Meet the 2014 Outdoor Education Staff

There is a sign that hangs in the Outdoor Education Office that reads, “It’s a real job.” While many probably wouldn’t consider singing “Little Red Wagon” at jet engine decibel levels at 7:45 in the morning, painting your face with mud and charging into the oak forest looking to save the world, or cooking pioneer biscuits in period appropriate attire typical day job material, there is no doubt that our OE staff works tremendously hard to provide students with the best field trip experience they will ever have. We’ve gathered up a tremendous group this year, so take a minute and learn about the folks whose nature inspired nicknames will be echoing in school hallways for the rest of the year.

Llama

Yo! Llama is my name and I would like to extend a hardy “¡Hola!” to all of you straight from the heart of Peoria, Illinois. Well, actually that is where I grew up, but now I live at Camp Tecumseh and couldn’t be more thrilled. I graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in Recreation and I now work here at Camp T. When I am not spending time with my family, I enjoy bicycling, wood working, and playing my guitar. You may see me strummin’ away at the next campfire! You may also see the wonderful Mrs. Llama, our son Mark, born May 2008, and our Daughter Miriam, Born April 2009, around as well. Have a great stay! Adios!

Mongoose

Welcome to Tecumseh, my name is Mongoose and I’m excited that you are here to join us! I studied Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Miami (The Florida school of course) with a minor in chemistry. After college I taught high school science in Miami and absolutely loved being in the classroom. When I was offered the opportunity to move back to Indiana and live and work full time at camp my lovely wife Emma and I were extremely excited and are now here ready to brave these Indiana winters. I work as the Assistant Outdoor Education Director during the school year and a Village Director during summer camp. In my free time I love to run, enjoy the outdoors, travel and read a good book. Blessed to be working at such a great place as Camp Tecumseh and looking forward to working with your group! 

Kilimanjaro

Hello campers and guests of Camp Tecumseh, my name is Kilimanjaro. I come from Belleville, IL near St Louis, MO. I have lived here at camp for the last six years. I graduated from MacMurray College with a Religion/Psychology degree. Also, I have a Master’s in Pastoral Care and Counseling from a seminary. I have worked at three other camps before coming here. I enjoy tent camping, getting a fire going with one match, juggling, and playing in the nature center. I am glad you are here at camp.

Jalapeno

Hey Everybody! My name is Jalapeno. I grew up in Crawfordsville, IN about an hour south of Camp Tecumseh. I recently got married in June and we now live in Brookston. I am a student at Purdue University studying Human Services. I am completing my internship this semester and will graduate in December. I am so excited to be back for another season of Outdoor Education! I have worked four summers at camp and this is my fourth season of OE. I believe in living a life of faith and spending a lot of time with people that I love. My family are the greatest people I know. I have two nephews that I adore and try to visit as much as I can. My friends inspire me to be a better person and I would not be who I am today without them. Some of my favorite things include being outside, crafting, singing, taking naps in hammocks, movie theater popcorn, and anything Disney or Marvel. I am so happy you are here!

Jellyfish

I am 25 years old and a graduate of Bowling Green State University where I received a BA of Science in Education with a focus in Outdoor Programs and Leadership. I was raised up in Ohio in a suburb outside of Dayton then moved to Louisville Kentucky after school to work at YMCA Camp Piomingo. After a few years with Piomingo, I was called to Tecumseh in February of 2014. I worked the spring Outdoor Education season followed by 9 weeks of Summer Camp. I’m back now for another awesome OE season. I am an avid nature explorer and love spending time outdoors. I am a self-described philomath. I have four main loves of my life; my God, my Jeep, my Cat “Kisses”, my Friends (In that order).

Pollywog

It was a wistful Thursday night and I sat down at the old stand-up piano at the coffee shop. I had never played in front of anyone before: God only knows my parents never encouraged anything like it. I began playing for two reasons. The first was that it was there and i was curious, the second was that (and here I believe this is the better of the two reasons) I was inspired. So, inspiration comes once and if more then seldom in ones life. And I played the piano for the first time since i was a child, and I liked what I heard. Droning and enigmatic, and yet somehow the puzzle seemed to fit together. The audience didn’t mind the missed notes here and there, they were enraptured. Maybe it was divine. Maybe it was the emotion of the moment, but something happened in the twenty or thirty minutes that I serenaded these few people. I was touched with the power to make, to create, and to share. I will take this feeling with me wherever I go and give it away to the world, for I have never felt anything like it.

Nighthawk

Greetings from Camp Tecumseh! My name is Nighthawk, and I have flown to the land of bright stars and green leaves all the way from mighty Brookston, Indiana. I attended Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana, where I studied Leadership and Recreation & Camp Administration. I rocked the boat as a summer camp counselor at Tecumseh for three years. I enjoy playing the guitar and the ukulele, testing my skills in soccer and nine-square, and hiking the beautiful wooded trails of Tecumseh Bend. If I could be any school supply, I’d be a highlighter, because it’s fun to color things during school.

Hedgehog

Hello there! My name is Hedgehog, and I hail from the southwest corner Missouri! There, I attended the University of Missouri (Mizzou), studying Social Work and Multicultural Studies. I migrated north for the Winter, finding a new home here at the beautiful Camp Tecumseh! You can often finding me walking in the pine forest, staring up at the beautiful trees, with the stars, or the great blue sky above, peaking through the canopy. If I could have lunch with any of the forest critters, I would certainly choose the Otter, because they get to have a lot of fun in the water while they eat! I am beyond excited for you to be here, and I can’t wait to get started on our Outdoor Education Adventure!

Reindeer

As you may have guessed, I’m not originally from the Tecumseh region, but I moved here at a very young age. Although, I’ve been around Camp for several years this is my first year with Outdoor Education and I’m very excited. When I’m not fulfilling my winter duties or working here at Camp, I enjoy playing music, reading, and trick yo-yoing. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you soon!

Bobcat

My name is Bobbie, as in Bobcat. I am very excited to be joining Outdoor Education this season! I recently graduated from Purdue University and have been with Camp Tecumseh for a little over a year now; working with our Retreats program and just recently, the Summer Program. This Bobcat is native to the city of Chicago and you can probably find me watching some sort of sport on television, reading a great book, or spending time with family. I love learning new things, meeting new friends, and spending time outside! If I could fill a swimming pool with anything, it would have to be soy strawberry milk. It’s the best.

Dingo

Hi my name is Dingo. I am currently student at Joliet Junior College majoring in Recreation and Creative Writing. I like long walks on a leash and roaming the good old outback. I grew up in Frankfort, Il, but you can find me roaming the good old outback of Australia. I enjoy long walks on the leash, and contrary to popular belief, I did not eat your baby. G’Day Mates!

Spider Monkey

Spencer Dees (Spidey) is thrilled to be a part of the Camp Tecumseh Outdoor Education family. While he’s from Chicago, IL and studied English Education at Miami University (in Ohio), the best place to live is the Tecumseh grounds! Spidey is excited to get to know each group that comes in — and sped quality time learning together. Welcome to camp, and remember to enjoy it all! We’re glad to have you here.