BIG SPRING STAFF 2024

We are thrilled to introduce the Big Spring staff of summer 2024! Our team has just finished a 10-day staff training and we are so excited to meet the campers! Keep reading to learn a little bit about us before you arrive!

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Boden Strombom

Hello! my name is Boden Strombom and this will be my first time going to Sanborn camps. I used to go to Merrill Highschool in Merrill Wisconsin. Outside of school you can find me hiking or teaching my friends how to skateboard or sketching out ideas and landscapes. Some fun facts about me, I am the youngest out of three kids, I have a second nephew on the way, and I love snowboarding in the winter. The thing I’m most excited about at camp has to be getting to make new friends while also getting an amazing opportunity to teach kids about the great outdoors.

Will Mitchinson

Hi everyone, I’m Will Mitchinson. This will be my fourth summer at Sanborn and it honestly never gets old. Everytime I’m here I’m reminded of how lucky I am to be part of this community, and to get to welcome kids summer after summer into the Brotherhood of Outdoorsmen. I think I get most excited watching kids do some of the hardest things they’ve ever done, build close friendship, and learn new skills they can take anywhere they go. It’s going to be a great summer.

Kayden Kramer

Howdy! My name is Kaden Kramer, and this will be my first year at Sanborn Camps. I am originally from Indianapolis, but now am traveling around the US with my wonderful girlfriend, experiencing what this country & world has to offer through my windshield. I try to see the world through a sense of child-like wonder and curiosity, as there is always more to learn & see. I love to read and my favorite place is the library, and I want to share the power of story telling with children. I am beyond excited to experience what Sanborn Camps has to offer, and am ready for the challenge and opportunity to gain a medley of skills and wonderful memories.

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Drew Johnson

What is up guys!? My name is Drew Johnson. This is my first summer at Sanborn and I couldn’t be more excited! I have only been to Colorado once before on vacation so I am excited to see more of the state’s natural splendor. I graduated from Kennesaw State University in Georgia with a degree in Public Relations. I am the second youngest of five children and despite almost being ethe youngest, I have been an uncle since I was 13, so I have been around babies and kids almost all my life. My niblings (multi-gender word for nieces and nephews) have kept me young and silly for the last decade and will continue to do so for years to come. I like to think due to the irony of my name I’ve always had a knack for art and strange ideas for canvases. Right now I’m in a phase of painting skateboards and abandoned street signs. I also paint things that probably shouldn’t be painted on like denim jackets and my PlayStation side panels. One of my favorite pieces is a broken grandfather clock face I turned into a Stranger Things-themed light-up art display. I have a natural curiosity and I always want to learn more about others to understand them better. This summer I’m most excited about getting to know the staff and the campers alike. Beautiful vistas and engaging activities are great, but in my experience, what’s most memorable are the people we impact and the people who impact us.

Alex Ulasewich

My name is Alex Ulasewich. I was born and raised here in Colorado. I am graduating senior at Grandview Highschool. I went to Sandborn for two consecutive years. I can’t wait to climb mountains and walls, hike the beautiful scenery, and spend time at camp. I’m in STEM, studying Manufacturing and CAD engineering. I enjoy woodworking and the like. I have experience mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. I’m a big fan of music. The music I most enjoy is metal music and classic rock but I can listen to whatever.

Kai Elsts

My name is Micaiah Elsts but I often go by Kai. I am currently a college student studying psychology with hopes of studying neuroscience. I have never attended Sanborn Summer Camp but I have been to camps where I lived in Illinois and had a blast! I also hope to travel to different countries to learn and become more involved in humanitarian efforts as this is what I find most important in my life.

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Ethan Sandberg

My name is Ethan, and this is my first summer ever at Big Spring! I’m currently a sophomore at the University of Central Florida, and I’m doing lots of reading for a degree in English Literature. It can get stuffy being in the library all the time, which is why I’m so excited to climb a mountain and play manhunt with my campers! I love to cook my own food, play soccer with friends, and dance (not very skillfully, however)! I just started learning French, so perhaps I’ll be bilingual come summertime. Je suis optimiste!

Christopher Bonilla

Hey everyone, I’m Christopher Bonilla, and I’ve attended Sanborn Western camps for four awesome summers now! When I’m not hiking and spending time outside, I’m hitting the books at the University of Colorado Boulder, studying business, or leading and planning philanthropy events for my Fraternity Delta Tau Delta. Fun fact: I’m a travel junkie with a knack for adventure! This summer, I can’t wait to explore the great outdoors with all of you and go on some great trips with the campers.

Vaughn Wireback

My Name is Vaughn! I’m from Rockaway, New York, which is at the beach in NYC! I’ve been coming to camp for the past 4 1/2 years. I got connected through my counselor in middle school when I was young and have had a burning passion for nature ever since. I am graduating in May from City -As-School, where I study Art and Music. I love skating, snowboarding and expressing emotions through my art and music. I play guitar and drums on my own and in a band. I am really looking forward to horse back riding and connecting with everyone at camp. I am excited to share my interests and knowledge.

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Ben Fernandez

Hello everyone. I’m Ben Fernandez. This is my first time at Sanborn and working at a camp period. What brought me here is that I love nature and I love helping people. On most days back home you will probably find me on a nice walk in nature. I’m looking forward to growing in this new experience as I help the camper grow and discover the connection I have found in nature. i’m happy to be here and look forward to what the summer brings.

Norwood Anglin

Huzzah!!!!!! Fellow squires lend me thy ears. My title is Sir. Jonathon Norwood Anglin of Louisville, Kentucky. I bring news of immense jubilee. By decree of the King, I shall be guiding your fellowship on this quest of epic stature. Although I have never partaken in any of the Sanborn Guild’s quests, fear not for I bring many skills to the table. For example, if we cross paths with a magical goblin whose only weakness is random unnecessary cinema facts then I’m your man. Also, despite the fact I was home schooled you will find me to be quite sociable. I look forward to venturing through Colorado with you all… while educating you all on my type of music like Creedence Clearwater Revival and others.

Steve Crosby

Hi I’m Steve, affectionately known as JJ, JR or RJ , and I’m thrilled to be at camp Sanborn! Currently, I’m working as a Receptionist/ Technical support. When I’m not at work, you can often find me hanging out with friends and family. A couple of fun facts about me: I have been told that I am funny ( I don’t know what they are talking about), I have 2 Nephews and 1 niece (I cant hide from them) and i like all sports. I have a secret talent for making friends and making everyone feel included. This summer, I can’t wait to share new experiences at Camp Sanborn. Whether it’s leading epic adventures, sharing stories around the campfire, or just soaking up the beauty of nature with our amazing campers, I’m ready to make memories that will last a lifetime! See you all soon at camp!

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Henry Gonzalez

Hello all! I’m Henry and though I don’t know what all to expect this summer, I’m looking forward to my new adventures at Sanborn. I’ve always loved the outdoors as a kid and even more so now as an adult. I’m looking forward to the many adventures I will get to embark on with the campers. I’m really just a big goofy kid at heart. Some of my favorite sings are: Lady Modjo and Still Life. I love to eat peanut butter anyway you can serve it. One of my biggest hopes for this summer is to give the kids experiences they will never forget.

Ethan Milligan

Hello! My name is Ethan and I’m from Athens, Georgia. Since graduating High School, I’ve spent time at GCSU studying Mass Communications and currently work as a Shipping Coordinator/Social Media Manager for a local, family-owned business. In my spare time, I love to visit the Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, rock climb at my local gym, watch movies (I keep all my tickets!), and edit YouTube videos! This summer will be my first year at Sanborn and I’m so excited! My brother played professional baseball as I was growing up, so I have been blessed with the opportunity to visit the Pacific Northwest, California, France, and Italy. My dream destination, however, has always been Colorado. I’m most excited to kayak, canoe, and hike the gorgeous landscapes I’ve been dreaming about for so long. I can’t wait to spend the summer learning and leading in such an incredible environment! Childhood is such a special and important time in our lives and having the chance to work with young people is an honor. Instilling in them a love of nature and teaching/learning new skills alongside them will be a blast!

Charlie Miller

Hello everyone! My name is Charlie Miller and I am wrapping my freshman year at Cornell University. I am originally from Denver and I went to Sanborn for 6 years as a camper. I am studying material science with a goal of working in engineering outdoor wear because I love hiking and camping so much! I love staying active at school and play on the club lacrosse team here. I also love reading and listening music.

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Alex Bekken

My name is Alex Bekken, and I am from Laguna Beach, California. I attended Laguna Beach High School and graduated from the University of Arizona with a major in Creative Writing. A fun fact about me is that I wrote and published a book titled “The Adventures of You: New Moon Zoom.” I love playing sports, especially basketball and volleyball. Growing up in a beach city, I also love everything having to do with the ocean. This summer I am super excited to be outdoors and go on adventures! I also cannot wait to get to know all the campers!

George Charles

Hello, my name is George Charles I was a camper starting in 2015 and attended for 6 years (including my outbacker year and the year lost to covid). I went to Highschool in California where I played Waterpolo, played music (I play trombone), and counted the days until I could come back to camp. Now I attend school in beautiful Ohio (Oberlin College) where I still do more or less all the same things minus waterpolo (there are no teams in Ohio). A couple fun facts about me are I love starting fires (in designated fire pits of course), I know basically all there is to know about star wars, and I have summited 4 14ners.

Kendal Janzen

Howdy! I’m Kendal, and I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. This will be my first summer at Sanborn but I’ve gone to several different camps local to my area when I was growing up as a cub scout and later, a boy scout. I graduated from ASU with a Bachelor’s in Theatre and a Bachelor’s in English because I’m all about helping you find the words, symbols, movements, and whatever else you feel works best to express your unique self! To me, summer camp takes a lot of theatrical aspects like performing and collaborating and just manifests them in a very different way, and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with you! Recently after graduating ASU I’ve been working as a substitute teacher for virtually all grade levels so I can have a closer bond with the goings-on of the young(er!) people of today! I’m super excited for the circus themed events well be having at camp this summer, as I love to practice circus tricks myself! Can’t wait to see you in the Rocky Mountains!

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Zane Covington

Howdy there! My name is Zane Covington! This will be my first summer as a assistant counselor at Sanborn. For the summer of 24 I will be freshly graduated from high school and I currently plan on going to college for Choral education/ Private vocal coach. Where you might ask? Well I couldn’t tell ya, my mind changes like the katy perry song hot and cold. But it’ll be somewhere good. I do theater and choir currently, I was on the swim team for 7 years 3 years in high school swimming 100 back, 500 free, 200 IM and both 200 Relays! What Im most excited about this summer is to be in nature and around such amazing people. I went to a summer camp as a kid and I found it to be such a relaxing, fun time to be away from it all. I found it a nice way to have a fresh start and become friends with so many people. I want to bring that same energy to camp! I’m excited for what’s to come!

Max Hatfield

Hello! My name is Max Hatfield,im from Denver Colorado. I currently attend Colorado School of Mines where I am studying Geophysical Engineering. I attended camp for several years as a camper and was an outbacker in 2021. I enjoy spending time outside, slacklining, and watching/playing sports with friends. Fun fact: I recently came in first in a march madness bracket challege with friends! Im excited to go backpacking and spend my summer outdoors in Colorado.

Brennan Reiner

Hi I am Brennan Reiner and this is my first summer at Big Spring! I go to school at Wilkes University in Wilke-Barre PA and I am a double major in Mathematics and Secondary Education. I love to rock climb, play frisbee, and backpack! I can’t wait to explore Big Spring and hike some 14ers! I love new opportunities and can’t wait to try so many new things at camp. I look forward to spending a summer doing what I love and showing that passion to others.

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Keith Allums

Helllo! My name is Keith allums I was born in Shreveport Louisiana where I grew up with crazy good food ! I was once a boy scout growing up into my adult years. After I completed high school I studied biology at University of California, Merced ! I’m very goofy and love to dance and Make everyone’s day a little bit special! This is my first time being at Sanbornwesterncamp ! And I’m so excited to have the absolutely most enjoyable experiences therefore to come ! Can’t wait to meet you guys !

Parker Courson

Hey everyone, my name is Parker Courson. This will be my first summer ever at Sanborn. I am a senior in highschool and plan on going to college at University of Illinois to study Aviation and Agriculture Business. Other than going to school I like to go golfing and be outdoors. Some fun facts about me are I have been to 30 states, I have 3 dogs, and I love playing sports. This summer I am very excited to go hiking and camping.

Reidar Johnston

I am Reidar, and I am eagerly anticipating my second summer at the camp. Prior to joining this community, I dedicated two seasons to High Trails Outdoor Education Center. On the academic front, I am on track to obtain my associate’s degree from Pikes Peak State College in May. Following this milestone, my educational journey will lead me to Boulder in the fall, where I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in environmental science. Allow me to share a couple of professional details about myself: I achieved recognition as a competitive swimmer, ranking among the top 15 in the state for my events. On a more lighthearted note, I possess the unique ability to peel a banana with my feet and craft a clover with my tongue. This summer, I look forward to engaging with the camp community and further exploring the stunning landscapes of Colorado. I am excited about the opportunities for personal and collective growth, as well as the chance to contribute to a positive and enriching camp experience.

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Aaron Neighbors

Hey guys! I’m Aaron and I’m an Environmental Science Major at The University of North Carolina. I really love hiking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. I have never been to Sanborn but I’m super excited to make some cool memories with you all this summer ;)

Evan Hodgeson

Hi, my name is Evan, this is going to be my first summer at camp and I am so excited to be here. I went to school at Discovery Canyon High School, I grew up in San Diego but moved here in 2019 and have loved it ever since. One thing I enjoy in my free time is looking for wildlife, I like to keep a list of different animals I’ve seen and am currently up to 273. One fun fact about me is that I am a fraternal twin (No, I cannot read her mind). I am so excited to experience new things this summer with your campers.

Stephen Sefah

My name is Stephen Sefah from Ghana. I am 25 years old and currently pursuing my Bachelor’s degree. I love graphic designing and photography, which allow me to express my creativity and artistic skills

Max Lain

Hi, I’m Max. I’ve been in the Brotherhood of Outdoorsmen (BOOM!) for 6 years already as a camper, and I am thrilled to return as a staff member and give back to this community. I am going to be a Freshman in college next year at Stanford University, so I am super excited to get to spend these months on camp property and amongst the Rocky Mountains. I used to be a competitive swimmer and hope to continue in university, and I have recently begun exploring the world of Amateur Radio. I hope to study Biochemistry/Molecular Biology in college and in the future become a physician-scientist. I am most looking forward to being the role model for my campers that my counselors were to me. To me, this means leading and learning from others with compassion, empathy, and grace. Finally, I am also eager to facilitate backpacking/hiking trips for the campers, as these were always my favorite Sanborn adventures.

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Colby Fewster

Hello my name is Colby and this will be my 8th year at Sanborn and 2nd year on staff! I first came to Sanborn as a junior in 2013 when I fell in love with camp and kept coming back over the years. I’m originally from Richmond, VA, and I’m a rising senior at Dickinson College where I study Russian and Italian. For my junior year I studied abroad in Georgia (the country) and Italy to study each of my languages. Besides camp, I love Taekwondo which I did through all of middle and high school until I earned my 2nd degree black belt. I’m excited for everything this summer, but I’m especially looking forward to leading kids on hiking trips around camp property and on Colorado’s highest peaks, the 14ers.

Shane Kennedy

Hi! My name is Shane and I first came to high trials as a 6th grader for the outdoor education program. Ever since then I’ve loved Sanborn and have followed up my trip 7 times as a high school counselor accompanying kids from my school district. I’m graduating high school this year and will be attending Fort Lewis College for Environmental conservation this fall. I love camping, rock climbing, backcountry trail riding on my dirt bike, and teaching about the environment. I am excited for everything to come at camp this summer!

August Lefferts

Hello everyone! My name is August Lefferts and I’m very excited to be working at Sanborn this summer. I’m originally from Denver, CO and while this is my first year on staff, I was a camper at Big Spring for 6 summers. I currently study Mechanical Engineering and the University of Wisconsin Madison. A few fun facts about me are that I’ve climbed 11 14er’s and hiked 5 sections of the Colorado trail so far. I also paraglide in Boulder when the weather and wind are nice enough. I’m really excited to meet everyone at camp and have some super fun trips this Summer!

Nick Hill

Hello, my name is Nicholas Hill and this is my first year at camp. I’m currently 23 and from Massillon Ohio and attending Kent State for middle childhood education. I love classic rock and love bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. I’m looking forward to experiencing the Colorado mountains for the first time and experiencing that with kids.

Zach Koerbel

Hey everyone, my name is Zach Koerbel and this will be my first summer at camp! I’m just finished my junior year at Penn State University studying Film Production and Photography. Some things to know about me is that I obviously love film and capturing everything that happens around me through photography, but also am an avid traveler, I’m obsessed with Pittsburgh sports, and am an experienced skier (for the East Coast that is). I can’t wait to see the amazing outdoors and environment of Colorado and am so excited to get started with our action packed summer! So excited to meet you all!

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Ben Brier

Howdy everyone! My name is Ben Brier and I am a freshman economics major at Texas A&M University. I love playing guitar and spending time outdoors! Some of my favorite activities include ultimate frisbee, mountain biking, fishing, hiking, spikeball, rock climbing, and eating. This is going to be my first year at Sanborn and I am fired up! I am so excited to share my love and knowledge about the outdoors with yall, and grow through the challenges presented to us this summer.

Ethan Miller

Howdy! My name is Ethan Miller, I was born in Littleton, Colorado and I was a camper at Sanborn for 8 summers. I will be going into my second year at CU Boulder (‘sko buffs) where I’m studying mechanical engineering. I’ve been well involved in the outdoors my whole life but have recently broken into the cold worlds of mountaineering, ice climbing, and ski-touring. I’ve been a competitive mountain biker since I was 14 and acted as a coach on my high schools cycling team. I’m excited to meet everyone and get out on some mountains with you all!

Jack Pizziferro

My name is Jack Pizziferro, this is a tough question, I honestly don’t know where to start. I was born in 2002 in Chicago. I lived there with my twin brother for about 7 years, before we moved to Edwardsville IL. I attended Edwardsville High School and was active in Model UN, Debate club, and I raced mountain bikes. I would spend my summers in Allenspark, Colorado. Continuing my love of mountain biking, hiking, and backpacking. After High School I moved to Carbondale IL, enrolling in Southern Illinois University. At SIUC I continued my journey of Outdoor Recreation, backpacking, mountain biking, climbing, and fishing. Through this whole time I’ve worked about a million strange jobs that I’d love to share stories about in person! I’m sure I’ve missed a lot here, but I like to think I’m much more interesting in person!

Spencer Howe

Hi! I’m Spencer Howe. This is my first year here at Sanborn. I am from right smack in the middle of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. I am currently studying engineering at the University of Hawaii. I love to rock climb, hike, and play any board or card game. I’m very excited to hike the fourteeners I’ve heard so much about!

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Will Jessup (E2)

Hi parents! My name is Will Jessup and I’m from Charleston, SC. I grew up swimming and helping coach my summer swim team until I fell in love with Ocean Rescue. I used to lead Junior Lifeguarding programs and absolutely loved seeing the kids develop their skills and push themselves out of their comfort zone to accomplish what they didn’t think possible at first. I’ve never been to Sanborn, but went to a few similar camps around the mountains of NC growing up, and I’m super excited to explore the Colorado wilderness by bike, horseback and plain ol hiking. I will be graduating in May from Clemson University with a B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering with an architecture minor. I’ve always been drawn to the built environment and how we can build to coexist with the environment in sustainable ways. I absolutely love all board sports: longboarding, surfing, snowboarding, and skurfing (wakeboarding but with a surf board!). I plan to stick around in Colorado after my Sanborn summer with your kids, and plan to pursue a full time job in the Design-Build industry. I can’t wait to see the stars out in Colorado, I’ve hear they’re absolutely beautiful from the mountains, and hope to push myself and the campers to discover more of the beautiful natural world, and unlock the inherent skills and abilities that are unique to each and every one of us. I can’t wait for this summer!!

Eli “Elk” Williams (E4)

Hi all! My name is Eli. A few that I get excited about are time in nature, hiking, and legos. I’m excited to be working with the Outbackers this year. I hope to bring fun, enthusiasm, and a sense of empowerment to the these guys. As they get ready to embark on their last summer at Sanborn I hope to leave them with a true sense of self and excitement for life as they go off in the world.

Zack Mitchell (E3)

My name is Zack Mitchell. Prior to working out in Sanborn Western Camps, I attended Colorado Mountain College’s Timberline Campus in Leadville, and am a recent graduate in their outdoor recreation leadership and outdoor education programs. This will be my first summer working at Sanborn Western Camps, and my first summer as a camp counselor. My primary outdoor genre of choice is hiking and backpacking, although I would add that I’m quite versed in mountain biking as well. My studies in Leadville have involved backpacking through the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness just to the west of town around the vicinity of Mounts Harvard, Oxford, and Belford, and I would make the strong case for Upper Pine Creek being one of the more scenic stretches of mountain country that I’ve seen in the state. During my studies, I have also traversed through sections of Utah’s Cedar Mesa, nestled in the Four Corners area, that include Grand Gulch and Long Canyon, as well as a plethora of archaeological history. Prior to my degree, I have been drawn to the outdoors ever since working my first seasonal resort job in Yosemite when I was 19. The granite landscape there drew me in to an deep love for mountain biking, rafting, and hiking especially, and that first summer, I would go on to see all of the High Sierra Camps within the park, summit Half Dome, and see more than a fair share of the splendor of the grand jewel of the Sierra Nevadas. One summer would turn into more, seasons turning into winters, Yosemite turning into Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, and many more as I would go on to bounce around from national park to national park. By the time I knew it, I was well into my twenties and found what it was that I was truly passionate about — total immersion into the great outdoors. What I would say excites me the most about working as a camp counselor is being able to apply my prior knowledge, background, and expertise, and to truly immerse myself in the role of a mentor, leader, and activity coordinator — and to certainly have fun and have a great time doing it as well in gorgeous mountain country. I would say that perhaps my favorite trail snack would be yogurt covered raisins or yogurt covered pretzels — yogurt covered anything really — and definitely banana chips, lots of real salty, sugary stuff. I would say as far as wildlife goes, I’m a big marmot fan, big pika fan. They’re reminiscent of Columbian ground squirrels that I’ve seen having been to Montana, as well as prairie dogs in the Dakotas — they all squeak at you! I would also add that I’m a big music nerd, listening to a fair bit of hard rock, indie rock, and electronic along the likes of Nirvana, Modest Mouse, Boards of Canada, Skinshape, and Mogwai, and I catch shows down in Denver or along the Front Range on a fairly regular basis as well.

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Harper Kissee (Juniors)

Hey there! My name is Harper, and I’m a newbie at Sanborn, this will be my first summer as a counselor or a camper! I am a junior studying Nutrition and Exercise Sciences at the University of Missouri. While I’m not working or attending class, I spend most of my time at the gym, doing crosswords, reading, hiking, doing stuff with friends, watching movies, and staying involved on my campus! Some fun facts about me, I am actually legally blind (Thank goodness for my contacts and glasses), I have played in the collegiate national rugby tournament, and kombucha is my top drink of all time.

Josiah Ramiriez (ABC)

Howdy, my name is Josiah. I’m from Tyler, TX in the eastern part of the state about 2 hours out from Dallas. I’m currently an English major at Tyler Junior College in hopes of teaching English abroad in Spain. This will be my fourth summer on staff and I couldn’t be more thrilled to return to a place I love and call home. Some fun facts about me are that I’ve lived in Spain for 6 months being an Aupair,I admire philosophy, and last one being my dad’s family originates from the Indigenous Chichimecca tribe in Mexico. What I’m most excited for this summer, is to make new memories with old and new friends. BOOM :)

Ben Wagner (HKL)

Hey team! I’m Ben, and this is my second summer at Big Spring! After growing up in New Hampshire and bouncing over to Middlebury College in Vermont to study Global Environmental Policy, I made the big jump out to Colorado back in Summer 2022. Summer 2023 found me at a university in Buenos Aires, Argentina (sí, puedo hablar español), but I am STOKED to be back. Having attended and worked at summer camps back east for years, I’m lucky enough to have TWO camp families, and love combining all of the things I’ve learned and joy I’ve had from both communities. I grew up running around my east coast forests with my dogs (Kapok and Z) and think being outside is just THE BEST. I wear a size 16 shoe, so people have no trouble at all finding me when I’m out amongst the trees. I love playing games (soccer, hearts, cowboy, etc.) but some of my favorite moments at camp are when the volume quiets down, the stars come out, and I can enjoy the community of my fellow Sanborn-ites and the nature all around us. I love the environment, hanging out, playing games, and eating FIRE breakfast food, and Sanborn is kind of the optimal place to do all four of those things. Can’t wait for a great summer!

Alan Norton (MOPQ)

Hello! My name is Alan and this is my third summer here at camp. I am from the beautiful, beautiful, state of New Jersey! I just graduated with my degree in mathematics from Montclair State University right before heading out here to camp. A fun fact is that on my birth certificate my name is legally “The Alanator”, but I have not gone by that since I was young. At camp this summer I am most excited to climb some more mountains, and get out on some more awesome trips!

Quin Smith (STUW)

Hey everyone, I’m Quin! This is my second summer at Big Spring, and I couldn’t be more stoked to find myself back on STUW Ridge as the Ridge Leader! I’m from Richmond, VA but have spent the past three years right outside of Boston, MA studying Political Science and Public Health at Brandeis University. I love to climb, hike, ski, and race bikes - when I’m back East I can almost always be found outside, although you’ll find me duking out an intense game of Chinchón with my roommates, “working” at the climbing gym, or suffering through a Zwift workout on the rare occasion that I’m forced indoors. This summer, I’m looking forward to climbing some more 14ers, guiding and supporting more amazing campers and staff, and spending time with new and old friends learning and growing in the amazing community we all cultivate here at Big Spring!

Dre Gray (Outbackers)

Hey everyone I’m Dre and I’m stoked to be back at Sanborn for my second summer. Last year I got to work with many of this years Outbackers on STUW ridge. I’m excited to continue building that rapport and development with this group of young men as the Outbacker ridge leader. This is such a special group to get to work with; as it is their last summer at Sanborn. I guess I’d say my passion for developing and leading teams stems from my time in the Navy. I’ve always been very focused and driven and also fun and free. As a kid I always loved playing video games or riding my bike around the neighborhood. Now I use work as an excuse to play. Looking forward to new adventures with some familiar faces.

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Josiah Neal

Hello there! My name is Josiah and I’ve been at Sanborn since working in 2021. I was a consoler in 2021 on ABC ridge, I stayed on to help with the hay season, then became a ranch hand until summer of 2022, where I served as camp photographer and a wrangler, and then went back to being a ranch hand on our year-round team. I am now excited to be a wrangler for this summer! I grew up on a tree farm in Alabama running around in the woods with my dog making forts, climbing trees, and making campfires with my sisters. When I was old enough, I joined the Boy Scouts where I stayed in till I was 18 achieving the rank of Eagle Scout when I was 14. Growing up in the country and in Boy Scouts, I developed a love for the outdoors, animals, and photography. Growing up in the 90s and 2000s I have deep love for Lord of the Rings and Star Wars and love reading and watching them. (Fun fact I watch all the extended LOTRs once a year and read them every two years) I’m super excited to be a wrangler this summer to help facilitate horse trips and learning more about them. I’m always learning new things about horses, riding, and coybowing and look forward to passing on what knowledge I have to those that want to learn.

Justus Skeesick

I was born in Oklahoma but have moved around the world through out my childhood. By the end of high school I had ended up near Savannah, Georgia and wanted to pursue a career in Filmmaking, thankfully Georgia has grown quite a bit in the film world, so there were many opportunities for getting started. After graduation I attended Columbus State University in Georgia for a Major in Film Production and I am currently working around the Atlanta area on various film productions. I have always been passionate about the outdoors and sharing what I see in it with others and Sanborn has been a great opportunity to do that for campers and I am very excited to come back for a third year!

Alex “Baldman” Moore

HOWDY, I’m Alex Moore and I’ll be returning for my second year at sanborn! I am an Auto Mechanic by trade, but I’ve spent 2 years leading trail crews in National Parks and Forests doing conservation. I am definitely in my element in the woods. When I’m not hiking or throwing a wrench I play trombone and guitar, occasionally at the same time, and train with my dog. I’m super stoked to eat some really good food at camp and sing at the top of my lungs, and maybe do a little dancing :)

(Left to Right)

Locke Darmer

(Photographer)

My name is Locke and this will be my first summer at Big Spring. I study English and International Studies at Indiana University. I love to snowboard, wakeboard, hike, and just be outside in general. This summer I am super excited to hike big mountains, play games, enjoy the outdoors, and take awesome pictures while doing so.

Jose Rivera

(Kitchen Coordinator)

Hello my name is Jose. A little about me is that I like to be active outside. I enjoy gold panning, rockhounding, hiking, napping, and reading. I enjoy lots of other stuff but just get to know me and you’ll find out. I’m easy going and stern when I need to be. But for the most part I enjoy just having a good time and creating moments with friends and strangers. Look forward to meeting you all. -Jose

Tully Sandbom

(Junior Program Coordinator)

Hello everyone! My name is Tully and I’m from way up north in Anchorage, Alaska! Technically, this will be my 6th year on staff. I was a camper for a number of years. I also work as the Program Specialist during our Outdoor Education seasons. I earned my Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska and have gained a ton of awesome experience in the classroom that I am excited to bring to camp this summer. Some fun facts about me are I still have a baby tooth because my adult tooth never grew in (I think it’s shy), I can do a REALLY good Yoshi impression, and I love singing (even though I don’t have the greatest voice- that doesn’t stop me!). I am so excited to just be back at camp, surrounded by nature and the most incredible people on the face of the Earth. I can’t wait to go hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Woohoo!!

Keiko Carter

(Arts and Crafts Coordinator

Hi there! My name is Keiko. This will be my second summer at camp. I will be in the roll of Arts & Crafts coordinator at Big Spring! I graduated college in 2019 with a degree in Fine Art! Some fun facts about me; I have spent the last few years freelancing with my art. I have bounced around with a few different art forms including stained glass, ink illustrations, and oil painting! I have recently taken up fiber arts and quilt making. I have two dogs. I love German and Japanese food. This summer I am really excited to sing campfire songs, be in the sun, and make really cool art projects with awesome kids!!!

Brody Roundtree

(Outcamp Coordinator)

Hey! I’m Brody Rountree. I was a camper for four years, and an AC in 2022. I’m currently studying mechanical engineering and human-centered design at Dartmouth College! I’m from Winnetka, Illinois. I love rock and ice climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, backpacking, and making my own outdoors gear. I’m excited to support trips as the Outcamp Coordinator this summer! My favorite tree is the ponderosa pine.

(Left to Right)

Lisa Shomaker

Hi! I’m Lisa and I am so excited for my first season at High Trails!! I have been a nurse for almost 40 years now and I still love it every day. There is nothing I like more than to be in the great outdoors. Skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, camping, fishing (OR just sitting by the lake watching other people try to catch those elusive fish) are just a few of my favorite things to do. A fun thing to know about me is that my horse’s name is Tequila and he tries very hard to be good but he gets into his share of trouble. I have a dog named Ponko and 5 chickens that run all around my back yard. Doing all the things I love to do has made me realize that being outdoors is the best medicine for good health, happiness and personal growth. That is why I can’t wait to see you at camp!!

Michael “Pops” McCarthy

I am a retired pediatric nurse practitioner and this will be my 4th summer at Big Spring Ranch working as a camp nurse. I live in Colorado Springs but I love being at camp with the splendid views of nature and the untamed weather. A sense of community develops at camp and I’m very happy to get to be a part of it.

Chris McCarthy

My name is Chris Mccarthy, and this is my fourth summer at Sanborn Western camps, but my 14th summer working at a summer camp. I will be part of the health care team. I am very excited to be part of the community that camp creates no matter where you are or what year it is. Summer camp is magic. I am a graduate of both Purdue and Indiana university with a Masters degree in pediatric nursing. I have spent my entire adult life working with kids, and love their approach to life. I look forward to getting to know you all. The thing I look most forward to this summer is watching the magic happen in each and every camper and staffer. It always does.