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Cara Carter, Camp Counselor
Cara, a Jacksonville native, is a senior at Illinois College. This is her third year at camp, was previously employed by Boys and Girls Club as a group leader, volunteered at North Elementary School 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."
Brianna Klein, Camp Lifeguard and Counselor
Brianna, from Murrayville, IL, is a student at Routt Catholic High School. This is Brianna's second year at camp. 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.
Karen Gillespie, Camp Counselor
Karen, from Jacksonville and a recent graduate of Oklahoma State, was on the Dean's Honor Roll. She obtains a degree in Elementary Education. This is Karen's third year with the camp and brings additional experience from volunteering at other youth camps in Illinois and working in a day care center.
Karen is a perfect fit for us because she enjoys the outdoors. "I love camping and being outdoors! My family camps right across the lake from the youth camp," she said. Soccer is her favorite sport and she has been playing since she was four years old. A random fact about Karen is that she loves music and plays the saxophone.
"I am looking forward to everything I will learn from all the kids at camp this summer!" she said.
Drew Comstock, Camp Counselor
Drew is currently enrolled at Illinois College. He brings experience to camp from working at the YMCA, being a part of the Jacksonville Soccer Association and volunteering at North Elementary School. Drew is a member of the Illinois College soccer team and has played soccer for over ten years.
Drew loves to fish, hike and draw. A random fact about him is that he enjoys English class. "I love to write papers, stories and poetry," he said.
"One of the many things I am looking forward to this summer is having the chance to work with many wonderful campers and being outside everyday!"
Kyle Alberssen, Camp Counselor
Kyle, from Taylorville, IL, is a graduate of Illinois College. He majored in Psychology and will pursue a graduate degree in mental health at Western Illinois University this fall. Kyle brings experience to our camp as a volunteer football coach and a volunteer in the counseling department at Jacksonville High School.
Kyle enjoys basketball, football, baseball, fishing and camping. "I am a big fan of the St. Louis Rams," he said.
"I am looking forward to getting to know our campers and being active in the outdoors this summer!"
Marcus Carter, Camp Counselor
Marcus is from Jacksonville and is a student at Lincoln Land Community College. He intends to transfer to SIUE and major in Criminal Justice. Marcus brings experience to camp from his position as a group leader at Boys and Girls Club.
A random fact about Marcus is that he loves anything to do with sports.
He looks forward to the camp experience this summer. "I'm looking forward to teaching campers about the outdoors and learning new things myself," he said.
Blaize Stewart, Camp Lifeguard and Counselor
Blaize is from Jacksonville and is currently attending Saint Louis University. He is majoring in Journalism and Secondary Education. He brings experience as a football camp counselor and as a mentor and tutor at Jacksonville High School. He was also a Saturday Science volunteer for four years.
Blaize enjoys playing sports, writing, reading, watching movies and hanging out with friends. A random fact about him is that he is a Harry Potter fanatic.
"One thing I am looking forward to this summer is being outside all the time and getting to know all of our campers!" he said.