MEET THE 2009 SUMMER STAFF!
Bios
Jon Lensink - Adventure Camps Coordinator
Hello! My name is Jonathan Lensink. I am the Adventure Camp Coordinator (ACC) this year at
I am originally from
Marion Vandenakker - Special Camps Coordinator
Hi everyone, my name is Marion and I am very excited about the opportunity of working at Camp Shalom as the Special Camps Coordinator this summer! This will be my second year on staff. Last year I was a counsellor and had a great experience. I can't wait to see how God will work through each staff member, guest and camper throughout the summer!
Since last November I have been living in Hamilton at the Matthew 25 House, and will continue to live there during the weekends and after the summer when camp is done. I would say that is one of my interests in life right now; being part of the ministry.
I enjoy playing trumpet, being outdoors, being with people and just chilling, trying to play guitar (lol), laughing, and helping others in whatever way is needed, and of course...working at camp! :) I can't wait to meet new campers, guests and staff members!
Amanda Voorberg - Day Camp Coordinator
Hello to all, my name is Amanda Voorberg and this year at Camp Shalom I will be the Day Camp Coordinator. For a little background information about me, I have been said to be “bubbly”, active and an enthusiastic individual who is always up for some fun. As for my Camp Shalom history, this will be my third year on summer staff and approximately my sixth summer attending camp. Camp Shalom has played a huge part in my life helping me grow spiritually, socially and has challenged me beyond my personal comfort zone. Some of my happiest memories have been experienced with the staff and children while at Camp Shalom. My hope is for every child who comes to Camp Shalom to find a strong connection with God while having plenty of fun. I have experienced God in many ways and eagerly anticipate the making of many new enjoyable memories. I am joyfully awaiting your arrival and wish everyone a happy summer. God Bless.
André Vanderlaan - Leadership Coordinator
My Name is Andre Vanderlaan and this will be my 9th consecutive summer working at a camp. I am SOOO excited to be doing leadership this summer and to see what amazing things God is going to do! God has blessed me with amazing opportunities over the years and it is something I hope to continue this summer here at Camp Shalom. I have worked 2 summers at Camp Shalom, one as a counsellor and last year as the Special Camps coordinator. I cannot wait to see what God is going to do this year in the lives of everyone that comes this summer!
Beth VanHoove - Leadership Coordinator
Hi, my name is Beth and I am one of the Leadership Coordinators. I am going into my 4th year at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, studying International Business with a minor in Spanish. I enjoy spending time with people, volunteering for various organizations, playing almost any sport (particularly volleyball), camping, listening to country music, reading and traveling. I recently spent a month in Bangladesh (ask me about it!) and am exciting to continue learning about the things that I was confronted with there; I am also excited to learn about those with the people I am around this summer! I am expecting God to do BIG THINGS among the staff and participants as we discover how God is present to each of us in the ways we need and want him to be.
Jonathan VanOstveen - Trek Coordinator
How are you doing, really? That's probably more important than anything you can learn about me in this short bio. But if you'd like to know, I'm going to be paddling down the Grande River this summer with some amazing people and loving every minute of it. After the summer, I'll be paddling through a maze of exams, labs, seminars and papers in my third year of Engineering Chemistry and Music at Queen's University. I love to learn, music, sport and simply love others and God. I've been at Camp Shalom for at least a week since 1997 and I can't imagine missing a summer any time soon. I'm super pumped to see what happens in the hearts and minds of everyone that camp will contact this summer. And I'm even more excited to see a little bit of God's kingdom coming down onto a little patch of land outside of Cambridge, Ontario this summer.
Beth Joosse - Trek Coordinator
Weeeell, hello there! My name’s Beth, and for as long as I can remember (or at least the past three years), I’ve dreamed of becoming a Trekker. I love the solitude of paddling a canoe, the community of a tent of co-paddlers, the challenge of a solid discussion on Jesus and the things He did, and the fun and giggles that happen once one is truly exhausted after a day on the river. I’m fascinated by the things God has made – particularly the human body – and it is for this reason that I just completed my degree in Life Sciences at Queen’s University. Next year, I’ll be taking a break from the pure sciences to study social sciences and the arts at Augustine College, which is made up of a tiny group of people with a huge vision for education and its purpose in the development of the Christian mind down in Ottawa. Having done Nature counseling in 2006 and Adventure Camp Coordinating in 2007, I think that I could not possibly be more excited for the adventures this summer will bring. If you are reading this, I probably can’t wait to meet you or to see you again… Here’s hoping it’s soon!
Melissa Mosterd – Nurse
Hi my name is Melissa Mosterd, I am 24 years old and I will be the Camp Nurse this summer! I have been a registered nurse for the past two years. This is my first year at Camp Shalom and I am so excited for what this summer has to bring! I look forward to new experiences and meeting new people! I love being outdoors and anything that has to do with music! Looking forward to a safe and fun summer!
Krista Bowman – Registrar
My name is Krista Bowman, and I am 18 years old. This will be my first summer at Camp Shalom, and I am very excited to have such an amazing opportunity! I am looking forward to meeting all sorts of new people and to spending time outside, because both people and nature inspire me. Painting, sketching, and photography are some things that I love. I also enjoy sports and have played many, including basketball and volleyball. God has blessed me, and I hope he can use me to bless you too.
Jody Godwaldt - Head Cook
Kaitlyn Cowperthwaite - Assistant Cook
Hi my name is Kaitlyn Cowperthwaite. I am graduating from Waterdown District High School. If any of you are wondering where Waterdown is, I guess you'll just have to Google it (hehe).I am returning to Waterdown next year for a post-grad year because I have decided to go into accounting, and need to take two more required courses. I live in a family of six, even though my family extend farther. I have been babysitting forever, and even my younger cousin wished at one point that I could have been her babysitter. I change my first diaper (for my sister) when I was 8 years old. I have been working at Tim Hortons as a supervisor for the past 3 years of my life. My favorite colour is purple. My hobbies include shopping, tanning on the beach, collecting Peek-A-Poo's, reading (christian literature), watching chick-flicks and hanging out with my friends and family (also always working, but I don't think that counts as a hobby). I am amazing at bowling if the goal was to get gutterballs, and by tanning on the beach I mean burning on the beach. I love to laugh, along with make others laugh. I am silly and random, shy but out-going. I can be made to blush on demand, even though I wish that I wouldn't. I am very flexible, and can put my legs behind my head (although I think you could have done without knowing that).I am debating whether to tell you this or not, but when most people get accepted to schools, they usually like to tell people what they did either before or after they got accepted. When I was accepted to Camp, I was so excited that I was kissing my sister several times on the cheek, and by accident I actually bit her on the ear..whoops:) I have been attending Camp Shalom since the first possible age to go..which I think is Kindergarten...wow I think that makes me a camp geek !! WOOT WOOT !! I am excited to work at Camp this summer and see the way Christ moves in each and every single camper that comes to Camp this summer. I am also excited to see the way Christ uses me to help to further his will and kingdom. I have had some great times, and met several great people at Camp Shalom, all which have encourage and driven me closer to God, and given the chance you will too.
P.s I am related to another staff member working at Camp this summer? See if you can figure it out!!
Hannah Birss - Assistant Cook
Hey to all the campers/staff of 2009! I'm Hannah Birss, and I'll be working in your kitchen this year! I've worked in the kitchen before as a volunteer, and I loved it; I love to make cookie castles. You know those pink and vanilla wafer cookies? Best building blocks every invented. Tasty too! I've just graduated from my grade twelve year at St. Johns College in Brantford...not so far from Shalom! I live in the countryside, and love hiking, walking, dancing, singing off-key, goofing around, and most thinks to do with books and art. I'm an avid bookworm and can often in my spare time be found in a comfortable nook with my nose in a book. I write a lot too; so I guess it's not surprise that I'm continuing on in English Studies in University come September. I've went to Camp Shalom as a camper for about six years, and returning campers might recognize me from volunteering as a counselor for three weeks each summer for the past two years. I've been in the kitchen, with the munchkins and adventure campers, and have helped out with Arts and Crafts and Archery. Camp Shalom is like a second home, and I can't wait to welcome you all as we grow in faith and friendship :)
Rosie Krul - Head Lifeguard
Interests: Drama, musicals, playing saxaphone, reading & writing, swimming, improv, having fun at camp!
Experience at Camp: I've been going to camp since i was in gr. 4, took the Leadership courses in gr. 9 & 10 (then known as DIDs and SITs) and last year I was a lifeguard. This year I am very excited to be lifeguarding again!
Hope to see everyone at the pool!
Nicole Hoogeveen – Lifeguard
HEY! I’m Nicole Rose Hogeveen, I’m 17 years old, and just finished grade 11 at Woodland Christian High School. As well as working at Camp Shalom, I have a lifeguarding job at the YMCA of Cambridge. I have been going to Camp Shalom since I was a little kid, and last year I completed the 201 & 202 Leadership Programs. Some of my hobbies are swimming, cooking, volleyball, painting, drawing(etc), I love spending time with my friends and family. I’m a very fun, out-going and loud person, I love to sing even though I’m terrible at it. After high school I would like to go to school for a culinary management program, and hope to open a family restaurant or a soup kitchen one day. I am more than ecstatic to be a part of the dream team at Camp this summer :D
Victoria DeJong – Lifeguard
My name is Victoria DeJong. Next year I will be in grade 12 at Hamilton District Christian High. I have gone to Camp Shalom since I was a munchkin, and I am really looking forward to this summer! My interests include traveling and swimming.
Josh Van Rootselaar – Maintenance
After a three year hiatus from being part of Shalom's summer staff I am excited to be serving behind the scenes; keeping the grass short and everything clean. Since last being on staff at Shalom, I've completed a college diploma while working in human services and in landscape construction.
Laurent Koziak – Maintenance
I am currently attending Redeemer University pursuing a bachelor degree in Youth Ministry. In my spare time I enjoy playing Frisbee, golfing, skiing and spending any time outdoors. I also enjoy time with my friends, in weekly prayer groups, as well as, just having social gatherings. I have no Camp Shalom experience but I am very excited to see how this summer unfolds. I am looking forward to a memorable time with all of you.
Matthew Wensink - Archery Counsellor
Hey my name is Matt Wensink. I can’t wait to finish my grade 11 year at Heritage Christian School and serve God through camp ministry this summer at Camp Shalom! For the past 2 summers I have taken leadership training here at camp, where I made great friends, grew closer to God and learned so much. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone this summer, and building on each other’s creative and crazy ways to serve God. In my free time, I love to go swimming, play the drums, basketball or most any other sports, and camping. I know that for me personally, Camp Shalom is a place where I can feel absolutely free to praise God in whatever way works and the place is always made up a people that will lead you closer to Him. See you this summer at camp!
Josiah Menicanin - Archery Counsellor
I am SO excited to work at Camp Shalom this summer! I have gone to Trek for 2 summers, and really feel that it improved my relationship with Jesus Christ and the Lord. I’m really looking forward to helping others in their spiritual walk, and having them help me in return! Some things that I love are sports, movies, music, and laughing. Something that I’m extremely passionate about is helping people who are in need, and I’ll go out of my way to make sure that everyone around me is happy. I can’t wait for the summer, and I hope that everyone will come out for an amazing time at camp!
Ian Bonvanie - Arts and Crafts Counsellor
Hello, my name is Ian Bonvanie and I am going to be the Arts and Crafts counselor at Camp this summer. I am really excited for what God has in store for us this summer and hope that it will be an awesome experience. I have been attending camp ever since I was 8 or so, and I have also volunteered here for the past two summers. For school I will be starting my first year of Nursing at Fanshawe college. Hope everyone has a great summer!!
Jenessa Tinholt - Arts and Crafts Counsellor
Hi everyone! :) My name is Jenessa Tinholt. I am from the Drayton area and I am going to college in the fall. I love kids and I have worked with them in Sunday School and while Babysitting. I enjoy sports of any kind, particularly volleyball and soccer. I also love to sing and praise God with my voice and instrumental talent. I play the drums in the Worship Band at my Church and I also love to play the guitar and piano. I have gone to Camp Shalom since I was a little girl. Two years ago I was involved in the Leadership program at Camp and last year I volunteered for Special Needs Week. I love Camp Shalom and I am so excited to be involved this summer! I look forward to meeting new people and sharing God's love to everyone! :) God bless!
Ryan Forneri - Drama Counsellor
Hey everybody! I'm Ryan, I'm going into grade 12 at E.L. Crossley Secondary School. I'm super excited to come back to camp this summer, as I've spent the last two summers there in leadership training, meeting super cool people, doing super cool things, loving God, cool stuff like that. In my spare time I play tons of music, extra curriculars to the point of death, being with friends and whatever else I can manage before sleep and eat. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you this summer, and experiencing God and whatever kind of crazy awesomeness you all have to bring to the table. God bless!
Danielle Regeling - Drama Counsellor
Hello my name is Danielle Regeling and in the fall I will be returning to the University of Guelph for my second year in Bachelor of Science, major Animal Biology. Eventually hope to study Veterinary Medicine. I have never been to or worked at Camp Shalom but am very excited for this year. I love spending time outside, connecting with friends, animals, kids, learning more about veterinary medicine and reading. I am excited to help contribute to the amazing atmosphere at Camp Shalom this year and teach kids more about God through drama.
Grace Dekker - Music Counsellor
Hi! My name is Grace Dekker. I'm 21 years old and I will be going into my fourth year at Redeemer University College to complete my BA degree with a double major in Sociology/Social Work and Psychology and my honours in Soc. My goal after I graduate is to work in the area of child welfare and protection; this is why I'm so interested in working with kids at camp! This will be my very first summer at Camp Shalom, although I have been a camp counselor before. I am SO excited about being a mentor to and discipling kids in their journey with Christ and having a ton of fun in the meantime! I'm convinced that I will also grow and learn through this experience in my own spiritual life along the way. I'm really looking forward to meeting the other staff and making some new friends. Some of my hobbies/interests include reading, listening to music (anything but country!), singing, photography, baking, volunteering, embroidering, and playing baseball. I really value a good sense of humour and love to laugh :). I really look forward to meeting everyone! See you soon!!!
Stephanie Degiovanni - Dance Counsellor
Hey everyone! I'm Stephanie DeGiovanni and I am thrilled to be leading up at camp shalom this year! i know God has amazing things in store for all of us! i have been a camper at shalom for 4 years and i have volunteered off and on for the past 2 summers. For a little bit about me...some of my favorite things are music, sunsets, ice cream, dancing, walking/hiking, laughing, going to the beach, amusement parks, and of course spending time with my maker :) This summer I will be the worship dance coordinator and i am very excited to have been given this opportunity! this past year i taught 2 worship dance classes and can't wait to teach anyone up at camp willing to try something new :) Super stoked to meet all the campers and fellow staff members!
Michael Werkema - Nature Counsellor
Hey my name is Mike Werkema, I am 18 years old and have finished one year of college. This summer I will be one of the nature guys and I am looking forward to an exciting summer. I experienced camp here once before and I went on an amazing canoe trip. My hobbies include playing sports when I can mostly hockey and baseball and being in the outdoors. This fall I will be returning for my second year at Olds College in Alberta where I am taking and Agriculture Production program. This summer should be a great time and I look forward to meeting you.
Pierre Vanderweerd - Nature Counsellor
Hi, I'm Pierre! The first thing people usually notice about me is that I'm very tall :) I am currently in my senior year in a small, wonderful high school. After the summer I am attending Sheridan College where I will study Art Fundamentals. Some things I am interested in are music, movies and art. In my spare time you can also find me Photoshopping or reading. For some enjoyable chats and making new friends I'm always ready! I am very eager to be part of the Camp Shalom staff this year, as I enjoy working with other people; I like to teach them as well as learn from them! I hope that Camp Shalom will be a blessing to both, the campers and the staff!
Ezra Branderhorst - Sports Counsellor
Hello my name is Ezra Branderhorst and this is my first camp leadership experience. I have been to Camp Shalom once before when I was younger. Everyone who has ever worked at Camp Shalom has always recommended me to work there and how great of a experience it really is. I love soccer. I have been playing soccer all my life (since 5 years old) and all throughout my life I have tried new sports and I love most of them. Before I work at Camp Shalom, I will be/am working in Thunder Bay to tree plant and it is cold. Yet, throughout the extreme weather, it is an amazing experience and this summer, for me, should be a huge character building and growing experience.
Becca Joosse - Sports Counsellor
I am heading into my third year of Psychology and Biology at McMaster University, and during the year I really enjoy being part of the campus. Last summer, I had the opportunity to be Head Lifeguard at Camp Shalom and am excited to take the place of Sports Counsellor this year. I loved having the chance of getting to know so many kids last year and having the honour to be a part of their walks with Christ and to have them be part of my walk. Lately I've seen too many city lights, and I love living somewhere where I can see the stars at night. My interests include waking up to fields of gold and taking long walks down gravel roads.
Moria Poot - Watersports (Kayaking) Counsellor
Hi I'm Moria Poot and I am watersports counselor this year. I have graduated grade 12 at Norwell DSS and will be attending Redeemer in the fall for Religion and Theology and Music. I enjoy many activities including swimming, canoeing, kayaking, music (piano, french horn) and many other activities. This past year I have had the opportunity to improve my canoe skills and teach other to canoe. I look forward to do plenty of kayaking this summer. I look forward to developing friendships at camp this summer, learn more about God and have a great time. God Bless
Emily Vos - Worship Coordinator
Hi, I am Emily Vos, I am an outgoing person who loves to have fun! I went to Hamilton District Christian High School for all 4 years and will or have (depending on when you read this!) graduate(d) this year. In September 2009 I plan to go to Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener to Study Missions. I grew up in a very faith oriented family, and was continually encouraged to play music. From this I grew in my faith, and love for music. I am very excited for this summer and opportunity to work with all the staff, and share my talents and love for God.
Lea Stelpstra – Communications
Hi, my name is Lea. I have been working at Camp Shalom for the last 4 summers. I am now living in Hamilton and working as a youth leader at Forestview Community Church. I recently graduated from Nipissing University as an elementary school teacher. I love volunteering in schools, 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 excited to see God move and be at work in the hearts of the campers, guests and staff this summer.
Adrian Stelpstra - Program Director
Hi, I am a recent grad from Lakehead University where I studied outdoor recreation specializing in leadership. During those four years I spent every summer serving on staff here at Camp Shalom. In the fall I was privileged to be able to join Camp Shalom’s year-round staff and make serving Jesus through camp ministry a fulltime focus. Most of my hobbies involve the outdoors, I enjoy things like mountain biking, disc sports (ultimate and disc golf), volleyball, camping and canoeing. I also enjoy building stuff. I am excited to see the ways Jesus will reveal himself to be ‘God with Us’, to be ‘Immanuel’ to each one of us this summer.
