Camp Staff 2024
Each year we have the challenge of hiring a new staff to play with us for a season or two. We are usually working with a group of our staff from the previous summer with plans on returning, and a few select campers moving up to junior staff positions, but there are always significant holes left that take care and patience to fill.
Though occasionally we hire a exceptional staff member that is 18 or 19, the average age of our staff is 20-24 years old. They have at least one year of college, three good references, a clean police record, and experience in several skill areas and with children. Our staff come from various parts of the US and abroad. International staff must also hold exceptional English communication skills.
We hire friendly, cohesive young people to help your child enjoy their camping experience. They are hired for their ability to be good role models, maturity, work ethic and general good nature.
Each cabin of eight to ten campers has 1 staff members, with larger cabins and younger camper’s cabins having two counselors. Cabin camper\staff ratio is 1-8. Day camper\staff ratio is 1-5.
All Staff participates in a week of in depth orientation prior to the beginning of camp. During this week the staff is trained in CPR and First Aid, given time to familiarize themselves with their program areas, given training in child development and potential child problems, trained in group games and prepared for the arrival of 40 energetic campers on Sunday.
In addition to the week of orientation, riding and swimming staff participate in a additional training week before camp to focus extensively on the riding and swimming programs offered at camp. Archery staff come several days early to participate in a special archery clinic. Extra care and training is given to these three high adventure programs to assure our staff is ready to supervise campers at Cedar Lodge.
2024 Summer
We had such a great summer in 2023! We were so proud of the power staff we had lined up for 2023 and we are just as excited for the staff we have lined up for 2024! Take a look at who has signed on to join us next summer and check back often to see who we add as the year progresses.
Lots of new 2024 bios COMING SOON!
Lola
Waterfront, sports, nature, and more!
Hey, I’m Lola, I’m from Argentina, I’m 23 years old and I’m a physical education teacher with a degree in nature activities and sports.
I have been swimming for as long as I can remember and have high performance for 8 years.
In my free time I like to be with my family and my dog, watch movies or read a fantasy book.
I look forward to meeting you all and seeing you at the lake.
Megan
Riding Instructor
Hey campers, I’m Megan! I’m very excited to be joining Cedar Lodge this summer. I will be mainly around the barn and teaching riding lessons but I’m sure you’ll see me around. I am coming over from the UK which is where I am studying at University but I have lived in many different countries over the course of my life. I love to cook/bake, I also play football (soccer) for my University and the rest of the time I just hang around horses all day. I’m really looking forward to meeting you all and I can’t wait to have a great summer!
Alperen
Drama, Dance, & Archery
Ola
Arts & Crafts
Hello campers!
My name is Ola, I am the international part of 2024 crew.
I am from Warsaw in Poland which is located in central Europe. I have just finished my second year of univercity. I am studying French, the language full of weird exceptions and tough pronuncations.
This year I will be responsible for art workshop at camp, especially pottery, but not only! I have always been creative, I draw and paint since I can remember. Then some years ago I got into making things with clay and my sculpting journey began. I hope we will make a lot of fun projects together!
Besides that you may meet me out in nature, where we will be getting to know a thing or two about plants and animals.
See you in the summer!
Frankie
Riding Instructor
Alex
Waterfront & Sports
My Name is Alex and I’m from Glenview Illinois. I’m excited to be coming back on staff for my 8th time! In my free time I enjoy exercising and lifting weights, skateboarding or bike riding, and watching a good movie or tv show. This summer you can find me lifeguarding and running archery, as well as doing other sports activities. I’m thrilled to meet everyone soon.
Halle
Riding/Vaulting Instructor
Hi Everyone
I’m Halle I come from Brighton in the UK. I’m 20 years old and I’m super excited to come to the USA and meet you all !
I’m coming to Cedar Lodge this summer as a riding instructor and will also be helping out with vaulting. I can’t wait to help you all have the best summer possible.
After high school I studied equine management for 2 years at college and then I worked on many different yards as I became a free lance groom. I’ve worked on showjumping yards mostly and have gained lots of experience.
In my spare time I love going exploring with my own horse, being outdoors and making memories with my family and friends.
I’m so excited to meet you all and create some amazing memories and to continue to expand your knowledge but most of all to have some fun this summer. See you all soon!!
Ayse
Drama
I am Ayse Ebrar, a 20 year old student at the department of American Culture and Literature, studying in Izmir, Turkey. I will be doing and creating drama games and plays with children, encouring them to perform. Since I was 15 years old, I have been doing theatre acting, singing and dancing. I am looking forward to teaching those fields in Camp Cedar Lodge. Feeling great about being a part of this camp, I can’t wait to see you and have a great time with you!
Barış
Kitchen Staff
Hello my name is Barış. I am 21 years old and from Izmir, Turkey. I am Industrial Engineering student in Istanbul Technical University in Turkey. During the summer months, I worked in the kitchen and served in many boutique hotels. My duty at the camp will be kitchen work and service. I can’t wait to attend the camp and meet you. See you soon !
Violet
Jr. Staff
Hi I’m Violet! I live right by camp in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I’ve been at Cedar Lodge for 4 years and attended camp for 3. I’ve loved horses since I was little and have been riding for 9 years now. When I’m not at the barn (or doing homework), I love hanging with my animals, reading, and playing board games with my family. I look forward to meeting you all this summer!
Ashley
Riding Instructor/Camp Riding Director
Hey campers, my name is Ashley!
As family member, I was born and raised at Cedar Lodge and have been at camp every summer of my life. I’ve been on staff for the last 10 years working here year around in the barn, managing, teaching, and training the young horses. At camp you will find me teaching riding of all levels, organizing the barn, and subbing in programs where it’s needed! In my extra time I enjoy playing guitar, snuggling my dog and cats, and, of course, riding. I’m looking forward to a great summer and meeting you all very soon!
AMANDAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
Riding, Sports, Part time Camp Director
Hi my name is Amanda and I am super excited to be on staff again this summer. I am from Bloomfield Hills, MI but am currently living in Ann Arbor. I have just finished my first year of Medical school at Wayne State University. In my free time I enjoy riding and playing polo on my school’s team. I am also the captain of the women’s club ultimate Frisbee team so if anyone wants to learn some awesome throws come find me. This summer I will mostly be in the barn teaching riding lessons, drill team, polo and taking horseback overnights. I look forward to seeing all the new and familiar faces, so get excited for summer 2015.
Allison
Part time Camp Director, Camping, Folk Dance and Lore, Land Sports, Singing, Hiking, Nature, Bugs, Camp Band, Canoing, Waterfront, Funny Stuff
With some many great old faces to see and so many wonderful new faces to meet, how could I possibly resist coming back to camp for yet another summer. I would just miss the fun way too much. Those who know me know I love camp. I love the culture of camp, the philosophy of camp and all the great things camp gives to campers like you. In my 25 years, I have only ever missed two summers. For me, camp is a way of life. I am eager to see you all this summer and to do what I love. Which is share with you this wonderful place called Cedar Lodge, and to help you learn, grow, and have fun.
If you want to know where you can find me this summer, you will have to do some searching around. I will spend a lot of my time at the waterfront lifeguarding for free swim, boating, and other activities at the lake. You will also find my hiking in the woods, keeping Sr. unit in line, making friendship bracelets in the A&C, playing SPUD on the lawn, and maybe even in the barn on occasion. And If you ask nicely, I will even teach you to hang a spoon off of your nose (and other important life skills that you only learn at camp)
What about my none-camp life you may wonder. Well, I graduated from Kalamazoo College in 04′ with a BA in psychology. I spent 8 months living, working, and traveling in Africa. Now I am working and hopefully starting graduate school in the fall to get my Master’s. In my free time, I read, do yoga and swim laps to keep my lifeguarding muscles in tip top shape for camp.
Malik
Vaulting instructor
Hi, I’m Malik. I currently live in Kalamazoo, MI. I’ll be teaching vaulting and various other lawn activities. Don’t forget to bring your imagination cause we’ll be sure to play some Dungeons & Dragons!