2008 Travel Camp Counselors
Travel Camp registrations are still being accepted and spots are available for all trips but deadlines are soon approaching.
Learn More about YMCA Camp Collins' Travel Camps and how to secure your teen camper's summer adventure today!
Clare "Athena" Mueller Surf and Sand Camp –
July 9th – 14th, 2008 After six years of working at the YMCA Camp Collins summer program horsing around with the horses on ACE, I have made the decision to hang up my cowgirl hat and hit the beach this summer with Surf Camp. Camp has filled my summers for many of my 25 years and I hope to always have a little camp in my life. Working full time at a spa and going to school full time at Portland State has unfortunately made camp play a smaller role, so taking an escape for a week with a group of teen campers may change my life as much as it will theirs.
James Schultz – Middle School Rafting –
July 13th – 19th, 2008
James has worked for YMCA Camp Sky Y in Prescott, AZ for the past seven years. During that time he ran counselor in training programs, adventure trips, and also worked as Summer Program Director. He has also worked as an outdoor recreational coordinator for a camp in Colorado. Last summer he had the opportunity to go on the San Juan Islands Kayak trip with Camp Collins, which he thought was a blast! His hobbies are rock climbing, mountain biking, riding his road bike and photography. This summer he is looking forward to getting splashed by some rapids in the Deschutes, sleeping out under the stars and just having a good time rafting with the teens on this trip.
Shawn "Random" LaPointe – Middle School Kayaking – August 5th – 13th, 2008
Hello Campers and Parents! I am so excited to lead this summer's kayak trip through the gorgeous San Juan Islands. After having a super time splashing around on last summer's teen rafting trip down the Deschutes, I couldn't wait for this summer to get here! Whether backpacking in the Rockies or hiking various local trails, the outdoors have always been important to me. Being a volunteer with the YMCA has helped me to expand my love for the outdoors into more water-based activities. When I'm not enjoying the great outdoors, I'm either in an elementary classroom teaching reading or in my woodshop, attempting to be the next Bob Vila. August 5th cannot get here soon enough, I look forward to meeting the teens embarking on this trip then!
Niels "Loki" Damman – Surf and Sand Camp –
July 9th – 14th, 2008
I've been with Camp Collins on and off for the past 11 years and am looking forward to leading a travel camp down to San Diego this year! I imagine it will be a blast! I love nature, music and people. Therefore, if you don't find me hanging out with people or playing my guitar, I'll probably be in the woods somewhere. I am excited to surf and meet all the awesome teens going on this trip.
Deanna and Tyler Pickett – High School Rafting – July 20th – 26th, 2008
Deanna and Tyler's (pictured right) current goal is try to spend as much time as humanly possible on a raft or river without having to quit their day jobs. They are super excited about the High School Rafting Travel Camp and the opportunity to run rapids, cook under the stars and see amazing sunsets. They returned in March from a 24 day rafting trip down the Grand Canyon after acclimated back to the States from a trip to Australia a few months earlier. Between the two of them they have over 10 years of camp and wilderness experience. They look forward to teaching those who are interesting in how to start bow-drill fires (if fire restrictions allow). Both Deanna and Tyler are CPR/First Aid certified and can personally vouch for the medical benefits of duct tape and super glue.
Jamie "Dream" Schuermyer – Middle School Rafting – July 13th – 19th, 2008
At Camp Collins, I am known as Dream. I attended camp as a camper for four years and now have been on staff for the last two summers. I currently attend Mt. Hood Community College as a Outdoor Recreation major and working at a gym in Portland. In my free time, I enjoy taking random pictures with friends, eating sushi and running around Mount Tabor (which is my backyard). I'm so ecstatic to be joining this rafting trip, spending time on the water with some amazing people, making memories.
Christy "Hegs" Hegstrom – High School Kayaking –
August 5th – 13th, 2008
Born a Colorado native, I have been a camp counselor since 2000 at YMCA Camp Chief Ouray (CCO) in the Rocky Mountains. With CCO, I have been a cabin counselor, trip leader, Challenge Course Coordinator and Counselor in Training Coordinator. Outside of camp, I climb, hike, ski and white water kayak when the chance arises. The picture here is from my last expedition to Argentina to climb 23,000 foot peaks, a story of it's own. Currently I live in Portland, I am a personal trainer and just finished massage therapy school. I am so excited to go to the San Juans with the group to see amazing scenery and take jumping pictures!
