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| Board of Directors 
Robert Large, President
Bob has been a local painting contractor for 40 years with J. B. Large and Sons Painting. Formerly he was the President of the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club, and is still a member of the organization. Bob is passionate about Western Illinois Youth Camp and has spent countless hours improving our camping facilities and programs. He says, "I saw the need to keep this facility available for future generations of young people. I enjoy giving them the opportunity to commune with nature on this beautiful 70-acre lakeside camp." 
Mark Gillespie, Vice President
Mark has been a local businessman, computer and business analyst, process reengineer, and facilities manager. He is the Marketing Manager for Elm City Center . Mark has served as a director on a number of business and volunteer boards, including Passavant Hospital and the Sherwood Eddy YMCA, and is currently a Director of the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club. Mark shares a passion to grow the programs of Western Illinois Youth Camp, increasing the number of young people served. He says he wants “more young people to be able to have wonderful life-long memories of their own great camp experiences”, and works hard to make sure that happens. He feels a need to repay what was done for him as a camper by “paying it forward” for the benefit of others. |
2009-2010 Members of the Board: Larry Armstrong Tina Freeman John Hunter Jason LaKamp Diana McCutcheon David Pennell Shaan Smith Deb Sterett Judith Beiderbecke Thank you! |
Camp Staff | |
| Camp Director Casey McDaniel
Casey, a graduate of Illinois College, is also a teacher at Brown County Elementary School. He brings additional experience to camp through his experiences as a Crisis Intervention Counselor and Youth Liaison at Midwest Youth Services, an After School Program Director with Boys and Girls Club, and as a Worship Leader at First Baptist Church. "Last year I had a blast working with a committed staff and spending time with our enthusiastic campers. The thing I remember most is the strong friendships that developed between our campers and our staff." "My goal is to continue to ensure a fun, meaningful and safe camping experience for each camper." | | Safety Director  Jonathan Bowers
Jon, from Quincy, IL, obtains a Bachelors degree in Psychology with a focus in Youth Advocacy, Medical Research, Health and Recreation. He is employed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois and gained experience from his involvment with the Quincy Park District, YMCA and Big Brothers Big Sisters. "My favorite memory was spending an hour having kids sign each others shirts and then getting them to sign our staff shirts. Also, it was funny when Casey and myself rode in the same boat!" "This summer I look forward to having a blast with a great group of kids who are looking to make the most out of their summer!" | |
| Our staff is caring, qualified and CPR certified! Click here for more information about camp safety and security.  Cara Carter, Camp Counselor
Cara, a Jacksonville native, is a junior at Illinois College. She is currently employed by Boys and Girls Club as a group leader and has babysat since the age of 16. She says, "I love to sing and act. I like art and sports. GO CARDINALS!" "In 2010 I look forward to seeing which campers come back from last summer and meeting the new campers. Also all the awesome crafts I’m going to have," She explains. "My favorite camp memory is the camp songs at the bon fire. Also when the Team Awesome got second place in the relay race! Or when the Camp Director and Health and Safety Director ate uncooked bosco sticks." 
Jake Cumming, Camp Counselor
Jake, from Auburn, IL, is a student at Illinois College. Jake is a Physical Education major, will be certified to teach kindergarten through twelth grades, and will have a concentration in Health. Jake is an Illinois College football player. He is also a member of the Archery Club. He has gained valuable experience as a Head Coach of a little league baseball team, the "Crushers." Jake also volunteers weekly at the Lincoln Elementary Afterschool Program in Jacksonville. He adds, "I look forward to meeting new people, furthering my own knowledge of Mother Nature, and passing on my knowledge to the campers."  Jeremiah Birdsell, Camp Counselor
Jeremiah, from Murrayville, IL, graduated from Jacksonville High School. He is an experienced camp counselor and this is his second year with Western Illinois Youth Camp. Jeremiah is currently employed by Ted Birdsell Builders. Jeremiah has a vast knowledge of the outdoors and is an accomplished artist. "I enjoy the outdoors and sharing my knowledge with the campers," he says. "This year I look forward to applying the skills I learned last caming season. It will be great seeing our returning campers!"  Allison Treece, Camp Nurse and Volunteer
Allison, from Aroma Park, IL, is a Registered Clinical II Nurse and graduated from MacMurray College in 2008. She has a license in advanced cardiac life support and is CPR and AED certified. Allie is currently employed as a Surgical and Intermediate Care Nurse at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. Allie brings a great deal of experience to our camp. She was previously a camp counselor for three years, worked at a children's museum and was an assistant director at a daycare facility. When asked for a random fact she said "I am a season ticket holder for the Saint Louis Cardinals and am currently planning my Las Vegas wedding in October." She also said, "I look forward to interacting with the children and volunteering my nursing skills in the community." Kathryn Baughman, Volunteer Counselor and Nurse
Kathryn, from Beardstown, IL, is an Illinois College student. She is a Psychology major and a Sociology minor. Kathryn is also a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She brings additional experience to camp as the Secretary of the Psychology Club at Illinois College, as a volunteer for the Red Cross, and as an intern for the Jacksonville Developmental Center. She states, "I look forward to working with kids, being outdoors and ensuring that each camper has a GREAT time!"
Brianna Klein, Camp Lifeguard and Counselor
Brianna, from Murrayville, IL, is a student at Routt Catholic High School. She is currently a Dance Assistant at Sara's Studio of Dance. Brianna is involved with the Jacksonville Theater Guild and is a member of Midwest Youth Service's PLAN team. She is a recipient of the Hugh O'Brian Leadership award and the Mayor's Volunteer Award. She has been dancing at Sara's Studio of Dance for ten years and swimming competitively for nine years. When asked to share a random fact, she said, "I have been involved in theater production and have been to Ireland twice." She adds, "I am looking forward to having a fun time, meeting new people, and gaining a new experience. Nathan Freeman, Camp Lifeguard
Nathan, from Jacksonville, IL, is a Sophomore at Jacksonville High School. Nathan was formerly employed by the Burrus Seed Company. He has gained experience as a volunteer for football camps and as a volunteer for Western Illinois Youth Camp. Nathan is an experienced athelete and will share his knowledge as a lifeguard and swimming instructor. "I want to ensure that each camper is safe and know each of them had fun at camp!"  Briquea Keehner, Camp Lifeguard and Counselor
Briquea, a Jacksonville native, is a Senior at Southern Illinois University. She is persuing a degree in Art Education. For the last five years, Briquea has been a lifeguard for the Nichols Park Pool in Jacksonille. She also is employed at the Student Fitness Center at Southern Illinois Univeristy in Edwardsville. "I love to sing and play my guitar," she shares. She adds, "I look forward to meeting new people and making the most of each camper's outdoor experience!" Joe McDaniel, Camp Business Intern and Volunteer
Joe, from Jacksonville, is a Senior at Illinois College. Joe is a Business Management major with a focus in Sports and Recreational Management. Joe's knowledge of business and passion for sports and recreation make him a perfect fit for our camp. Joe is an avid outdoorsman and hunter. He also plays in several softball and dodgeball leagues. He has gained experience through his past volunteering with our camp, with Midwest Youth Services and the Univerisy of Illinois Extension. He says, "I am looking forward to applying the skills I have learned in the classroom at camp. I will enjoy helping to manage the camp budget and spending time outdoors with the staff and campers."
Click here to apply for a summer camp position! All employees must consent to and pass a background check, obtain a CPR and First Aid Certification, and be experienced in working with youth. Join our team. Our staff has fun! | |
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