Meet Our Staff

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NEXT: Winston Horn
Assistant Director

Caleb Owen

School: Appalachian State University

Major: Leadership Studies

Campus Involvement: Club Tennis, RUF, Wine to Water

Hometown: Asheville, NC

What are you looking forward to about camp: Camp-wide games and backpacking trips

Activity(s) Teaching: Backpacking

Years at camp: 5

Certifications: WFR and Lifeguard

If you could create a new national holiday, what would you celebrate and why? National Barefoot Day. Everyone would walk barefoot for the day because that would so fun and everyone would have to slow down where they are walking.

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NEXT: Steven Colantoni
Assistant Director

Winston Horn

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NEXT: Owen Francis
Backpacking

Steven Colantoni

School: Montreat

Major: Outdoor Recreation Studies Intended

Occupation: Conservation Officer/ Fish and Wildlife Service Special Agent 

Campus Involvement: Student GovernmentMens Soccer, Honors Program 

Hometown: Havelock, NC 

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Building relationships and facilitating memories

Activity Teaching: Backpacking 

Years at camp: First year 

Certifications: Lifeguard/CPR & AED, Water Safety Instructor, Wilderness First Aid

If you could have any Actor play you in a movie, who would it be?: Tom Holland

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NEXT: Hunter Snively
Swimming

Owen Francis

School: University of Central Florida

Major: Business Management

Intended Occupation: Hospitality

Campus Involvement: Club Swim Team

Hometown: Winter Springs, FL

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Helping campers expand their swim ability.

Activity Teaching: Waterfront Director

Years at camp: 4 years

Certifications: First Aid, lifeguard, AED

What is your claim to fame: Ask me about cruise ships, I know everything there is to know about them!

What would your ordinary super power be?: To never need directions

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NEXT: Ethan Forbes
Cabin Area Director

Hunter Snively

School:  University of Florida

Major: Construction Management

Intended Occupation:  Private Residential Contracting

Campus Involvement:  RUF

Hometown: Winter Haven

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Sharing the experience of growing relationships with staff, campers, and the Lord while being outdoors

Activity Teaching: White Water Kayaking

Years at camp: 11 years

Certifications: CPR, lifeguard and kayak certified

If you could have any Actor play you in a movie, who would it be?: Chris Pratt

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NEXT: Damian Uzonwanne
Field Sports

Ethan Forbes

School: Western Carolina University 

Major: Emergency and Disaster Management

Intended Occupation: Risk and Vulnerability Analyst

Campus Involvement: Emergency Management Student Association, Honors Board of Directors, Sustainable Campus Initiative

Hometown: Bloomfield, CN

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Great sport competitions

Activity Teaching: Field Sports

Years at camp: First year

Certifications: CPR and First Aid

What is your claim to fame?: I played golf with Barack Obama

If you could live anywhere in the world for 1 year where would it be and why?: Netherlands. To learn from local professionals about sea-level rise mitigation since about a quarter of their county is below sea-level

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NEXT: Parker Collins
Airsoft and Paintball

Damian Uzonwanne

School: The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina

Major: Intelligence & Security Studies, Counterterrorism

Intended Occupation: US Army, Military Intelligence

Campus Involvement: African-American Society, Sailing Club, Cordell Rangers (U.S. Army), Knights of Columbus, The Krause Center for Leadership & Ethics

Hometown: Tampa, FL

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Making an impact on the campers to build their leadership & adaptational skills in all walks of life.

Activity Teaching: Airsoft and Paintball

Years at camp: Four years

Certifications: CPR and Lifeguard and First Aid

If you could replace any actor as the main character in a movie, who would you replace?: Garrett Hedlund (Sam Flynn) – Tron: Legacy (2010)

What would your ordinary superpower be?: I could drive from coast to coast on one tank of gas

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NEXT: Ben Huff
Mountain Biking

Parker Collins

School:  University of Alabama

Major: Masters of Civil Engineering and MBA Candidate

Intended Occupation: Civil Design Consultant

Campus Involvement: Capstone Scholars in Engineering, MBA Association, Calvary Baptist Church, Phi Delta Theta

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Generally – getting outside and having a blast at camp. Specifically – smores pockets and pirate ball

Activity Teaching: Mountain Biking

Years at camp: 8 years

Certifications: CPR, WFA

What is your claim to fame?: I can cook the best Boston Butt you’ve ever had

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why? Austria because the food is amazing, I can mountain bike in the summer, ski in the winter, and everyone is very friendly

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NEXT: Daniel Platzer
Pickleball

Ben Huff

School: University of Tennessee

Major: Supply chain management

Intended Occupation: Supply chain analyst

Campus Involvement: Campus Crusade

Hometown:  Goodlettsville, TN

What are you looking forward to about camp?:Getting to minister to guys about Christ

Activity Teaching: Pickleball, Disc Golf, Beach Volleyball

Years at camp: First Year

Certifications: CPR/First Aid

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why? America baby. Can’t get any better than this.

What would your ordinary super power be? To always smell good.

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NEXT: Trevor Francis
Fishing

Daniel Platzer

School: Western Carolina University

Major: Business Management

Intended Occupation: Business Owner

Campus Involvement: Fly fishing club!

Hometown: Wilmington, NC

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Teaching people about what I love

Activity Teaching:  Fishing/Fly Fishing 

Years at camp: First Year

Certifications: Lifeguard, First-Aid, CPR

If you could replace any actor as the main character in a movie, who would you replace?: Andrew Garfield, Spider Man

If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why? Alaska, to experience the amazing wildlife.

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NEXT: Jake Highfield
Swimming

Trevor Francis

School: Florida State University

Major: Finance and Professional Sales

Intended Occupation: Medical Sales

Campus Involvement: Campus Rec. Lifeguard, IM sports, Swim Club, Catholic Noles

Hometown: Winter springs, FL

What are you looking forward to about camp?: I am looking forward to meeting all of the staff and campers and growing my faith alongside them.

Activity Teaching: Swimming and Diving

Years at camp: 1 year 

Certifications: CPR, First Aid, Lifeguard

If you could replace any actor as the main character in a movie, who would you replace?: I would replace Daniel Craig in the James Bond movies because I want to do all of the cool stunts.

What would your ordinary superpower be?: Find any lost items right away

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NEXT: Matt Witte
Cabin Area Director

Jake Highfield

School: Clemson University

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Intended Occupation: Manufacturing process safety and children’s car seat design

Campus Involvement: Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternirty, Turning Point USA, Clemson Life

Hometown: Charleston, SC

What are you most looking forward to about camp: Looking forward to the opportunity to be a leader as JCAD, also to see all my old campers again and to help lead them on to bigger and better things. And the black bears winning the banner.

Activity(s) Teaching: Archery

Years at Camp: 14 years

Certifications: WFA, BFA, CPR, archery range instructor cert

If you could create a new national holiday holiday, what would you celebrate and why? National Free Food Day. No food is better than free food.

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NEXT: Grant Phillips
Riflery

Matt Witte

School: YWAM Louisville

Major: Missions

Intended Occupation: Ministry, or any People-Focused positions 

Campus Involvement: Kitchen Staff, Homeless Ministry, Overseas Outreach

Hometown: Mills River, NC

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Friends and Fun

Activity Teaching: Riflery

Years at camp: 3 years

Certifications: Wilderness First Aid, CPR/First Aid

What’s on the top of your bucket list?: Traveling to Japan, I love Japan.

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NEXT: Eli Patrick
Climbing

Grant Phillips

School: West Virginia University

Major: Finance

Intended Occupation: Financial Advisor

Campus Involvement:Campus Crusade, Finance & Investment Club, Intramural Sports

Hometown: Monaca, PA

What are you looking forward to about camp:I am looking forward to growing in faith, building relationships, and having a great time alongside others!

What would be your ordinary superpower?: Endless pockets

If you could replace any actor in a movie, what would it be?: Matt Damon in Ford vs Ferrari

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NEXT: Garrett Schatt
Climbing Expeditions Staff

Eli Patrick

School: Clemson University

Major: Parks Conservation

Intended Occupation: Climbing Guide

Campus Involvement: Clemson Climbing Club

Hometown: Fort Mill, SC

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Sharing the love of climbing with new people

Activities Teaching: Rock Climbing

Years at camp: First year

Certifications: CPR+First Aid, Wilderness First Aid

What would be your non super superpower?: Endless Snacks

If you could live anywhere for a year, where would it be and why? Switzerland. For the climbing and the mountains

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NEXT: William Burrow
Kayaking

Garrett Schatt

School: University of Florida

Major: Media Production Management

Intended Occupation: Unsured

Campus Involvement: N/A

Hometown: Ocala, FL

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Help campers gain lifelong experiences.

Activity Teaching: Kayaking

Years at camp: 11 years

Certifications: Lifeguard, first aid

What is your claim to fame? I had 3rd place world record on Mario Kart Wii

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NEXT: Brayden Collins
Mountain Biking

William Burrow

School: Davidson College

Major: Economics

Intended Occupation: Medical Doctor

Hometown: Jackson, MS

What are you looking forward to at camp: I am looking forward to teaching my skills and love for mountain biking to all those interested in the activity I discovered as a camper.

Activity: Mountain Biking, Fencing

Years at Camp: 13th year

Certifications: WFA, CPR, First Aid

What is your claim to fame? Timberlake pump track record: 12.13 sec

What would be your ordinary superpower? To never be too hot or too cold

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NEXT: Austin Lyons
Climbing

Brayden Collins

School: Appalachian State University 

Major: Undecided 

Intended Occupation: Undecided 

Campus Involvement: Young Life 

Hometown: Boone, NC

What are you looking forward to about camp?: I can’t wait to spend another summer in the best place on earth! Excited to spread the love of Christ, take out some awesome trips, get John Menendez out in Sock War, and maybe master all the elements to become the avatar.

Activity teaching: Climbing 

Years at Camp: 11

Certifications: WFA

If you could replace any actor as the. main character in a movie, who would you replace? I’d replace Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, because I’d get to play with lightsabers for money. Pretty much my lifelong dream.

What would your ordinary super power be? To always make the perfect cup of coffee

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NEXT: Charles Townsend
Disc Golf

Austin Lyons

Intended Occupation: Digital marketing

Campus Involvement: Campus Crusade

Hometown: Morton, IL

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Growing in my faith with others

Activity Teaching: Disc Golf, Paintball, Airsoft

Years at camp: First year

If you could replace any actor as the main character in a movie, what would it be? Paul Blart, Mall Cop

What is your claim to fame? I’m the podcast guy!

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NEXT: John Gyves
Canoeing

Charles Townsend

School: Auburn University

Major: Aviation

Intended Occupation: Commercial Pilot

Hometown: Birmingham

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Tribal Games

Activity Teaching: Canoeing

Years at camp: 8 years

Certifications: CPR, Lifeguard

What is your claim to fame? I’ve never broken a bone

What would be your ordinary superpower? To always know where my wallet

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NEXT: Richard Burrow
Tennis

John Gyves

School:  Furman University

Major: Psychology, Philosophy

Intended Occupation: Clinical Psychologist

Campus Involvement: Outdoors club, Club Tennis, Catholic Campus Ministry, Greenville Billies

Hometown: Winston- , NC

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Meeting People and building community

Activity Teaching: Tennis, Backpacking

Years at camp: 1st year

Certifications: First Aid and CPR

What is your claim to fame? I play bluegrass mandolin

What would be your ordinary superpower? To be able to throw trash into the can from any distance in a room.

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NEXT: Sem Kasongo
Disc Golf

Richard Burrow

School: Harvey Mudd College

Major: Mathematics

Intended Occupation: Data Analyst

Hometown: Madison, MS

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Working with a FANTASTIC staff to create THE BEST camp experience

Activity Teaching: Disc Golf

Years at camp: 13th year

Certifications: First Aid

Claim to fame: I once ate 10 breadsticks at olive garden (along with my entire chicken parmesean)

If you could replace any actor as the main character in a movie, who would you replace? Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.

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NEXT: Joseph Dailey
Lego Builders

Sem Kasongo

Name: Sem Kasongo

School: Eastern Carolina University

Major: Engineering Design

Campus Involvement: Every Nation Campus

Hometown: Lubumashi, DRC

What are you looking forward to about camp: Having fun 

Activity(s) Teaching: Cricket, basketball, legos

Years at camp: 1st year

Certifications: First Aid/CPR

What is your claim to fame: I speak four languages

What would your ordinary super power be? Endless energy

 

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NEXT: Francisco Miranda
Guitar

Joseph Dailey

School: Anderson University

Major: Communication Public Relations

Campus Involvement: RA 

Hometown: Campobello SC

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Bonding and making friends

Activity Teaching: Guitar 

Years at camp: 3rd incoming year 

Certifications: CPR and First aid

What’s on the top of your bucket list?: Visit Europe, Austria, Norway, Paris, and London – lots of history there.

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NEXT: Ethan Wattles
Improv

Francisco Miranda

School: Appalachian State University 

Major: Undecided

Campus Involvement: Young Life

Hometown: Boone, N.C.

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Being in the best place with some of my best friends.

Activity Teaching: Improv, Riflery

Years at camp: 1

Certifications: First Aid/CPR

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NEXT: Bryant Furman
Pickleball

Ethan Wattles

School: Palm Beach Atlantic University

Major: Business Management

Intended Occupation: Athletic Administration

Campus Involvement: FCA, Varsity Cross country and Track, Student Athlete Advisor Committee

Hometown: Orlando, FL

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Everything!

Activity Teaching: Pickleball, Fitness

Years at camp: 3 years

Certifications: First aid, CPR, AED,

What is your claim to fame?:The time I caught an iguana in my backpack, putting it on a leash and walking it around campus

What would your ordinary superpower be? Not feeling pain when I stubbed my toe
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NEXT: John Balthrop
Tennis

Bryant Furman

School: Wingate University

Major: Business Management

Campus Involvement: Varsity Tennis, Investment Club

Hometown: Boone, NC

What are you looking forward to about camp? Learning about God and experiencing new things

Years at camp: 4 years

If you could live anywhere in the world for 1 year where would it be and why?: Switzerland
What would be your ordinary superpower?: Never needing to shower
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NEXT: Shamick Otieno
Riflery

John Balthrop

Staff Bio Coming Soon!

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NEXT: Reuben Keeys
Basketball

Shamick Otieno

Staff Bio Coming Soon!

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NEXT: Joel Lewis
Field Sports

Reuben Keeys

Staff Bio Coming Soon!

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NEXT: Briyon McGhee
Backpacking

Joel Lewis

Intended Occupation: Carpenter

Campus Involvement: Backpacking/Football

Hometown: Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, UK

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Having a positive impact on young people’s lives and making unforgettable memories!

Activity Teaching: Backpacking/Football

Years at camp: 2 years

What is your claim to fame?: I have unbelievably wide feet!

What would your ordinary super power be?; To always be on time.

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NEXT: Zach Robinson
Guitar

Briyon McGhee

Staff Bio Coming Soon!
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NEXT: Eric Eke
Mountain Biking

Zach Robinson

Staff Bio Coming Soon!
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NEXT: Luke Robinson
Fitness

Eric Eke

School:  University of Florida

Major: Economics

Intended Occupation: Entrepreneur, health-care consultant

Campus Involvement:  Fraternity, catholic gators, ultimate frisbee

Hometown: Tampa, FL

What are you looking forward to about camp?: I’m looking forward to being outdoors, reconnecting with some old friends, and making new ones.

Activity Teaching: Improv

Years at camp:  5 years

Certifications: Lifeguard

If you could have any Actor play you in a movie, who would it be?: Tom Hanks

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NEXT: Charlie Flores
Mountain Biking

Luke Robinson

School: University of Essex

Major: Psychology

Intended occupation: Clinical Psychologist

Campus involvement: N/A

Hometown: Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, UK

What are you looking forward to about camp?: I am looking forward to having my own adventure, spending time in the outdoors, meeting new people, having experiences and great fellowship

Activity Teaching: Mountain biking

Years at Camp: 2 years

Certifications: A levels

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NEXT: Nic Glorioso
Beach Volleyball

Charlie Flores

Staff Bio Coming Soon!

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NEXT: Maddie Owen
Mountain Biking

Nic Glorioso

School: University of Montana

Major: Undecided

Intended Occupation: Military

Campus Involvement: Varsity Lacrosse

Hometown: Washington DC

What are you looking forward to about camp?: Making new friends and everlasting memories!

Activity Teaching: Maintenance Team

Years at camp: 10 years

Certifications: CWI, WFA

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NEXT: Sofia Bernal
Program Director

Maddie Owen

Staff Bio coming soon!

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NEXT: Caleb Owen
Photography

Sofia Bernal

Staff Bio Coming Soon!