Rhonda Parker

Center Director, Leadership Team

Rhonda joined Chestnut Ridge New Year's Eve of 2001, moving with her husband, Allen and their children Ben (14), Emily (11), and Greg (7) from Apex, NC. Rhonda holds an undergraduate degree from Duke University in Sociology and certification in Elementary Education. She also has a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School. She has served as a systems analyst at AMS, as a home preschool director, as an admissions reader for Duke, and as a youth minister. She serves at Chestnut Ridge as an extension minister of The North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. When not leading ministries at the camp, she can be found enjoying a warm cup of fair trade coffee by a campfire in the woods. She believes that God is good and love is like algebra - someone has to teach you how to do it.

She and her family attend Union Grove United Methodist Church.

Jo Anna Riggins

Leadership Team

Jo Anna joined the staff of Chestnut Ridge in May '02, the day after returning from a trip to Cambodia. Her love of travel and adventure has led her to visit a handful of foreign lands, and brought her to settle well into the ever changing atmosphere surrounding camp life. After graduating from Meredith College with a degree in Art and Design, she spent a few years working in the clothing design industry until God called her back to her home in North Carolina long enough to marry and then off for another adventure with her new husband working at Glacier National Park in Montana.

At Chestnut Ridge, Jo Anna's skills and experiences collide as she works on advertising, programming, and leading our multiple horse programs.

In May '03, Daryl and Jo Anna were blessed with their daughter, Zoe Grace. Asa Finnegan followed suit in March '06.

Daryl Riggins

Leadership Team

Daryl's interests, education and experience combine in his role at Chestnut Ridge. After graduating from NC State University with a degree in environmental engineering, Daryl spent five years as a consulting civil engineer and remains a licensed, professional engineer. His experience in infrastructure, land planning, and hands-on construction are put to good use in care of the camp's land and facilities. In the meantime, he's managed to spend multiple seasons working in Glacier National Park, Montana, and backpacking europe and Costa Rica. Daryl also keeps the camp plugged-in on computers, a local network, and the web. He's a certified instructor in archery (NAA Level 2), canoeing (ACA Basic Canoe and Basic River Canoe Instructor), and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.

In May '03, Daryl and Jo Anna were blessed with their daughter, Zoe Grace. Asa Finnegan followed suit in March '06.

Nick Jeffries

Leadership Team

Nick joined the Chestnut Ridge Staff in the Spring of '06. He is a South Carolina native who first moved to NC to go to college. He graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor degree in Sociology. While Nick once pondered the notion of becoming a professional bowler, he knew that God was calling him to other things. Nick graduated from Duke Divinity School with a Master of Divinity degree. He is currently a Probationary Deacon in the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. At camp, Nick enjoys leading summer camp activities, teaching outdoor education classes, and facilitating the challenge course. In the fall, he can be found at the Almost Gold tailgate prior to cheering on the Demon Deacons at every Wake Forest home football game.

Nick and his wife, Miriam, attend Clover Garden UMC.

Jeana Schopfer

After School Director

Jeana began by helping out during summer camp in 2005, and has been hanging out at Chestnut Ridge ever since. In 2007 she became a part of the full-time staff as the After School Director and Office Manager. Jeana lives in downtown Hillsborough with her 3 sons - Drake, Dakota and Durham. Before joining the staff at Chestnut Ridge, she served as a school teacher, Educational Consultant for Smart Start, Behavior Management Consultant for Forsyth Hospitals child care center and a teen director at my church. When not at camp, Jeana enjoys spending time with my boys and having friends and family over for cookouts and wild and crazy games of spoons! Jeana says, "My joy comes from my personal relationship with the Lord. He has proved His unfailing love time and again."

Jeana and her family attend Powerline Church of The Nazarene.

John Hanto

After School & Challenge Course

John moved to the area when his wife, Wren, began graduate studies at Duke Divinity School.  He currently lives and works at Fickle Creek Farm, just down the road from Chestnut Ridge. There he grows vegetables, mends fences, and tends to livestock.  When he can get away from the farm, John comes to help with our After School Program and Challenge Course events.  As our sustainable garden at Chestnut Ridge continues to grow, John will be found working the land here as well, teaching campers the value of healthy food and organic farming practices.  John also hopes to someday be the movie announcer guy you hear on every movie trailer, and has been working for years to hone this craft to perfection.

Elizabeth

After School & Summer Camp

Elizabeth is a senior at Cedar Ridge High School planning to go to Queens University next fall to major in elementary education. She has been around Chestnut Ridge the last seven years as both a camper and staff member. Last summer was her second year as a junior counselor. Elizabeth loves listening to country music and playing with her collection of rubber ducks. You can find Elizabeth at camp year-round helping Jeana with the After School program. Elizabeth enjoys her continuing work with the camp because she loves to work around kids and the other amazing staff.

Haley

After School & Summer Camp

Haley is a senior at Eastern Alamance High School. This is Haley's first year working with the After School program at Chestnut Ridge. She came by way of our sister camp, Camp Don Lee, located down on the coast. Haley has been a LIT and junior staff at Don Lee before bringing her camp experience and fun loving nature to Chestnut Ridge. As a certified lifeguard, Haley brings a new element to the After School program, allowing them to canoe and swim in the pool regularly during the warmer months. Haley will be bringing her experience to our summer staff in 2008 as well.

Melissa

Challenge Course

Melissa just recently moved to North Carolina from Washington D.C. when her husband, Frank, began his graduate studies in the school of public policy at Duke University. Melissa is a social worker within the Durham School system, but she has had extensive experience with camping ministries while a student at East Tennessee State University. She enjoys being outdoors working with groups on our Challenge Course. Melissa has quickly become an integral and important part of the ministry team at Chestnut Ridge.

Stacey Young

Stacey joined the CR staff in December '07 working primarily in office administration.  Her past work experience in both the health care and child care fields helped her get ready for the administrative duties waiting for her here.  But it's likely the past 11+ years she's spent being a “stay-at-home” mom that really prepared her for the excitement and wonder of life here in the woods!  So don't be surprised when you see Stacey out from behind the desk and down by the lake teaching outdoor education!  Stacey and husband, Todd have 3 children - Morgan (13), Keyston (11), and Paul (7) and live in Mebane.  She loves singing, party planning, cooking and cake decorating.  Stacey cheers for the NCSU Wolfpack (even when they lose), loves Atlanta Braves baseball and can't wait for the start of Pro-football every fall!  But her absolute favorite stress-relief is FISHING!  “There is nothing more spectacular than the sun rise over the ocean.  When my kids are grown and gone, I want to pack up Todd's guitar and all the fishing poles and move to Emerald Isle.  We can be missionaries to fishermen and have worship services on the beach...and when worship is over, I'll be ready to throw a hook in!”

Stacey and her family attend Glen Hope Baptist Church in Burlington.

Bruce Thomas

Facilities

Bruce joined the team at Chestnut Ridge in 2003. His primary responsibilities include the care and housekeeping of all of the facilities. Working mostly behind the scenes, Bruce carefully prepares the camp facilities with great attention to detail before the arrival of retreat groups or campers. When not at Chestnut Ridge, Bruce is a fixture at Weaver Street Market in Carrboro where many people know him as the "Dancing Man." Campers enjoy dancing with Bruce at Chestnut Ridge as well, and are attracted to his enthusiasm and outgoing personality. When not dancing, Bruce's other interests include music, tai chi, yoga, and meditation.

Joel Roberts

Maintenance

Joel has been a part of the Chestnut Ridge community for the past 13 years, and as such, he is somewhat of a historian regarding the history of the ministry at Chestnut Ridge. As part of the maintenance staff, Joel continually amazes everyone with his ability to fix just about anything. When he is not repairing buildings, driving the tractor, or deftly wielding a chainsaw, Joel is always ready with a fascinating story to tell. As a world traveler, Joel has taken adventures to places both near and far. He has survived -40 degree temperatures in the Utah mountains, climbed narrow shafts in the Egyptian pyramids, and avoided a coup attempt in Zimbabwe. To the amazement of all, Joel shares these stories, and imparts other life lessons to all the campers at Chestnut Ridge.

Tom Riggins

After my first life with IBM, God called me to serve at Chestnut Ridge using my other talents (I am still discovering them!). I've been married to Linda for a lot of glorious years. We really enjoy being here and serving others. I have always been at home in the woods and we have plenty here. Many of the children call me "Grandpa" and it's fine with me - age brings many joys!

Summer Team 2008

Chaplain Lyndsie

Lyndsie is originally from Richmond, VA.  She graduated from Virginia Wesleyan College in 2007 with a Bachelor's of the Arts in Religious Studies and Recreation and Leisure Studies.  She is now finishing up her first year at Duke Divinity School, and will be serving as the Chaplain this summer at Chestnut Ridge.  Lyndsie is really interested in working with youth and exploring the deep connections between theology and the land.  She is looking forward to an amazing summer of learning, growing in faith and meeting new friends.  

Chaplain Alissa

Hi, I’m Alissa.  Strangely enough, I graduated from the same high school as Lyndsie, but 16 years earlier.  (The word you want is “well preserved”.)  I have a degree in Library and Information Science from Drexel University.  For the past few years I have been in Durham at Duke Divinity School.  I am not a theologian, but delight in people and the Word of God, and trying to bring them together.  Although shocked by the thought of a summer away from the Farmer’s Market, I hope the Community Farm will keep me connected to the fundamental reality of local food and living by the seasons.  (Can you tell I grew up on a farm?) See you this summer!
 

Adam

Hi! I'm Adam. I hail from the NC coast, and this will be my third summer serving as Adventure Instructor at Chestnut Ridge. I graduated from Campbell University in 2006, and after taking some time off, I'm going to graduate school this fall to begin work on my Master of Divinity degree. While at camp, I will likely be spending a lot of my time in the trees. I love the High Ropes Course and can't wait to get off the ground again and take all you guys up there with me. When I'm not swinging from a rope or doing other camp activities, I enjoy friends, drawing, painting, and reading (mostly really nerdy books). I can't wait to see all my old camp friends and make lots of new ones. I'll see you all soon!!

Alex

Hey I'm Alex. This will be my 12^th year at Chestnut Ridge. I have been coming to camp as a kid and now as a counselor. I love spending every summer at camp. During the rest of the year I am part of the wrestling team at Orange High School. I will graduate in May, and will be attending a local University next year to pursue a degree in Engineering. I come from the far away land of Mebane, NC. In my free time, I enjoy biking, swimming, and everything camp-related. I can't wait to be back at CR. See you then!

Alix

Hi! My name is Alixandria but you can call me Alix. I am from York, Pennsylvania. I am the oldest of three.  I have a younger brother and sister. They are twins.  I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I am a senior at Central York High School. At school I am involved with the Performing Arts Department. I have helped with all the musicals and plays for the last three years as one of the business managers, which means I work the front house and sell tickets. This fall I am planning on attending a state college to major in elementary education and minor in history. When I am not at school I am working. For the past two years I have been working for Auntie Annie's at our local mall, where we make pretzels.  I also work for Take Thyme Today which is a specialty tea shop. I am a member of Fourth United Methodist Church.  At church I am part of our youth group. I have worked with the kids at my church through vacation bible school and other outreach programs.  I am so glad to have the opportunity to join the Chestnut Ridge team and I can't wait to meet and work with everyone this summer.  

Bennett

Hey! My name is Bennett and I'm a rising junior at Hunt High School in Wilson.  I'm soooo excited to be working at Chestnut Ridge this summer!  It will be my first year working here as a junior counselor so I'm ready to make tons of new friends!  In my free time, I love to paint, draw, sculpt, sew - basically just make things :) I'm really into art and I love the outdoors.  I especially like all the animals, and not just the furry cute ones! See you at Chestnut Ridge!

Brad

Hi, my name is Brad. I'm currently a junior at the University of Florida, studying elementary education. I was born and raised in Florida, so I'm very excited to have the opportunity to "go up" to North Carolina this summer. I'm always looking for new challenges and things to do. I love my culture and my God, so be sure to expect a lot this summer. Hope you have a great spring, and I'll see you come June.  

Chelsea

Hi! I'm from Melbourne in Australia. I'm 23 years old and I'm a graphic designer. I'm looking forward to spending lots of time outdoors and getting to know some awesome young people. (I also hope I get to see a squirrel!) I'll also be at camp with my husband Chris and look forward to sharing the camp experience with him.

Chris

G'day from down under! I live in Melbourne, Australia with my wife Chelsea, who is also going to be at camp this summer. Camp sounds like so much fun and I can't wait to head over for a great summer! Chelsea and I are heavily involved in our local church, Doncaster Church of Christ, and are really looking forward to hanging out in a positive Christian environment at camp. I am a musician (I play the drums) and hope to share this passion of mine with you all at camp. Hiking, camping, swimming, outdoor activities - this camp is going to be awesome! Until summer 2008! Catch you then!

Corey

Hello beautiful people!  I’m Corey.  I am a rising sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill, but I am originally from Mebane, NC.  I’m new to the whole camping scene, but am totally excited about cohabitating with all kinds of creepy-crawling things (that’s referring to the bugs, not the campers).  I like to dance, sing, laugh, bake, color, hula-hoop, and even do laundry.  I am incredibly excited about this summer and all of the friend-making, faith-growing, learning, and of course, fun that is to come.  

Crystal

I'm Crystal and I love horses! Working at camp is so much fun with all the exciting people that are around. I've been coming to camp since I was real little, I've worked here for three years, and wouldn't miss a summer being here. When I get older I want to be a large animal vet because I love animals and especially horses! See you this summer at the horses!

David

Hi. I'm David and I can't wait to work at camp this summer.  I am finishing up my first year at NC State, in Nuclear Engineering.  I'm really looking forward to spending this summer outside with all the amazing people that I know will be there.  I love to backpack, rock climb, listen to music, and play games.  I can't wait till this summer!!!  

Esther

Hey y'all!  I'm Esther and this will be my third summer working at Chestnut Ridge.  I can't wait for it to begin!  I am a rising senior at UNC-Chapel Hill and majoring in English and Linguistics.  I'm also from Durham, but I just got back from a semester in London, England, which I will tell you all about if you ask me!  I love doing high ropes, going on trail rides, playing fun games, singing silly songs, camping out and making our food over the fire!  I can't wait to see you guys this summer!  

Francesca

Hello! My name is Francesca. I'm 21 years old, and I'm originally from London, England. I am studying for a degree in International Relations with French and Spanish. I am currently spending a year abroad in Quebec, Canada working as an English assistant in a French-speaking primary school. I am really looking forward to spending my summer at Chestnut Ridge. In my free time, I enjoy studying my bible, singing, drama, teaching, languages, reading, and traveling. This summer I hope to learn some new skills and see a lot more of God's beautiful creation... such as, the campers, the staff and the surroundings! Bye for now!

Janet

Hi, I am very excited about spending my fifth summer at Chestnut Ridge! The horse program has grown in popularity as well as herd numbers. We can't wait to show all the Trail Riders our new horse site! We've got the old faithful favorite horses ready for your return, as well as a whole herd of new horses that are chomping at the bit to show you how much fun Trail Riding can be. So grab your boots and I'll see you at Summer Camp!

Jang Min

Hi! I'm Jang Min from Seoul, S.Korea. Last year, I graduated from St Bedes College in Christchurch, New Zealand. I stayed in New Zealand over 5 years, and now I'm in my hometown, Seoul, as I prepare myself for an exciting summer time at Chesnut Ridge Camp!! This is going to be my first year at Chestnut Ridge Camp; it will also be the first time for me to visit the USA. Earlier this year, I made up my mind to have a gap year prior to getting into the university because I wanted to work and travel, and I believe my 3 months period at Chesnut Ridge Camp in this summer will provide me just what I want to experience. I like to play basketball and play the drums, and I am very sure that I will have a very good time with many children in this summer. I am so looking forward to meeting new people at Chesnut Ridge Camp and also to worshipping our God and sharing thoughts and minds about God this summer. See you all in June~~!!!  

 Jens

Herzlich Wilkommen auf Camp Chestnut Ridge! Nope, this is not gibberish- it is German! My name is Jens and if you belong to the long term friends of Camp it is very likely that you have already gotten to know me and my affection for everything that crawls, flies and stings in the forest. I am a Camp addict and this will be my fifth year on Chestnut Ridge. My love for God, Nature and Teaching has pushed me into a career as highschool teacher (in Germany). I teach K 5-13, and my core subjects are Biology, English and Theology. I hold a masters degree in Natural Sciences from the university of Duisburg Essen in association with the University of Greensboro for whom I worked as a Herpetologist for 2 summers. I am crazy about being outdoors and in my time off and on duty I like to do all sorts of sports, and tackle all the adventures that Camp provides. Hope to see Y'all this summer!!!!

Joy

Hey everybody! My name is Joy Hall. This will be my second year at Chestnut Ridge. I am graduating from Orange High School in May, and I will be a freshman at somebody's college in the fall, although I am not sure yet which one it will be. I'm the biggest, yet most responsible, kid you will ever meet.  I enjoy running really fast and playing basketball.  I cant wait to have another great summer, and I hope to see you there! 

Julie

Hello, everybody! I'm Julie and this will be my second summer working at Chestnut Ridge. I will be starting my senior year at NC State studying landscape architecture in the fall, and I'm from Durham, so I'm a local kid. I love spending as much time outside as possible, I love playing with kids (and pretending I'm still one), and I love living, sharing, and learning about our amazing God. I'm so excited to go swimming, canoeing, high-ropes-ing, arts-and-crafts-ing, silly-song-singing, goofy-game-playing, banana-boat-making, and... just about everything else camp related (including hayrides, as you can tell from my picture). I also especially enjoy growing things that are green and digging in the dirt, so I'm looking forward to getting muddy in our camp farm. I know it's going to be an awesome summer and I can't wait to see you there!  

Julie

Hey y'all! I'm Julie and I'm finishing up my first year at Elon University! I am originally from Raleigh and love my home church- North Raleigh United Methodist.  I am involved with several Christian and community service organizations on campus.  My other passions include dance, photography, reading and traveling. I hope  to grow in Christ with my campers and staffers!  I am excited about my first summer at Chestnut Ridge and can't wait to see you this summer!  

Julia

Hi, I’m Julia, I’m 21. I'm currently in my final year of a media studies degree at the University of Teesside in the U.K. When I’m not at university I live on the Isle of Man, a little island in the middle of the Irish sea, famous for motorbike racing and cats with no tails!!  This will be my first time at camp..and my first time in America, I’m looking forward to confusing you with all my strange English sayings. In my spare time I love to make crazy fancy dress costumes and birthday scrapbooks, I can’t wait to be part of the arts and crafts team!! I love working with kids and during my Christmas and summer holidays I spend time working at my local children’s play area. I'm looking forward to seeing you all this summer!  

Katherine

Bonjour! I am a rising senior at Orange High School and this will be my third summer serving at CR. I come from the town of Hillsborough just ten minutes away from camp. I worked at Chestnut Ridge the last two summers as a volunteer and junior counselor. I love working with the Mudpuppies and leading all campers in arts & crafts and Silly Songs (especially the Tarzan Song)!! Those who were at the camp last summer know that I enjoy writing short stories, reading long complex novels, making my own clothes and jewelry, and just the great outdoors as a whole. I can't wait to go back home to camp again. Just so everyone knows, American Sarah and I are most definitely twins and all those little rumors about "reading each others minds" and "being exactly alike" are all false. We are more different than a hiking boot is to a crayon. See ya'll soon. P.S. Does anyone know who is rubbing ice cream in my hair???

Katie

Hey, I'm Katie! I can't even tell you how excited I am to be spending the summer as a counselor at Chestnut Ridge! I'm currently an education major at UNCG. It's fantastic, but I can't wait for the school year to be over. I hope you'll join me to play some volleyball, swim, sing (probably off tune), dance, and talk about God! I'm looking forward to learning new things, too....like how to tackle that zip line! I have a feeling we'll get along great and can't wait to meet you! See you in the summer!

Kit

Hey guys! I grew up in Raleigh, NC and I'm a Spanish major. I'll graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill next spring. God has given me a huge love for  wildlife, outdoor activity (I love hiking, camping and kayaking especially) and just generally spending time outside, so I am super excited to be working at Chestnut Ridge this summer! I'll be doing environmental education (lots of reptile and amphibian stuff-I love slithery crawly critters!), as well as just discovering other amazing stuff to do around camp! This will be my first year at Chestnut Ridge, and I can't wait to spend some time with other people who love God and hanging out in His creation!

Lauren

Lee

I’m excited about returning for a fourth summer at Chestnut Ridge! This will be my second summer serving as the Morris Center Steward and snack server. The last three summers were the best and I hope this year will turn out great as well. I love working and spending time with kids. I am a student at Durham Tech working toward a university transfer. In addition, I help with children's church at Sunrise Church.I also help with the AWANA youth program. My hobbies are spending time with friends and reading about movie and TV production. I'll be handing out cool slushies and delicious snacks all summer long, so be sure to stop by the snack counter and say hi!

Leigh

Howdy ya’ll! I’m Leigh and yes, I am from Alabama (a pretty “sweet home” if I do say so myself, HA!). I was a camper at Chestnut Ridge for two summers and am ecstatic to be returning as a counselor/media specialist. I will be attending Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA this fall and will be majoring in Film and possibly English Literature/British Studies. I am always excited and love to try new things. I especially love playing tennis and soccer, painting, acting, reading, singing, rock climbing, riding horses, backpacking, hiking, rafting, watching movies, listening to music, and having a good time in general. I can't wait to be back at CR and I look forward to seeing everyone this summer!   

Luke

Hey! My name is Luke and I'm pretty amped about staffing my first summer at Chestnut Ridge this year. I'm 20 years old and attending East Carolina University, majoring in Communications. I've been playing guitar/singing for about 7 years and I'm very excited to be sharing it as part of the worship team. Basically, I'm ready to rock some outdoors time. I can't wait to start working with everyone, see you all there!!  

Madison

Matt

What's up guys! I am Matt and this will be my second summer at THE coolest camp ever. I am a rising senior at Eastern Alamance High where I play soccer and work really hard. I basically enjoy most things at camp, but my favorites are hiking, the zip-line and the mud pit. I also like backpacking, camping, and anything else outdoors. Well, I hope to see a lot of familiar faces, as well as making great friends with the ones that aren't. Peace out!

Megan

My name is Megan and I'm a student at Cedar Ridge High School. I love kids and horses.  At Chestnut Ridge I get to work with both!  I have been coming to Chestnut Ridge for as long as I can remember.  Ever since I was a wee little camper I have been frolicking through the open fields, splashing in the cool waters, and exploring the vast expanse of nature that Chestnut Ridge has to offer.  Last year I served as a volunteer for a couple of weeks.  I am excited to be on staff as a Junior Counselor this summer. Come to camp this summer and we'll ride through the woods together.  See you then!

Molly

My name is Molly and I will be graduating from Western Alamance High School in May - yeah!  This will be my second summer serving at Chestnut Ridge.  I love being outdoors, playing games, and especially the mudpit!  I also love working with the Mudpuppies, and listening to all the great stories they share.  In my free time I enjoy watching movies starring animals, like Free Willy, Air Bud, Homeward Bound, Dumbo, and Fievel Goes West.  My heart leaps for joy as the smells and sounds of spring remind me of the many adventures we will have together soon.  I am so excited, I can hardly wait for the summer to get here!  See you then!

Nicki

I’m Nicki, I’m from a small town in Oxfordshire, England. I love to sing and act and I love working with children. I’m taking the opportunity to work at Chestnut Ridge on my gap year before going to university to study so I can become a teacher. I also feel that camp would be a great chance to meet new people from all over the world as well as work with loads of great kids. I can’t wait to start working at Chestnut Ridge this summer!  

Rebecca

Hola! My name is Rebecca and I’m from Cary, which is only an hour from CR. (Exotic, I know.) I love Chestnut Ridge, where I’ve been to summer camp almost every year for the past seven years. I am a going to be a junior in high school next year and this summer will be my first time working at Chestnut Ridge. I am soooo excited I can hardly stand it!! It will be a lot different than my summer job last year where I fed fungus and did genetic research at NC State. I like to travel, do martial arts, and be outdoors. I love taking photos and art in general. I also love breaking out into random bursts of Spanish, which I can only hope are grammatically correct and mean what I am trying to say. This summer is going to be so great! I can’t wait to be a Junior Counselor!!!    

Ryann

This is going to be my 3rd summer working at Chestnut Ridge - I just can't get enough!  I love being at camp and all of the wonderful children. I also love that it is just one of the many things that allows me to postpone getting a real job - the other being grad school.  I graduate from UNC in May, and I will be going to graduate school to become a teacher.  I enjoy drama and theater (or is it theatre?).  But not the kind of drama like on daytime talk shows, soap operas, or silly teen movies.  Not the kind of fake suspenseful drama that shows like Survivor and Deal or No Deal create using dramatic background music.  I am talking about the kind of drama, that when performed on stage, can inspire people to greatness, or move a grown man to cry. Being at camp allows me to delve further into this passion of mine as I work with the campers on skits and performances for worship and talent show night.  When I am not performing on stage, you can find me behind the camera  filming fun camp happenings like the zipline, mudpit, and "the gray squirrel song".  Come to camp this summer and I might just make you a film star as well!

American Sarah

Hi! This is going to be my 3rd summer working at Chestnut Ridge, 5th altogether. I love this place so much i just can't seem to leave. I am SOOOOO excited to be working with such amazing people again. I can't wait to get back to camp, my second home. When I am not sewing I have a paint brush or dance shoes... sometimes both. In the little time I am away from dancing or my sewing machine I read, listen to every type of music under the sun,  spend as much time with my sisters as possible, and enjoy the beautiful outdoors of NC. If you can't tell Katherine and I apart it's okay, not many people can. See you this summer!!!!! 

Aussie Sarah

I'm Sarah from Adelaide, South Australia! This will be my first time at Chestnut Ridge and I am so looking forward to spending the summer with you all. I am a mad cricket and Australian Rules Football (AFL) fan and love summers in Australia. For the past year I have been working at a Christian bookshop cafe and leading at my fantastic church, Paradise Community Church. I love to paint, act and sing really really loudly and generally make a fool of myself so I'm super excited about being able to do it in front of you! However I am most looking forward to worshiping and learning about our God with you all! Peace out!

Suzanne

Hello! I’m Suzanne and I will be a counselor this summer at Chestnut Ridge! This is my first summer here and I’m so excited! I come from the far away college of NC State, and I’m finishing my second year there. I’m looking forward to working with everyone on some awesome arts and crafts and spending a great summer outside with you all. I love to read, play games, talk with others, and listen to music. Can’t wait till summer! See you guys soon.

William

Hi y’all, I’m William and I love calling Clayton NC home.  Right now I am a freshman at N.C. State where I’m studying to be a wildlife biologist.  This will be my first summer working at Chestnut Ridge and I really can’t wait.  I enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and generally anything that I can do outdoors.  I know that you guys and gals are going to completely blow away my expectations for this summer because it’s just going to be awesome.  I can’t wait to meet you at camp!

You!

You could be part of this amazing team that will play, laugh, love, and worship together this summer. We're looking for fun-loving staff willing to dedicate their summer to making a positive impact in the lives of young people. If you are interested in being a part of this team, check out this page for more information about applying to be on staff at Chestnut Ridge!