MEET THE 2010 SUMMER STAFF!
André Vanderlaan - Adventure Camp Coordinator
My name is Andre Vanderlaan and this will be my fourth summer working at Camp Shalom, all in different capacitys (counsellor, S.C.C. leadership and now A.C.C.). I have also worked a few summers at a day camp. I am excited to be back at Camp Shalom. When I am not at camp I work with individuals with autism and behavioural challenges at a group home. I hope to work with people with autism as a career in whatever capacity I can. I love all sports, but mainly volleyball and soccer. I play drums and a little bit of guitar. I am so excited to hang out with all of you this summer. I know God has some crazy plans for all of us, and I am pumped to be part of it!
Marion Vandenakker - Special Camps Coordinator
Hi, my name is Marion and I am excited to be on staff at Camp Shalom this summer! This will be my third year, and second time being in the position of Special Camps Coordinator. Before and after summer camp I work for a construction landscaping company which is located in Millgrove (near Waterdown). I live in Hamilton with a crazy bunch of people at a ministry called Matthew 25 House, and love it there! Some of my hobbies are; volunteering at different types of outreaches, soccer, playing trumpet, listening to music and qaudding. I am excited to be on staff again this summer and see how God will be at work! I am also excited to meet new staff members, volunteers and kids...oh and of course see returning staff, volunteers and kids!
John Reinink - Leadership Coordinator
Hi, my name's John and this will be my 5th summer at Camp Shalom. A few years ago I finished studying math and French at Redeemer University before starting full-time work at the denominational offices of the CRC. I will be taking the summer to work at camp before heading to seminary in the fall where I'll be studying towards becoming a pastor. My 'favourites' are all over the place: from swimming to reading; cross-cultural ministry to baking award-winning brownies. I am über-pumped about camp and particularly for the exciting leadership program that will be running this summer!
Karen Detmar - Leadership Coordinator
Hi, my name is Karen and I am so pumped to be coming back to camp for my 5th year on staff. I am a youth leader at my home church, Westdale Reformed in Hamilton and after this summer I will be heading into my last year of college for Graphic Design. Some of my favourite things to do are singing, playing guitar and piano, volleyball and hanging out with my friends and family. I’m so excited to see what God has in store for all of us this summer and it will be exciting to see how He works through the campers, guests and staff! God is awesome and I know He will do great things! Woot Woot!
Lea Stelpstra - Day Camp Coordinator
Hi, my name is Lea. I have been working at Camp Shalom for the last 5 summers. I am now living in Hamilton and working as a youth leader at Forestview Community Church. I graduated from Nipissing University a few years ago as an elementary school teacher. I love spending time with kids in my neighborhood and working in camp ministry. Some of my hobbies are camping, canoeing, hockey, volleyball, soccer, reading and country music. I am also excited to become a mother in December. I am looking forward seeing God move and be at work in the hearts of the campers, guests and staff this summer.
Ian Bonvanie - Trek Coordinator
Hey everyone! My name is Ian, and I have been attending Camp Shalom ever since I was a wee lad. I had such a great summer working at Camp Shalom last year I just had to come back. Some things that I like to do are; sports, music, and hanging out with friends. I have just completed my first year of Nursing at Fanshawe - I do miss London, although I am even more stoked for the great summer we're going to have, looks like we have a great line-up of staff this year, and we are here ready to serve God.
Moria Poot - Trek Coordinator
Hello I am Moria Poot. I am from Drayton, Ontario. I am currently attending Redeemer University and have completed my first year. I am excited for this summer. I have been at camp almost every summer since I was little and am excited to be there once again. I am looking forward to the trips and canoeing that we will get to do. I enjoy many things, some of them are swimming, canoeing, spending time with God, singing/music, having fun at camp and a lot more. I look forward to getting to know everyone this summer and having a lot of fun.
David Ghobrial - Healthcare Coordinator
Ryan Forneri - Media/Tuck Shop Coordinator
Hey, I'm Ryan. I'm a student, just finished high school and going into film production when fall comes around. I've been at camp for the past 3 years, either as a counsellor or as a camper in some respect. Camp has helped my love of God to grow, and I'm hoping to serve Him more at camp this Summer! I love music, acting, and art (but not doing the art itself.) I spend lots of my time working or being busy, I get bored if I do the same thing for too long, and the properties of light blow my mind. This summer you will see me (or not see me) through the updates on the websites, or taking videos of your loved ones, and making them do cool things like turn black and white, or go backwards in time. I hope to get to know you all more this Summer!
Sara Blaak - Assistant Cook
I used to go to camp shalom as a kid, I just graduated from liaison collage of culinary arts. My hobbies/interests include drawing, painting, photography, reading, cooking, taking nature walks and video games.
Brittany Vos - Assistant Cook
My name is Brittany Vos. I am going in to Grade 12 at Hamilton District Christian High school. This will be my 12th year at Camp Shalom, but my first time working there. When I have spare time, you can often find me playing any game (examples: Settlers of Catan and Cribbage). I play the violin and another random fact is that I am in a bell choir at my church. My favourite animal is a fish and I have one. His name is Nacho, named after one of my much-loved movies “Nacho Libre”. Sometimes I make up words just for fun, and then use them to see if eventually they will make it in the dictionary. I joined a book club so I guess I like reading. I love kids and I babysit whenever I get the chance. I am really excited to be working in the kitchen this summer and to meet all the amazing campers, volunteers and staff at Camp Shalom and to see how God works in their lives.
Victoria DeJong - Head Lifeguard
Hello, my is Victoria DeJong and I am so excited for this summer to meet you! I am in grade 12 at Hamilton District Christian High, and will hopefully be going to Conestoga in the fall for nursing. I have gone to Camp Shalom ever since I was little as a camper, and last year I was on staff as a lifeguard. Interesting facts about me is...I love chocolate chip cookie dough icecream, I love listening to country music, and I also dirtbike with my dad and brother. I'm very excited to be on staff this year, can't wait for the summer to start! God Bless
Amanda Kors - Lifeguard
Hello my name is Amanda Kors and this is my first year working at Camp Shalom! I am so excited for the summer to start and to be a part of this staff. I am currently a grade 11 student at Centre Wellington District High School and work at a pool in Guelph, ON as a Swimming Instructor and Lifeguard. Some things I like to do are swimming, reading and hiking. I just know this will be an awesome summer and I am thrilled to be a Lifeguard here at camp. See you this summer :)
Esther deMol - Lifeguard
Hi! My name is Esther deMol and i’m 16 years old. I am currently in grade 11 at Norwell District secondary school. I am a lifeguard and swimming lessons instructor at Elmira swimming pool during the year and am thrilled to be working at camp this summer as a lifeguard. My hobbies are: swimming, reading, writing, horseback riding and watching movies. My favourite subjects in school are biology and chemistry. I have gone to camp every year since I was allowed and I have always loved it. The last two years I have done the leadership program and camp and it was one of the best experiences of my life. I am thrilled to be working at camp this summer and can’t wait to be part of the summer staff! :P
Josh Wensink - Seasonal Maintenance Assistant
Heather Dekker - Maintenance
Hello everyone, there is no need for me to tell you my name seeing as you have probably already read it before this paragraph (If this is not the case, then please feel free to look above). This will be my first year working at camp, and I am soooo (keep saying so until you run out of air) excited. I have attended camp a couple of times before, and had such an amazing time that I wanted to work there this summer since I am too old to be a camper :P . I absolutely love to be outdoors and enjoy nature (excluding mosquitoes...), and am quite active. My favourite sport is competitive swimming, but I enjoy many others as well. The team I am rooting for this summer is the NETHERLANDS...obviously. I have been involved in music for my entire life, and my favourite subject in school is probably math (except the graphing part....). In September, I will be starting my first year of university at Western studying Biological/Medical Sciences, and I can't wait. All in all, I like to smile (can you tell?) and am curious to see what God has in store for me this summer.
Matt Wensink - Counsellor
Hello my name is Matt. I am thrilled to be working at Camp this summer! I currently live at home with my parents and 2 older brothers, but starting next year I will be attending my first year at Redeemer University. I’ve attended camp as a Munchkin, Adventure camper, Leadership, and worked as a councellor there last summer. I love seeing people come to camp from whatever walk of life who experience the joy and passion for Christ in unique ways. My favourite things about camp include the range of available opportunities for all sorts of gifts to be recognized and of course the delicious food. I am typically involved with some sport throughout the school year whether it is basketball, badminton, track, or rugby. I anticipate an even better summer, full of great memories and deepened relationships with God amongst campers and staff alike.
Josiah Menicanin - Counsellor
Pierre Vanderweerd - Counsellor
Hey, my name is Pierre Vanderweerd and this will be my second year as a counselor at the amazing Camp Shalom! I am currently enrolled at Sheridan College in Oakville, where I am happily studying art (and a little design too). Some of my hobbies include being creative in artsy ways, listening to soundtrack music and mountain biking (thanks to camp!). Besides that, I also really enjoy making other people smile :) From last year's experience, I know that camp is a great place to grow closer with God, so it doesn't come as a surprise that I'm super-duper thrilled for what this summer will bring!
Peter VanderMulen - Counsellor
Hey there! My name is Peter VanderMeulen. I am really excited to be at Camp Shalom this summer. I live in Calgary but went to Camp Shalom as a youth when I lived in Ontario. I am almost finished a degree in Physics at the university of Calgary, and plan to be a high school teacher. I love to play and listen to music. I also love reading, cycling, being outdoors and being around people. I volunteer with the youth group and music team at my church and am pumped to see what God has in store for my city and the rest of Canada in the future.
Seth de Boer - Counsellor
Hello! My name is Seth de Boer. This is my second year at Camp Shalom, my first on staff. I am currently living in Hanover, Ontario and it seems that my family is always on the move. I was born in Palmerston, Ontario and grew up with two loving parents and brothers. I currently attend Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton and am going into my 12th and final year of school!!! I work part time in a restaurant and in my free time I LOVE playing sports! Maybe not soccer but I guess I can live with it. I have played hockey for 14 years and can probably say that it is my most delighted sport. I was raised in a m.k (missionary kid) and I can say that that has helped keep my fire for Christ burning in some difficult times. I am really excited about joining the staff at Camp Shalom and am really thrilled to see what God has in store for every last one of us this summer!! See you soon.
Ken Bonvanie - Counsellor
Matthew Boven - Counsellor
Hello everyone! I'm Matthew Boven and I live near Blyth, Ontario. I will be a counsellor at Camp Shalom this year. I am very excited for this summer and also looking forward to meeting everyone. This is my first year working at Camp Shalom but have gone numerous times as a camper. I am currently a returning grade 12 student and will be off to the University of Waterloo next year. Some of my interests are running, reading, soccer, and camping. See everyone this summer!
Danielle Regeling - Counsellor
Rosie Krul - Counsellor
Hey everyone! This is my third summer working at camp, but my first summer counselling, which I am incredibly pumped for. I just finished my first year at University of Guelph, where I'm taking English and Drama, and am having a fabulous time. Something I`m really excited for this summer is getting to be outside more in the lovely Camp Shalom grounds, and in the company of all the wonderful staff and campers! Some of my loves in life that I’m sure will be around this summer are bubbles, music, drama, and good times had with others :)
Can’t wait to see you all this summer!
Kaitlyn Cowperthwaite - Counsellor
Ello...everyone my name is Kaitlyn Cowperthwaite (totally meant to be said in a British accent, even though I'm not British). This is my second year working on staff at Camp Shalom, and I have been attending camp since I was a wee little one. Last year I worked in the kitchen with the super cool Mama Joe, and had a fan-ta-bulous time. I recently completed my post-graduate year at high school due to the fact that I was unable to decide what I wanted to do with my life. Next year I will be attending Wilfrid Laurier University for Business Administration, and upon graduating I hope to become a Chartered Accountant. I love the colour purple, math, reading, going to the park, making snow angels in the summer, fishing, boating, and going to the beach. I also love to drink from rediculously large mugs, and eat out of odd looking containers. My favourite song is the Dishwasher song...such a great song!! I also love using the word "Ohh la la", and playing "Darling if you love me", because its the only game I ever win at. Unless I am playing a game with Brittany Vos then I always win :P
I know one thing for sure I am so excited to be working at Camp again. I can't wait to see each and every one of you come through camps gates this summer. I also look forward to seeing you all grow in your relations with Christ all the while having the greatest time of your life. God Bless!
P.S. Brittany Vos and myself are going to have the coolest ugly sweaters for Monday campfire...Woot Woot!
Stephanie Degiovanni - Counsellor
Laura de Jong – Worship Counsellor
Hi all! My name is Laura, and I hail from St. Catharines, Ontario. In the fall, I’ll be a sophomore at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I’m studying history and congregational ministry studies. I’ve been leading worship for a number of years now, singing on praise teams at school and church since Grade 8, and leading worship at Calvin, where I’ll hold a Worship Apprentice position next year. I’ve worked at a day camp at my church for four summers now, working with children from broken homes and disadvantaged economic circumstances. I’m SO excited to experience Camp Shalom this summer as Worship Coordinator, and am thrilled to see that lots of you are talented musicians. Aside from singing, I love to act and dress up, and I will do so whenever the moment presents itself. Seriously. Whenever. I’m very excited to work with my fellow staff and campers, and to see what God has in store for us this summer.
Emily Brix - Counsellor
Hi, my name is Emily and I am very excited to be a part of Camp Shalom this year! I have recently graduated from Redeemer University College with a major in Music, and minors in Psychology and English. Some of my hobbies include scrapbooking and cardmaking, reading, and listening to music. I also really enjoy camping, canoeing and being outside. I am really excited for this summer and the exciting adventures that it will bring! I'm looking forward to meeting new people, making friends, laughter, and watching God work in the lives of people around me.
Amy Brouwer - Counsellor
Adrian Stelpstra - Program Director
Hi, I have been involved with Camp Shalom for 6 years now. I spent 4 years on summer staff and now have been privileged to be on full-time staff for 2 years. A couple years ago I graduate Lakehead University with a degree in Outdoor Recreation specializing in Leadership. Most of my hobbies involve the outdoors, I enjoy things like mountain biking, disc sports (ultimate and disc golf), volleyball, golf, camping and canoeing. I also enjoy building stuff. In December I will be embarking on the adventure of fatherhood. I am excited to see how lives will be affected this summer by experiencing the transforming power of God’s love as he works through the campers, special support guests, staff and volunteers.
