
It will not be achieved quickly and it will not be achieved alone. Work with us to create a better world.
Mission
The mission of Camp Tec*mseh YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy minds, spirits and bodies for all.
Our mission is how we want to create the world as we see it in our vision. Our plan is to make an impact through our programs here at Camp Tec*mseh, as well as through all those who experience them and go out into the world.
Motto
God is first. The other person is different. I'm third.
Our anchoring in the Christian principles that guide us: living in the third. In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked:“Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the law?” And Jesus answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is the same: love your neighbor as yourself.”
our basis for growth
Guided by the Sagamore Creed, we focus on six character qualities as springboards for growth in our programs.
Respect
We build people who know how to get along and love people who are different from them. We build people who know how to listen, communicate, compromise and stand up for what is right.
To trust
We build people who can be trusted and who hold themselves accountable. We build people who understand the importance of walking their talk, keeping their promises and doing what they say they want.
Initiative
We build people who aren't afraid to work hard, even when no one is looking. We build people who don't expect everything to be handed to them and who don't give up when it's not easy.
Friendship
We build people who invest in friendships and strive to make new friendships. We build people who don't just talk to people who look, act and sound just like them. We build people who show empathy and care, who work with others and who realize that they have more in common with the people around them than they have differences.
Joy
We build happy people. We build people who don't just smile for the selfie so everyone thinks they have it all together, but strive to bring joy and happiness to situations where it's easier to complain. We build people who speak well of others when they are not around, instead of gossiping and gossiping.
Tro
We build people of faith. Not a faith that divides and separates, but the faith that God loves us and wants us to love others. The belief that a relationship with God is more important than all the money in the world. The belief that no matter how much we mess up, God is ready to forgive and nothing can separate us from Him.
What we do
Programs for children and adults
What we do
Ons team
With decades of experience across industries, Camp Tec*mseh's full-time staff is made up of individuals committed to innovation, improvement and impact.
Bee
Control
Summer camp
Retirements
Teaching outside
Equestrian sports
administrator
Households
Crazy service
Maintenance
Joel Sieplinga
Director
Contact Joel
Responsibility:My primary responsibility is to be the caretaker of the Camp Tec*mseh YMCA culture. This includes everything from year-round staffing, to involvement in programmatic changes, to decisions about facilities and grounds, to sharing the camp's mission with our community. I love telling the story of Camp Tec*mseh and showing people around the camp, whether for the first time or after decades of being away.
Camp experience: I have been working full-time at Camp Tec*mseh since 2007, six summers each as day camp director and summer camp directorand two years asAssistant director.I started as CEO in 2021.Before joining Camp Tec*mseh, I worked as a day camp and youth sports director for the Chicago YMCA and served as a counselor. I also worked as a counselor at both Camp Tec*mseh and the Decatur (IL) YMCA during high school and college.
passionate about: Ttells the story of Camp Tec*mseh to anyone who will listen. This includes community leaders, alumni, donors and others. It sounds cliché, but camping really does change lives, and I love talking about it.
Most important lesson Camp teaches: You are loved! God loves each of us and wants to have a relationship with us.
Favorite hobby: Basketball. It may be cliché considering my above average height, but I love watching, playing and talking about basketball.
Favorite family activities: Minfamily lovebeing outdoors – walking, bonfires and cycling. My wife and I like to play board games.
How did I help someone else?: When I worked for the YMCA in Chicago, I performed CPR on a member on the squash court, which resulted in the man's survival.
Bucket list: Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef.
What do you want to learn?: The ukulele. I'm not very musical, but I would really like to play at camp. Moreover, a big man holding a "little guitar" makes a good impression!
Joel recommends: Talking to people face-to-face instead of via email or text. Wow, wouldn't the world be so much better if people just sat down and talked to each other and tried to understand where each person was coming from?
Joel lives at Camp Tec*mseh with his wife Renee, son Elijah and daughter Ayla. Joel graduated from Calvin College (Michigan) with a degree in Psychology and Recreation. Joel grew up around the YMCA and has worked for the Y since he was 15. Joel served on the YMCA Mid America Camping Conference Committee for 10 years and served as committee chair in 2014. Joel has participated in and led several YMCA-USA training and currently has the 'Organizational Leader' certificate.
Joel Sieplinga
Director
Contact Joel
Responsibility:My primary responsibility is to be the caretaker of the Camp Tec*mseh YMCA culture. This includes everything from year-round staffing, to involvement in programmatic changes, to decisions about facilities and grounds, to sharing the camp's mission with our community. I love telling the story of Camp Tec*mseh and showing people around the camp, whether for the first time or after decades of being away.
Camp experience: I have been working full-time at Camp Tec*mseh since 2007, six summers each as day camp director and summer camp directorand two years asAssistant director.I started as CEO in 2021.Before joining Camp Tec*mseh, I worked as a day camp and youth sports director for the Chicago YMCA and served as a counselor. I also worked as a counselor at both Camp Tec*mseh and the Decatur (IL) YMCA during high school and college.
passionate about: Ttells the story of Camp Tec*mseh to anyone who will listen. This includes community leaders, alumni, donors and others. It sounds cliché, but camping really does change lives, and I love talking about it.
Most important lesson Camp teaches: You are loved! God loves each of us and wants to have a relationship with us.
Favorite hobby: Basketball. It may be cliché considering my above average height, but I love watching, playing and talking about basketball.
Favorite family activities: Minfamily lovebeing outdoors – walking, bonfires and cycling. My wife and I like to play board games.
How did I help someone else?: When I worked for the YMCA in Chicago, I performed CPR on a member on the squash court, which resulted in the man's survival.
Bucket list: Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef.
What do you want to learn?: The ukulele. I'm not very musical, but I would really like to play at camp. Moreover, a big man holding a "little guitar" makes a good impression!
Joel recommends: Talking to people face-to-face instead of via email or text. Wow, wouldn't the world be so much better if people just sat down and talked to each other and tried to understand where each person was coming from?
Joel lives at Camp Tec*mseh with his wife Renee, son Elijah and daughter Ayla. Joel graduated from Calvin College (Michigan) with a degree in Psychology and Recreation. Joel grew up around the YMCA and has worked for the Y since he was 15. Joel served on the YMCA Mid America Camping Conference Committee for 10 years and served as committee chair in 2014. Joel has participated in and led several YMCA-USA training and currently has the 'Organizational Leader' certificate.
Stacey Seeger
Director of Development
Contact Stacey
Responsibility: Annual fund and capital raising. Campers. Relations with alumni. Grants.Camp strategic management, as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Camp experience: My first camp experience was visiting family camp as a 7-year-old. I participated in the pioneer heritage program in 3rd grade and attended summer camp for six years. I worked as a consultant for 4 years. I started working full-time in 2012.
Burn for:Ensuring that children from all backgrounds have a great camp experience. A summer camp is too important an experience that a child should not miss.
Spare time:I like to spend time with my family and enjoy nature. You will often find us on the main field, where you can let our Golden Retriever run around.
Community involvement:Since 2013 I have been a mentor to an older sister.
Self-improvement/Learn more about:Eat local agricultural products
Stacey recommends:Do yourself a favor and listen to a podcast or two. Choose something that interests you and try it.
Stacey lives in Camp with her husband Jordan, who also works, and sons Jack and Wesley. Stacey received her bachelor's degree in social work from Indiana University.
Stacey Seeger
Director of Development
Contact Stacey
Responsibility: Annual fund and capital raising. Campers. Relations with alumni. Grants.Camp strategic management, as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Camp experience: My first camp experience was visiting family camp as a 7-year-old. I participated in the pioneer heritage program in 3rd grade and attended summer camp for six years. I worked as a consultant for 4 years. I started working full-time in 2012.
Burn for:Ensuring that children from all backgrounds have a great camp experience. A summer camp is too important an experience that a child should not miss.
Spare time:I like to spend time with my family and enjoy nature. You will often find us on the main field, where you can let our Golden Retriever run around.
Community involvement:Since 2013 I have been a mentor to an older sister.
Self-improvement/Learn more about:Eat local agricultural products
Stacey recommends:Do yourself a favor and listen to a podcast or two. Choose something that interests you and try it.
Stacey lives in Camp with her husband Jordan, who also works, and sons Jack and Wesley. Stacey received her bachelor's degree in social work from Indiana University.
Tom Elliott
Assistant director
Contact Tom
Responsibility: Chief support officer of all program departments. Primary driver of new program generation. Member of the senior leadership team. Point person for ACA accreditation.
Camp experience: As a directionless young adult from abroad, I signed up for a fun summer in 1999! I didn't know how much it would change my life. The camp journey took me through twenty consecutive summers at Camp Tec*mseh, filled with deep friendships, positive growth, and endless learning. I have worked in various positions as advisor, coordinator, asst. leadership center director, village director, field newsroom director and program director. After a few years away, I'm happy to be back and helping create positive, growth-filled experiences again.
Burn for:To help others feel involved, valued and connected.
Camp teaches us all how to:Love God, others, and ourselves well.
Favorite series:The West Wing. No doubt!
Spare time:Dog walking, cycling, family adventures (near and far), good food with friends.
To love others:Help create an annual camp experience for children in Cayambe, Ecuador.
Bucket list:Living and working in the Iona community during a season of "trouble and strife" (female).
Reis:Hiking in San Rafael National Park (Chile).
Want to learn:Spanish and ballroom dancing.
Favorite Person:My wife Katrina (as the hurricane). We have so much fun together.
I was born and raised in Newcastle, England, to hippie parents. Much of my childhood was filled with church services, travelling, Newcastle United and countless other people living with us who needed a helping hand. Katrina and I met at camp, she fell for the accent (it was the only thing I liked) and we got married a year later. We have three kids (two teens – ouch!) and live in West Lafayette during the off-season. We all enjoy being part of this positive, inspiring community.
Tom Elliott
Assistant director
Contact Tom
Responsibility: Chief support officer of all program departments. Primary driver of new program generation. Member of the senior leadership team. Point person for ACA accreditation.
Camp experience: As a directionless young adult from abroad, I signed up for a fun summer in 1999! I didn't know how much it would change my life. The camp journey took me through twenty consecutive summers at Camp Tec*mseh, filled with deep friendships, positive growth, and endless learning. I have worked in various positions as advisor, coordinator, asst. leadership center director, village director, field newsroom director and program director. After a few years away, I'm happy to be back and helping create positive, growth-filled experiences again.
Burn for:To help others feel involved, valued and connected.
Camp teaches us all how to:Love God, others, and ourselves well.
Favorite series:The West Wing. No doubt!
Spare time:Dog walking, cycling, family adventures (near and far), good food with friends.
To love others:Help create an annual camp experience for children in Cayambe, Ecuador.
Bucket list:Living and working in the Iona community during a season of "trouble and strife" (female).
Reis:Hiking in San Rafael National Park (Chile).
Want to learn:Spanish and ballroom dancing.
Favorite Person:My wife Katrina (as the hurricane). We have so much fun together.
I was born and raised in Newcastle, England, to hippie parents. Much of my childhood was filled with church services, travelling, Newcastle United and countless other people living with us who needed a helping hand. Katrina and I met at camp, she fell for the accent (it was the only thing I liked) and we got married a year later. We have three kids (two teens – ouch!) and live in West Lafayette during the off-season. We all enjoy being part of this positive, inspiring community.
Dana Mckinnis
Head accounting
Contact Dana
Responsibility:
- Management of the camp's finances.
- Preparing accounts and budgets.
- Supervision of Handelspladsen's shops.
- Establish strategic leadership as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Camp experience: I went to day camp when I was young and now my sons love attending.
How I can help Camp:Ensure that the camp's resources are used in the best possible manner to achieve its mission and vision.
Camp teaches us all how to:Love God, others, and ourselves well.
Discover everything about:Organizational strategy, time management and British historical dramas!
Family time:My children enjoy the wonderful experience of living in a neighborhood and participating in school and community sports and activities, while being exposed to rural life with their grandparents and their father who actively farms. We love monthly trips to children's museums and annual trips to the beach.
Bucket Travel List:Greece
Dana lives in West Lafayette with her husband Neil and her two sons, Oscar and Asher. She received her BS and MS from Purdue University in Agricultural Economics.
Dana Mckinnis
Head accounting
Contact Dana
Responsibility:
- Management of the camp's finances.
- Preparing accounts and budgets.
- Supervision of Handelspladsen's shops.
- Establish strategic leadership as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Camp experience: I went to day camp when I was young and now my sons love attending.
How I can help Camp:Ensure that the camp's resources are used in the best possible manner to achieve its mission and vision.
Camp teaches us all how to:Love God, others, and ourselves well.
Discover everything about:Organizational strategy, time management and British historical dramas!
Family time:My children enjoy the wonderful experience of living in a neighborhood and participating in school and community sports and activities, while being exposed to rural life with their grandparents and their father who actively farms. We love monthly trips to children's museums and annual trips to the beach.
Bucket Travel List:Greece
Dana lives in West Lafayette with her husband Neil and her two sons, Oscar and Asher. She received her BS and MS from Purdue University in Agricultural Economics.
Sam Hirt
Marketing Director
Contact Sam
Responsibilities:Tell the story of Camp Tec*mseh through digital and print media. Assist with the camp's overall strategic vision as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Camp experience:In 2014, I spent a summer as a videographer and worked for the American Camp Association for three years before returning to Camp Tec*mseh as marketing director.
Burn for:Tell a story. To write. Filmmaking. Relationships. Social justice. Area.
Spare time:I enjoy spending time with my wife, Arielle, and our son, Salem. I also spend a lot of time with family and friends in the Indy area.
Geek over:Movie. Books. Large freighters on the Great Lakes.
Community involvement:I serve on the American Camp Association's National Steering Committee on Staff Recruitment and Retention.
Bucket list:Make a narrative film. Participate in Wimbledon.
Sam recommends reading:Demon Copperheadby Barbara Kingsolver,Belovedby Toni Morrison, and possible screenplay by the Coen brothers.
Sam is from Greencastle, Indiana and graduated from Hope College with a degree in English. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife, son, dog and cat.
Sam Hirt
Marketing Director
Contact Sam
Responsibilities:Tell the story of Camp Tec*mseh through digital and print media. Assist with the camp's overall strategic vision as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Camp experience:In 2014, I spent a summer as a videographer and worked for the American Camp Association for three years before returning to Camp Tec*mseh as marketing director.
Burn for:Tell a story. To write. Filmmaking. Relationships. Social justice. Area.
Spare time:I enjoy spending time with my wife, Arielle, and our son, Salem. I also spend a lot of time with family and friends in the Indy area.
Geek over:Movie. Books. Large freighters on the Great Lakes.
Community involvement:I serve on the American Camp Association's National Steering Committee on Staff Recruitment and Retention.
Bucket list:Make a narrative film. Participate in Wimbledon.
Sam recommends reading:Demon Copperheadby Barbara Kingsolver,Belovedby Toni Morrison, and possible screenplay by the Coen brothers.
Sam is from Greencastle, Indiana and graduated from Hope College with a degree in English. He lives in Indianapolis with his wife, son, dog and cat.
En Piechocki
Director of the night camp
contact me
Responsibility: Planning and implementation of the summer camp, all Red Cross training, as well as the management of the camp shop.
Camp experience:I joined the team in 2010 as a summer camp counselor and never left. I joined the team full-time in 2013.
Burn for:The impact the camp has on everyone who can experience it!
Spare time:My free time is spent chasing after my kids (Adeline and Liam), wandering around camp with the family, baking delicious sweets and traveling when time permits.
Geek over:Leadership development theories, Nicholas Sparks books, and baking everything!
Travel wish:Leave the country at least once a year and visit all the Caribbean islands
Bucket list:Visit all national parks
Meg recommends:Read Shawn Achor's Happiness Advantage
Meg lives at Camp with her husband Ross, daughter Adeline, son Liam and dog Triscuit. She received her Master of Science from Purdue University in Organizational Leadership in 2018. Meg is a certified pool operator, lifeguard instructor trainer, and water safety instructor.
En Piechocki
Director of the night camp
contact me
Responsibility: Planning and implementation of the summer camp, all Red Cross training, as well as the management of the camp shop.
Camp experience:I joined the team in 2010 as a summer camp counselor and never left. I joined the team full-time in 2013.
Burn for:The impact the camp has on everyone who can experience it!
Spare time:My free time is spent chasing after my kids (Adeline and Liam), wandering around camp with the family, baking delicious sweets and traveling when time permits.
Geek over:Leadership development theories, Nicholas Sparks books, and baking everything!
Travel wish:Leave the country at least once a year and visit all the Caribbean islands
Bucket list:Visit all national parks
Meg recommends:Read Shawn Achor's Happiness Advantage
Meg lives at Camp with her husband Ross, daughter Adeline, son Liam and dog Triscuit. She received her Master of Science from Purdue University in Organizational Leadership in 2018. Meg is a certified pool operator, lifeguard instructor trainer, and water safety instructor.
Dayna Hatter
Deputy director of the night camp
Contact Dayna
See AlsoUncovering the enigmatic queen of leaks: discoveries and insightsUncovering the hidden story behind Wisconsin's volleyball leaksCongresswoman Mary Miller Provides Update on Farm Bill; Looking for input"I didn't know how to control my anger." The nonprofit uses curriculum coaches to help students thriveResponsibilities: Work with the overnight camp director to recruit and hire staff who will be role models for our campers, work with new and returning mentor groups to provide the camp experience to bring many children to camp. Trading post management.
Camp experience: My first year at camp was 2012 as a summer camp counselor and I started full time in January 2019. During that time I served at camp as a counselor, unit coordinator, assistant village director, and outdoor education staff.
The camp is special because: Camp is a place for growth. We see this growth summer after summer with our campers who brave new things every day without fear of failure. We see it in our employees, who truly believe in the impact of the camp and want to give every child the best experience. And we see that in ourselves and we continuously work harder to improve the way we support our employees, so that they can give everything to our children.
Make the camp better:I have been given so many opportunities to learn and grow from full-time employees and I want to give everything I have been given and more to our employees so that they continue to develop into their best selves so that they can have the best experiences with the children. come to camp through any program.
Special talent: Handstands. Or immediately cry when you watch cute animal videos.
Help others: Come to camp. I've always wanted to work with children, but never found the right opportunity or put myself out there. Camp gives me the opportunity to make a difference in so many lives, including my own.
Reis:Brazil to see my best friend orIreland to see all the green countryside, historic crosses and churches and experience the incredible culture.
Geek over:Science and nature. Walking with me always takes twice as long because I have to stop so often to identify or ask questions about what I see.
What you will learn: To speak another language.
Bucket list:Have enough money to open an Etsy store and try out the latest craft trends.
Dayna recommends: Grey's anatomy. It's full of useful life advice, teaches people to be more empathetic, and makes you cry every now and then... or every episode...
Dayna grew up in the suburbs of Chicago with her parents and two sisters. She was a competitive gymnast for about 8 years and soon after began coaching recreational gymnastics and pre-team gymnastics. She now lives in camp and is blessed with the best backyard in the world.
Dayna Hatter
Deputy director of the night camp
Contact Dayna
Responsibilities: Work with the overnight camp director to recruit and hire staff who will be role models for our campers, work with new and returning mentor groups to provide the camp experience to bring many children to camp. Trading post management.
Camp experience: My first year at camp was 2012 as a summer camp counselor and I started full time in January 2019. During that time I served at camp as a counselor, unit coordinator, assistant village director, and outdoor education staff.
The camp is special because: Camp is a place for growth. We see this growth summer after summer with our campers who brave new things every day without fear of failure. We see it in our employees, who truly believe in the impact of the camp and want to give every child the best experience. And we see that in ourselves and we continuously work harder to improve the way we support our employees, so that they can give everything to our children.
Make the camp better:I have been given so many opportunities to learn and grow from full-time employees and I want to give everything I have been given and more to our employees so that they continue to develop into their best selves so that they can have the best experiences with the children. come to camp through any program.
Special talent: Handstands. Or immediately cry when you watch cute animal videos.
Help others: Come to camp. I've always wanted to work with children, but never found the right opportunity or put myself out there. Camp gives me the opportunity to make a difference in so many lives, including my own.
Reis:Brazil to see my best friend orIreland to see all the green countryside, historic crosses and churches and experience the incredible culture.
Geek over:Science and nature. Walking with me always takes twice as long because I have to stop so often to identify or ask questions about what I see.
What you will learn: To speak another language.
Bucket list:Have enough money to open an Etsy store and try out the latest craft trends.
Dayna recommends: Grey's anatomy. It's full of useful life advice, teaches people to be more empathetic, and makes you cry every now and then... or every episode...
Dayna grew up in the suburbs of Chicago with her parents and two sisters. She was a competitive gymnast for about 8 years and soon after began coaching recreational gymnastics and pre-team gymnastics. She now lives in camp and is blessed with the best backyard in the world.
Sean Maney
Day camp leader
Contact Sean
Responsibilities:Implementation of the Day Camp Program, hiring of staff, coordination of trail groups, development of activities, implementation and execution of weekend programs September-May. Assists in teaching Red Cross lifesaving and CPR classes.
Camp experience:I first came to Tec*mseh as a camper in 2007 and worked with staff in various positions from 2015 – 2018. After a few years away from Camp, I'm happy to be back full time!
This is how I can help with camping:Help create an environment where children feel safe and loved in everything they do.
Spare time:Video games, watching/playing sports, eating goldfish, singing songs to myself.
Bucket list:Watching a football match at Anfield (Liverpool's stadium).
Geek over:Watch detailed car videos on Youtube
Sean grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in criminal justice. Before joining the Camp team, he previously worked in education.
Sean Maney
Day camp leader
Contact Sean
Responsibilities:Implementation of the Day Camp Program, hiring of staff, coordination of trail groups, development of activities, implementation and execution of weekend programs September-May. Assists in teaching Red Cross lifesaving and CPR classes.
Camp experience:I first came to Tec*mseh as a camper in 2007 and worked with staff in various positions from 2015 – 2018. After a few years away from Camp, I'm happy to be back full time!
This is how I can help with camping:Help create an environment where children feel safe and loved in everything they do.
Spare time:Video games, watching/playing sports, eating goldfish, singing songs to myself.
Bucket list:Watching a football match at Anfield (Liverpool's stadium).
Geek over:Watch detailed car videos on Youtube
Sean grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in criminal justice. Before joining the Camp team, he previously worked in education.
Joy McCauley
Group and conference director
Contact Vreugde
Responsibilities:Coordinate with groups to help them achieve their organization's mission. Booking, contracting and planning, leading activities and programs.
Camp experience:My first year at camp was in 1999 as a summer camper and I started full time in August 2013. During that time I graduated from the summer camp program, worked as a day and night counselor, assistant River Village director, assistant High Ropes director, and Guru for outdoor education.
How do you try to make the camp better:I want everyone who comes to Camp to feel like they have a place where they belong and are loved.
Spare time:I love traveling with family and friends.
Favorite hobby:It's a connection between baking and "volunteering" and telling my husband to do Pinterest projects around the house.
How do I make a difference:I use my smile to change the world. There is a hidden power in smiling and it can make all the difference.
Bucket list:I would really like to get my pilot's license.
Something I would like to learn:how to whistle with your fingers.
Favorite movie:Indiana Jones-series
Joy recommends:Explosive from Bond
Joy is fortunate to live at the camp with her husband Nick and their children, Owen and Moira. She received her bachelor's degree in law enforcement and master's degree in recreation from Western Illinois University. Before joining Camp Tec*mseh, Joy worked as a Challenge Course Manager for the Horn Field Campus, a special education paraprofessional, and a stay-at-home mom. During the summer months she supervises the use of climbing walls and ziplines.
Joy McCauley
Group and conference director
Contact Vreugde
Responsibilities:Coordinate with groups to help them achieve their organization's mission. Booking, contracting and planning, leading activities and programs.
Camp experience:My first year at camp was in 1999 as a summer camper and I started full time in August 2013. During that time I graduated from the summer camp program, worked as a day and night counselor, assistant River Village director, assistant High Ropes director, and Guru for outdoor education.
How do you try to make the camp better:I want everyone who comes to Camp to feel like they have a place where they belong and are loved.
Spare time:I love traveling with family and friends.
Favorite hobby:It's a connection between baking and "volunteering" and telling my husband to do Pinterest projects around the house.
How do I make a difference:I use my smile to change the world. There is a hidden power in smiling and it can make all the difference.
Bucket list:I would really like to get my pilot's license.
Something I would like to learn:how to whistle with your fingers.
Favorite movie:Indiana Jones-series
Joy recommends:Explosive from Bond
Joy is fortunate to live at the camp with her husband Nick and their children, Owen and Moira. She received her bachelor's degree in law enforcement and master's degree in recreation from Western Illinois University. Before joining Camp Tec*mseh, Joy worked as a Challenge Course Manager for the Horn Field Campus, a special education paraprofessional, and a stay-at-home mom. During the summer months she supervises the use of climbing walls and ziplines.
Rob Hoeder
Retreats Associate in Lake Village-Director
Contact Rob
Responsible for:Supply and maintenance of the program area. Providing weekend retreats. Oversee shooting sports training, equipment and procedures. Sing songs. Tells bad jokes.
Camp experience:I started as a part-time weekend employee in 2009. I joined the full-time team in August 2016. I also taught outdoor lessons for 4 seasons under the pseudonym "Reindeer" and worked as a sports assistant for two seasons in the summer. \\
Camp teaches:It is essential that people connect at a vulnerable level to better understand the experiences of others.
Spare time:I'll say it: Netflix. When I'm not watching comedies, you'll find me reading in a hammock or researching my latest random interest.
Geek over:Doctor Who, M*A*S*H, Supernatural, Dancing, Yoyos.
Empowering people:My high school teachers went out of their way to make a difference for people like me. They made me realize that everyone is capable if he or she puts in the effort.
Bucket list:Parachuting
Travel wish:New Zealand, Scotland, Brazil. On a budget: visit my parents
Something you would like to learn:American Sign Language
Something you are working towards:My training in Business Management
Rob recommends:To get up tomorrow and do what you're not doing now. A day will never appear. Go to work.
Rob Hoeder
Retreats Associate in Lake Village-Director
Contact Rob
Responsible for:Supply and maintenance of the program area. Providing weekend retreats. Oversee shooting sports training, equipment and procedures. Sing songs. Tells bad jokes.
Camp experience:I started as a part-time weekend employee in 2009. I joined the full-time team in August 2016. I also taught outdoor lessons for 4 seasons under the pseudonym "Reindeer" and worked as a sports assistant for two seasons in the summer. \\
Camp teaches:It is essential that people connect at a vulnerable level to better understand the experiences of others.
Spare time:I'll say it: Netflix. When I'm not watching comedies, you'll find me reading in a hammock or researching my latest random interest.
Geek over:Doctor Who, M*A*S*H, Supernatural, Dancing, Yoyos.
Empowering people:My high school teachers went out of their way to make a difference for people like me. They made me realize that everyone is capable if he or she puts in the effort.
Bucket list:Parachuting
Travel wish:New Zealand, Scotland, Brazil. On a budget: visit my parents
Something you would like to learn:American Sign Language
Something you are working towards:My training in Business Management
Rob recommends:To get up tomorrow and do what you're not doing now. A day will never appear. Go to work.
Whitney Eriksen
Associate at Retreats and director of High Ropes
Contact Whitney
Responsibilities:Leading weekend and retreat groups, overseeing high rope training, equipment and procedures, ensuring box turtles are safe around camp, and heavy lifting.
Camp experience:Started working at Camp Tec*mseh in 2019 with outdoor education, weekend groups, and as a summer adventure sports specialist.
How do you try to make the camp better:Shows kindness and love to everyone who comes to camp. I want everyone to feel like they have a place where they belong.
Spare time:Hiking and exploring new places, hanging out with my pup, running and hot yoga!
Destination:Antarctica en Banff National Park in Canada.
Bucket list:See a moose in the wild, hike the entire Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail, and visit all 7 continents (4/7 so far!).
Geek over:Anything to do with the ocean, especially sea turtles!
Whitney grew up in Minnesota and since graduating has moved to Australia, Florida and now Indiana. She is completing her degree in biology at the University of Central Florida.
Whitney Eriksen
Associate at Retreats and director of High Ropes
Contact Whitney
Responsibilities:Leading weekend and retreat groups, overseeing high rope training, equipment and procedures, ensuring box turtles are safe around camp, and heavy lifting.
Camp experience:Started working at Camp Tec*mseh in 2019 with outdoor education, weekend groups, and as a summer adventure sports specialist.
How do you try to make the camp better:Shows kindness and love to everyone who comes to camp. I want everyone to feel like they have a place where they belong.
Spare time:Hiking and exploring new places, hanging out with my pup, running and hot yoga!
Destination:Antarctica en Banff National Park in Canada.
Bucket list:See a moose in the wild, hike the entire Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail, and visit all 7 continents (4/7 so far!).
Geek over:Anything to do with the ocean, especially sea turtles!
Whitney grew up in Minnesota and since graduating has moved to Australia, Florida and now Indiana. She is completing her degree in biology at the University of Central Florida.
Adam Ayres
Retreats Associate in River Village-Director
Contact Adam
Responsibilities:Conducting weekend retreats and extracurricular group experiences. Supervise aquatics, target sports and high rope program areas and staff.
Camp experience:I started at Camp Tec*mseh in 2003 as a day camp counselor and eventually became part of the full-time staff in the summer of 2011. I worked at YMCA Camps of Texas for 4 summers in various roles before returning home to Camp Tec*mseh in 2021.
Camp teaches:The importance and power of loving people for who they are and where they are in life.
Spare time:I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy watching sports, both live and from the couch.
Geek over:Indiana University sport, Oklahoma State Football, The Colts, Indycar en HGTV.
Empowering people:My parents always let me determine my own path to success. They were always there to support me, but they also allowed me to learn from the mistakes I made along the way.
Bucket list:Participate in the Masters Tournament. Go to Hawaii. Meet Garth Brooks.
Travel wish:New Zealand, Norway and traveling through Europe.
Something you would like to learn:Woodworking. Being able to make furniture would be great.
Adam recommends:Take time every week to call a friend or family member. You never know how much it could mean to them.
Adam lives at Camp Tec*mseh with his wife Natalie and two dogs, Lyla and Lucy. Adam graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management. Adam grew up in the Indianapolis area, but camp has always felt like home. He met his wife at camp, they got married at camp and are happy to be back at camp helping others make lifelong friendships and memories.
Adam Ayres
Retreats Associate in River Village-Director
Contact Adam
Responsibilities:Conducting weekend retreats and extracurricular group experiences. Supervise aquatics, target sports and high rope program areas and staff.
Camp experience:I started at Camp Tec*mseh in 2003 as a day camp counselor and eventually became part of the full-time staff in the summer of 2011. I worked at YMCA Camps of Texas for 4 summers in various roles before returning home to Camp Tec*mseh in 2021.
Camp teaches:The importance and power of loving people for who they are and where they are in life.
Spare time:I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy watching sports, both live and from the couch.
Geek over:Indiana University sport, Oklahoma State Football, The Colts, Indycar en HGTV.
Empowering people:My parents always let me determine my own path to success. They were always there to support me, but they also allowed me to learn from the mistakes I made along the way.
Bucket list:Participate in the Masters Tournament. Go to Hawaii. Meet Garth Brooks.
Travel wish:New Zealand, Norway and traveling through Europe.
Something you would like to learn:Woodworking. Being able to make furniture would be great.
Adam recommends:Take time every week to call a friend or family member. You never know how much it could mean to them.
Adam lives at Camp Tec*mseh with his wife Natalie and two dogs, Lyla and Lucy. Adam graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Resource Management. Adam grew up in the Indianapolis area, but camp has always felt like home. He met his wife at camp, they got married at camp and are happy to be back at camp helping others make lifelong friendships and memories.
Lauren Buchanan
Director of outdoor education
Contact Lauren
Responsibilities: Curriculum development and management of Lake Village's outdoor education department and supervision during an overnight camp.
Camp experience: I was fortunate enough to attend camp as an elementary student through our Outdoor Education department and again through RYLA growing up. My first year on staff was 2014 as a summer camp counselor, and I returned in various years and seasons as a weekend associate, riding instructor, stable staff, and seasonal outdoor education instructor. I look forward to joining the full-time staff in 2021, after spending several years in my first teaching career.
Spare time: Reading, cooking, gardening, finding the best coffee in town.
Favorite show:Gilmore Girls or The Good Place.
How do I make a difference: Through the OE Department, I want to empower school communities to develop their relationships and experiences with each other beyond the classroom to create lifelong bonds and learning experiences that will spark students' creativity and curiosity after their camp experience!
Geek over:History. Once a history teacher, always a history teacher.
What I will learn: How to Compost!
Lauren recommends: Rest. Think about what it means to truly take care of your mind, body, and soul. Create a meaningful and joyful life, not just a busy one.
Lauren grew up in the West Lafayette area and graduated from Hanover College with a bachelor's degree in Spanish. After her undergraduate degree, she lived in Memphis, Tennessee, where she graduated from Union University with a Masters in Urban Education and was a high school social teacher for four years. Lauren is a certified history and Spanish teacher in secondary schools ages 6 to 12 and is also an alumnus of the Memphis Teacher Residency.
Lauren Buchanan
Director of outdoor education
Contact Lauren
Responsibilities: Curriculum development and management of Lake Village's outdoor education department and supervision during an overnight camp.
Camp experience: I was fortunate enough to attend camp as an elementary student through our Outdoor Education department and again through RYLA growing up. My first year on staff was 2014 as a summer camp counselor, and I returned in various years and seasons as a weekend associate, riding instructor, stable staff, and seasonal outdoor education instructor. I look forward to joining the full-time staff in 2021, after spending several years in my first teaching career.
Spare time: Reading, cooking, gardening, finding the best coffee in town.
Favorite show:Gilmore Girls or The Good Place.
How do I make a difference: Through the OE Department, I want to empower school communities to develop their relationships and experiences with each other beyond the classroom to create lifelong bonds and learning experiences that will spark students' creativity and curiosity after their camp experience!
Geek over:History. Once a history teacher, always a history teacher.
What I will learn: How to Compost!
Lauren recommends: Rest. Think about what it means to truly take care of your mind, body, and soul. Create a meaningful and joyful life, not just a busy one.
Lauren grew up in the West Lafayette area and graduated from Hanover College with a bachelor's degree in Spanish. After her undergraduate degree, she lived in Memphis, Tennessee, where she graduated from Union University with a Masters in Urban Education and was a high school social teacher for four years. Lauren is a certified history and Spanish teacher in secondary schools ages 6 to 12 and is also an alumnus of the Memphis Teacher Residency.
Keith Kalish
OE Associate & Nature Center Coordinator
Contact Keet
Responsibilities:OE programs and supplies, nature center supervision, beekeeping. Summer program areas and supplies.
Camp experience:I started as an Outdoor Education manager and cabin advisor in 2006. I joined the team in 2007 and have worked for OE for the past 10 years.
Burn for:Letting people experience nature and nature in a positive way. Camp teaches the values of caring and sharing nature with ourselves and others.
Bucket list:Hammock in all 50 states. Visit every national park.
Community involvement:I volunteer at the United Methodist Church in Delphi with their children's and creation ministry. I help with the camp team to donate lost and found items to local and national organizations.
Keith graduated from MacMurray College with a BA in Religious Studies and Philosophy. He received an MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is a certified interpreting guide through the National Association of Interpretation. He is Camp's beekeeper.
Keith Kalish
OE Associate & Nature Center Coordinator
Contact Keet
Responsibilities:OE programs and supplies, nature center supervision, beekeeping. Summer program areas and supplies.
Camp experience:I started as an Outdoor Education manager and cabin advisor in 2006. I joined the team in 2007 and have worked for OE for the past 10 years.
Burn for:Letting people experience nature and nature in a positive way. Camp teaches the values of caring and sharing nature with ourselves and others.
Bucket list:Hammock in all 50 states. Visit every national park.
Community involvement:I volunteer at the United Methodist Church in Delphi with their children's and creation ministry. I help with the camp team to donate lost and found items to local and national organizations.
Keith graduated from MacMurray College with a BA in Religious Studies and Philosophy. He received an MA in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is a certified interpreting guide through the National Association of Interpretation. He is Camp's beekeeper.
Kaleb Buchanan
OE Associate & Village Director
Contact Kaleb
Responsibilities:OE programs and staff support during the fall and spring. Oversees the River Village during the summer.
Camp experience:I started my camping career as a summer camp counselor at YMCA Camp Carson in 2017 and began year-round camp programs across the country in 2019. I was fortunate enough to be part of the Outdoor Education department here in Tec*mseh starting in the fall. 2021.
Spare time:Plays guitar, reads, video games, walks and runs.
Favorite show:The office or the new girl.
Geek over:Mountain climbing and shooting sports.
What I will learn:How to make maple syrup.
Kaleb recommends:Take life one day at a time, because if you take it two days in a row, you are traveling for time.
Kaleb Buchanan
OE Associate & Village Director
Contact Kaleb
Responsibilities:OE programs and staff support during the fall and spring. Oversees the River Village during the summer.
Camp experience:I started my camping career as a summer camp counselor at YMCA Camp Carson in 2017 and began year-round camp programs across the country in 2019. I was fortunate enough to be part of the Outdoor Education department here in Tec*mseh starting in the fall. 2021.
Spare time:Plays guitar, reads, video games, walks and runs.
Favorite show:The office or the new girl.
Geek over:Mountain climbing and shooting sports.
What I will learn:How to make maple syrup.
Kaleb recommends:Take life one day at a time, because if you take it two days in a row, you are traveling for time.
Sydney Maney
OE Associate & River Village-Director
Contact Sydney
Responsibilities:OE programs and staff support during the fall and spring. Oversees the River Village during the summer.
Camp experience:I first joined the Camp Tec*mseh family in the summer of 2017 as an Overnight Counselor. I continued to return to the Overnight staff as Unit Coordinator and River Village Assistant Director. I am so excited to join the full-time staff!
How can I help at camp:Everyone has so much to learn at camp: how to be a better person, student, brother or sister, colleague, classmate or friend. I hope to help everyone who comes to camp grow in these areas.
Spare time:Reading, going to Target, Netflix.
Favorite show:Kardashians (Hulu version).
Travel wish:Greece, so I can pretend I'm in Mamma Mia.
Geek over:All miracle.
Sydney recommends:Any type of potato: baked, baked, mashed, etc.
Sydney grew up in Crawfordsville, IN and graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She then taught 4th grade and 6th grade ELA. She is so excited to transition from teaching and learning in an indoor classroom to an outdoor classroom!
Sydney Maney
OE Associate & River Village-Director
Contact Sydney
Responsibilities:OE programs and staff support during the fall and spring. Oversees the River Village during the summer.
Camp experience:I first joined the Camp Tec*mseh family in the summer of 2017 as an Overnight Counselor. I continued to return to the Overnight staff as Unit Coordinator and River Village Assistant Director. I am so excited to join the full-time staff!
How can I help at camp:Everyone has so much to learn at camp: how to be a better person, student, brother or sister, colleague, classmate or friend. I hope to help everyone who comes to camp grow in these areas.
Spare time:Reading, going to Target, Netflix.
Favorite show:Kardashians (Hulu version).
Travel wish:Greece, so I can pretend I'm in Mamma Mia.
Geek over:All miracle.
Sydney recommends:Any type of potato: baked, baked, mashed, etc.
Sydney grew up in Crawfordsville, IN and graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She then taught 4th grade and 6th grade ELA. She is so excited to transition from teaching and learning in an indoor classroom to an outdoor classroom!
Rachel Naylor
OE Associate & Lake Village-Director
Contact Rachel
Responsibilities:Facilitating memorable outdoor experiences for students who come on field trips with their school and serve as the River Village Assistant Director during summer camp!
Camp experience:I first came to camp when I was eight years old for my first week at overnight camp and immediately fell in love. When I came home after that first week, I knew that I wanted to be a counselor at Camp Tec*mseh when I grew up. I spent nine summers as a camper and then eventually started working as a counselor at an overnight camp. Four summers in a cabin and a few summers on the support staff got me to where I am today.
Spare time:Most of the time was spent working on my latest craft obsession, catching up on a TV show, or trying out new coffee shops.
Favorite show:Parks and recreation.
Burn for:Create space for people to experience the outdoors! Camp is a great place where people can try new things, make lasting friendships, and connect with the nature around them. I am fortunate to help cultivate these experiences for others every day.
Rachel recommends:Evening walks to watch the sunset with music that gives you the pleasure of playing along the way.
Rachel Naylor
OE Associate & Lake Village-Director
Contact Rachel
Responsibilities:Facilitating memorable outdoor experiences for students who come on field trips with their school and serve as the River Village Assistant Director during summer camp!
Camp experience:I first came to camp when I was eight years old for my first week at overnight camp and immediately fell in love. When I came home after that first week, I knew that I wanted to be a counselor at Camp Tec*mseh when I grew up. I spent nine summers as a camper and then eventually started working as a counselor at an overnight camp. Four summers in a cabin and a few summers on the support staff got me to where I am today.
Spare time:Most of the time was spent working on my latest craft obsession, catching up on a TV show, or trying out new coffee shops.
Favorite show:Parks and recreation.
Burn for:Create space for people to experience the outdoors! Camp is a great place where people can try new things, make lasting friendships, and connect with the nature around them. I am fortunate to help cultivate these experiences for others every day.
Rachel recommends:Evening walks to watch the sunset with music that gives you the pleasure of playing along the way.
Sheila Wilimitis
OE Associate & Kapelcoördinator
Contact Sheila
Sheila Wilimitis
OE Associate & Kapelcoördinator
Contact Sheila
Amie Gleason
Driving director
Contact Amie
Responsibility: Feeding and caring for 60 horses and a wide variety of mini farm animals, providing safe rides for our weekend guests, organizing and running the horse stable in the summer, running the day camp program and overseeing the entire riding program
Camp experience:Amie arrived at the camp in October 1999 as assistant equestrian director. In 2002, Amie became equestrian director, where she has been ever since.
Burn for:Using the horse to teach the children more about themselves. There are no secrets about horses and they are honest in everything they do. They can help bring to the surface things that we may be dealing with. Often a breakthrough on the horse can lead to a breakthrough in real life and it's great to facilitate that.
Hobby's:Ride my horse, Keeghan, if I can.
Spare time:Participates in all my child's sporting events and school activities.
Favorite movie:Hotel Transylvania; pretty much anything bright and entertaining!
Community involvement:I have been an assistant varsity volleyball coach for the past 3 years. I enjoy encouraging the girls to do their best and celebrating with them when they win, reach a milestone or improve. I also coach youth basketball.
Travel wish:Alaska
Bucket list:FIFA World Cup matches (for the atmosphere!)
Friend recommends:Go to DisneyWorld! Don't just try to cram everything in. Enjoy your time and don't stick to a schedule.
Amie lives in the camp with her husband Ben and three children Gavin, Reagan and Braydn. She graduated from Houghton College in New York with a degree in business administration and a minor in Equestrian Studies. She is also a CHA accredited instructor.
Amie Gleason
Driving director
Contact Amie
Responsibility: Feeding and caring for 60 horses and a wide variety of mini farm animals, providing safe rides for our weekend guests, organizing and running the horse stable in the summer, running the day camp program and overseeing the entire riding program
Camp experience:Amie arrived at the camp in October 1999 as assistant equestrian director. In 2002, Amie became equestrian director, where she has been ever since.
Burn for:Using the horse to teach the children more about themselves. There are no secrets about horses and they are honest in everything they do. They can help bring to the surface things that we may be dealing with. Often a breakthrough on the horse can lead to a breakthrough in real life and it's great to facilitate that.
Hobby's:Ride my horse, Keeghan, if I can.
Spare time:Participates in all my child's sporting events and school activities.
Favorite movie:Hotel Transylvania; pretty much anything bright and entertaining!
Community involvement:I have been an assistant varsity volleyball coach for the past 3 years. I enjoy encouraging the girls to do their best and celebrating with them when they win, reach a milestone or improve. I also coach youth basketball.
Travel wish:Alaska
Bucket list:FIFA World Cup matches (for the atmosphere!)
Friend recommends:Go to DisneyWorld! Don't just try to cram everything in. Enjoy your time and don't stick to a schedule.
Amie lives in the camp with her husband Ben and three children Gavin, Reagan and Braydn. She graduated from Houghton College in New York with a degree in business administration and a minor in Equestrian Studies. She is also a CHA accredited instructor.
Maria Anna Hunsberger
Assistant Equestrian Director
Contact Mary-Anne
Responsibilities:Feeding and caring for a herd of 60 horses and a variety of mini farm animals, running weekend trails and implementing an equestrian camp program for 35 campers each week during the summer.
Camp experience: Mary Anne arrived at camp in May 2004 as a riding camp counselor and joined the full-time outdoor education team in August 2004. Within a year, she moved to the position of assistant driving director, where she has been ever since.
Why camp is special:Camp is a great place where you can have the freedom to be the person you are meant to be, your true self, not bound by societal norms or the pressures of school and family.
Burn for:Helps children learn and understand their horses so that they become dance partners and move as one through the arena. We teach the children how the horse thinks so that they can better understand why the horse does what it does, and then adapt and work with it, not against it.
Spare time:Running/exercising and just spending quality time with the special people in my life
Favorite show:NCIS
Community involvement:Since 2014, Mary Anne has coached high school volleyball at a local school. At this stage of life it is more than just learning the skills of the sport. It's about teaching them how to be good teammates, how to be kind whether they win or lose, and the value of hard work.
Travel wish:New Zealand
Working towards:I'm working on earning my "Spartan Trifecta". I earned the first two pieces of the trifecta by running a Spartan Sprint and Super race and will earn the final piece in December by running the “Beastet.”
Mary Anne recommends:Visiting Bryce Canyon in Utah, especially when it is covered in snow.
Mary Anne lives in the camp with her dog Duke. She graduated cum laude from Purdue University in 2002 with a degree in animal science. After 18 months in graduate school, Mary Anne felt a calling to find another purpose in her life and left school to join the camp as a counselor, where God paved the way for full-time employment.
Maria Anna Hunsberger
Assistant Equestrian Director
Contact Mary-Anne
Responsibilities:Feeding and caring for a herd of 60 horses and a variety of mini farm animals, running weekend trails and implementing an equestrian camp program for 35 campers each week during the summer.
Camp experience: Mary Anne arrived at camp in May 2004 as a riding camp counselor and joined the full-time outdoor education team in August 2004. Within a year, she moved to the position of assistant driving director, where she has been ever since.
Why camp is special:Camp is a great place where you can have the freedom to be the person you are meant to be, your true self, not bound by societal norms or the pressures of school and family.
Burn for:Helps children learn and understand their horses so that they become dance partners and move as one through the arena. We teach the children how the horse thinks so that they can better understand why the horse does what it does, and then adapt and work with it, not against it.
Spare time:Running/exercising and just spending quality time with the special people in my life
Favorite show:NCIS
Community involvement:Since 2014, Mary Anne has coached high school volleyball at a local school. At this stage of life it is more than just learning the skills of the sport. It's about teaching them how to be good teammates, how to be kind whether they win or lose, and the value of hard work.
Travel wish:New Zealand
Working towards:I'm working on earning my "Spartan Trifecta". I earned the first two pieces of the trifecta by running a Spartan Sprint and Super race and will earn the final piece in December by running the “Beastet.”
Mary Anne recommends:Visiting Bryce Canyon in Utah, especially when it is covered in snow.
Mary Anne lives in the camp with her dog Duke. She graduated cum laude from Purdue University in 2002 with a degree in animal science. After 18 months in graduate school, Mary Anne felt a calling to find another purpose in her life and left school to join the camp as a counselor, where God paved the way for full-time employment.
Ashley McDaniels
Director of Human Resources
Contact Ashley
Ashley McDaniels
Director of Human Resources
Contact Ashley
Nikita Parsons
Business Director
Contact Nikita
Responsible for: Payroll. Creditors. Employee on board. Employee insurance.
Camp experience:I never knew about Camp Tec*mseh as a kid, but I feel fortunate that I heard about Camp in the summer of 2014 and was able to join the team full-time. Camp is a beautiful place with an amazing, indescribable atmosphere.
Burn for:At home I am passionate about my family and at work I am passionate about pay! They both keep me on my toes!
Spare time:You can find my family spending time together outdoors, at the lake, or going on other adventures together!
Travel wish:I've always dreamed of seeing Alaska and Montana!
Nikita recommends:Take the time to do what makes you happy! Personally, I like to go out most mornings before anyone wakes up and go for a nice run while watching the sun rise!
Nikita lives in Chalmers with her husband Jerad, son Jayce and daughter Haley. She grew up in Logansport, IN and graduated from Ivy Tech with an Associate's Degree in Elementary Education.
Nikita Parsons
Business Director
Contact Nikita
Responsible for: Payroll. Creditors. Employee on board. Employee insurance.
Camp experience:I never knew about Camp Tec*mseh as a kid, but I feel fortunate that I heard about Camp in the summer of 2014 and was able to join the team full-time. Camp is a beautiful place with an amazing, indescribable atmosphere.
Burn for:At home I am passionate about my family and at work I am passionate about pay! They both keep me on my toes!
Spare time:You can find my family spending time together outdoors, at the lake, or going on other adventures together!
Travel wish:I've always dreamed of seeing Alaska and Montana!
Nikita recommends:Take the time to do what makes you happy! Personally, I like to go out most mornings before anyone wakes up and go for a nice run while watching the sun rise!
Nikita lives in Chalmers with her husband Jerad, son Jayce and daughter Haley. She grew up in Logansport, IN and graduated from Ivy Tech with an Associate's Degree in Elementary Education.
Jamie Jones
Register
Contact Jamie
Responsibilities:"Camp Tec*mseh, this is Jamie..." You can call me Pam Beasley from the Tec*mseh office. I answer calls and help with questions, welcome guests and, best of all, register kids for summer camp.
Camp experience:From 2010-2015 I worked seasonally at the camp as a summer camp counselor and as a member of the Outdoor Education staff. In 2015, I was hired full-time as Lake Village Director and member of the Outdoor Education Team. In 2019, I made the difficult decision to leave Tec*mseh, just before my daughter was born, to spend more time with my family. I thought my time at camp was over, but God had other plans for me. I am so grateful to be back with my Tec*mseh family, now as a clerk and part of the office staff. These ladies are Tec*mseh's hidden gems.
Burn for:Being a mother. I want to help my children grow up believing that they are smart, kind, and deeply loved by God.
Hobby's:Design and illustration of digital art, painting and sketching.
Favorite movie:You've got mail
Bucket list:Run a marathon, write and illustrate a children's book.
Recommend:Brené Brown's podcast: "Låser os op"
Jamie lives in West Lafayette, IN, with her husband Kevin (whom she met at camp in 2010) and their two children, Zeke and Eleanor. She received her bachelor's degree in Human Services from Purdue University.
Jamie Jones
Register
Contact Jamie
Responsibilities:"Camp Tec*mseh, this is Jamie..." You can call me Pam Beasley from the Tec*mseh office. I answer calls and help with questions, welcome guests and, best of all, register kids for summer camp.
Camp experience:From 2010-2015 I worked seasonally at the camp as a summer camp counselor and as a member of the Outdoor Education staff. In 2015, I was hired full-time as Lake Village Director and member of the Outdoor Education Team. In 2019, I made the difficult decision to leave Tec*mseh, just before my daughter was born, to spend more time with my family. I thought my time at camp was over, but God had other plans for me. I am so grateful to be back with my Tec*mseh family, now as a clerk and part of the office staff. These ladies are Tec*mseh's hidden gems.
Burn for:Being a mother. I want to help my children grow up believing that they are smart, kind, and deeply loved by God.
Hobby's:Design and illustration of digital art, painting and sketching.
Favorite movie:You've got mail
Bucket list:Run a marathon, write and illustrate a children's book.
Recommend:Brené Brown's podcast: "Låser os op"
Jamie lives in West Lafayette, IN, with her husband Kevin (whom she met at camp in 2010) and their two children, Zeke and Eleanor. She received her bachelor's degree in Human Services from Purdue University.
Jordan Seeger
Executive Director
Contact Jordan
Responsibilities:Implementation of camp operations, including food service, housekeeping, land management, risk management and more.
Camp experience:I started as a counselor in 2006 and joined the full-time team in 2011. I have served the camp as a counselor, weekend program staff, outdoor education staff, Assistant High Ropes Director, Lakefront Director, Retreats Associate, and Day Camp Director.
The most important lesson Camp teaches children:Ultimately, you are the only one who can be held responsible for your choices. So make sure you can go to bed every day proud of how you have lived your life.
Things my family enjoys:Spending time together, especially near water.
Geek over:Manga, mythologie, Green Bay Packers, sciencefiction-tv
What can I do that not many other people can:Admit that The Great Gatsby is a terribly boring piece of literature.
Who is someone who inspires you to become a better person:To workwith Hoosier Burn Camp and Kidney Camp I meet people who inspire me every day. The children, volunteers and staff all inspire me to give more to others and to give everything I can in life.
What am I going to learn:Be fluent in another language.
Travel wish:Scotland
Bucket list:Visit every national park in America
Jordan recommends:Canoeing in the Boundary Waters at least once in your life.
Jordan lives at Camp with his wife Stacey, sons Jack and Wesley and dog Georgia. He received his bachelor's degree in Medieval and Renaissance Studies from Purdue University.
Jordan Seeger
Executive Director
Contact Jordan
Responsibilities:Implementation of camp operations, including food service, housekeeping, land management, risk management and more.
Camp experience:I started as a counselor in 2006 and joined the full-time team in 2011. I have served the camp as a counselor, weekend program staff, outdoor education staff, Assistant High Ropes Director, Lakefront Director, Retreats Associate, and Day Camp Director.
The most important lesson Camp teaches children:Ultimately, you are the only one who can be held responsible for your choices. So make sure you can go to bed every day proud of how you have lived your life.
Things my family enjoys:Spending time together, especially near water.
Geek over:Manga, mythologie, Green Bay Packers, sciencefiction-tv
What can I do that not many other people can:Admit that The Great Gatsby is a terribly boring piece of literature.
Who is someone who inspires you to become a better person:To workwith Hoosier Burn Camp and Kidney Camp I meet people who inspire me every day. The children, volunteers and staff all inspire me to give more to others and to give everything I can in life.
What am I going to learn:Be fluent in another language.
Travel wish:Scotland
Bucket list:Visit every national park in America
Jordan recommends:Canoeing in the Boundary Waters at least once in your life.
Jordan lives at Camp with his wife Stacey, sons Jack and Wesley and dog Georgia. He received his bachelor's degree in Medieval and Renaissance Studies from Purdue University.
Brittany Bos
Housekeeping Director
Contact Brittany
Responsibilities:Keep the camp clean! All cabins, buildings and both dining rooms are cleaned, swept and washed.
Camp experience:Six of my cousins had their first jobs at Camp T. Camp Tec*mseh is a hot topic in my family. I also came here several times as a child. I have been a member of the camp team since April 2018.
Hobby:Painting, crafting, scrapbooking, singing and event planning.
Burn for:To show young children what they are capable of. To teach them new things and to develop their own creativity.
Spare time:Take part in demolition derbies and dirt road races, watch the sun set from a windmill in the middle of a corn field and cook and campfire with family and friends.
Help others:“Never let the fear of a strikeout stop you from playing the game.” Life gives you many medicine balls. Be open and willing to change to make a difference to yourself or the lives of others.
Brittany recommends:Sit on the beach of Hilton Head Island at 6am and watch the sun rise and watch all the little things around you change, making for a better start to the day
Brittany was born and raised in Brookston, IN. She shares her home with four children, Brayden, Kyler, Tyler and Addy, and her partner Paul. She also has 2 cats Annie and Bella, and 2 dogs Tito and Brutus. Brittany attended Ivy Tech for three years working on her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She decided to take a new path and found her expertise in housekeeping/cleaning.
Brittany Bos
Housekeeping Director
Contact Brittany
Responsibilities:Keep the camp clean! All cabins, buildings and both dining rooms are cleaned, swept and washed.
Camp experience:Six of my cousins had their first jobs at Camp T. Camp Tec*mseh is a hot topic in my family. I also came here several times as a child. I have been a member of the camp team since April 2018.
Hobby:Painting, crafting, scrapbooking, singing and event planning.
Burn for:To show young children what they are capable of. To teach them new things and to develop their own creativity.
Spare time:Take part in demolition derbies and dirt road races, watch the sun set from a windmill in the middle of a corn field and cook and campfire with family and friends.
Help others:“Never let the fear of a strikeout stop you from playing the game.” Life gives you many medicine balls. Be open and willing to change to make a difference to yourself or the lives of others.
Brittany recommends:Sit on the beach of Hilton Head Island at 6am and watch the sun rise and watch all the little things around you change, making for a better start to the day
Brittany was born and raised in Brookston, IN. She shares her home with four children, Brayden, Kyler, Tyler and Addy, and her partner Paul. She also has 2 cats Annie and Bella, and 2 dogs Tito and Brutus. Brittany attended Ivy Tech for three years working on her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. She decided to take a new path and found her expertise in housekeeping/cleaning.
Katelyn Hock
Domestic assistant
DarCee Mendez
Domestic assistant
Jessica Holt
Food service employee
Contact Jess
Jessica Holt
Food service employee
Contact Jess
Becky Boller
Food service employee
Contact Becky
Responsibility: Keeps the kitchen running.
Camp experience: 9 years.
passionate about: Shopping and family.
spare time: Swimming, reading, shopping.
Crazy about it: Antique.
Bucket list: Go to Hawaii.
Becky recommends reading:The last lectureby Randy Pausch
Becky Boller
Food service employee
Contact Becky
Responsibility: Keeps the kitchen running.
Camp experience: 9 years.
passionate about: Shopping and family.
spare time: Swimming, reading, shopping.
Crazy about it: Antique.
Bucket list: Go to Hawaii.
Becky recommends reading:The last lectureby Randy Pausch
Karen Brown
Food service employee
Keith Kender
Property manager
Contact Keet
Responsible for:Coordination of maintenance department, project management, construction supervision.
Camp experience:I started as a college counselor and archery instructor in 1984 and joined the full-time staff in 1987 as a property manager.
Community involvement:I have worked part-time for the local ambulance service as an emergency medical technician since 1997 and am a PADI certified rescue diver.
Spare time:water skiing, snow skiing and watching my kids compete in soccer and pole vaulting.
Keith graduated from Purdue with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He lives locally with his wife Laurie (whom he met at Camp) and their children, Emily, Abigail and Max.
Keith Kender
Property manager
Contact Keet
Responsible for:Coordination of maintenance department, project management, construction supervision.
Camp experience:I started as a college counselor and archery instructor in 1984 and joined the full-time staff in 1987 as a property manager.
Community involvement:I have worked part-time for the local ambulance service as an emergency medical technician since 1997 and am a PADI certified rescue diver.
Spare time:water skiing, snow skiing and watching my kids compete in soccer and pole vaulting.
Keith graduated from Purdue with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He lives locally with his wife Laurie (whom he met at Camp) and their children, Emily, Abigail and Max.
Scott Clark
Assistant property manager
Contact Scott
Responsibility: Director of Maintenance Staff. Construction site manager. Construction design. Plumber, electrical, plumber specialist. Inventory and material management.
Camp experience: First came to the camp with my father under Indian guides in 1972. In May 1999 I joined the full-time team.
passionate about: Enhancing the camp through great building and construction design with materials that will last for generations.
To enjoy: Spending time with our grandson. Vacation, camping and fishing in Northern Wisconsin.
Bucket list: Archery elk hunt with my family. I would love to travel to Alaska and back in a camper.
Scott recommends: Spends time in northern Wisconsin/Minnesota, near the Boundary Waters.
Professional background:Scott has his AAS degree in HVAC, including 5 years in HVAC field work and 10 years as a Sears Roebuck technician. At Camp he helped build Lake Village, the Oregon Territory, the skywalker course, both the climbing walls and the boathouse.
Scott Clark
Assistant property manager
Contact Scott
Responsibility: Director of Maintenance Staff. Construction site manager. Construction design. Plumber, electrical, plumber specialist. Inventory and material management.
Camp experience: First came to the camp with my father under Indian guides in 1972. In May 1999 I joined the full-time team.
passionate about: Enhancing the camp through great building and construction design with materials that will last for generations.
To enjoy: Spending time with our grandson. Vacation, camping and fishing in Northern Wisconsin.
Bucket list: Archery elk hunt with my family. I would love to travel to Alaska and back in a camper.
Scott recommends: Spends time in northern Wisconsin/Minnesota, near the Boundary Waters.
Professional background:Scott has his AAS degree in HVAC, including 5 years in HVAC field work and 10 years as a Sears Roebuck technician. At Camp he helped build Lake Village, the Oregon Territory, the skywalker course, both the climbing walls and the boathouse.
Toby Yates
Maintenance worker
Darrel Sterrett
Maintenance worker
Aäron Hutsell
Maintenance worker
Ken Lucas
Maintenance worker
Our board of directors
Meet the volunteers committed to Camp Tec*mseh's future success.
Alysa Christmas Rollock, President
West-Lafayette, IN
Matthew Lerzak, vice-president
West-Lafayette, IN
Lindsey Schiesser, cashier
Fishers, IN
Jay Andries
Lafayette, IN
Cadi Bien
West-Lafayette, IN
Dick Bradshaw
Delphi, IN
Tracy Bruin
Lafayette, IN
Susan Conrad DeLong
Rossville, IN
Rob Culross
Indianapolis, IN
Marc Elliott
Zionsville, IN
Don Fry
West-Lafayette, IN
Grant Gernhardt
Lafayette, IN
Mike Gibson
Lafayette, IN
Steve Gloeske
Lafayette, IN
Peg Minnicus
Delphi, IN
Cathy Scott
West-Lafayette, IN
Sandy Welch
Winnetka, IL
Dave Williams
Lafayette, IN
Trusted by thousands of guests
Check out a selection of thoughts and feelings about camp from those who matter most: our guests.
Summer camp
16 year old CILT
Camp has pushed me out of my comfort zone countless times and made me a better friend, leader, and listener.
Summer camp
Former advisor
Overnight camp
I have learned to make long-lasting friendships and hold others to high standards while being forgiving.
Summer camp
Accreditation & Association
Accreditation
We are also proud to be accredited by the American Camp Associated (ACA). ACA's rigorous accreditation process ensures that our programs operate at the highest level and meet or exceed established standards to ensure campers and staff remain safe and healthy. Visit the American Camp Association for more information about our accreditation.
An independent YMCA camp
As an independently chartered YMCA camp, we are proud to be part of a broad and diverse network of YMCA camps across the United States. Founded in 1924 as a YMCA camp, we continue to adhere closely to the Y's core values (caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith) and its areas of focus:
- Youth development– Nurturing the potential of every child and teenager.
- Healthy lifestyle- Improving the health and well-being of the country.
- Social responsibility– To give back and support our neighbors.
Diversity, equality and inclusivity
Building a culture through the love of Christ
The mission of Camp Tec*mseh YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy minds, bodies and spirits for all. Driven by our mission and by our Living Third motto, we strive to actively and continually seek ways to engage, serve fairly and celebrate guests.
We strive to cultivate a welcoming environment at Camp Tec*mseh, but recognize that without conscious learning and action regarding race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, socioeconomic backgrounds, and more, we will not achieve our best vision. serve.
It is because of our Christian background – our focus on loving as Jesus loved – that anything less than a full effort to address, teach and improve all aspects of diversity, equity and inclusion at Camp Tec*mseh would be inconsistent with the essence of our organization's existence. .
