Camp Staff 2023
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.
2023 Summer
We had such a great summer in 2022! We were so proud of the power staff we had lined up for 2022 and we are even more excited that most of them will be joining us in 2023! 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 2023 bios COMING SOON!
Brianna
Swimming/Riding
Hi campers! My name is Brianna, and I’m so excited to be on camp staff this year. I am from Rochester Hills, MI, but I have lived in many different places (including Australia!). I first met the Cedar Lodge family through their collegiate riding team and accepted a full time position here teaching and advertising camp in Fall 2022. I was a competitive swimmer for many years, but now I enjoy lounging by a pool rather than sprinting through it. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, baking cookies, hiking, and riding. This summer, you can find me at the lake lifeguarding and running swimming games, in the barn teaching lessons, or occasionally running a game on the lawn. I’m looking forward to meeting you all this summer!
Karina
Riding, Vaulting
Hey, campers! I’m Karina!
I have been going to camp since I was 7, and it’s finally my time to be on staff! 🙂
I am from Mattawan, Michigan, 20 miles away from camp. I just graduated high school, and I will be attending Otterbein University in the fall.
In my free time. What free time… Well… I mean my time at the barn! I spend many days at the barn in my time off from school. Whether it be riding, equestrian vaulting, or just helping out.
Besides spending WONDERFUL days at the barn, I enjoy weightlifting, traveling, and anything that keeps me moving!
In my experience, time spent at Cedar Lodge is time WELL spent. I am thrilled to meet you all and hoping to help you have a great experience 🙂
Andy
Arts and Crafts
Lindsey
Nature skills, Vaulting, and everything else!
Hi campers!
My name is Lindsey and I’m from Maine. I graduate from physician assistant school in May and I’m looking forward to spending the summer back in Michigan at my favorite place–Cedar Lodge! When I’m not at school, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and fishing. I love being around animals, including my dwarf bunny, Grumpy. Despite the name, she’s actually quite sweet!
I grew up going to Cedar Lodge as a camper each summer and was a part of junior staff a few years ago. Some of my best childhood memories are from camp and I hope to help create similar experiences for campers as a counselor! See you soon!
Santiago
Music, sports, and more music!
Hi campers! My name is Santiago, and I’m passionate about music and sports. Since I was a child, I’ve played the guitar and studied music with my grandpa, and since high school, I’ve been teaching guitar, piano, and drums. I also love sports and staying fit. I used to compete in junior national Kung Fu tournaments and even though I don’t compete anymore, I still have a blast practicing.
I’ve studied film and made some commercials, and I also know a thing or two about photography and videos. As hobbies, I enjoy going for walks, painting, and being in touch with nature.
If you come to the camp, I’d be thrilled to teach you some guitar tricks or play sports together. We can even create our own songs and videos and have a fun and adventurous time. See you at camp!
Henry
Everywhere and Anywhere
Hey campers! My name is Henry and I can’t wait for this summer. I’m from Delaware but I live in Boston during the year studying fine arts and working as a barista. I started coming to camp when I was 11 and I’m so excited to come back as staff. I’ve been riding for my whole life and in my free time I like to play guitar, skateboard, crochet, and go on lots of adventures with my friends. This summer, you can find me anywhere and everywhere, including the barn, the music room, arts and crafts, and wherever else I’m needed! Can’t wait to meet everyone soon.
Sarah
Lifeguarding, riding
Hi my name is Sarah!
I am from Woodstock Illinois and am currently attending Southern Illinois University. Cedar lodge has been a part of my life since I was 8 years old. I love horses and about everything that has to do with being outside. In my free time I hike, ride horses, read, swim, and kayak. I am so exited to be a staff at Cedar Lodge over the summer!
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!
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 since I was 17. I work 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 kitties, and 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.