Meet Our Summer Camp Staff

I am entering my 10th year on Camp Minikani summer staff, and my 2nd year as Summer Program Director. I have been a counselor in the Boy's Unit and Explorer Unit, and have been in charge of the Waterfront, Explorer Unit, LT's, and Day Camp. After the great success of last summer, I am excited to watch Minikani grow even more this summer. With the expansion of the Explorer program in Rhinelander to the increased staffing of MiniKamp, Minikani continues to grow every year. I am excited to see everyone out at camp in just a few short months!

Age: 20

School: University of Minnesota- Twin Cities

Years at Camp: 11

Years on Staff: 5

I grew up in Mequon, Wisconsin and attended Homestead High School.

I am a marketing major with a design minor at the Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis; however, I studied at Bocconi University located in Milan, Italy during this past spring semester. I absolutely love everything about Italy and had an absolutely amazing experience during my time in Europe.

I have been going to Minikani for over half of my life. It has played a vital role in forming the person I have become today. I first went to camp when I was ten years old, and have loved every minute since that point. I love singing songs after dinner, watching campfires, camping in the Northern woods, and witnessing the spirit in each and every person at Minikani. I cannot wait for the summer of 2010!

School: UW-Madison
Major: Elementary Education (Theatre and Drama Minor)

Years at camp: 12

Years on staff: 5

Howdy y'all! I'm Lisa Burton and I am originally from Whitefish Bay WI but I currently live in Madison. I lead a very exciting life here and I love studying to become a teacher and counting down the days until camp! This summer I am thrilled to be Wrangler and can't wait to get my boots on! Corral, along with the other skills I selected, was always a highlight of my camper days at Minikani. What could be more fun than getting to have a choice at what cool activities I did in the morning!? Summer is fast approaching, so I better go practice my lassoing! Giddy up!

Age: 21
School: St. Norbert College

Years at Camp: 14!
Years on Staff: 5

I grew up in Wauwatosa, WI and graduated from Wauwatosa East High School.

I’m a junior at St. Norbert College. I’m currently studying Psychology with a minor in Human Services. In the fall, I went to Rome, Italy to study there. It was the best semester of school that I have ever had. While abroad, I managed to travel to many amazing places, including Hungary, France, Sweden, Prague, and various places around Italy. By far my favorite place to visit was Budapest.
I started attending Camp Minikani as a one week camper, and quickly moved to the Explorer program and LT program. From there I was on staff as a resident counselor, wrangler, and now explorer director! My favorite part of camp has been the corral, and now the Explorer Unit!! I love camp activities such as the Runt Hunt, Avenging Angels, and Stratego Night.

I am so excited for the summer, 2010!

Age: 21
School: Miami University
Years at Camp: 12
Years on Staff: 5

I've been around camp for awhile, but even now I'm still finding new opportunities and discovering more of about Minikani. After years on the Gun 'N Run pitch, I have retired to pursue my first love at camp: Adventure Challenge. I love climbing and I can't wait to bring my team-building experience to the skill area. When I'm not near the rock wall, you'll probably be able to find me in Lake Amy Belle perfecting my backflips of the diving board.

Outside of camp, I'm an avid water skier and Milwaukee Brewers fan. I was born and raised on the East Side of Milwaukee and graduated from the University School of Milwaukee in 2007. I'm currently majoring in Marketing and Finance and am planning on graduating in the spring of 2011.

Age: 21

School: Tufts University

Years at Camp: 11

Years on Staff: 5

I grew up in lovely Madison, WI and graduated from Madison West High School. After finishing up high school I made my way out to the East Coast where I am currently in school. I am a senior at Tufts University majoring in Astrophysics. Since I spend a hefty amount of time looking at the stars as it is, being able to focus my academics on space was perfect solution. My Junior year I studied aboard in Melbourne, Australia. From amazing beaches, to some spectacular hiking it is hard to describe the magnificence of all the Australia’s natural beauty. And I would suggest a journey down under at some point!

Camp has been one of the most positive and influential places in my life. The friends I made there have continued to be my best friends to this day regardless of how far apart we are. I also have so many spectacular memories. From working on the Corral and playing with the horses, to simply playing funny name games with other kids and counselors. The spirit Camp Minikani holds is stronger than any I have yet to be apart of and I cannot wait to rejoin that family again this summer.

Age: 21
College: University of Minnesota
Years at Camp: 12
Years on Staff: 4

I'm from Milwaukee and a graduate of Whitefish Bay High School. I am currently a junior at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. My major is Biology, and I hope to work in the medical field some day. This semester I am studying abroad in Florence, Italy and enjoying every second of it!

I cannot imagine spending a summer away from camp. I've been coming to Minikani since I was going into fourth grade, so it truly feels like home away from home. As a counselor I spent my mornings on the waterfront, so I love spending time on Lake Amy Belle. My other favorite activities include kickball in Pine Forest, swimming in Mud Lake, and of course all evening activities! I know this upcoming summer is going to be fabulous and I cannot wait!

Hi! My name is Kendall Dowsett and I am one of three Explorer Directors this upcoming summer. I am a senior at Saint Louis University, and will be graduating in May 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Psychology. After graduation, my career goals include teaching high school history or working as a therapist with families who have children with special needs, but both of those will involve a little more schooling :) In the mean time I hope to move to Chicago and work with the inner-city school system to improve achievement and community involvement. Before any of that, however, is SUMMER 2010!!!! And of course I am already counting down the days until CAMP!!! :)

Hi, I'm Charlie Blumberg, and for my twelfth summer here at Camp Minikani, I'll be one of the LT Directors. If I had to pick a favorite part of Camp, I would have to say that it's watching kids'
skits during campfires. They always embody the Spirit of Camp. They're either silly and fun or personal and moving. We look to the kids for inspiration.

Age: 21
School: American University
Years at Camp: 11
Years on Staff: 5

I grew up in Brookfield, WI and graduated from Brookfield East High School.

I’m a junior at American University. I’m currently studying International Service with a minor in Political Science. In the fall, I went to Madrid, Spain to study there. It was the best semester of my life. I did a lot of traveling while in Europe and saw Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. I think Florence was my favorite city that I visited.

I’ve been going to camp since the 5th grade where I came to camp as part of a school group. I have been hooked ever since. I’ve always loved the waterfront and have been teaching skin diving at camp since I first got on staff. It’s my favorite skill. Besides teaching Skin Diving my favorite thing to do at camp is either sailing or evening activities like Avenging Angels or Stratego. I’m really looking forward to this upcoming summer on the ‘front!

Age: 21
School: University of Wisconsin-Madison
Years at Camp: 13
Years on Staff: 5

Hello! My name is Laura Miller, and this summer I will be working at Minikani as the Minikamp Director. I am originally from Shorewood, WI, and now attend school in Madison. I will be a senior next year, working towards degrees in English and French. I am currently spending the spring 2010 semester abroad in Aix-en-Provence, France. I am having a wonderful time, but will certainly be ready to return to Hubertus when summertime rolls around...
For the past four years on staff I have been teaching in the Wilderness Skills Area. I adore nature skills because one of my favorite things about camp is being able to be outside all summer, so different from the library lifestyle of a college student! I am especially excited to work with Minikampers this summer, and watch camp's youngest contingent discover the magic of Minikani for the first time. See you in June!

This summer will be my 8th year on Camp Minikani summer staff, and this will be second year as OLT Director. Throughout my years on staff, I have been a counselor in the Boys Unit and Explorer Unit, Waterfront Director, Explorer Unit Director, and OLT Director.