Camp Aldersgate

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Ryan Everett

Name: Ryan Everett

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   

'97 to '03 - Camper 
'04 - Counselor in Training 
'05-'08,'11 - Summer Staff

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   Camper -> CIT -> Lifeguard -> Counselor -> Unit Leader -> Fun Specialist -> Health and Safety Director Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

I was sitting on the hill at the waterfront, looking out over the lake after my first Labyrinth walk. I could feel God's presence with me as I sat and stared at the stars. The stars that had once made me feel so tiny in the expanse of the universe now told me a new story. As I sat there I now realized that the same God that made those stars and the universe is the same God that made me and loves me so much that he met me there at that moment and will never leave me. That experience was life-changing for me.

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

It's impossible to pick out one funniest moment at camp. One time that clearly sticks out, though, was a specific rendition of "If I wasn't a (job position) at Camp Aldersgate..." skit. Eric and I were the cow and the farmer (in that order) which meant that nothing about it was normal. Everything was seeming pretty rehearsed until Christine Martin says "I'd be a pirate...and I'll not be singing your silly song". She proceeded to rant and rave in full pirate garb while harassing each staff member in the skit with her sword...with no regards to the beat. Then came Travis Harding who threw everyone for a loop with "I'd be a fencepost". He stood there without moving or saying a word. It was more than I could handle. Luckily, I think this gem is on video somewhere. 

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I'm currently living back home in North Canton, Oh. I just recently graduated with a B.S. from Ohio State. I'm currently working on entering into medical school for this upcoming year. In January I am moving to Aldersgate to assume the position as Assistant Director. I look forward to the opportunity to give back to a camp that has given me so much through my lifetime.

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Penny Jackson

Name:   Penny Jackson

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   2008-2009

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   Counselor both years (and a lifeguard) Favorite memory from Aldersgate: There are so many memories it's hard to pick just one! As I sit here on the back deck of my house in Australia I think of all the amazing people I met and all the incredible moments I was apart of! My favourite (this is the way it's spelt!) memory would be listening to one of my 10 year old campers and her sharing wisdom beyond her years.

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate: As I think back on all the hilarious things that happened at camp, I can't get past the time a 10 year old camper told me that she thought I was 30 and when I said I was actually only 18, she declared "Wow, most 18 year olds I know are pregnant or high on crystal meth!"

 

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I'm now back in Australia. I'm studying primary teaching at the University of Canberra and am officially half way through my degree! I am actively involved in my church back home and with my sister I run the youth group and a weekly bible study for high school students. I am so very happy and grateful for such wonderful experiences at Camp Aldersgate!

 

 

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Kyle Jacoby

Name:  Kyle Jacoby

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   

1998-2011

 

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   I was a camper for 4 years, a cit/jc for 2 years, maintenance for 1 year, fun specialist for 1 year, program director for 2 years and the summer camp director for year. Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

Anytime a camper would have an intimate moment with Christ where they grew deeper in their relationship with him.

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

One time Eric was sitting in his office and yelled out to me "Guess What?" and my reply was "I am going to say chicken butt because that's what my childhood has taught me". This might not be that funny but Kim will laugh when she reads it.

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

After the summer ended I took a job at Natures Classroom at FFA down the road from Camp Aldersgate. For the past three months I have been showing children all the amazing things our planet has to offer. However, with winter approaching the season ended at Natures Classroom. So I have moved to Kent and am currently speaking with a church in green about a possible music and youth ministry position. I will also in the near future be entering into the candidacy process to become ordained and also putting in applications to go to seminary. God has a lot of things in store for my future and it has been exciting to be a part of it. 

 

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Christine Martin

Name:  Christine Martin

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   

As a camper, starting in 1987 until I became a junior counselor for in MADD in 1991, and volunteered after that every summer. On camp staff from 2005 (?) to 2008.

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   Spiritual life director for summer camp and retreats coordinator year-round. Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

One among many: I loved being there for retreat groups and getting to share in many meals, rituals and worship times with people who love the camp as much as I do. I especially loved A Place for Us weekends because the people in those groups are so full of love and Jesus.

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

The time I was cooking for a retreat group and needed a conversion for a measurement, but couldn't find any Americans around to help me. Seriously, you need to train your international staff on our measurement system!

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I am the director of youth ministries and spiritual life at Winona UMC in the middle of nowhere (because ever since living at camp, I can't live anywhere but the boonies). I am blessed to be in ministry with my husband, Brian, who is my other half, and everything that I am not...I couldn't do it without him!

 

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Megan Hazelett

Name:  Megan Hazelett

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   1998, 2000-2008

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   Naturalist Fun Specialist Health and Safety Director Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

Watching lightning at night at the Waterfront. 

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

When I was naturalist, I would bring the black rat snake, Kaa, out to show the campers. One camper asked how the snake pooped. Before I could explain anything, Kaa decided to answer the question himself. Perfect timing Kaa!

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I live around Akron, Oh. I work as a Paramedic at Akron City Hospital, and in the summer I work as a white water rafting guide in Ohiopyle, PA. I'm studying Emergency Management at the University of Akron, and I'm planning to get my masters degree from Colorado University. 

 

 

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Antti Valkama

Name:   Antti Valkama

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  Anti

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   2007

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   I was mainly a camp counselor but also the entertainer for everybody! Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

I really loved the thursday night show where everyone could show off their special skills. Also one time my group did a wonderful skit there. It was really great seeing how I could make my kids do teamwork together.

 

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

My funniest memory must be trying to teach a special need kid how to sail. While it had been frustrating to fall on the lake time after time. It was still really satisfying at the same time.

 

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I am just graduating from University so I am living and spending time with my friends from University. Also now that winter is almost here, we are gonna do some open lake swimming!

 

Where are they Now? Spotlight: Brandon Gallite

Name:   Brandon Gallite

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   1990-1994 (?)

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:   I was mostly a camper, but I filled in as a counselor once when they created the Tree House program. Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

The People. From Paul Weaver to Jane Bailey to John McLachlan. From Amy (Wright) Merhige to John Hicks to Michelle (Dimos) Gallite.

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate: Practicing our skits for vespers in the indoor chapel.

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I married my camp sweetheart, and we're raising our two girls on a lake. I saw a sunfish sailboat the other day on the water and almost flagged down the owner. Life is good, and it will be even better when I get a sunfish!

Where are they now? Spotlight: Steve Golden

Name:   Steve Golden

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   1977-1981

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:  

Dishwasher/Lifeguard

Maintenance

Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

I have so many favourite memories... I loved sitting around the breadboard in the kitchen talking to the Deans and Counselors at 3 o'clock in the morning laughing so hard and eating yuckies. Bob Hooker and I had a marshmallow stuffing contect to see who could fit the most campfire marshmallows in the mouth at one time. I lost and I fit 33 in all at once. That's about 3/4 of a bag. That was pretty gross!

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

My funniest memory at Aldersgate was when the whole staff rode Jim Humphrey’s bed down the hill from the ball field to the parking lot in front of the lodge. His bed had wheels on the legs, and when we got to the bottom, the legs folded under and Jim had to sleep in a lopsided bed the rest of the summer. Sorry Jim! I think I remember your Mom was angry with me about that for a while.

 

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

 I met my wife at Aldersgate and was married in 1986. I now have 3 great kids, all of whom are college age now. My son Dan was a staff member at Aldersgate the last two summers and I believe he greatly enjoyed it. I also believe he had some life changing experiences there working with the other staff and the campers. I attend Faith United Methodist Church in North Canton. I work as the Director of Operations for Tenable protective Services in Akron. I enjoy fishing and try to get out to a pond or a lake as much as I can.

 

 

 

 

Where are they now? Spotlight: Bambi Berger (Hugh)

Name:   Bambi Berger

If different, what was your name while AT Aldersgate? Bambi Hugh

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:

2000-2001, 2003? (maybe 2002)

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:

 2000-2001- Camp Counselor

2003- Program Person

Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

Probably the up all night camp when we had to do everything possible to stay awake.. Singing De Moose all night long, doing our staff skit in the dining hall, coming up with unique ways to introduce ourselves.. I have TOO MANY!

 

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

Eric thinking it would be funny to make me and Adam dress up and take breakfast to everyone at the lakefront.. Really- farmer and cow?!! I still have the pic! 

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I am currently a School Counselor in Akron, OH. I got married this past July (2011) to a wonderful man, Brian I met while working in Akron as a Special Education Teacher. I was a teacher for 7.5 years and am now in my 3rd year of counseling. I think about Camp Aldersgate ALL the time!! I love keeping in touch through facebook and seeing where everyone is!! We should do a reunion camp!!!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where are they now? Spotlight: James Humphrey

Name:    Rev. James Humphrey 

Name whilst at Camp Aldersgate (if different):  JIM

What year(s) were you at Aldersgate?:   1975- to present! 

What role(s) did you fill while you was at Aldersgate?:  

1975-1980 – Volunteer camp counselor

Summer 1981 – Camp Director

1983-2001 – Jr. High Waterfront Camp counselor and dean

Now- I have been helping in staff training and sharing in communion with campers & staff

Favorite memory from Aldersgate:

I have many memories of my summer as camp director in 1981 at Camp Aldersgate. We had a permanent staff of 8 and we were very close as family. As I watched the royal wedding this summer, I remember in 1981 was the summer that Princess Diana married Prince Charles and we had a whole day of crumpets and tea, speaking in an English accent, and treating each other royally. Another memory was after MADD camp the staff traveled to other camps on Leesville Lake in our clown makeup and share the JOY of the Lord!

As a dean of a Jr. High Waterfront camp for many years, my fondest memories are the bonfire at the lake, the candle walk up the hill and communion in the outdoor chapel.

Funniest Memory from Aldersgate:

There are a lot of things that make me smile! The staff was continually “stealing” my bed out of my cabin and putting it on the ball field or lodge porch roof.  

Please write a short statement of where, how, and with whom you are doing life currently:

I am now district superintendent of the Three Rivers District of the East Ohio Conference. I’m in my fourth year. I have been serving as pastor of local churches since 1982 (Coalburg, Canfield, Toronto First, Shelby Trinity, Doylestown). In all my pastorates I have tried to encourage camping (and especially at Aldersgate). I have a deep love for Aldersgate as to there is where a lot of my spiritual commitment and renewal happened.