Our Staff

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director@kimballcamp.com

Madelynn comes from the children's museum world, where she spent the last three years as the Education Site Manager at the Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum. She also brings several years of experience in camp, youth ministry, and environmental industries. Madelynn holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Michigan State University and a master’s in museum studies from Johns Hopkins University.

Joining the camp family along with her are her husband Justin and their children, Finch and Fern. Madelynn has a passion for adventure, whether it's traveling the world or discovering the extraordinary in everyday life. As the new camp director, she is dedicated to inspiring a love for nature and adventure in the next generation!

program@kimballcamp.com

Darrell began his journey at Kimball Camp in the early 90s: first as a camper, then a CIT, and finally as a counselor in 2002. After pursuing a Secondary Education degree in History/Social Studies from Lansing College, Darrell came back to camp from 2008 to 2012 as a counselor, Waterfront Director, and Assistant Program Director, before moving on to work in his family’s business. Darrell came back home to Kimball Camp in 2023, and with over 20 years of experience at Kimball Camp, Darrell is honored to now be the Program Director. He has a passion for the outdoors, non-traditional education, and developing a true “camp family” atmosphere for his staff. Darrell enjoys leading team building and challenging young people to develop their own thoughts and opinions. Described as a strong family man and a loud advocate for children, Darrell truly embodies the spirit of Kimball Camp’s motto: I Am Third. Darrell loves Kimball Camp, his home away from home, and the place he feels like the best version of himself. In the years to come, Darrell is excited to continue pouring into the next generation of counselors, training them well, and putting together memorable experiences for every guest that comes to our campus. 

amelia.mia.kimballcamp@gmail.com

Amelia, known as “Mia”, has been with Kimball Camp since 2008. She served many summers as a counselor and Chapel Director while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree Education. Mia graduated from Western Michigan University in 2014 with degrees in Special Education and Literacy Studies, Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education, and endorsements in Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional Behavior Impairment. Mia and Brian, a fellow 2009 counselor alum, wed in 2015 and moved to Berrien Springs where Mia began her teaching career. They welcomed their sons, Clinton and Eli, in 2018 and 2020 respectively, and returned to Reading in 2018, where they still reside. Mia taught for many years in the special education classroom before coming home to Kimball Camp in 2021. Mia now serves as the Administrative Director and is responsible for maintaining camp licensing compliance, developing curriculum for our programs, and assists with grant writing projects. Mia plans to pursue her Master’s degree in Administration of Outdoor Recreation and Nature Based Tourism in the next five years. 

foodservice.kimballcamp@gmail.com

Shari is both our Executive Chef and Accountant. Since a young age Shari has had a gift for feeding people, both through food and through ministering to their emotional, mental, and spiritual needs with love. She has boasted experience owning and operating a bed and breakfast and tea room in addition to planning and catering many events. These events have included weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, tea parties, and fundraising events. She has worked as the head chef at three different youth camps in her career over many years. Where she has a passion for creating delicious and nutritious food from scratch. Shari is passionate about eliminating as many chemicals as possible in the food she prepares. While also making healthy, kid, and budget friendly meals, that include fruits, vegetables, and salads. Her hope is to send each child home with a broadened palate and hopefully an appreciation for healthier food options. As the accountant for Kimball Camp Outdoor Center Shari brings almost 50 years’ experience in the accounting field, along with an Associate’s Degree in Accounting. She began her accounting career in the days of pen and ink on ledger pads, but has been using Quickbooks since it was invented in early 2000. She is excited to bring her expertise to Kimball Camp in an effort to create a more detailed picture of our financial reporting in house. 

outreach.kimballcamp@gmail.com

Alex holds an A.A.S. in Polymer Engineering and B.S. in Biology with concentrations in ecology, evolution, and conservation. Her experience as an educator began at the Michigan Science Center where she spent two years developing and delivering STEM-focused programs on and off-site. As an Americorps service member, Alexandra spent five months teaching with the Nevada Outdoor School bringing nature-oriented lessons to over 300 classrooms and facilitating overnight camps in the Ruby Mountains. During that time she received certifications in Leave No Trace and TREAD Lightly Outdoor Ethics. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Alexandra worked as a student assistant in the undergraduate biology labs as well as in the Central Michigan University Museum of Cultural and Natural History. Her experience as an assistant for the University Museum prepared her for a transition to Office Manager, a role in which she managed a team of 6-10 students, newsletters and social media, accounting, payroll, and scheduling. Additionally, Alexandra has experience working as a quality auditor and laboratory technician in manufacturing settings. In her current role at Kimball Camp Outdoor Center, Alexandra facilitates high-adventure activities and teaches outdoor education courses while helping maintain the camp’s facilities. 

media.kimballcamp@gmail.com

With a passion for creativity and the outdoors, April applies her unique experience to her role as Media Manager at Kimball Camp Outdoor Center. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, complemented by a minor in Graphic Communications from Eastern Michigan University. 

April's journey in the camp community began as a camp counselor at the downtown Jackson YMCA, where she dedicated seven summers to nurturing and guiding young campers. After a few years, she transitioned to Kimball Camp in the summer of 2023, where she further deepened her connection with the camp experience as a counselor.

April has spent the last three years as a freelance artist and graphic designer. Since stepping into the role of Media Manager in the fall of 2023, she has been committed to showcasing the vibrant spirit of Kimball Camp.

When she's not working, April enjoys connecting with nature and practicing any means of self care.  She believes in the transformative potential of outdoor experiences and looks forward to sharing the magic of Kimball Camp with the community.

office@kimballcamp.com

Bethany Harris is our current Assistant Administrative Director, but when she is not at camp she is a Licensed Pharmacy Technician and will be pursuing a Nursing Degree in the spring. Her experience at camp over the last five years has included being Counselor-In-Training, Counselor, Day Camp Staff, Outdoor Education Instructor, High Adventure Facilitator, Waterfront Director, Health Officer, Program Director, Office Manager, Kitchen Staff, and more. Bethany also holds an American Red Cross Lifeguarding Instructor, CPR/First Aid and AED Instructor certifications, and leads our in-house Lifeguarding Courses. Bethany brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of Kimball Camp to our leadership team and plans to wed Tyler, a 2022 camp alum, in the spring of next year. Bethany is also able to boast a unique connection to Mia, our administrative director, who trained Bethany as a CIT in 2016; a true testament to “your feet may leave, but your heart never will”. Today, Bethany is responsible for managing the front office and all the demands that come along with being the first smile people see on campus.