STAFF RAISING SUPPORT

WHAT IS MY BACKGROUND? 

I joined the Cedar Bay staff in May 2024 and feel blessed to be part of a team that loves the Lord and supports one another. As the Staffing Coordinator, I handle staff scheduling, volunteer coordination, and summer staff recruitment. I graduated in 2020 with a degree in Elementary Education and taught 7th grade for three years in Racine, WI. I first encountered Cedar at a Chapter Focus Week in 2017 through InterVarsity and felt drawn to its beauty and ministry. I joined the Summer Crew shortly after and have served four summers in various roles, including counselor and children’s program leader. After stepping away from teaching due to health issues, God opened the door to full-time ministry at Cedar. Through that season, He brought peace, healing, and clarity. I’m grateful to witness His provision through the incredible people He brings to serve here. 

WHAT IS MY AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY? 

My role covers three areas of responsibility. First, I coordinate with each department to schedule staff based on their specific needs. Second, as Volunteer Coordinator, I oversee the logistics for our volunteers—including housing, meals, and work schedules. Third, I oversee the hiring process for Summer Crew and Full-time Staff, which involves planning recruitment trips and site visits, managing applications and interviews, and organizing the training schedule.

WHAT IS OUR BACKGROUND? 

Laura and Dan were married in 2021. They are natives to Grand Rapids, MI, and happily volunteered as Sunday School teachers and leaders for VBS. They both feel passionate about dedicating their time to “raising up the next generation” in Christian faith. Before marriage, Laura was a missionary in North Africa as an English teacher for 15 years. Once married, they prayed about ways to serve their community better, and they felt the Lord calling them to Christian camp ministry. Both Dan and Laura have special memories of growing in their faith at church camp as youth. Dan was impacted by many camp counselors and now desires to mentor the youth and college aged crew as he manages the Housekeeping Team. He enjoys leading by example as he serves our campers. Cedar Bay has a special place in the heart of Laura because she had rededicated her life to Christ at this very camp as a college student. She is also very happy to use her experience teaching to lead the children’s and youth program in the summer. Laura and Dan see the need for Christian camps to help build the American family. They lament the break- down of family values and decline in Christ followers in recent times. They champion Cedar Bay’s mission to teach the Bible and disciple summer crew and offer Christ-centered programs to strengthen marriages, families, and individuals. 

WHAT ARE OUR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES? 

As Housekeeping Manager, Dan welcomes campers by ensuring a clean, comfortable environment. He uses his gift of hospitality to lead his team in preparing cabins, setting towels, making beds, and readying public spaces like the worship hall. Dan enjoys collaborating with crew and volunteers in the laundry room, where they prepare linens for over 200 guests each week. His background in pest control makes him an especially valuable asset—mice and spiders beware! Laura is thrilled to serve as the Children and Youth Specialist, crafting K–12 curriculum around the summer theme and preparing engaging learning spaces. She mentors a team of about 10 college-aged crew members, guiding them in teaching, leading games and hikes, and sharing their testimonies. With a focus on God as Creator, Laura encourages outdoor learning, allowing children to grow in faith through the beauty of nature.