Meet the Fall 2023 Outdoor Education Staff
Here at Tecumseh, we firmly believe that the best learning happens – for both adults and children – when rooted in relationships with others. This fall our staff are focusing on the importance of keeping relationship building at the center of our programming and work spaces as we strive to build communities where everyone can learn, grow, and feel valued during their time here at camp and beyond.
Learn more about our Outdoor Education program.
Scroll to meet the team.
Lauren “Lobo” Buchanan
Origin story:
I was born just a few miles away near the banks of the Wabash in West Lafayette and while I have wandered far and wide in years past I am overjoyed to be back at home at camp.
Favorite camp activity:
My favorite camp activity is going on hikes through our Oak Forest trails.
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
My teachers! They inspired my love of history, exploration, and built my self-confidence that my voice as an individual was valued.
Keith “Kilimanjaro” Kalish
Kaleb “Kudu” Buchanan
Origin story:
I grew up in Springfield, IL and traveled the country learning more about the different ecosystems in the US and developed a passion for sharing what I have learned.
Favorite camp activity:
My favorite camp activity is campfire programs because you get to be your authentic self and be silly and goofy!
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
An adult that has inspired me is my old youth pastor, Jay Bush. Because of him, I have dedicated my life to serving youth.
Sydney “Serengeti” Maney
Origin story:
Serengeti rose from the plains of Africa. She was interested in seeing more Indiana sunsets though and then made her way to Camp Tecumseh.
Favorite camp activity:
My favorite camp activity is singing silly songs at campfire!
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
My mom! As an educator she has inspired my love for learning.
Isaac “Iguana” Demoss
Origin story:
Iguana was born in the peaceful forests of Camp Tecumseh and grew up hiking, swimming, and frolicking all over the Camp T valley. He often leaves Camp T to find new adventures but always makes his way back home to the greatest place on Earth!
Favorite camp activity:
My favorite camp activity is discovering new critters in Ghost Creek.
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
The adult who impacted me the most was my mom who inspired me to work at camp and help give others the experiences I had growing up there.
Reagan “Rattlesnake” Hanson
Origin story:
Thriving in forested areas, Rattlesnake found herself slithering across the country to Brookston, Indiana where she found camp’s very own Pine Forest and decided to stay.
Favorite camp activity:
My favorite camp activities are singing in chapel (especially River Chapel!) and playing running charades in Main Field.
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
An impactful adult that has inspired me is one of my college professors, Bill Stewart. Through taking classes with him, he taught me the importance of the development of third spaces in lower income areas. I admire his passion for creating a positive impact on towns and communities by developing recreation spaces.
Jon “Jupiter” Hiscox
Origin story:
Jupiter heard that the price of gas was getting high, so he decided Earth could use a gas giant!
Favorite camp activity:
My favorite camp activities are sleeping in hammocks in the pine forest and eating breakfast burritos.
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
My summer camp counselors when I was a camper.
Graham “Glacier” Johnson
Origin story:
I froze during the first ice age, changing the landscape of the earth forever!
Favorite camp activity:
My favorite camp activity is the blobs at the lake and Skywalkers.
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
The most impactful adults I’ve had in my life were my teachers.
Taylor “Thunder” Moore
Origin story:
I first formed in a small cumulonimbus cloud over the hills of Middle Tennessee, but now you can hear me rolling through the troposphere over Camp Tecumseh.
Favorite camp activity:
I love lake time, but it always gets canceled when I go because of lightning in the area…
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
My local meteorologist inspired me by encouraging me on live TV! She is always looking out for me and always knows when I need to rumble.
Rachel “Rock” Naylor
Origin story:
A long time ago when camp still had mountains, an earthquake quaked and a small shiny rock broke off and there I was!
Favorite camp activity:
My favorite camp activity is the Black Hole.
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has inspired me with this quote: “It’s nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.”
Josh “Jackrabbit” Schrock
Origin story:
Hailing from central Indiana, I hopped and trekked north to find greener gardens and delicious lettuce. After a couple weeks I came upon Camp Tecumseh and have stuck around since!
Favorite camp activity:
My favorite camp activity is horseback riding on my time off.
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
My top three would have to be Peter Rabbit, the Easter bunny, and the Energizer bunny.
Sheila “Spring” Wilimitis
Origin story:
I appear every year at Camp Tecumseh to chase away the chill of winter and bring warmth and rebirth to plants, animals, and humans. I love to help new light and life spring up after a cold, dark season.
Favorite camp activity:
Hiking the Pine Forest, Ghost Creek, and Gish Trails. Sitting on the deck of Historic River Lodge overlooking the Tippecanoe River. Facilitating learning and discovery with people of all ages.
Who was an impactful adult that has inspired you?
Many of my teachers inspired me to teach with humility, creativity, enthusiasm and constantly improving technique. My Mom showed me how to really listen to people with openness, curiosity, empathy, and love.
