Meet the people who keep Kamaji Going

Our Staff

Kamaji is only such an amazing place because of the amazing people that make it that way. Get to know the whole Kamaji staff team!

 

Year-Round Staff

Camp Caretaker: Randy Nyberg

Randy started working at Camp Kamaji in 2007 as camp’s caretaker. Randy works year ’round taking care of our beautiful camp. He spends a lot of the off-season making improvements at camp like renovating the washhouses, building the treehouse, siding buildings and building new decks and porches. His trusty sidekicks, dogs Patch and Oreo are always by his side.

During the season, Randy is at camp and helps to keep camp running smoothly by fixing holes in screens, dealing with any plumbing issues, driving campers to their canoe put-in spots and tinkering with our camp boats and vehicles.

When he’s not hard at work at camp, Randy loves to coach and watch baseball (he’s a Twins fan!), spend time with his wife, Barb, who works locally as a nurse, and with his kids, Chris, Nick, Georgia and Josh.

Office & Marketing Manager: Bri Humphries

Bri first joined the Camp Kamaji team in 2014 as an office assistant and now fills the role of Office & Marketing Manager. She does a variety of projects throughout the off-season at the winter office in Chicago. During the season, she manages the office and is one of our LT Directors.

When Bri is not at camp, she enjoys spending time with family and getting coffee with friends.

Leaders in Training (LTs)

Yahaira ‘Yaya’ Cabrera

Hometown: North Chicago, IL 
Years at Camp: 6

 

Lucy Carmel

Hometown: Glencoe, IL
Years at Camp: 6

 

Jessie Eldridge

Hometown: Highland Park, IL
Years at Camp: 7

 

Natalie Grice

Hometown: Florissant, MO
Years at Camp: 6

 

Maddie Goldman

Hometown: Glencoe, IL
Education: Rising Junior at Lake Forest Academy
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I choose to spend my summers at
Kamaji because every time I come back, I am welcomed by the most amazing people in the
most amazing environment. I could not ask for a better way to spend my summers rather than being at Kamaji with my best friends and trying so many new things each year.
Years at Camp: 6
Favorite dessert: Raspberry Truffle Ice Cream!! 

 

Greta Grossman

Hometown: Leawood, KS 
Years at Camp: 5

 

Elle Hoffman

Hometown: Clarkston, WA 
Years at Camp: 4

 

Sam Irvin

Hometown: Kirkwood, MO
Education: Ri
sing junior at Kirkwood High School 
Why I chose to spend my summer at Kamaji: Because Kamaji is the best place on earth, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to spend my summer!
Favorite dessert: Cookie dough brownies 
Years at Camp: 6

 

Olivia Latimer 

Hometown: Glencoe, IL
Education: Rising Junior at New Trier High School
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I choose to spend my summer at Kamaji because it feels like a second home to me, and everyday there is a good one!
Years at Camp: 7
Favorite dessert: Carmel Ribbon Bars

 

Catalina “Caty” Maiz

Hometown: Mexico
Years at Camp: 6

 

Eden Morrison

Hometown: Lawrence, KS
Years at Camp: 6

 

Nelson Rice 

Hometown: St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Education: Breck School
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I have been going to camp since I was little and I want an opportunity to be a counselor in the next few years if I want to.
Years at Camp: 5 years
Favorite dessert: Smores bars/brownies

 

Garnet Tobin

Hometown: Charleston, SC
Education: Rising Junior at Ashley Hall Highschool 
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Kamaji is my favorite place in the whole world and is where I am happiest! I am so excited to be a LT and share my love for Kamaji with my campers. I can’t imagine being anywhere else!
Years at Camp: 5
Favorite dessert: Smores bars

 

Jr. & Sr. Counselors

Abbey Alderman

Activity: Fishing 
Hometown: Tulsa, OK

Years at Camp: 7



 

Paola Altamirano Mendez

Activity: Swimming
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Education: Undergraduate Degree
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Because I love nature and kids and also to share my knowledge with kids and spend a great summer together!
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Ice cream or cinnamon rolls

 

Naomi Amacher

Activity: Waterskiing, Junior Counselor Mentor
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Education: University of Denver
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Kamaji is like a second home to me and I can’t imagine a better place to spend my summer!
Years at Camp: 10
Favorite dessert: toothpaste brownies

 

Nastya Bobrysheva

Activity: Arts Village
Hometown: Sumy, Ukraine 
Education: Foundation year Games Art BA (HONS) at Manchester Metropolitan University
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: It’s a great summer opportunity, to spend time wisely, gain valuable experience and knowledge, make new friendships, boost soft skills, spend time outdoors and create one of the best memories in my life. Likewise, I will do my best to make sure that children are enjoying themselves during the summer break, discover new things and have loads of entertaining art activities. Additionally, I might be able to tell them about my culture, customs and country, pushing boundaries away and creating a friendly international community.
Years at Camp: 1st year
Favorite dessert: Sticky toffee pudding

 

Tamara Barran

Activity: Climbing & Low Ropes
Hometown: Veracruz, Mexico 
Education: University
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: because I would like to learn new things and practice my English, but my main objective is to be able to teach the new generations everything I know about camping as well as about life
Years at Camp: 1 year
Favorite dessert: Cinnamon Rolls

Sofie Bogucki

Activity: Dance and fitness
Hometown: Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Education: Current student at the University of Virginia
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Because camp is my favorite place in the world and I want to make it special for other young women!
Years at Camp: 10
Favorite dessert: Cookie dough brownies

Abigail Campeche

Activity: Swimming
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico 
Years at Camp: 1

Luna Domiciano

Activity: Climbing and Low Ropes
Hometown: Vespasiano, Brazil.
Education: Graduating university 
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I believe Camp Kamaji is the place we can be ourselves and respect any differences and welcome them.
Years at Camp: First summer in 2023!
Favorite dessert: Pie

 

Vicki Flegg

Activity: Riding 
Hometown: Oxford, UK
Education: Recently graduated from University of Leeds with a BA in English Literature
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I chose Kamaji because the community here seems so fun, there’s a huge range of activities and getting to spend summer teaching horse riding is an absolute dream! I’m really excited to meet new people and just have a great time exploring a state I’ve never been to before.
Years at Camp: This is the first!
Favorite dessert: Warm chocolate brownie

 

Diana Galina Franco

Activity: Canoe/Kayak/Campcraft
Hometown: Veracruz, Mexico
Years at Camp: 1

 

Katie Gelfman

Activity: Waterski
Hometown: St. Louis, MO

Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Even though everything is getting stressful with planning for college, I chose to come back to Kamaji so that I could be in a happy environment and spend time with the awesome kids there this summer!
Years at Camp: 7
Favorite dessert: Cookie dough brownies!

 

Oliwia Głowacka

Activity: Sailing 
Hometown: Warsaw, Poland
Education: High School
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I love meeting new people, exploring the world and gaining new experiences! Camp Kamaji looks like a place where I will feel good and I can’t wait for summer 2023!! I know it will be the best adventure of my life!
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Cheesecake or apple pie

 

Christina Harden

Activity: Drama
Hometown: Euclid, OH
Years at Camp: 1

 

Sylvia Harvin 

Activity: Waterskiing 
Hometown: Rock Island, IL 
Years at Camp: 2

 

Julia Jasmer

Activity: Windsurfing & Paddleboarding 
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Education: Going into senior year of high school
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I chose to spend my summer at Camp Kamaji because I love the great community. Kamaji is like a second home for me and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else for the summer!
Years at Camp: 9
Favorite dessert: Raspberry truffle ice cream

 

Makayla ‘Kay Kay’ Johnson

Activity: Waterskiing
Hometown: East Cleveland, OH

Years at Camp: 6

 

Venla Laukkanen

Activity: Riding Instructor
Hometown: Finland

Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji:  It seems so good. And at camp I can spend my summer outdoors meeting a bunch of new people (and horses) and just have fun every day. What’s not to like?
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Blueberry pie (the Finnish version)

 

Renata Lecona Galindo

Activity: Swimming
Hometown: Tlaxcala, Mexico
Education:  Bachelor’s degree in business administration
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I am excited to meet new people, to do what I enjoy most about sports and to be able to travel
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: S’more cookies

Emmylou McCabe

Activity: Drama
Hometown: Tullamore, Ireland
Years at camp: 1

 

Sarah Miller 

Activity: Tennis 
Hometown: Oklahoma City
Education: Attending Tulane University
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Can’t wait to hang out with the girls all day and make their summer one to remember!
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Chocolate fudge brownie ice cream

 

Kate Pearson

Activity: Canoe/Kayak/Campcraft
Hometown: Palmerston North, New Zealand
Education: High School
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Camp Kamaji seems like an amazing place to have fun, learn and make memories this summer!
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Cheesecake

 

Maddie Roach

Activity: Drama
Hometown: Randolph, WI
Why I choose to spend my summer at camp: I want to have a great summer making new friends and having new experiences. I have also wanted to go to camp since I was a kid.
Years at camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Carmelitas

 

Chelsea Robinson

Activity: Canoe & Kayak 
Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Years at camp: 7

 

Daniela ‘Dani’ Rodriguez

Activity: Dance & Fitness
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Education: English Language Teaching.
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I want to get new experiences. Meet new people, get involve with a new culture, practice the language and finally get out of my comfort zone
Years at Camp: First Time

 

Annie Rogula

Activity: Riding

Hometown: Glenview, IL

Education: Current student at the University of Kansas

Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I absolutely loved being a camper and creating fun memories amongst my cabin mates and counselors and I am hoping to recreate that amazing Kamaji experience with campers this summer!
Years at Camp: 8
Favorite dessert: Cookie Dough Brownies

 

Abby Schottenstein

Activity: Tennis
Hometown: Tiburon, CA 
Years at Camp: 6

 

Bahno Singh

Activity: Paddleboarding & Windsurfing
Hometown: Cleveland Heights, OH
Years at Camp: 7

 

Lexi Thompson

Activity: Archery
Hometown: Oklahoma City
Education: heading into senior year of high school
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: to try something new out and meet and share time with girls from all different places.  Heard Kamaji was the place to be!!
Years at Camp: 3
Favorite dessert: Carmel ribbon bars

 

Andrea Yrigoyen Zorrilla

Activity: Riding
Hometown: Mexico

Years at Camp: 1

 

 

Rachael Walton

Activity: Swimming
Hometown: Sunderland, United Kingdom 

Years at Camp: 1

 

Kitchen Staff

Jen Rabb  

Position at Camp: Kitchen Manager and Communications Director 
Hometown: Rockford, Michigan
Education: BA from Michigan State University, MBA from Cornerstone University
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: To enjoy the beautiful Northwoods of Minnesota and have a teeny tiny part in making it the best summer for all these sweet girls!
Years at Camp: first summer! (have visited in the past)
Favorite dessert: Scotcharoos or eclair dessert…..hoping to add some fun new desserts to the Camp Kamaji menu!

 

Ana Ramirez Narvaez  

Position at Camp: Assistant Cook
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Years at Camp: 1

 

Daniel Mendoza Tejeda 

Position at Camp: Assistant Cook
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Years at Camp: 1

 

Marie Flores Velasro

Position at Camp: Assistant Cook
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Years at Camp: 1

 

Karla Tapia Zarate 

Position at Camp: Assistant Cook
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Education: University Student
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I chose Kamaji because it seems to be a beautiful place. I have never traveled to Minnesota and I am interested in learning about its culture and natural places. I also want to live new experiences and meet people of different nationalities.
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: I LOVE COFFE CAKE AND OREO ICE CREAM

 

Roxana Vicario Cruz  

Position at Camp: Assistant Cook
Hometown: Puebla, México
Education: Med student
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Because it is a beautiful and ideal place to get new experiences for my personal growth, make new friends from different places and exchange culture.
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: I love cinnamon rolls!

 

Karla Vidal    

Position at Camp: Kitchen Assistant
Hometown: Playa del Carmen, México
Education: Tourism administration student
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Because is a great place to have new experience and meet new people 🙂
Years at Camp: 3
Favorite dessert: M&M cookies

 

Katia Cacho Silva

Position at Camp: Kitchen Assistant
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Years at Camp: 1
Education: College student
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I’d like to work in a camp that is only for girls and also I would like to know places in Minnesota.
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Strawberries with cream

 

Uriel Hernandez

Position at Camp: Kitchen Assistant
Hometown: Puebla, México
Education: Undergraduate Degree
Years at camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Cheese pie!!

 

Sandra Lopez DeVil 

Position at Camp: Kitchen Assistant
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Education: College student
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Camp Kamaji seems like a very interesting camp where I think the best people are and the work environment will be excellent!
Years at Camp: This will be my first year at Camp Kamaji
Favorite dessert: Chocolate Cake and Lemon Charlotte. Very delicious!

 

Laundry Staff

Dulce Marquez Martinez

Hometown: Mexico
Years at Camp: 1

 

 

Ofelia Quiroga Sanchez

Name: Ofelia Sahiret Quiroga Sanchez
Camp Position: Laundry Assistant
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Years at Camp: 1
Education: Med student at the Benemerita Universidad Autonoma de Puebla
Why she chose to spend the summer at Camp Kamaji: I chose this camp because I love nature and I love helping other people and, I want to learn new things and have new adventures.
Favorite Dessert: Cheese Ice Cream with Blackberries! 😀

 

 

Maintenance Staff

Fernando Bravo Feria

Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Education: Undergraduate Degree
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji:
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Brownies!!!

 

 

Luis Trujillo Zapotitla

Hometown: Puebla, México
Education: The university Instituto Tecnológico de Puebla
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I chose this camp because it is giving me the opportunity to start my first experience abroad, and also because the camp seems like a great place, full of good activities and facilities.
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: chocolate or truffle cake

 

 

Wilderness Trip Leaders

Freya Brandvik

Position at Camp: Wilderness Trip Leader
Hometown: Northfield, MN
Years at Camp: 1

 

 

Annie Gallagher

Position at Camp: Wilderness Trip Leader
Hometown: Columbia, MO
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Going to different camps throughout my childhood has always been a highlight (: & my goal is to be a positive influence for girls as they develop self confidence and courage.
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Fudge or Mousse 

 

 

Karin Haas

Position at Camp: Wilderness Trip Leader
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Education: BA in History from Occidental College in Los Angeles, CA
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: As a “real adult” now, I am excited to come back to my favorite place on earth in a new capacity, and ultimately contribute to what I hope is an amazing summer for all the campers!
Years at Camp: 10
Favorite dessert: Marjena’s ice cream cake

 

Rodrigo Irigoyen

Position at Camp: Wilderness Trip Leader
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I chose to spend my summer working at Camp Kamaji after I heard about it from my cousin who has already been there. And I would like to put my camping skills to good use helping the campers.
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Keespycream brownie or raspberry donut, apple pie is also one of my favorites. 

 

 

Leah Irvin

Position at Camp: Wilderness Trip Leader
Hometown: Kirkwood, MO
Education: Bachelors from University of Michigan, Masters in Physical Therapy from Washington University
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: After seeing my daughter experience the same magic of Kamaji that I did, I couldn’t pass up the chance of spending time back in the Northwoods.
Favorite dessert: Caramel ribbon bars

Years at Camp: 11



 

Zach Kramer

Position at Camp: Wilderness Trip Leader
Hometown: Tulsa Oklahoma, Current city: Houston Texas

Education: Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I tried to come last summer and it fell through, so now I’m coming!
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Bread Pudding with Caramel Ice Cream



 

Maggie Sund

Position at Camp: Wilderness Trip Leader
Hometown: Originally Tulsa, OK but now I live in Salem, OR
Education: Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma-currently a kindergarten teacher.
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I quickly jumped on the opportunity to come back to my 2nd home. Kamaji is my favorite place to be.
Years at Camp: 11
Favorite dessert: Chocolate chip cookies



 

Mackenzie Clark

Position: Assistant Nurse 
Hometown: Forysth​, IL
Education: Nursing Student
Why Camp Kamaji: I chose camp Kamaji because I believe it will be a great experience for me. I hope to be a travel nurse that specializes in NICU or Pediatrics when I graduate and I think interning at the camp will give me a foot in the door for those goals. I also get to have fun at a camp and switch it up from the hospital routine.
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Raisinets with popcorn and also Puppy Chow (or MuddieBuddies – whichever you prefer).

Office Staff

Linzi Moran

Hometown: Manchester, United Kingdom
Education: Manchester Metropolitan University 
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: For a new adventure and to get out of my comfort zone
Years at Camp: first year
Favorite dessert: ice cream



 

Housekeeping Staff

Luz Lozado

Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Years at Camp: 1

 

Margarita Lima Osorio

Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I chose Kamaji because It seems to be a beautiful place and I love nature. It’s my first time at camp so I hope to have great experiences here.
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Chocolate cake and raspberry pie

 

Health Center Staff

Julie Grant

Position: Health Center Director
Hometown: San Clemente, CA
Education: BS, BSN, MS
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Kamaji is great! 🙂
Years at Camp: 9
Favorite dessert: ice cream sundae ​

Grace Hunnicut

Position: Assistant Nurse 
Hometown: Kenosha, WI
Education: Nursing student
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I chose to spend my summer at Camp Kamaji because it is an incredibly unique experience, I will learn so much, and most importantly have fun!
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Easy, SMORES!

Sarah Wilms 

Position: Assistant Nurse 
Hometown: Elmhurst, Illinois
Education: Second year nursing student with a minor in Spanish at Valparaiso University
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: I was intrigued by Camp Kamaji due its ability in allowing me to practice my passion for helping others through being a nursing assistant. I also have a desire to go into pediatrics and I love spending time with kids and being outside. 
Years at Camp: This will be my first year at camp.
Favorite dessert: My favorite dessert is a brownie (underdone)

Program Specialists 

Samantha “Boim” Nisenboim

Position: Waterfront Director
Hometown: Originally: Highland Park, IL Currently: Los Angeles, CA
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Camp is where I was always truly happiest. I would love to give back to a community that helped shape me and a place I care so much about.
Years at Camp: 10

 

 

Andrea Galan Angel

Position: Barn Assistant
Hometown: Mexico
Years at Camp: 1

 

 

Wanda Gamboa Noriega

Position: Special Programs Coordinator
Hometown:
Puebla México
Education: Major – English Language Teaching
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: The reason I choose Camp Kamaji it’s because I want to have more adventures at different camps and learn the most I can. Also I love being part of something in summer and I like to go fulfilling my purposes of traveling to meet and experience new things.
Years at Camp: 1st at Kamaji 
Favorite dessert: Platanos Fritos and Ice Cream (Cookies and Cream )

 

Samay Betancourt Nieto 

Position: Day Camp Counselor 
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Years at Camp: 1

 

Kennya Limon Borilla 

Position: Day Camp Counselor
Hometown: Puebla, Mexico
Years at Camp: 1

 

Salvador Reynoso Flores

Position: Day Camp Counselor
Hometown: Jalisco, Mexico
Education: University at Institution Tecnológico Superior de Chapala
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: To gain experience in the wilderness, and to also have the best first year of summer vacation!
Years at Camp: 1
Favorite dessert: Good old S’mores

 

Leadership Staff

Laney Maguire

Position: Staff Coach and Development Director
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
Education: University of Oklahoma
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji:  I love to be outside and with kids so camp is the perfect place!
Years at Camp: 6
Favorite dessert: Chipwich!

 

Shannon Kettenring

Position: Program Director
Hometown: Georgetown, Ky
Education: Bachelors Degree in History/ Art History
Years at Camp: 12
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Camp Kamaji is special. The opportunities these girls have to form and build friendships, learn new skills and enjoy the outdoors are priceless. I couldn’t pass up a chance to be even a little part of it all.
Favorite dessert: Cookie Dough Brownies

Jason Nelson

Position: Camp Owner/Director
Hometown: Montague, MI
Education: Western Michigan University
Years at Camp: 11
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: The energy from the campers is so much fun to be around!
Favorite dessert: Chocolate chip cookies

Kat Martin Nelson

Position: Camp Owner/Director
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI/Chicago, IL
Education: UW- Badger!
Years at Camp: 26
Why you chose to spend your summer at Camp Kamaji: Watching the happy camper faces during dance parties.
Favorite dessert: Anything and Everything Chocolate