2011 Staff Spotlight

Sarah Elizabeth aka Raindrop

10th year Staff Member

Staff Director- California

I am from Lincoln, Nebraska and even though I have lived in Chicago and Washington, DC, I have spent most of my life in my hometown.  I love reading, which is probably why I studied English and History in college.  But a few years ago I shifted my academic pursuits to science, and by the time camp rolls around I will be living in Kansas City where I am starting medical school this fall.

I watch too much television, love movies new and old, and I’m very particular about fashion. I love playing tennis and I’ve been a dancer since I was 8 years old.  This winter I channeled my inner Michelle Kwan and turned my ice skating hobby into an actual skill by taking lessons.  I definitely felt like a pro getting up early to go to the rink and was so excited to fulfill my childhood fantasy of performing in a skating show. Plus I unexpectedly earned my first skating badge!

This is my 10^th summer with Camp Kindle.  I heard Eva talking about it on the radio and knew I had to volunteer.  When I started as a freshman in college, I never imagined I would still be involved nearly a decade later. Although I have volunteered at every NE session for the last 9 years, I will not be returning this year because of school (although I do hope to make at least a brief appearance).  I will very much miss seeing the campers who I have watched grow and mature over the last several years. I am however very much looking forward to my 2^nd year in CA! I am already excited about camper arrival day … the anticipation of the campers getting to the campsite, and their enthusiasm upon arrival about the week ahead is my favorite part of camp.

 

Michael aka Tatanka

2nd year staff member

Staff Director- Nebraska

Hi! My name is Michael Toboni a.k.a Tatanka and I am from San Francisco, CA! I have been to many different places in the world including about 24 countries, but I have only lived in the United States – mostly on the West Coast. My favorite subjects in school were always Math and Science, which is why I will be attending medical school in Los Angeles right after Camp Kindle Nebraska!

I have two younger brothers and two younger sisters and we were born in the span of 8 years!  So, we are all very close. We grew up spending every second with each other and competing on a constant basis. Sports is a big part of my life and that is probably why. I have been playing since I was very young, and I played in both high school and college. I also absolutely LOVE movies. I can quote movies from beginning to end that I haven’t seen in a really long time!

This is my second summer at both Camp Kindle West and Camp Kindle Nebraska although I feel like I have been here so much longer! I worked for Project Kindle for almost a year and a half as the Public Health Director, and I can’t wait to come back to camp this year! Hope to see all the campers very soon!

Welcome to Camp Kindle 2011

Hello Staff, Volunteers, Campers, etc.

I hope you are all ready for an exciting summer at Camp Kindle.  This year, we have two new Camp Directors to help make your week AMAZING.  Alison Boring (aka Dragonfly) and Erin FitzGerald (aka Catfish) have been diligently planning for CK 2011 since last year.   We will be utilizing this blog over the summer to introduce you to many of the individuals who will be attending CK this year.

As for the Payne clan….Chad and I are expecting twins very soon!  While we are excited about the new additions to our family, we are not sure how available we will be at camp this summer.  We have planned all our children around the camp season (these little rascals were obviously not planned), but nevertheless, we will make something work!  We look forward to meeting you and taking part in CK 2011!  ’

All the Best,

Eva Payne
Founder & Executive Director

Payne Family - Fall 2010

 

Leo’s Yard Sale for Camp Kindle

One of our outstanding California staff members, Leo, held a fundraising event for Camp Kindle.  Check out his blog (http://rofleo.tumblr.com/post/765915642/yard-sale-for-a-good-cause) to learn about his successful Yard Sale.  Thank you for helping to send HIV affected kids to camp this summer!

Employment/Volunteer Opportunity

Check out this job opportunity at another summer camp!

FALL, 2010 SEASONAL STAFF & YEAR ROUND STAFF NEEDED
Camp Courageous of Iowa is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for
individuals with disabilities. Campers with mental and physical disabilities, head injuries,
hearing or visual impairments, autism and other special needs are served.
Working with adults with disabilities is often a very real challenge. Campers may need help
with personal care including feeding, dressing, and toileting. Some campers exhibit behavior
problems. Patience, energy, good judgment and enthusiasm are important attributes for a
position at Camp Courageous. The hours are long. An unselfish attitude and an emphasis
on teamwork are needed. Staff members are expected to put the campers’ needs before their
own. If you possess these skills, consider applying for a position.
Volunteer positions, internships, and paid positions are available. Volunteers and interns
receive an optional stipend of $25.00 each week plus room and board, and a restricted
medical plan.
Paid counselors and activity specialists receive the best employment package around.
Seasonal staff earn $335/week while year-round staff earn $435-465/week. Room and
board are provided which includes a new air-conditioned staff dormitory affording separate
living quarters from the campers. Staff share cabin duty on a rotating basis. Other benefits
include a restricted medical plan for seasonal staff and health insurance for year-round staff.
Camp Courageous provides a bonus program for returning staff and a monetary incentive
for recruiting additional staff.

Year-round positions begin the first day of the fall season and require at least a one-year
commitment. Candidates for year-round positions must have previous experience with
individuals with disabilities. Seasonal positions are for one or more season. Feel free to
apply on line by accessing our website at www.campcourageous.org.

ALL CAMPERS IN THE FALL ARE ADULTS

Dates: August 18 to November 24, 2010. This includes staff training.
Weekly sessions are from Monday through Friday.

POSITIONS:
Counselors

For more information contact:
Jeanne Muellerleile, CCD
Camp Courageous of Iowa
12007 190th Street P.O. Box 418
Monticello, IA 52310-0418 319-465-5916 ext. 2300 Fax: 319-465-5919
E-mail: jeanne@campcourageous.org www.campcourageous.org Camp Courageous is a
tobacco free environment.

2010 Staff Spotlight

Chris aka Root

Years with CK: 1

Position: Project Director

Session: CA

I am 25 years old and from Westlake Village, CA.  I’m really into some of the Showtime shows like Dexter and Californication. I like the witty sense of humor stuff.  The most interesting place I have visited is Ireland for sure!  The most daring thing I have done was to quit my job to start my own business.  For work I am launching a new website to help raise money for a number of causes called PictureHealing.com and for fun I love spending time with friends out on the town, and going to concerts. I don’t know if my hobbies/talents are unique, but I fancy myself an artist, writer and musician. I love to draw, paint, create digital art, write, create and play music.
At camp I hope to enjoy new experience and create some great relationships with awesome new people. In 10 years I see myself running some very life changing organizations! My most memorable event so far this year was the Red Party, Life Through Art Foundation’s big fundraiser. The picture I have included is from that event.

Neha aka Saffron

Years with CK: 1

Position: Nurse Assistant

Session: CA

I am 22 and from Omaha, NE. My favorite TV shows are Gossip Girl and Friday Night Lights. My favorite place that I have visited is India- I love seeing all of my family members who live there. The most daring thing I’ve ever done is taken a ride on the Raptor at Cedar Point. I can play the alto saxophone, although my skills are a bit rusty! I just finished my first year of medical school at UNMC and in my free time I like to spend time with my friends and family, read, and bake.

This summer I hope to know the campers well and learn more about HIV/AIDS in general. In 10 years I see myself as a physician, but other than that, I have no clue! My most memorable event over the past year was graduating from college and starting medical school.

Sheila aka Sunbeam

Years with CK: 1

Position: Psycholosocial Team

Session: CA

I am from York, NE. My favorite television shows are Cold Case and Criminal Minds and my favorite movie is Iron Man.  Rocky Mountain National Park is my favorite place to visit, I love it and try to go every year.   And Rome, Italy. I would like to go back.  The most daring thing I ever did was drawing maps by hand to show where a farmer wanted to have an aerial sprayer spray weed killer and/or pesticide; if I drew it wrong it could ruin an entire field of crops, a costly mistake for farmers and aerial sprayers. Today it is done by computer but then it was not.  I survived the summer with no miss drawn maps!  I used to work for aerial sprayers that also raised rabbits for sale for food.  I was trained as part of my job to skin and dress them; I could do it fairly fast and well but did not like it, I also feed and watered the cute fuzzy creatures.  I’m a creative cook and have a lot of art skills as I am a former K-12 art instructor.  My work life is fun. I am a high school guidance counselor, an adjunct professor of art for a local college, and a caterer of fine food around SE NE for a local family restaurant.  I love to travel, meet new people, visit art and other museums, hike, see friends and family and read.

I love people and youth especially so I am looking forward to all the wonderful people I will meet both campers and other volunteers.  I hope to be able to help make this camp experience passionate and a blast.  In 10 years I see myself changing careers, leaving public education and working for FEMA.  As far as most memorable events this year, I have five:  Meeting and visiting with Gold Medal USA Olympic Bobsledder, Kurt Tomasevicz;  Changing positions at work; Officiating at the wedding of a former student; the birth of my first grandchild; and Christmas 2009 was special because everyone made it home!

2010 Staff Spotlight

Melanie aka Lily

Years at CK: 3

Position: Arts & Crafts Director

Session: NE
I am 21 and originally from Chicago, IL. Sex & the City and Phineas and Ferb are my favorite TV shows, and my favorite movie is Forrest Gump.  This past Thanksgiving I got a chance to travel to Lebadee, Haiti & Ocho Rios, Jamaica, by far the most beautiful places and the culture was interesting. Jet skiing in the ocean is the most daring this I have ever done! Yikes! I thought the ski would tip over and I’d drown (I’m a horrible swimmer). For fun I love Amusement Parks! Anything that turns, goes up side down at a fast speed I’m so there! I have discovered this new hobby called photography and it currently dominates my life. I love to read and also write fiction.

As I’ve said every year if I can make a different in just one child’s life letting them know that they have a purpose, a unique one a that, and encourage them to use his or her voice to speak up and speak out because people are so ignorant to HIV/AIDS thinking it doesn’t exist or it could never be me. But looking into the face of a child, they may see differently. In 10 years I see myself traveling the world doing missions. My most memorable day was the last time I hugged my dad, he past away a week after CK last year.

Becky aka Peachie

Years with PK: 1

Position: Counselor

Session: NE

I am 28 years old and live in the suburbs of Chicago.  I don’t really watch too much TV, but I will say that pretty much anything on HGTV is a guilty pleasure of mine.  I’m pretty fond of the Florida Keys, it allows me to relax and that’s what a vacation is to me – a time to relax.  I teach P.E. and Health to 7^th and 8^th graders at a district in a northwest suburb of Chicago. When I am not working I am usually doing something outside with my family and/or friends. I love to be outside whether it is on a nice long walk or just watching my daughter play outside, in some sort of water … a pool or boating weather permitting. I also enjoy working in my yard.

While at Camp Kindle I would like to be part of the process of giving children the power to overcome stigma and isolation and believe in themselves and help to make a positive influence not only in their lives, but also helping them to be able to educate others. I also hope to have tons of fun with the girls in my cabin and make great connections with them.

Breanna aka Pumpkin

Years with PK: 1

Position: Arts & Crafts Director

Session: CA

I’m 22 years old & live in Moorpark, CA. Ever since my own experience as a camper, I’ve been looking for a place to volunteer my time over the summer & I couldn’t be happier about this opportunity falling into my lap! I don’t have a favorite TV show, (I’ll watch nearly anything that’ll make me laugh) but my favorite movie has to be Avatar. As an art student, that movie caused me to re-evaluate my own design standards & I’ve seen it several times since… just can’t get enough.

My closest friends make fun of me because it seems that almost everywhere I travel, I decide by the end of the trip that I WILL live there at some point in my life. I enjoy new experiences with good people; I don’t think the destination really matters. I have a huge fear of heights, so I’d have to say the most daring thing I’ve ever done would be Dive Devil at Magic Mountain. A bungee jumping experience I will NEVER forget, or repeat.  I’ve been taking dance classes since I was 3 & have grown to love it, but my favorite hobby would have to be painting, drawing & really anything that has to do with art. I love working in all different mediums & having the ability to create something beautiful from my own imagination.

I hope that this summer I will not only gain a new level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS but be able to establish a real connection with all of you & the children as well! Though I pride myself in living for the moment, I’d have to be honest in saying that I think about the future every now & then. When I picture myself 10 years from now, I hope to be a part of a creative media company or web development team that benefits a greater cause (much like Project Kindle!), but most of all I hope to be happy & close to the ones I love. The most memorable day for me in the past 12 months is unfortunately NOT memorable for being a good one at all. In a final presentation I gave in December, I completely blanked and let my nerves get the best of me. It will forever be remembered as “The Incident”; the most humiliating moment I’ve yet to experience. But I find its times like these that have motivated me to improve upon myself so that I can be a stronger person in the future.

I currently work at a Dermatology office in Westlake as a receptionist and attend the Art Institute of California – Los Angeles as a web design major. Between the two I don’t have much free time, but jump at any given opportunity for adventure. Whether it is as simple as a hike with my family or a weekend trip to somewhere new with my friends, I live for those little moments of spontaneity. I remind myself every day of how blessed I am to be given all these amazing experiences through which I can learn & grow. I can’t wait to meet all of you & start our own adventure together!

Leo aka Leopard

Years with CK: 2

Position: Junior Counselor

Session: CA

I am from San Gabriel, CA. At this moment, Avatar is my favorite movie. Taiwan my favorite place to visit because it is a a foodlover’s heaven!  Signing up for my school’s wrestling team was the most daring thing I have done. I ended up dislocating my kneecap. But I loved wrestling nonetheless. I am a public speaker on my school’s speech and debate team. For fun I swim, I eat, I read, I hang out.

At camp I hope to become more confident in myself, empathetic toward others, and aware of the world outside of my community. In 10 years I see myself in a traveling job, going around the world. My most memorable day was last year’s SPEAK OUT, I think the fourth day of the California camp with Gregory.

2010 Staff Spotlight

Claire aka Monarch

Years with PK: 1

Position: Project Director

Session: NE

I am from Winfield, KS…it’s about an hour south of Wichita, KS.  I have a lot of favorite shows and movies…I’d probably have to say Chuck, Glee, & The Office are my top choices and for movies I love Remember the Titans and many many more. My favorite place is in a small town called Charleston, OR on the beaches and in the city of Eugene, OR.  I have gone out there during the summer every year since I was born and it is as much a part of me as my hometown. The most daring thing I have done was to go Great White Shark cage diving. I love being outside…reading in a hammock, or on the beach, hanging out with my dogs, or gardening with my dad.  I also love bike riding and snow skiing. I am a full-time student during the year, but during the summer I find different jobs to work at and different camps to volunteer for.  This summer I will be a counselor at Camp Catch-Up as well as working at Subway and a kava house.
I studied abroad in Africa last year; there were so many memorable events…the entire trip was amazing and exciting! At camp I hope to gain many new friends, ideas for teaching, and to be more comfortable organizing projects & getting kids involved.  In 10 years I will hopefully be teaching either in Kansas, Nebraska, or Oregon; 10 years is a long time, so I suspect I will be married & hopefully have a family.  I definitely want to continue volunteering and traveling around our country and the world.

Valerie aka Hazel

Years with CK: 1

Position: Psychosocial Assistant

Session: CA

I am from Van Nuys, CA.  My favorite TV show is United States of Tara and my favorite movie is Mean Girls. My favorite place I’ve ever visited was Venice, Italy because it is the most unique city I have ever been to. The most daring thing I have done was my senior year of high school, my friends and I lip synced Spice Girls at the talent show. I love photography and taking pictures is one of my favorite things to do.  I also love to dance, sing and act goofy. I am a full time student at UCLA and I also tutor and babysit children.  For fun, I love to hang out with my friends, go to the beach and spend time with my pets (2 dogs and a bunny).

My most memorable day this year was in the fall. I lost a close friend in September to lymphoma and that is a day I will not forget for a long time.
I hope to gain life long memories and meet some new people at camp this summer. If all goes well, in 10 years I see myself married with at least one child. I see myself as a successful psychologist.

Scott aka Sycamore

Years with CK: 3

Position: Kitchen

Session: CA

My favorite TV show is  LOST and my favorite movie is Lord of the Rings. The most interesting place I have been is Crystal Cave at Sequoia Natl Park but my favorite place is Cancun The most daring thing I have done was to drive 90 mph on a residential street. I love BBQing & Making Ice Cream. For fun I enjoy cooking, eating, and drinking with Friends. At camp this summer I look forward to being able to connect with the kids.  In 10 years I see myself as happy and successful.

Erin aka Firefly

Year with PK: 2

Position: Nurse Assistant

Session: NE

I am from Kansas City, Missouri. My favorite TV show is It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and I like too many movies to have a favorite. The best place I have been was St. Croix in the Virgin Islands and I have been lucky enough to visit four times. The most daring thing I’ve ever done was attempting to sky dive.  However, after driving a few hours to Iowa and training, it was too windy for us to actually get in the plane and jump after all.  I don’t really have any skills that are unique… but I do love music, singing, and playing guitar. In the last year, my most memorable moment/experience was taking a vacation with my friends and not having to worry about work or school obligations. When I am not at camp I enjoy being with family and friends, eating great food, watching movies and enjoying the outdoors (when its nice; not humid) ha

This summer I hope to become more familiar with the staff and campers.  I’m excited to return and build on the wonderful memories I already have.
In ten years I will hopefully be out of school but we’ll see  I also hope to be starting in the professional world by that time as I begin to build a career in health and medicine.

2010 Staff Spotlight

Sean & Alison Boring aka Oak & Dragonfly

Years with CK: 4

Position:Kitchen Coordinators

Session: CA

We are from Thousand Oaks, CA and are 30 somethings for a few more years at least! We are huge movie and TV fans, but the shows we watch together are Modern Family and American Idol. We took a trip to Europe with 2 kids (ages 1.5 and 4 at the time) .. Germany, France, and England in 10 days- it was a whirlwind and crazy trip but really fun. The most daring thing we have ever done is to serve over 2000+ meals in one week at camp!!!!  We both love to cook and create fun menus- We host an Oscar party every year and the theme dishes to the movies of that year … this year’s dishes included “AvaTART” and “A Serious Manwich.”

Each year at camp we welcome more and more helpers to our food factory in the kitchen. This year we hope to meet even more staffers and campers when they venture into our culinary cave! Each year going to Camp Kindle is a highlight … Having Devonte feature our kitchen staff in the documentary film he made at CK 2009 was the most touching moment of our camp experience to date

We are currently training for a ½ marathon in November (Want to join us?), We love live musical theatre and enjoy going on wine tasting trips … If you’d ever like to join us for any of these … Let us know! In 10 years we will be parents of a 16, 14, and 12 year old … YIKES!

Nichole aka Ladybug

Years at Camp: 8

Position: Medical Director

Session: CA/NE

I am from Schaller, IA … the Popcorn capital of the WORLD! And I’m turning the big 3-0 at camp this year in NE!!! I’m a sucker for the medical drama shows…Grey’s, Private Practice, Mercy. I LOVE to travel.  Just got back from Jamaica which was beautiful!  Favorite place would be South Africa…can’t wait to go back someday! The most daring thing I’ve ever done? Tough one. I don’t know about daring…how about stressful?  I recently did my first set of sutures in clinical!  It was an incredible rush.  Luckily it was on a guy’s back so he couldn’t see me shaking as I placed my first 5 simple interrupted stitches in to human tissue.  Loved it!  As for hobbies and talents …I can wrap my arm around my head and touch my other ear.  Just try it and you will see how cool it really is!  I got a sewing machine for Christmas so I am trying my luck as a seamstress.  I like being outdoors and have recently renewed my love for books!  Also, I am a tsunami surfer…good story for later.

I am in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at UNMC.  I will graduate May 2011!  It keeps me pretty busy, but I love the clinical hours and my classmates.  I also work part-time at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center where I am a staff RN and just took over the role of High Risk Obstetrics Coordinator.  And I am the Membership VP for my local sorority alum group. The birth of my “niece”, Avery was the most memorable day this year.  I am a Labor and Delivery nurse so I’ve seen a million deliveries but this one was so special.

As for camp this summer … I come back for the kids!  I love watching them grow up and turn in to role models for new campers.  So I’m just excited to see how much they have all grown over the past year! In 10 years I see myself living at Kindle Ranch!  I would love to make camp my career.  I also hope to travel, fall in love, have and/or adopt babies.  Not necessarily in any particular order!

Brian aka Vapor

Years at Camp: 1

Position: Counselor

Session: NE

I grew up in St. Louis but have been living in Chicago for the past ten years where I work in a local health department. I have been working with HIV prevention and care for over 15 years.

I am often called a six-year old mostly because I love to watch Scooby Doo cartoons on Saturday mornings. I also have a large collection of Scooby Doo videos and toys that I keep in my office. My friends don’t tell me, but I believe it is also because I like to play with my remote control cars, my Legos and Wii. The other side of my life tends to be more professional because I do work in local government but also work with national organizations that focus on public health and HIV disease. One of my biggest joys in life is to help people that are impacted by HIV.

I am looking forward to coming to camp this year to hopefully share some of my experiences of living with HIV for over 23 years but also to learn from everyone else that will be there. I learned about Camp Kindle last year when one of my friends was a counselor. It was due to her encouragement that I decided to send in my application this year.

I don’t know that I have any special skills or talents. However, I have many interests and keep finding new ones all of the time. The most daring thing I have done in my life would have to be either when I went parasailing or jumped out of an airplane for the first time. They were both a lot of fun but frightening at the same time. However, I am ready to do them again any time.

This year, I had the chance to go to Puerto Rico for vacation and would love to go back there again. I have had many opportunities to travel both in the United States and in other countries. I love to walk along a beach or hike through the mountains. Two places that I still want to travel to, are Australia and Belgium, specifically Bruges.

I have a puppy and her name is Emma. She is 6 years old now. She has been a handful but also one of my best friends. Now that I think about it, when I adopted her may have been the most daring thing I ever did.

I am looking forward to spending a week at camp with the other counselors but even more with the campers. I know this will be a tremendous summer for me and I hope the beginning of many more.

2010 Staff Spotlight

Nick aka Falcon

Years with CK: 2

Position: Junior Counselor

Session: CA
I am 17 years old and from Calabasas, California. My favorite television is ESPN and my favorite movie is Training Day. The most interesting place I have ever been to is London, and my favorite place I have visited is Punta Mita, Mexico. The most daring thing I have ever done was going scuba diving in Hawaii because I hate sharks. The unique skills that I have are my listening skills and ability to solve problems.  My favorite hobbies are playing sports, and hanging with my friends. When I am not at camp, I like to do many things.  I enjoy watching sports and movies, hanging with my friends, playing basketball, going to the beach, listening to music, and traveling.

During my volunteering at Camp Kindle, I hope to gain a better understanding of people in general, and to increase my awareness about HIV/AIDS. In 10 years I see myself working in a law firm.  My dream has always been to be a lawyer, so I hope to make that happen after college and graduate school.  My most memorable day over the last 12 months has easily been the day I got accepted to the college I always wanted to go to, Penn State.  My most memorable event over the last 12 months was going to Outdoor Education as a counselor for my old elementary school, Round Meadow.

Amelia aka Nova

Years with CK: 2

Position: Nurse Assistant

Session: NE
I am 21 and originally from Austin, MN.  My favorite TV show is The Office.  My favorite palce I have gone is Mazatlan, Mexico. The most daring thing I have done was ride the rip cord at Worlds of Fun. Scary!  I danced for 13 years, I still have a love for it even though I don’t have the time to do it. I mainly go to school at UNL, and I work at Petsmart. I love to get coffee with friends and enjoy down time.

This summer I want to get to know the campers a lot better and form new friendships. In ten years I hope to be working as a physical therapist. My most memorable moment was when I received an internship for the summer that I was really hoping to get

Mary Anne aka Poppy

Years with CK: 3

Position: Evening Programs Director

Session: CA
I am from Belmont, CA, and 24 years old. My favorite TV shows are Law & Order: SVU, How I Met Your Mother, Gilmore Girls, and Grey’s Anatomy. My favorite movies are Liar Liar, Mean Girls, Baby Mama, 40 Year Old Virgin, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. I don’t think it’s that interesting or exciting, but I just love Hawaii The most daring thing I have ever done: called a boy! scary… I played the flute and the tuba in the UCLA Marching Band   I have a yellow 1962 Volkswagen Beetle that I LOVE – I have worked on it a little bit with my step dad, but it doesn’t need very much work and I don’t know much about cars (yet).  Another one of my hobbies is visiting baseball stadiums with Winter – I visited 9 stadiums just last season alone, and we plan to go to ALL of them!!!  I work as a mechanical engineer at M-E Engineers… More specifically, my job is to design air conditioning and heating systems in buildings.  Definitely not what I thought I’d be doing with my life, but I enjoy it!  In my spare time, I enjoy running, eating, “surfing” (I’m not very good…), writing poems that rhyme, watching baseball, listening to country music and overplayed pop songs, spending time with my friends and my kitties, watching my favorite TV shows on DVD, and playing softball.

I hope to gain more experience in my position at camp this year, so that Evening Programs will be the best EVER and will provide many campers with amazing memories In 10 years I will probably be working as an engineer in So Cal… or owning/running a coffee shop (or a sandwich shop, I haven’t decided which yet) As for my most memorable day … I don’t have a very good memory… but I’ve had a great 2010 (so far)!

Todd aka Night Hawk

Years with CK: 5

Position: Counselor

Session: NE

I am 44 years old, and from Lincoln, NE. My favorite TV show is NCIS Los Angeles and my favorite movie is Top Gun.  Jamaica & Hawaii my favorite places I have been.  The most daring thing I’ve done was joining the United Stated Marine Corp. Rodeo, volunteer work, camping, boating, and traveling are my favorite hobbies.

This summer at camp I hope to just make one kid have the best time of his life and want to return. In 10 years I see myself adopting a child of any age. My most memorable event in last 12 months was recognition as volunteer of the year. For fun I volunteer at Peoples City Mission and at Lincoln Action Program in their child development center

2010 Staff Spotlight

Erin aka Catfish

Years with CK: 12

Position: Counselor

Session: CA/NE

I am 22 years old and from Dubuque, Iowa. I have been a part of the CK family since the very first year. I started out as a camper, then moved up to a counselor.  My favorite TV show is American Idol, my favorite movie is Gone With the Wind. It’s a classic. Ireland is my favorite place that I have visited. It is so beautiful, historic, and green (my favorite color)! I’m a big chicken, so I don’t do many daring things, but I plan on skydiving at the end of this summer when my friend, Cole, makes for a very funny face. I wouldn’t call it a talent, but not a lot of people can do it. ((I know a bunch of people are trying as they read this… haha!)) My favorite hobbies are boating on the Mississippi, and sleeping.

This year, my hopes are to bring things back to the basics. I have been a part of the Kindle family for so long, that it is easy to lose sight of the mission of the organization. This summer, I just want to engross myself with the kids in my cabin, and learn everything I can about them. I want to be the best counselor there is, and I hope to gain the trust of as many campers as I can.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?  I hate these types of questions… I hate thinking that far ahead, when I don’t even know where I will be in one month. All I know about ten years from now is that I want to be happy, healthy, and have love in my life. My most memorable experience this year was in October, when I lead my first SPEAK OUT tour in Chicago. It was a crazy experience, but I loved it, and it helped me realize how passionate I am about spreading HIV/AIDS education and reducing stigma.

Nina aka Phoenix

Years with PK: 4

Position: Counselor

Session: CA

I am from Mill Valley, CA and 20 years old. My favorite television shows are It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 30 Rock, Rear Window, and the Constant Gardener.  South Africa, Zambia, Botswana are my favorite places I have been … and petting a cheetah cub felt pretty daring.  Standing at the top of Lion’s Head Mountain in South Africa was my most memorable experience this year.

I attend UCLA and enjoy running, going to the beach, listening to music, horseback riding and filmmaking.  This year at camp I am looking forward to building friendships and giving an incredible experience to the campers. In 10 years I hope to be traveling and making documentaries.

Troy aka Apple

Years with PK: 1

Position: Counselor

Session: NE

I am 20 years old and from Gretna, NE.  Lost is my favorite television show and Up in the Air is my favorite movie.  My favorite place I have visited is definitely Hawaii!  The most daring thins I have done was going in s roller coaster (if you know me, you’ll understand that it is a huge thing) I really don’t have any special talents to speak of, but I spend a lot of time hanging out with my friends.  I work in Medical Records at Alegent Health, and I go to school at UNL.

At camp this summer I hope to have a good time, make friends, and help others have a good time as well.  I 10 years I hope to be pursing a career in medicine. Getting accepted to an internship to the University of Texas School of Medicine was definitely a very memorable day.