Director - Melanie deJonge
How long have you been involved with Campfire!?
It feels like it has been pretty much forever! I think that I’ve been coming to camp for over 10 years. It’s been a couple of years since I have been on staff and I’m super excited to be at camp again this summer and spending lots of time with kids (cause I don’t do that enough).
What is your camp name?
I was debating on changing it, but fearing confusion and an uprising, I’ve decided to stick with my tried and true name, Zizzle.
What do you like most about camp?
I think that it is easier to answer the opposite of this question; what do I like least about Campfire!? NOTHING! I love the devotions, the counselors, the campers, the food, the games, the chapels, the bus drivers, the nurses, the campers, the pond, the singing, the bus rides, the staff, the cooks, the campers, the trailers, the trails, the fires and have I mentioned the campers yet?!?
What are you excited about for the coming summer?
I’m excited about praising God every moment of camp; from the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep.
What do you do in normal life?
If you are wondering what I do with myself for the other 10 months of the year, then I can say that I teach Grade 8 at Timothy Christian School in Hamilton. I’m also a very dedicated aunt to 13 superly fantastic kids. In my spare time I love to read books (of all genres for all ages) and playing with my cameras and taking pictures.
Assistant Director - Ben Lootens
How long have you been involved in camp?
I have been involved with Campfire! since 2006 – that makes me a five-year veteran, I suppose – and I’ve been a cook, a counsellor and most recently a staff member.
What is your camp name?
Hmm. Last year my camp name was Argoe, but I think I’d like to change it up this year.
What do you like most about camp?
What I like most? Tough question. I think what I like most about camp is being blown away by how God works in the little moments to show us his presence and the powerful truth of his Gospel. It might be something someone says that has me thinking all day long, or a particular string of words in one of the many songs we sing that speaks out. It might be a hug from a camper or the way one of the cooks laughs that just really reminds me that God is near and his truth gives life. I think that’s what I like the most.
What are you excited about for the coming summer?
I’m excited to work together with 7 strong Christians throughout the summer to spread the message of Jesus Christ amongst ourselves and also to everyone that comes up to Markdale through service and praise. We all need reminders and renovations when it comes to our walk with God, and I’m excited to experience those and also to be a part in stimulating them.
What do you do in normal life?
I’m a English student that is addicted to books, plant knowledge, coffee, blueberries and pie. And blueberries... I just really like blueberries.
Program Director - Rachelle Veldkamp
How long have you been involved in camp?
Forever, pretty much. My first year of camp was the second year camp ran, and I haven’t missed a year since – moving from camper, to cook, lifeguard, program committee member and counselor, and now, STAFF!
What is your camp name?
I’m still working on that...I’ll keep you posted.
What do you like most about camp?
I love the people and the atmosphere. I love that I can worship God with like-minded counselors and kids in God’s beautiful creation and that I get to help spread the excitement of the gospel.
What are you excited about for the coming summer?
As a new staff member, I am excited to learn. I’m also excited to make new friends and stay at camp ALL SUMMER. I’m excited for swimming, chapel, tuck, dressing-up, side hugs, campfires…I’m excited for everything!
What do you do in normal life?
I am a student at the University of Toronto, studying French, Political Science and History. I work as a lifeguard and swim instructor, and enjoy reading books, playing piano, and making crafts in my spare time.
Assistant Program Director - Jeff Oosterhoff
How long have you been involved with Campfire!?
I have been involved in camp for about as long as I can remember, I've been told it's about 13 years. I have gone as both a counsellor and a camper and I have been to all the different weeks except sprouts.
What is your camp name?
I do not yet have a name for the coming year, but in the past I have been Riff, and a couple variations of Bravo!
What do you like most about camp?
I love that it is a place where everyone and everything is focused on God's word.
What are you excited about for the coming summer?
I am excited for working with some incredible people, and playing awesome games, and doing crazy stuff, and delving into the Bible, and meeting new people, and eating delicious meals, and pretty much everything!!!
What do you do in normal life?
Normal, not sure if that applies to me but during non-summer time I am a student at Niagara College, and work on my family farm.
Head Counselor - Dan Muis
How long have you been involved with Campfire!?
This is my second year on staff. It is going to be awesome.
What is your camp name?
My camp name is Fliszt (full-list, but you say the full part very quickly)
What do you like most about camp?
I'm very excited to be surrounded with opportunities for worship. Whether in singing, reading, or making lots of noise with people younger than me.
What are you excited about for the coming summer?
I've very excited for at two-man head counsellor...ship. I'm pretty sure we will be getting into lots of trouble. Good wholesome trouble.
What do you do in normal life?
I am a student nurse at Mcmaster University. Three years to go. I'm very much enjoying university life.
Assistant Head Counselor - Kevin de Jonge
How long have you been involved in camp?
7 or 8 years as a camper, counselor, and even a staffer for one week.
What is you camp name?
No idea… I should start thinking about that.
What do you like most about camp?
Campers! They’re the best!
What are you excited about for the coming summer?
I’m excited about Teaching, Helping, and supporting CIT’s and Counselors in their task of leading the campers. Along with everything else about camp.
What do you do in normal life?
I’m a student at Redeemer University College. I hope to become a guy with a real job someday.
Nurse - Lynetta Bouwman
How long have you been involved in camp?
I have been a counsellor a couple of times in the past. Last year was my first year as nurse at camp, as well as my first time on staff.
What is you camp name?
My camp name is Scrubbz!
What do you like most about camp?
I love the positive Christian atmosphere that is present in everyone who is involved with camp, including campers, parents, counsellors, staff, chaplains, cooks, and nurses. I love how all the daily activities are centered on praising God.
What are you excited about for the coming summer?
What is there not to be excited about this coming summer? Spending the summer at camp, meeting new people, and catching up with others, spending time in worship to God in all activities of camp, with campers, counsellors, cooks, chaplains, staff, and other nurses. Chapel, singing, counsellor devotions, campfires, beach days, health checks, and the many other activities of camp make it impossible for me not to be excited about this coming summer! And, I will be able to enjoy all these activities while being the nurse again this summer!
What do you do in normal life?
I am a Nurse! I currently work in a hospital as a nurse, in addition to being in school as I bridge from being an RPN to becoming an RN.
Head Cook - Nadine Muis
How long have you been involved in camp?
This will be my first ever second-year-on-staff. And that, my friends, is pretty special. Aside from that though, I’ve been coming to camp since I was a young’un, let’s go with (roughly) 12 years.
What is your camp name?
Zziki. Yep, that’s the one.
What do you like most about camp?
There are approximately 1 kajillion things that all come pretty close to being my most liked thing about camp. I’ll name a few: learning, meeting new people, singing wherever you go, trees, sand castles, joy, discovery, laughter, being engrossed in the worship of our God, stars, campers, hoarse voices, circle prayers, devos, cooks, being reunited with people. If I had to pick just one thing, out of all 1 kajillion, it would have to be the glorious joy that you can see and share; it’s so evident there.
What are you excited about for the coming summer?
Oh! so much. I am excited about God being served at camp and getting to be a part of that. I’m excited to learn with (and from!) the campers, counsellors, cooks, chaplains, fellow staffers, and everyone who comes up to camp to serve. It’s gonna be good.
What do you do in normal life?
Presently I attend the University of Alberta, and am studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Linguistics and Psychology. Hopefully, I’ll continue with school after that and get a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology. That’s the dream anyway. After that, who knows? I love being in school and it takes up the greater part of my time. For the rest though, I like to spend time with family and friends when I can, laughing with them and just spending time with them. I also enjoy singing, delving into literature, and trekking through the outdoors.
