Meet the Counselors!
Your Name Here!
Spend the best summer of your life at Chestnut Ridge! Join our summer staff of over 60 amazing people. Make a difference in the lives of campers and staff. Learn more!
Ainsley
Hi! My name is Ainsley and I’m from Durham, NC. This will be my first year working at Chestnut Ridge although I have been spending my summers here for 3 years before this. I love being outside, playing violin, reading, and playing and watching sports. I can’t wait to meet everyone this summer!
Alex
Hey guys, my name is Alex. I'm 20 years old, I'm from Puebla, Mexico, this is my second year as a camp counselor and I'm really excited about learning everything we need to have fun safely and meeting all of you. I'm currently studying international business in BUAP and I really love playing sports.
Alex
Hi Y'all, I'm Alex. I'm from Hillsborough, North Carolina. This will be my first summer working at camp; however I attended afterschool and summer programs since Kindergarten. I currently live overseas in Luxembourg, where I am a junior in highschool. My favorite camp activities are swimming in the pool, going on lake toys, and playing Gaga ball.
Azaria
I’m Azaria, I'm from Raleigh NC and I'm currently a Junior in high school. I'm a passionate writer and book lover so when I’m not lost in a good novel I’m busy putting my thoughts into words whether it’s fiction, poetry, or personal stories. Writing and reading are my ways of escaping, expressing myself, and connecting with others. This year will be my first summer working at Camp Chestnut Ridge and I’m beyond excited for the adventure ahead, I can’t wait to dive into this new experience and make unforgettable memories.
Brooklyn
I'm Brooklyn and I cant wait to meet y'all! This will be my second summer here at camp though I was camper in 2019. Some of my favorite camp activities include the hoedown, swimming in the pool, and Gaga Ball. When I'm not at camp I love photography, art, and spending time outdoors. I'm so excited for an amazing summer filled with lots of memories!
Caroline
My name is Caroline, I’m from Raleigh, North Carolina. I am going to be a senior at Enloe High School in the fall. This is my first summer on staff but I have been going to Chestnut Ridge as a camper for 7 years! I am so excited to meet and have fun with everyone this summer. In my free time I love to dance, listen to music, play volleyball, and spend lots of time outside! At camp, my favorite activities are kayaking, ziplining, and the hoedown!I can’t wait to meet you all soon!
Caroline
My name is Caroline, and I attend Durham School of the Arts. This is my first year working at chestnut ridge, but I have been going as a camper since I was very young, so I have so much knowledge of everything this camp has to offer. I enjoy swimming, being outdoors, meeting new friends, and sharing my faith with others, and I am super excited to meet amazing new people.
Celeste'
I’m Celeste’ (suh-les-ta), and I’m from Greensboro & Hamlet NC! I love all types of art, adventure, and anything fun. I’m a senior at Ragsdale High School & I’ll be a freshman at UNC Charlotte when summer is over (49er Pride!). This is my first year at Camp Chestnut Ridge, and I’m so excited to meet you! I hope you’re ready to have a wonderful summer! :)
Damien
Howdy! I'm Damien, 18 year old guy from Louisiana. I'm a bit of a silly goose, with a fixation on an obscure children's book from 2005 about a little dog. Big fan of drawing and playing my concertina. Can't wait to have fun, learn things, and make friends this summer
Daniel
My name is Daniel and I'm from Hillsborough NC. Although it's certainly not my first time here, 2025 will be my first year working as a counselor here at Chestnut Ridge. I love music, cooking / baking, and doing anything outdoors. Can't wait to help make lifelong memories this summer!
Dayna
Hiya, My name is Dayna and I'm from New Zealand. I worked a summer at Chestnut Ridge in 2019, and am super excited to come back and create some new memories! I love being outdoors, exploring and trying new things. I'm looking forward to meeting lots of new people and getting to know everyone. Some of my favourite camp activities are waterfront, making s'mores, and making lanyards.
See you all soon!
Destiny
My name is Destiny and I'm 19 years old! I'm originally from WNC, but I'm currently a rising sophomore at Meredith College in Raleigh. I'm a Communication major with minors in Photography and Creative Writing. Outside of camp, I love to scrapbook, thrift, and write poetry! This is my first year at Chestnut Ridge and I can't wait to build connections, grow closer to Jesus, and have a great summer!
Edie
My name is Edie and I am from Durham NC! This is my first summer working at Chestnut Ridge but I have previously attended as a camper. In my free time I love to craft, film, meet new people, read, listen to music, play soccer, and hike. I love nature, the ocean, and campfires!! I am so excited to be on the summer staff and I'll see y'all soon :)
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Elizabeth
Hey, I'm Elizabeth, and I am from Lexington, NC. I am currently studying agriculture and business. I have always had a passion for gardening and animal husbandry, so you will probably see me on the farm. I am also into archery, photography, and traveling. I have grown up taking retreats and summer camps at Camp Chestnut Ridge, and I am so excited to get to know all of you. See you at summer camp!
Emma
I’m Emma and I am so excited for camp this year! I love painting, sculpting, making s’mores, rose buds and thorn, and my best friend counselor Luci. I am a previous camper and I am so excited to be back. Happy summer!!!
Eoin
I'm Eoin, I go to Millbrook highschool in Raleigh and I'm super exited to work as a counselor. This will be my first year working at Chestnut Ridge, I love hiking and the outdoors!
Evan
My name is Evan, and I am from Asheville, NC. I went to high school in Durham, NC, and now go to Davidson College. This will be my first summer working at Chestnut Ridge, and I am so excited! I love the outdoors and being active! I love music, soccer, ultimate frisbee, and swimming. I can't wait to meet everyone soon!
Francesca
I’m Francesca, but please call me Cesca. I am coming all the way from London UK. I am currently doing my Level 4 in Childcare at University and volunteering in a nursery school. I’m beyond excited to be part of this year’s summer camp at Chestnut Ridge. I’m all about creating unforgettable memories, making lifelong friends, allowing children to have the best summer to remember and also to understand more about my Christian faith. I will be bringing with me energy and positivity to everything I do, whether we’re facing a tough team challenge or winding down by the campfire. I like to laugh lots and have lots of valuable time doing activities like swimming, going for a walk, sunset picnics and horse riding. I am very outdoorsy and a bit of an adrenaline junkie so love the high ropes and wires. I’m a real firm believer that camp is a place to learn, grow, and most importantly—have fun! I can’t wait to meet you all, work together, and make this summer one to remember.
See you all in America; can't wait!
Gemma
Hey everyone, I'm Gemma and I'm from the South Island of New Zealand. This will be my first time working at camp and my first time being in America! I love meeting new people, exploring new places and being outdoors, especially swimming. I could not be more excited for the summer and cannot wait to meet you all and create some amazing memories!!!!
Hannah
My name is Hannah! This is my third summer working at Chestnut Ridge and my favorite activities are being at horses, tree-climbing and morning worship. Outside of camp I enjoy playing the violin, volunteering at my Church and I'm studying elementary education. I also love photography and flying planes! I can't wait to have another summer of making memories and meeting new friends at my favorite place!
Holly
My name is Holly, I'm 18 years old and I'm from Wellington, New Zealand. This is my first year working at a summer camp and I'm so excited to join the team at Chestnut Ridge! I love getting to be in the outdoors and challenging myself to try new activities. In my free time I also love to dance, listen to music, and spend time with my friends and family. I can't wait to meet everyone and make lots of memories this summer!
Jaida
My name is Jaida Jakubiak and I'm from Chapel Hill, NC. I'm going to be a freshman in college next year but I haven't committed anywhere yet. I play softball and field hockey and I love to hike, climb, and meet new people. This will be my first year as a counselor but I have been a camper many times at Chestnut Ridge. Looking forward to a great summer!
Josh
I'm Josh, and I'm from Durham, NC. I'm going into my junior year at NC State, studying Sport Management. This will be my second summer on staff! My favorite camp activities are lake toys, playing gaga ball, and making smores. Looking forward to another great summer!
James
My name is James and I live in Durham. I have been a camper at Chestnut Ridge for nearly a decade. This is my first summer as a counselor, but I was an LIT the last two summers and have helped out as retreat staff. Some of my favorite things include playing the bass and Ultimate Frisbee. I love being outdoors and am excited to lead and learn this summer!
Kendall
My name is Kendall and this will be my second summer working at Chestnut Ridge after six years of being a camper. Next fall
I will be a freshman at Clemson University! I love playing sports, singing, and pretty much anything outdoors. Can’t wait for another amazing summer!!
Kylie
My name is Kylie Smith and I am from Leland, North Carolina (right outside of Wilmington). This is my first year working at camp and I am so excited to get to know everyone! In my freetime I love to do crafts, ride horses, and spend time with my dogs. I am looking forward to the summer!
Lillian
My name is Lillian and this will be my 2nd year working at camp and I’m so excited to be back. I live in morehead city NC for college which is 5 minutes from the beach so I love the water. At camp I love any water activities but especially love morning worship. Can’t wait to see you at camp!
Lily
My name is Lily, and I am from Hillsborough, NC. After summer, I am entering my freshman year of college! I’m super thrilled to come back to camp for my second year on summer staff. I love working with kids and the Minnesota Vikings!
Liv
My name is Liv and I’m from Raleigh, NC. This is will be my first time at Chestnut Ridge but not my first time at summer camp! I am currently a sophomore at Wake Technical Community college but I am transferring to NC State university to study Pre-Vet in the fall. I love working with horses, good books, and really any activity outside! I look forward to meeting you all and having an amazing summer at camp!
Logan
I’m Logan and I’m from Burlington, NC and I’m going into my freshman year of college. This will be my second summer as a counselor but I was a camper for a few summers. I love playing Gaga ball, being at the pool/lake, and working with the horses. Outside of camp I love doing gymnastics, being outside, and doing things with my friends. I’m so excited to meet y’all and make some amazing memories!
Louisa
I'm Louisa, and I will be a freshman at Williams College next fall. I am so super excited for my second year as a counselor and all things CCR! I absolutely love spending time outside, and you can often find me hiking on a trail or taking pictures of some pretty flowers. I can't wait for morning worship, snacktime, and meeting wonderful new people this summer!
Luci
My name is Luci and I’m from Atlanta, Georgia! This is my first summer at Chestnut Ridge but I have been going to camp my whole life! I will be a freshman at the University of Kentucky in the fall on the pre-law track! Some of my favorite things to do at camp are go swimming, sing songs, make friendship bracelets and of course be with my friends 24/7!! I am so excited for this summer and can’t wait to me you all!
Lucy
My name is Lucy and I am so overjoyed to be working at camp this summer!! I am from Hillsborough NC and will be a high school senior at Cedar Ridge in the fall. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences here in past years as a camper so I’m really excited to be able to share that with others. I love playing saxophone, guitar, riding horses, spending time with my dogs, drawing, and crocheting! You’ll most likely find me working with the horses or playing guitar in the worship band! Can’t wait to meet you all!
Luke
Hello all! I’m Luke and I live in Greenville, North Carolina. I attend college at West Virginia University and I’ll be heading into my sophomore year this fall. I enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors, and learning new languages and musical instruments! This will be my second summer on staff at Chestnut Ridge, and I’m excited to see what the summer holds!
Madison
Hi friends!! I'm Madison, and I'm from Chapel Hill, NC. I am going into my sophomore year at Meredith College where I am studying Social Work, Child Development, and Dance. I am SO beyond excited for my third summer as a counselor after many years of being a camper! I absolutely love camp, and I'm so excited to share my love of camp with others and make so many new memories. Outside of camp, I love hiking, reading, and anything gymnastics. I can't wait to meet all of you and see what God has planned for this summer!
Madison
Hey y’all! My name is Madison and I’m from Efland, NC. I go to Cedar Ridge High School and I will be a senior in the fall. I’ve been a camper for a long time, but this will be my first summer as a staff member and I am super excited!! Some things that I love to do at camp are arts and crafts, swimming, dancing, and going to the farm. I can’t wait to have an amazing summer together!
Mary
Hi guys! My name's Mary, and I’m from Greensboro, NC. This will be my second summer on staff! I absolutely love camp, and I cannot wait for summer to start and to meet everyone! I LOVE gaga ball, hiking, playing sports, and enjoy traveling with friends during my free time. I can’t wait to make so many amazing memories this summer!
Mary
Hey guys! My name is Mary and I’m from Durham, NC. I will be going into my Junior year this fall at North Carolina State University studying Animal Science. This is my first year as a counselor here but I am no stranger to CCR as I’ve been coming as a camper for many years! I enjoy spending time with the horses, at the farm, or just out in the woods! When I’m not in summer camp mode you can find me on the pitch playing club rugby at State or spending time with friends! I can’t wait to meet you guys this summer!
Max
My name is Max and I’m from Australia and this will be my second year at camp I am super excited to come back. My favourite camp activities are playing Gaga ball, tree climbing and playing ball games, looking forward to another great summer
Nora
Hi everyone! My name is Nora, and I'm super excited to start my first year working at camp! This summer, I'll be going into senior year at Orange High School. I've been going to camp for over ten years, and I'm so excited to help new campers have amazing experiences here, just like I did! In my free time, you'll find me reading, playing with my cats, or helping with my school's theatre shows!
Parker
Hi! My name is Parker and I'm from Sanford, NC. This will be my first year as a junior counselor, and I'm SO EXCITED. I enjoy music, theatre, and outdoorsy things and am looking forward to this summer! :D
Payton
My name is Payton Castro, I am a rising senior at Cedar Ridge High School, in Hillsborough NC. This will be my first year working at Camp, however I have been a camper here for 8 years. I love being outdoors, running track, and spending time with family. My favorite camp activities are eating smores, capture the flag and swimming
Poppy
Hey everybody!! My name is Poppy, and I’m from Durham, NC. I will be a senior in high school this fall. I grew up going to camp Chestnut Ridge, and this is my first year as a counselor. I spend most of my time dancing, baking or at church. I love hiking, and anything related to nature and animals. Can’t wait to make s’mores with y’all!
Seven
Hi, y’all. My name is Seven. I currently live in Williamsburg, VA, but I grew up in Clayton, NC. I loved attending Chestnut Ridge for twelve years as a camper, and I am excited for my first summer as a counselor. In my free time, I love listening to music, reading LOTS of books, and exploring. At camp, my favorite activities are making s’mores, dancing at the hoedown, and playing Gaga ball. In the fall, I am excited to start my freshman year at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA studying biochemistry with aspirations of becoming a pharmacist.
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Thomas
G’Day, I’m Thomas from New Zealand and I am absolutely pumped for this adventure at Camp Chestnut Ridge! I have been told that I am the fun one, with an endless source of energy in my pocket. I’m always up for an adventure or challenge, basically anything fun and exciting and you’ll see me leading the charge! Summer 2024 here I come
Tristan
Hi! I’m Tristan and I am super excited for my 1st year working at Chestnut Ridge. I was a camper at Chestnut Ridge for 11 years, so it feels a bit like a second home for me. I’m going into my senior year of high school and my favorite subjects are Science and History. Chestnut Ridge has a special place in my heart, and this summer I hope to bring the joy it has given me to as many campers as I can.
Winnie
My name is Winnie, I am from Raleigh, North Carolina and will be a freshman at Western Carolina University in the fall. This year will be my second summer on staff and I could not be more excited! In my free time I love to read and run. And my favourite camp activities are horseback riding, lake toys and going to the farm. I cannot wait to meet everyone this summer!
