Name: Nancy Adams
Program Type: Special Needs
Session: Special Needs 1
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: 30+
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: I was first asked to direct a mini special needs camp (2 family groups) in 1985, and have been hooked ever since. I have either counseled or directed (deaned) every year since, with only 3 exceptions, I think.
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: You are loved! Enjoy!
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: Combining my experience with persons with special needs along with my ability to put spiritual concepts in ways campers can understand, and experiencing the faith of the campers is amazing and wonderful.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: My prayer is that the campers will know and experience that Jesus loves them beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Name: Caroline Andrews
Program Type: Special Needs
Session: Buddies
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: This is my first time!
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: My parents were deans when I was a kid, I was a camper and then a SNAP and then a summer staff member and then a volunteer counselor! I’ve been waiting for this promotion all my life.
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: A few days of camp go by so fast, so make every moment count!! And if you’re nervous, just remember that everyone around you is full of love and wants you to have a wonderful time and above all feel comfortable being yourself.
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: I love the energy of Buddies camp! I love that every camper shows up ready to have a blast and be silly and adventurous and form genuine connections. Buddies campers come to camp with their hearts open and it’s up to us to fill them with joy.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: Joy! And hilarious stories to treasure for the rest of their lives!
Name: Tim Barnes
Program Type: Junior High
Session: Classic Junior High 3
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: Four
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: All the awesome memories at camp!
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Be okay with being the person you are!
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: The sense of humor and willingness to have fun with all the camp activities
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: Time where campers feel comfortable being themselves and sharing with each other
Name: Sara Baron
Program Type: Special Needs
Session: Special Needs 2 & Amigos
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: 16
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: I love the campers.
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Bring a second pair of close-toed shoes and get ready for fun.
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: They’re delightful. They show me how to enjoy life, and make sense of things, and savor the good stuff.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: An awareness of being loved.
Name: Tim Brewster
Program Type: Junior High
Session: Classic Junior High 3
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: Three
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: I love making connections with the campers and providing a home away from home where the campers can be free to find and be themselves.
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Drop any pretensions. We are who we are and who we are should be celebrated! Do not worry about the way that others see you. Be yourself and everyone will get on board!
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: : I love junior high because the campers are just beginning to move from always being told what to do to having to find their own course. The transition toward adulthood is a challenge, but one that can be so rewarding to help with. Youth at this age are becoming more aware of their place in the broader world – emotionally, physically, spiritually… and it is so fun to help them find their way. I think self-exploration and self-reflection are the keys to doing so, and junior high is an age that often gets looked on as too young to do this type of development (though it isn’t!). I don’t have all the answers. The campers don’t have all the answers. But in junior high groups, we can start to explore together important questions like why we are here, what our life purpose is, and how to build a community around us that will help us to achieve these ends.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: That they are loved for who they are and do not have to be anything more than themselves.
Name: Kristina and Bryant Clark
Program Type: Elementary
Session: Elementary Lakeside
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: This is our first year being deans
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: Sky Lake music camp is where we met years ago and Sky Lake continues to be where we meet God again and again. Kristina was an avid music camper and Bryant went on to spend many summers on staff. Many of our best memories and best life-long friends are from camp. Sky Lake is a community and an experience all its own and we want to provide campers the same joy, fun, wonder, and silliness that camp was for us when we were growing up. Our lives were changed forever and God’s love is still being shown and known through summer camp!
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: When the kitchen staff says that “dirt” is for dessert, don’t worry, it’s actually delicious! Polar Bear Swims are worth the chilly sacrifice to get to see the lifeguards do belly flops! Pack a flashlight and your favorite pillow – but be sure to leave room in your suitcase to bring home countless memories, stories, inside jokes, new games to play and love of God!
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: We both love kids of all ages! Elementary-age kids are especially fun for us because they bring so much imagination and enthusiasm to life! Younger kids tend to have an innate spirituality which is fascinating to explore with them and younger campers are so willing to try new things. At such a young age, our hope is – with so many years ahead of them – that they will learn what a special place camp is so they can keep coming back year after year.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: We hope campers leave with a deeper understanding and relationship with God. Through the experience of camp, we hope that campers leave knowing that they are loved – loved by the Sky Lake community and loved by God. We hope that campers know that Sky Lake is a place where they are always welcome and celebrated because of how special and important they are and how much they add to our camp.
Name: Anne Dickinson
Program Type: Elementary/Junior High
Session: Music
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: I think almost 17 years
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: I had a wonderful experience as a camper and I want to help make sure future campers get the same opportunities
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Remember that there is lots of fun to be had and that all of the staff want to help you find it while keeping you safe
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: Music is a very important part of my life and even more especially my faith journey. It is a great way to offer others the opportunity to develop their faith and have fun doing it
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: New ideas either about music making or their faith… or at least some awesome new friends!
Name: Kaitlyn Flannagan
Program Type: Special Needs
Session: Buddies
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: This is my first year!
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: As a Dean, I’m hoping to follow in the footsteps of the many Deans that have guided me (as a camper, SNAP, support staff AND counselor) by providing the energy, love, light and guidance that make camp a special place for everyone. I can’t wait to foster an environment where everyone—from camper to staff—feels comfortable, knows that they belong, and most importantly has fun!
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Even though going to a new place with new people can be scary, everyone at camp is there to make sure that YOU have fun and feel comfortable. No matter who you are, you will belong. There are so many exciting things to do, learn, and experience that by the time camp ends you’ll wish you didn’t have to go back home.
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: Buddies camp has always been one of my favorite camps—the energy levels are through the roof and everyone is guaranteed to have a fun time! There’s something really magical about seeing younger special needs campers find community, connect with nature and their faith, and feel comfortable being themselves.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: I hope that my campers leave their week at camp feeling like they are perfect just the way they are. I hope that they have fun, laugh, make memories that they will never forget, and leave feeling so full of love and light that they can’t help but spread it to the world around them.
Name: Brendan Fox
Program Type: Elementary
Session: Music
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: This will be my first!
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: The campers! Selfishly, being a dean for a session of camp allows me to get to know each camper equally. I feel strongly that every week of camp is unique in its own way, and that’s all because of the campers. I’m excited to get to know this year’s music campers and to be able to help shape our time together into a truly special, one-of-a-kind week of camp!
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: It’s okay to be nervous, scared… however you’re feeling about camp, that’s okay! My favorite thing about camp is that it is the perfect place to try new things. This year will be my first year as dean, too, so we’ll have something in common!
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: Even though this will be my first time deaning Music Camp at Sky Lake, I’ve been working with Elementary and Junior High aged campers at other camps since 2010. Even though I work as a pastor of a United Methodist church now, I first went to college to be an elementary music teacher. It is thanks to the music teachers I’ve had that I am who I am today, and it’s my job now to pass along all the encouragement and enthusiasm I’ve been lucky enough to receive. Being a dean for Music Camp is the perfect way for me to do just that.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: Nothing would make me happier than to have campers leave Music Camp this summer excited for the next chance they’ll get to make music with others. It is one of the greatest joys of my life to have the chance to make music with others, and everyone deserves the share that joy!
Name: Deb France
Program Type: Special Needs
Session: Special Needs 2 & Amigos
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: 5+
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: I loved being a volunteer counselor and when asked to be a co-dean I was excited for the opportunity. I love my campers and learning to love God as much as they do!!
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Don’t be scared. Camp is Awesome and by the end of the week you will already for looking forward to next year
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: I work with special needs youth all year. I love having an opportunity to share Sky Lake with adult campers and learning from them.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: A love for seeing God’s beauty in the outdoors and learning together.
Name: Liz Gdovin
Program Type: Junior High
Session: Classic Junior High 1
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: Never!
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: Kids are the best! We expect so much of kids and I think they need a place to simply have fun and to fully know that God loves them no matter what. If I can be a small part of that, count me in!!
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: You are likely to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: I used to work with Junior High as my job as a school social worker and I miss this age group. They are in that middle ground of too cool to tell their parent they love them but want to know if that same parent can bring in cupcakes for their birthday
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: The God of Sky Lake is the same God that is with you at school, home and everywhere. There is nothing you can do that will separate you from God’s love.
Name: Nick and Brookye Keeney
Program Type: Elementary
Session: Creative Arts
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: 14 years!
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: Sharing God’s love with the next generation, making awesome camp arts and crafts out in nature and the camp kitchen’s snickerdoodle cookies.
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Be open to trying new things and making new friends.
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: Introducing new campers to all the wonderful things Sky Lake has to offer and seeing them return year after year.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: Making great memories as they learn that they are beloved children of God.
Name: Alisyn Klock
Program Type: Special Needs
Session: Special Needs 1
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: Six-ish
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: When I was a Senior High camper, I made a Sky Lake bucket list. Being a Dean was at the top of that list. As a camper, I never questioned if was I safe or if I belonged. I never feared other campers or staff looking down on me or making me feel inferior because of my interests or quirks. As a camper and as a staff person now, I am free to be true to the person that I am and who I am becoming. This is because of the intentional community that was built at Sky Lake and that is sustained through the efforts of our staff and volunteers (and campers!). Knowing that I can help to make camp as special of a place as it is for me for someone else, is an extraordinary gift.
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Embrace the chaos! Camp is a place to be creative, breathe deep, try new things, and take chances. There are so many opportunities to grow as a person and learn new things. I guarantee by the end of the week you will have learned at least one new thing–whether it be a skill, or something about yourself, creation, or God.
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: I have always loved working with our Special Needs programs, particularly leading bible studies with our campers. I’m grateful that I’m given the opportunity to have such in-depth conversations with folks who can teach me so much about the capacity to love.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: That you are so loved! And that, once your session has ended, we don’t just forget about you. We continue to think about you and pray for you. You are a part of our Sky Lake family and we look forward to when we get to do camp with you all over again.
Name: Jim Martin
Program Type: Senior High
Session: Classic Senior High
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: 22 years
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: The enjoyment I get from the experience
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Come with an open mind and heart. Be open to new experiences.
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: I love the age group and have a great rapport with the kids
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: Appreciate the time that we have together
Name: Marla Martin
Program Type: Elementary
Session: Try Camp
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: 10+
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: I love giving kids their first camp experience
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Be open to new experiences
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: My enthusiasm matches what young kids need to become comfortable at camp
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: : Desire to try new things
Name: Maria Oakley
Program Type: Intergenerational
Session: Intergenerational
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: 10 for Intergenerational
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: I enjoy sharing the Sky Lake experience and I believe I have the organizational skills needed to be successful as a program leader.
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Turn your cell phone off.
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: It is fulfilling to help people of all ages relax and restore themselves at Sky Lake.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: I hope the campers leave with a renewed appreciation of family connections and a deeper understanding of their personal spiritual lives. (Okay, this is two, but they are equally strong hopes and I cannot voice one at the expense of the other.)
Name: Katie & Tim Sinclair
Program Type: Special Needs
Session: Friends
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A (Katie): 10
A (Tim): 10 (for Friends Camp) and then 3 from Drama Camp
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A (Katie): Camp is a place where you can be yourself, feel loved, grow spiritually, make lifelong friends and have fun. I love being a part of that with our campers.
A (Tim): Bringing everything about the camp experience to both new and returning campers and watching them get to experience it.
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A (Katie): It’s ok to be nervous and unsure. Hopefully, we can help you feel comfortable and included throughout the week. Let us know how you are feeling. Camp is an experience that many people love and cherish and we will do our best to do that for you as well.
A (Tim): Prepare to enjoy yourself. There’s something here for everyone!
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A (Katie): It brings me such joy to be a dean for Friends camp. There is such a sense of community at Friends camp. The relationships built during the week last year to year, even if we aren’t together each year when we see each other again we pick up where we left off. Being at Friends camp rejuvenates me and I hope it does for our campers and staff.
A (Tim): The lifelong friendships it creates.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A (Katie): It’s hard to say just one thing! I hope that each camper who attends friends camp grows in their connection with themselves, each other, nature and God. (and has a lot of fun)
A (Tim): Lifelong friendships. It’s called Friends Camp for a reason!
Name: Eileen and Drew Sperry
Program Type: Junior High
Session: Classic Junior High 2
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: 14
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: We wanted to become deans to help campers have the kind of experiences we loved having at camp—tons of fun, great new friends, and lifelong memories.
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Be open to meeting new people. Jr High camp is a great opportunity to make lifelong friends (just ask some of the Senior High campers!) and to get to know people you might not meet otherwise. Camp is all about building community!
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: Jr High is the best! Ask any other camp—we definitely have the most fun
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: Great camp memories!
Name: Corey Turnpenny
Program Type: Senior High
Session: Senior High Eco
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: Five
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: Attending Sky Lake camp and then working on summer staff for 5 years were some of the best experiences of my life! I am passionate about continuing the tradition of life-changing summer experiences for kids today!
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: I was super nervous my first year but right away I knew there was something very special about Sky Lake. As I continued to attend I learned this place has been holy ground for thousands of kids over the past 75 years. We’ve been doing this for a long time! Trust the process. We promise you’ll make new friends and have an amazing week!
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: Senior high is the best! I love getting deep in conversation and then being silly and just letting loose like you can only do at camp! Our senior high kids have been through a lot and often have a lot of responsibilities. This week at camp is a chance for them to just be kids again.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: We’re all about good vibes at Senior High Eco Camp! We’re going to do all our favorite camp activities plus spend some quality time with nature and probably figure out how to save the world. It’ll be great
Name: Britny Wainwright
Program Type: Elementary
Session: Classic Elementary
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: Two+
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: I worked on summer staff for ten summers in many different capacities. While this may be my second consecutive summer as a Dean for Elementary Camp, I’ve led many sessions at Sky Lake including Elementary in the past. Camp is a place I come back to reconnect with my community, with nature, and be present. Each group of campers is so special and every time I make new memories to cherish!
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: You’re going to make so many friends and have so much fun! Your counselor, lifeguards, resource people and dean are all here to make sure you have the best and safest time possible. To make the most of it, my advice is try at least one new thing every day you’re at camp. Then at the end of the week you’ll be a pro!
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: Elementary Camp is SO MUCH FUN! All the classic camp activities are new to them and those are really the ones I love the most. We spend plenty of time making Tie-Dye, s’mores, going hiking, swimming, and more. The campers keep me on my toes and each week at camp is incredibly meaningful.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: Like my piece of advice, I hope all our campers try something new while they’re away at camp. They might just surprise themselves with what they’re capable of!
Name: Eric Yetter
Program Type: Special Needs
Session: Helping Hands
Q: How many years have you been a Dean?
A: 13+
Q: What made you want to be a Dean/makes you want to continue?
A: Being able to create a week that will be memorable for our campers, even if they have been coming for decades. The community of the campers and volunteers for Helping Hands fills me emotionally even if my body is tired.
Q: What would be your advice to a first-time camper?
A: Welcome to a community where you are loved exactly as you are. (not in a cheesy way, but in the best way possible)
Q: What makes you want to work with the age/ability group you are deaning?
A: Helping Hands has the best campers and it is an opportunity to remember to slow down and relax while we are at camp, to truly experience creation and the Creator.
Q: What is one thing you hope your campers get out of your session?
A: We work hard to help campers know they are equal even if they use a wheelchair or a walker. This might be the only place where that gets to happen for them.