High Trails Staff 2023

We are thrilled to introduce the High Trail’s staff of summer 2023! Our team has just finished a 10-day staff training and we are so excited to meet the campers! Keep reading to learn a little bit about us before you arrive!

Juniper West

Allison Butterfield (bottom)

Hi, my name is Allison! This will be my first summer at Sanborn and my first time going to summer camp. I can’t wait to meet everyone! I am excited to tap into my creative side and plan fun activities for all of us! I am a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh and I am studying social work. A little about me, I have swam with whale sharks, my favorite food is chili and my favorite artist is Lady Gaga. I’m looking forward to horse back riding and meeting new people at camp!

Chloe Sakowski (top)

My name is Chloe Sakowski and this will be my first summer at Sanborn!! I am so so excited! I currently attend Colgate University in upstate New York and I am studying Psychology and Environmental Studies. A few fun facts about me- I love music and going to concerts (I have probably been to more than 30 concerts), I am on the rowing team at Colgate and rowing is one of my favorite things to do, and I have a dog named Marley who I absolutely adore. Another fact is that I can acquire a sunburn in virtually any weather or UV index, so safe to say I will always be found with plenty of sunscreen this summer! I am so excited to explore Colorado this summer as part of such a wonderful community and cannot wait for the fun to start!

Juniper East

Jasmine Larry (middle bottom)

My name is Jasmine Larry This is my first summer working at Sanborn western camp. I am going into my junior year of college at Mississippi State. I am a psychology major. And some fun facts about me are

  • I like to sew and knit
  • I prefer creamy peanut butter
  • I love the song Almost (Sweet Music) by Hozier

Evangeline Beck (top)

Hello! My name is Evangeline and this is my first summer at Sanborn! I just got my associates degree at Waubonsee Community College and wanted to do something fun for my last summer of freedom before working all year round. I have been a nanny to 3 wonderful girls for 3 years while going to school and want to continue working with kids in my future career. I love learning about astronomy and archaeology, listening to music, and going on walks in any forest preserve I can find. I am so excited for camp, I have not ridden a horse since I was 6 so its going to be so fun to learn with the kids. I also cannot wait to see the stars! Where I am from, its harder to see the stars because of light pollution from the city, but I heard the view is incredible at Sanborn! I am so looking forward to meeting everyone and making some great memories!

Elliot Bollenger (bottom left)

Hi I am Elliot Bollinger and go by They/Them pronouns. I will be a Junior this fall at Western Kentucky University working toward my Parks and Recreation degree with a minor in Tourism and Events. I grew up going to many camps in the Kentucky area, but this will be my first year at Sanborn! I am so exited to be apart of the Sanborn family this year and being able to immerse myself in the outdoors and learn so many valuable skills. A couple fun facts about me is I have two younger brothers and three dogs, I am a huge spiritual person (journaling, crystals, meditation and being one with nature), I love to do any crafts I can get a hold of, I am a huge animal lover, I enjoy taking care of maybe too many plants (that my dorm can not hold), and growing my garden back home. I am excited to be able to share my talents with others and being able to learn what makes each kid unique.

Ponderosa West

Julia Letherer (center)

Hello! I’m Julia Letherer, this is my 1st summer at camp, and I couldn’t be more excited to be working in CO! I am graduating in May with a B.A. in Elementary Education from Saginaw Valley State University, MI, and really looking forward to having my own classroom in the fall. After I graduate, I am traveling to Scandinavia to go hiking and visit lots of art museums! I’ve always loved painting and all things artsy, and more recently I’ve enjoyed learning to knit. I am very excited to share my love for arts and crafts at camp this summer!

Burch Franklin (right)

Hey Y’all, I am Burch and I am so excited to spend my 11th summer at High Trails, but my first summer on staff! Sanborn brings me so much happiness and I cannot wait to be back this summer! I am originally from Tunica, Mississippi, and currently live in Starkville, MS while attending MS State! GOOO DAWGS! I cannot wait for a summer full of backpacking, sleeping under the stars, cabin dance parties, good books, and eating some goooooooddddd camp food!!!!! I am so excited to meet y’all, let’s get this party started!!!

Lilee Surdell-Eichten (left)

Hello! My name is Lilee and this is my first year at camp! I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. I am studying Business Marketing & Management. In my free time, I love to crochet and rock climbing. My favorite music artist is Taylor Swift and I love tea. A fun fact about me is I went Skydiving in Penrose, CO! I am most excited to ride horses and meet all the amazing campers!

Ponderosa East

Alyssa Strough (right)

Hi! My name is Alyssa! I am new to Snaborn this summer, but super excited to go on so many adventures. I currently go to school at Fort Lewis College and am seeking a degree in Adventure Education. Besides school, you will probably find me hiking, canyoneering, backpacking, social dancing, or playing lacrosse! Over the past year, I became interested in social dancing (country swing, east coast swing, bachata, salsa, east coast swing, waltz, line dances, and many more). A fun fact about me is that I can say the alphabet backward!

Violet Landrum (left)

Hi, I’m Violet! This is my first summer at Sanborn Camps, and I could not be more excited to be a part of this cool community. As of now, I’m a Clinical Psychology major at Indiana University Bloomington, home of all things rain and basketball. Not to brag, but I know nothing about the sport… maybe it’s time to learn. So as I continue to avoid dribbling a ball, I like to paint instead. One of my favorite projects I’ve ever done was paint a mural with the elementary students at Oak Farm Montessori School. Watching them discover their own capabilities was what brought me here today. I’m also a huge fan of exploring and find that I can never stay in one place for long. I also might be secretly hoping that someone brings a Calvin and Hobbes book. All parts of camp excite me: one in particular being able to follow these crazy kids as they discover the world for themselves.

Meena Ropp (center)

Hi, I’m Meena Ropp! I went to camp Jackson growing up, but this is my first time in camp Sanborn. Right now, I’m at CU Boulder and Im studying math and economics. Aside form the nerdy stuff, I love hiking, skiing, reading, dancing, and art. This summer, I’m super excited to work with the kids, rock climb, and go camping. I’ve always loved the outdoors and this camp is about as outdoorsy as it gets!

Silver Spruce West

JC Lowman (center)

Hello! My name is Joyce (Jc) and this will be my first summer at Sanborn. I am 23 years old and I have lived in Tampa, Florida most of my life. I’m pursuing my Exception Student Education degree at St. Petersburg College (SPC). I have experience with children of all ages. Most recently I was an assistant teacher for 4th grade and it was amazing being able to get to know all of their individual personalities. I also love taking care of my plants, cooking, swimming, paddle boarding, painting and reading! I am so excited to meet all the campers and see what the summer has in store for us!

Paige Witter (left)

My name is Paige and I am very excited to be a part of the Sanborn camp this summer! As a kid, I loved going to camp in New Jersey and as I grew older I found to love being a camp counselor at many different summer camps. I find being outside to be very healing and therapeutic. Working with young minds in the outdoors is all I ever want to do. In the fall I will be attending SUNY Adirondack in upstate New York and will be studying Outdoor Education. I wish to work at an outdoor elementary school and maybe even open up my own in the future. Since I graduated high school in 2021, I have been working at a second-hand clothing store and more recently a preschool teacher. I can not wait to share my knowledge of art and nature with the campers. Hoping that everyone is just as stoked about this upcoming summer as I am. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Olivia Turner (right)

Hey everyone, I’m Olivia! This will be my first summer at Sanborn, and I couldn’t be more excited about it! I’m a rising sophomore at Virginia Tech (in blacksburg VA) studying Public Relations as well as Spanish and Sustainability. I’m a lover of all things mountains, coffee, dad jokes, creekstomping (and looking for salamanders), thrifting, campfires and time spent sittin in the sun! Catch me groovin to good music and pulling out paintbrushes when it’s time to unwind. I’ve grown up in the blue ridge mountains, and this will be my first time out west, so I’m stoked to have the best summer making memories and exploring Colorado with you all!

Silver Spruce East

Dreah Eldridge (left)

Hello! My name is Dreah Eldridge, and I am super excited about my first year at Sanborn!! I attend school at Iowa State University, where I study Agriculture Communications. On top of school, I work at an Agritourism Farm in the fall and as a ski instructor during the winter. Some fun facts about me are that I have six plants, my favorite book is “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak, and I have been to Italy and Costa Rica. I am excited to explore the mountains this summer and make new friends and memories!

Madeline Marfoe (center)

My name is Madeline and this is my first summer at any sort of camp. I’m currently studying Architecture at UWM-Milwaukee, so I spend all my time building models for my classes. A couple fun facts about me are that I played two years of tennis in high school (I was not very good) and that I was an Irish dancer for around 7 years. I think these past couple years I’ve fallen out of touch with nature so I’m super excited to spend time at camp away from my phone and exploring the outdoors once again.

Erika Curtin (right)

Hi everyone! I’m Erika and I’m from Wisconsin! I’m a sophomore at Arizona State University and I’m studying Industrial Engineering. This will be my first time at Sanborn and I’m super excited!! Here are a couple of fun facts about me!

  • I was actually born in London but moved tothe US before I even turned one - My absolute dream is to open a surf shop in Hawaii (I may not be able to teach people how to surf but I made a fire playlist and that’s really all you need)
  • I grew up playing tennis and soccer but I just joined the club rowing team at ASU and it’s so fun!!

I’m so excited to go on all kinds of trips, play fun games, sing around the campfires, and stargaze at camp! I can’t wait to meet everyone this summer!

Cedar Lodge West

Jazmariah Morris-Moore (middle)

Hi there! My name is Jazmariah, and here’s a bit about me! I come from a small town in Ohio, and I went to the University of Akron. Majored in special education, but I am no longer in school so I spend my time traveling to all the places I can! I have the best little puppy named Milo, 2 beautiful nieces, and 2 little nephews on the way! I’m so excited to meet all the kids, and can’t wait to see all the beautiful views those Colorado mountains have to offer!

Lily Shelley (bottom)

Hey there! I’m Lily Shelley, a student at Binghamton University, studying Environmental Science. When I’m not hitting the books, you can find me working at the barn, taking care of horses and training them. I’m also pumped to be the team captain for BU Running Club next year! Fun fact: I have an obsession with rock music, pickles, and collecting fun socks. This summer at camp, I can’t wait to hit the trails for some epic hikes, challenge myself with climbing, and most importantly, meet cool new people! Let’s make some unforgettable memories in the great outdoors!

Chloe Wernher (top)

Hello! My name is Chloe Wernher and I have attended camp for four years, but this is the first year I’ll be on staff! I am a student at the University of Redlands in California and am studying Computer Science as my major. Some hobbies of mine include painting and drawing, skiing, photography, swimming, and going to the gym. I’m super excited to meet all the campers and share some of the same experiences I had when I was a camper!

Cedar Lodge East

Anabelle Worshaw (center)

Sup! My name is Anabelle Worsham, and I attended camp for one summer. I am super stoked for my first summer as staff! I recently graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s in Science in Kinesiology emphasis is fitness specialty. When I am not studying, I am out with the competitive ski team in the winter or in the summer; I am backpacking with my dog Dakota or surfing! I am so excited to meet everyone and make some memories!

Liz Crawford (right)

I’m Liz, and this will be my very first summer at camp! I go to Middlebury College in Vermont where I’m a Psychology major. I am from the ‘sprawling metropolis’ of Burlington, VT, so I will finally be branching out from my east coast loyalism. I play ultimate frisbee for Midd (DIII 2x Nat’l Champs) and have been experimenting with pottery and rock climbing recently. I am super excited to be live and experience a new place!

Ella Roe (right center)

Hi! My name is Ella Roe and I am so excited to be at camp this summer! This will be my 6th summer at Sanborn and first summer on staff! I am from Bozeman, Montana but I go to school at Colorado College where I am studying Sociology. When I’m not in class or doing homework, I love to play lacrosse (I am on the lacrosse team at CC), hike, lay in the sun, and ski. As much as I love being outside, I’m always up for a fun movie night with friends too! This summer, I’m super excited to meet new people and spend a ton of time outside! Excited to meet you all!

Crystal Palace East

Macy Lenehan (center)

Howdy! I’m Macy Lenehan and I attended camp for 6 summers as a camper (it would’ve been 7 but covid…). I’m excited to live out my first summer on staff. I’m a Drama major at NYU Tisch, and loving every second. Besides acting, I love baking yummy treats, dancing/running in the rain, and all things Taylor Swift. I can’t wait to get to know all of my stellar colleagues and campers, and hopefully find some fellow Swifties in the mountains :)

Maggie Percival (left)

Hi there! My name is Maggie Percival and this will be my very first summer at Sanborn Western Camp! I am a 2020 graduate from the University of Oklahoma and got my degree in Public Relations and Nonprofit Organizational Management. 2020 was quite the year to begin post grad life so I have had an interesting and fun collection of careers thus far. I began as a local Pie shop manager in Oklahoma City and Preschool Teacher. Then, moved to Orlando to work for the big boss mouse at Walt Disney World! If that wasn’t fun enough, I got my certification in ESL learning and most recently lived in Gwangju, South Korea teaching 500 wonderful middle schoolers and traveling through Asia for a year. While I wait for this summer to begin you can find me as little librarian substitute at my alma mater middle school. Some things that make me, me is I am a longtime volleyball player, heavy coffee drinker and besides my cats, my greatest passion is trivia tournaments. I grew up going to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the summers and I am so excited to be a part of the High Trails team and getting to lead and laugh with the campers and counselors this summer. Embracing adventure is my post 2020 motto and Sanborn Western Camp seems like the perfect fit to me.

Crystal Palace West

Josie Elbsy (bottom right)

Hello my name is Josie Elsby and this is my first summer at Sanborn Western Camps. I’m currently studying Mild Interventions, Special Education at Ball State University and will be graduating next spring. When I’m not in the classroom you can find me either running or climbing! I can’t wait to work this summer with the campers in the Junior Program to help them reach their goals, grow as individuals, and find a sense of wonder.

Ana Walters (top right)

Hi everyone, I am Ana Walters. This is my first summer working at Sanborn and I am super excited to join the camp. I am currently a sophomore at Arizona State University studying Sustainability. I am on the ASU club rowing team. In the summer one of my favorite hobbies is water skiing. I am excited to work this all the campers and give them a great summer!

Sara Moreau (top left)

Hi! I’m Sara! I’m super stoked to be working at Sanborn this summer. I attended High Trails myself for 2 summers. I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota, but I currently attend Colorado College located in the Springs, about an hour from Sanborn. I’m studying Political Science and, in my free time, taking advantage of living in Colorado full-time! My favorite Sanborn memory was probably my J.C. trip when we spent a couple of days exploring the Colorado Sand dunes and, right after, summited Mt. Princeton! This summer, I’m most excited to connect with all my campers and share my love for nature with them!

Kinnikinnik East

Dacoda Ott (left)

Hi my name is Dacoda! This is my first summer working at Sanborn and I’m so excited to get started. I’m currently a senior at Towson University majoring in Early Childhood and Special Education. I’ve been camping and backpacking since I was a kid and have recently gotten into rock climbing in the past two years. I love music and doing art as well. This summer I’m really looking forward to creating with campers and other counselors and connecting with nature.

Inez Johnson (right)

Hi everybody! My name is Inez and this will be my tenth (!) summer at camp. The nine summers I spent at High Trails as a camper were the best summers of my life, and I’m so excited to be back in Colorado. I’m a rising junior at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, where I’m studying Politics and Sociology with a minor in Spanish, and also run cross country and track. I’m ready to switch out circles around a track for mountain climbs for the summer! At school, when I’m not in the library or running, I’m probably listening to/dancing to Taylor Swift, so I’m very excited to bust a move at dance parties this summer. I can’t wait for mountain climbs, crazy costumes, marshmallow baseball, watching sunsets, and most importantly, meeting everyone at camp!

Penelope Casper (center)

Hey there! My name is Penelope and I’m from Minneapolis, MN. I’ve been going to camp since I could tie some pretty good water balloons! (I was the water balloon master when I was 8). I’m currently studying Mechanical Engineering at Marquette University with the hopes of working on aircraft or spacecraft! I really enjoy fishing in rivers and streams and stargazing with my telescope! I’m pumped to get outside in the mountains this summer and make an awesome experience for campers!

Kinnikinnik West

Camille Duff (bottom)

Hi everyone, I’m Camille! I’m from Fort Wayne, IN. I graduated from Indiana University in December with a degree in Advertising & Marketing. In my free time you can find me cooking a new recipe, going out on runs, waitressing at a local brewery, or snuggled in my bed with a novel in hand. This will be my second year on staff and I am sooo pumped to be back! I’ve missed the mountains, fresh baked desserts, dancing in the cabin, and most importantly…all of the amazing people that make Sanborn so special. Can’t wait for this season with you all :)

Kayla Wolfe (top)

Hi! I’m Kayla Wolfe, I am a Colorado native and a Junior at Colorado State University studying Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering. This will be my first year on staff but I was a camper at Sanborn for 7 years. I am a houseplant collector, friendship bracelet maker and I can’t wait to connect with nature, while making a difference here at Sanborn this summer!

Kylie Sievert (middle)

Hi I’m Kylie and I am from Orlando Florida. I am currently finishing up my Freshman year in college at Valencia. I am working to get my Bachelor’s in Wildlife Biology. I am very excited for this summer, to meet new people and adventure in Colorado. I can’t wait to see Colorado and get to spend a good amount of time in nature. Some fun facts about me

  • I love to read and have read the entire Harry Potter series
  • I am at the beach about every weekend
  • I also am a huge animal lover, I have a German shepherd and an Australian shepherd mixed with a Pit bull.

Columbine East

Emery Scott (center)

Hi! My name is Emery Scott and I’m a born and raised mountain girl. I went to Sanborn for nine years when I was younger and am more than excited to be coming back as a counselor for the first time. I currently live in New York City studying musical theater which has given me lots of opportunities to experience the world in a whole new way. I am so excited to return to my home state of Colorado and work towards creating a unique and joy-filled summer. I am most looking forward to creating some cool new activities, getting to know my girls, and building some lifelong memories!

Grace McRoberts (left)

Hello! My name is Grace and this will be my first time ever at Camp! I am currently attending Purdue University and acquiring a Bachelors in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and minoring in Environmental Engineering. I prioritize being outside as much as possible so you can commonly find me polishing up my volleyball and frisbee skills with my IM teammates. I also love to get the creative juices flowing by painting outside when the weather allows, and running around campus (this is more a warm weather activity, so it hasn’t been done since last semester). My main fun fact is that instead of high school, I sailed halfway around the world with my family on a sailboat! During this time I became scuba certified and picked up some ukulele skills, as well as hiking some pretty cool spots around the world. I am very excited to be in the outdoors again, and learn many new skills! Specifically horse backing, and film photography, but all of the activities provided at camp are activities I can’t wait to experience!

Joy Mestres (right)

Hello everyone! My full name is Evelyne Joy Mestres, but I go by Joy to make pronunciation easier for everyone. This summer is my first time coming to camp, and I cannot wait to see what challenges and adventures come my way! Fun facts about me

  • I am a full-time college student,and I study Architecture/Interior Design in the hopes of bringing nature into our urban spaces.
  • I love all sorts of animals; I have one goldfish named Chad, and he’s actually black, not gold.
  • I was born and raised in France; yes, I am French! I can’t wait to meet everyone at camp!

Columbine West

Katie Hall (right)

Hello! I am Katie. This is my first time being a camp counselor. I am currently going to school for social work at CSU (Colorado State University). I absolutely love the outdoors, last summer I hiked 170 miles of the Colorado trail alone, I have lived in Colorado my whole life, and I have been working as a server at a greek restaurant for the past 4 year but I am super excited to be working as a camp counselor!

Julia Drier (left)

Hi! My name is Julia Drier, and this will be my first summer at camp! I am from Muskegon Michigan but go to school in Indiana at Anderson University. I am a Biology major and will be a sophomore in the fall. Some fun facts about me are that I am on the soccer and track team at Anderson. I am a craft root beer connoisseur (My favorite). I grew up on Lake Michigan so I love the water. I’m so excited to be with the campers this summer and have a great time. I can’t wait to see what we do this summer and how everyone grows!

Gold Hut East

Senny Farthy (top)

Hi! My name is Seneca Farhy but most people just call me Senny. I was a camper at Sanborn for 6 summers– 7 if not for covid:(. I currently go to Fordham University in New York City and I’m Journalism major on the Pre-Law track. A few fun facts about me are that I am a twin (I have a twin brother), my mom is from Denmark so I can speak Danish, and I love concerts (I have been to 14 since my senior year of high school). Some activities that I’m excited to do this summer at camp are climb mountains, rock climb, and mountain bike but I’m also just super pumped to be back at my favorite place and make new friends!

Catherine Oordt (bottom)

Hello I am Catherine! I am SO excited to be coming back to Sanborn for my second year on staff. Although I didn’t attend Sanborn as a camper I went to a week long camp in Maryland growing up and absolutely love the camp atmosphere. I currently live in Texas attending UT Austin. I will be entering my Junior year at the end of the summer and I am studying to become an Elementary school teacher! Some fun facts about me are that I am currently preparing to bike from Austin to Alaska all 4500+ with Texas 4000. I have moved 9 times before because my dad was in the Air Force, and I can juggle mediocrely and am proud of it! I cant wait, it’s going to be a great summer!!

EJ Helfer (middle)

Hello, y’all! My name is EJ Helfer, and this will be my first time at camp! I am absolutely “bouncing-off-the-walls” with excitement for the upcoming summer months! Originally, I am from all over due to my dad being in the Coast Guard, and have lived in places like Alaska, Washington, California, Michigan, and South Dakota. My current residence is North Carolina, where I am attending Western Carolina University in pursuit of a nursing degree. At camp, I cannot wait to facilitate memorable outdoor experiences for my campers, sing songs around the campfire, and explore the beautiful Colorado mountains. A couple of fun facts about me

  • I LIVE for the outdoors and you will either find me running a river on a releaseday, hiking a mountain trail, climbing some crazy rock feature, backpacking in a forest, meditating near a stream, or cowboy camping under the stars -I own a cat named Maverick who is both very small, a cuddle bug, and an asthmatic (I also have a history of asthma-exercised- induced-so you could say like mother like son)
  • I have a dream to travel across the country by means of travel nursing, exploring wild and untamed places as I go.

Gold Hut West

Ava Corgiat (top)

Hello everyone my name is Ava Corgiat and this will be my first year at camp! I am going to Sacramento State and I am majoring in Political Science with a minor in Geography. I currently work as a lifeguard and as basketball league administrator. Some fun facts about me is that I love to go the gym and mountain bike. I love to scuba dive and I recently went on a trip to Honduras to see the second largest barrier reef in the world. I am the oldest of 5 and I have 4 younger brothers who are all my best friends. This summer I am super excited to mountain bike and just be outside everyday at camp and making the best memories!

Ella Siblik (bottom)

Hi! My name is Ella Siblik and this is my second summer working at Sanborn. I finished up an associates degree this past fall and am working towards a bachelors degree in Environmental Studies at Northern Illinois University starting this upcoming fall. I took a semester off this spring to volunteer with ACE (American Conservation Experience). I’ve spent the last few months building and maintaining hiking trails, removing invasive plants, and exploring new parts of the country. I’m grateful that my experience at Sanborn last summer encouraged me to embark on this adventure! In my free time I love to read, practice yoga, be outside, and play guitar (I’m in the process of teaching myself). I am so excited to be back at camp this summer especially to lead backpacking trips and feel the welcoming community atmosphere that flows throughout High Trails again.

Abby Burnham (middle)

Hi everyone! My name is Abby Burnham. This will be my 9th summer at Sanborn, but my first summer as a staff member! I am so excited to be an AC and get to know all of the lovely people at camp this year. I am a current first-year at Colorado College (which is located in Colorado Springs, so not too far from Sanborn!). I’m undecided on my major as of right now, but I’m interested in pursuing something in math and Spanish. At CC, I love to go on cool hikes, have dance parties, and especially play basketball whenever I can. A few fun facts about me are

  • I love to read, so definitely come chat with me about book recommendations or if you just want to talk about the entire Harry Potter series
  • My favorite camp meal has to be the chicken nuggets and pasta salad dinner. It’s a crowd favorite for sure. But if we’re talking about backcountry meals, I’ll definitely go with the classic Pad Thai. It never misses
  • I love to geocache. For those who don’t know what that is, it’s basically a treasure hunt outside! How cool is that?? It is one of my favorite things to do and I get to be outside at the same time! That’s just a bit about me. I can’t wait to meet all of you and get to know you all so soon!

Aspen

Gracie McDevitt (right center)

Hi y’all! My name is Gracie and I’m a rising senior at Middlebury College in Vermont where I study Neuroscience and Global Health. I’m originally from Connecticut, but I’ve loved getting to explore Vermont for the past three years. On campus, I dance and choreograph for my school’s dance troupe so I’m pretty pumped to bust out some moves on the camp dance floor. I also just returned from studying abroad in Copenhagen this semester and got to visit 11 new countries! I was a camper at High Trails and this will be my second summer on staff, so I am absolutely stoked to be back! I’m especially excited for some 14er summits, horse trips, and, of course, camp coffee cake. Most of all, I can’t wait to meet you all in just a few weeks!

Katelyn Cowles (far left)

Hi!! My name is Katelyn and I was a camper at Sanborn for 6 years until my JC year. I graduated Western Washington University with my major in Environmental Studies and minor in Environmental Education. Since I graduated, I started working at an outdoor environmental education school for 5th graders. My favorite classes to teach are forest investigation because I get to see kids explore and notice things about nature that they may not have experienced before! I also love my squid dissection and zip lining class! Getting to see kids in that growth zone where they try something new or maybe a little scary in a safe and fun environment is amazing! Some fun facts about my are: I’m always down for a dance party!! Livens up any mood and I’ll always have some ridiculous dance moves. I’m an animal lover and volunteered at a therapeutic riding center during my time at university! I also truly love any activity that involves water! I grew up next to the ocean and love looking for all those beautifully funky marine creatures! This summer I’m most excited for river rafting!!

Delaney Nigma (far right)

Hello everyone! I am Delaney Nigma (she/her) and I am from Portland, Oregon. I am majoring in Kinesiology on a Pre-Physical Therapy track with minors in Japanese and Psychology at Pacific University. This will be my first time at Sanborn and I have been counting down the days since I got the gig, I could not be more stoked!! After getting back from my semester abroad in Japan this Fall, I have spent this term working at a children’s hospital doing physical therapy with kids with cerebral palsy, and have loved every second. I am beyond excited to get to camp, unplug and get into nature. I cannot wait to meet you all soon!

Mad Rowley (center left)

Hey! I’m Mad and I’m SO stoked to be your counselor in Aspen this summer- we’re going to have a blast!! I’m from Kansas and attend the University of Kansas in Lawrence and study political science (something I’m so passionate about)! This is my second year on staff here at Sanborn and it feels so great to be back in the place and community I can call home. Get ready for a BIG welcome and a busy summer because this will be one to remember! :)

Ridge Leaders

Simms Ehrlich (second from right)

Hi y’all! My name is Simms, and I’m from Austin, Texas. I graduated in May with a B.A. in Human Dimensions of Organizations from The University of Texas at Austin. After the summer, I’m moving to Madrid, Spain for a year to teach English at a primary school and travel! I grew up going to camp, and this will be my third summer on staff. I can’t wait to sleep under the stars, climb mountains, make new friends and reconnect with old ones, dress up in silly costumes, and eat a million bagel sammies and chippy dippy bars. I can’t wait for another summer in my favorite place, and I’m so excited to meet all of y’all so soon!

Jade Perry (second from left)

Hi, my name is Jade Perry! I am from a smaller town in Maine, but I recently graduated in May 2023 from Babson College with a Business Degree and two concentrations in Environmental Sustainability and Retail Supply Chain. I work as a photographer for the athletic department taking photos and videos of all sports. This will be my second summer at Sanborn and I could not be more excited! Some of my favorite activities are taking my hammock outside and hanging out with my friends. Another couple of my favorite things are reading a good book, going rock climbing, going on a hike, or just being active. I love to challenge myself and try new things and I cannot wait to do that again this summer at camp! I am most excited about being a part of the camper’s exciting big and small moments. I’m also excited to spend more nights under the stars and creating friendships that will last a lifetime!

Paige Bryan (far left)

Hello! My name is Paige and this will be my second summer at High Trails. I am originally from Daytona Beach, FL but over the past five years I have moved around the U.S. and even abroad. I attended Wake Forest University where I majored in Biology and minored in Studio Art. Since graduating in May of 2022, I have worked with youth in the outdoors in many different capacities and it all started with High Trails. This past year I have worked in environmental education, challenge course facilitation, and even as a ski instructor. I am very passionate about inspiring a sense of wonder and demonstrating that the outdoors is a space where everyone is welcome. I am most excited to meet and help guide your campers on their adventures this summer.

Katie Hayes (far right)

Hey everyone! My name is Katie Hayes and I am elated to be back at Sanborn this summer as the Junior Ridge Leader! I grew up attending Sanborn as a camper and was last a counselor for Cedar Lodge in the summer of 2021. From the time I have spent out in the Rockies, I am so lucky to call Colorado a second home. I am native to Atlanta, Georgia, but have spent my past four college years in Winston Salem, North Carolina at Wake Forest University. I recently graduated with my B.A in Communications and have minors in Bioethics, Humanities, & Medicine, and Health & Human Services, I look forward to pursuing my master’s in Communication Sciences at the University of Vienna this upcoming fall. In my free time you can find me spending time outdoors whether it’s going for a walk, playing tennis, or fishing with friends, reading, listening to music, spending time with my cat Milo, or attempting a new recipe (I can make a phenomenal banana bread courtesy to the Covid-lockdown). Some fun facts about me are:

  • My favorite color is green
  • I am currently learning how to speak Romanian
  • I rescued my cat and the rest of his litter when they were just 2 weeks old, and I have been slowly but surely transforming into a cat person ever since

Rachael Boyce (center)

Hi! My name is Rachael (she/her) and I’m from Charlotte, North Carolina. I graduated from Wake Forest University this May with a degree in Business & Enterprise Management and minors in Studio Art and Global Trade and Commerce studies. This will be my second summer on staff at Sanborn, and I am beyond excited to be back! Some fun facts about me: I play ultimate frisbee at Wake and love all team sports. I’ll be working full time in Austin, TX after camp, and one of my favorite things to do is go wakesurfing! I can’t wait for family style meals in the lodge and all of the laughs and new experiences camp brings. Sanborn is such a special place, and I look forward to meeting y’all!!

Coordinators

Mariah Edgecomb- Arts & Crafts Coordinator (center right)

My name is Mariah Edgecomb, this will be my first year at High Trails! I attended camp growing up but am so excited to be the arts and crafts coordinator this summer. I lived in Portland, Oregon my entire life and attended Oregon State University. I moved to Denver last spring as I absolutely love the sunshine, mountains and all that Colorado has to offer. I am a teacher during the school year, so I am looking forward to getting outside and enjoying some fresh air. I absolutely love working with kids, and creating excitement while learning or trying new things. I mostly have worked with traditional crafting mediums and look forward to exploring new projects with campers this summer!

Nelly Alger- Outcamp Coordinator (second from right)

Hi I’m Nelly! I just graduated from Gonzaga University and this will be my first summer ever at Sanborn where I will be the outcamp coordinator at High Trails. I make it a goal for myself to not forget every day to take a minute to look up.trees and clouds are very important, and there is always something to see. I am fluent in Spanish and am trying to learn sign language because I think it would be so useful for everyday life. I have memorized 150 digits of pi, I am good at admitting when I’m wrong, and I love cards and board games. I have always loved being outdoors and the thing I am most excited for this summer is to live and share that passion every day with new friends. Some things I really really love:

  • looking out of the window of an airplane, living in the present
  • singing in the car and the shower
  • dinosaurs, and skateboards (I happen to have a tattoo of a dinosaur riding a skateboard).

Will Marquardt- Climbing Coordinator (laying across)

Hi, my name is Will and I am going to be the climbing coordinator this summer. This will be my third summer at Sanborn and I couldn’t be more excited to be here. I have been climbing for ten years and feel incredibly fortunate to fill this role at Sanborn. When I’m not at camp I’m a full-time student at Colorado State University studying sports medicine. If I’m not in class I am probably climbing outside or somewhere in the west competing for the Colorado State University Climbing Team. I’m incredibly excited for the summer to start and to get people climbing outside!

Jacy Werning- Media Coordinator (center)

Hey y’all, my name is Jacy Werning- but you can call me Goose! This will be my second summer at camp- you may remember me as ‘The TikTok Girl’ from last summer, I’ll be back again to film all of your silly, exciting, and adventurous moments! Make sure to follow @sanbornwesterncamps on all social medias! I go to a small school in Iowa called Wartburg College, I am double majoring in Graphic Design and Public Relations! When I am not at school, I love to take photos, climb rock walls, and pet dogs! My favorite part of camp is meeting some of the coolest campers on the planet, and getting the opportunity to capture their personalities via media. I cannot wait to capture your adventures this summer and get to know all of your silly personalities! See you soon!! -Goose

Tully Sandbom- Junior Program Coordinator (second from left)

Hello everyone! My name is Tully and I’m from way up north in Anchorage, Alaska! Technically, this will be my 5th year on staff, but it’s been quite a few years since my last summer at camp because I’ve been teaching 5th grade for the last 4 years. Needless to say, I am ECSTATIC to be coming back to camp to spend another glorious summer with all of you! I earned my Bachelor degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alaska and have gained a ton of awesome experience in the classroom that I am excited to bring to camp this summer. Some fun facts about me are I still have a baby tooth because my adult tooth never grew in (I think it’s shy), I can do a REALLY good Yoshi impression, and I love singing (even though I don’t have the greatest voice- that doesn’t stop me!). I am so excited to just be back at camp, surrounded by nature and the most incredible people on the face of the Earth. I can’t wait to go hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Woohoo!!

Jordan Peak- Kitchen Coordinator (far right)

Hey y’all! My name is Jordan and I am also one of this summer’s wranglers. I was born and raised in Colorado Springs and have remained in Colorado since graduating high school. I attended the University of Colorado Boulder and graduated with a degree in physiology and public health. I am fairly new in the summer scene at Sanborn, but feel right at home at High Trails having worked this last fall as an outdoor education instructor. Currently, I am a middle school science teacher in Cripple Creek, just a short drive from my Sanborn family year round! This summer, I look forward to remaining in the sunshine, mountains, and around the people who love to explore them!

Shruti Jadala- Photographer (far left)

Hi! My name is Shruti (she/her), I’m 22 years old from Loxahatchee, Florida. I graduated with my BA in International Studies and Anthropology this past August. After graduation I dedicated a gap year to traveling and exploring the world — some of the countries I’ve been to this past year include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico, and Brazil! I’ve been to a total of 26 countries and speak 4 languages (can officially call myself a polyglot)! I’m a beach girl at heart and feel the happiest being in nature. I’m passionate about sustainable development & policy and it is a field I hope to work within in the future. I’m so excited to be the photographer at High Trails this year and I can’t wait to help capture the beauty and essence of this camp! :)

Nurses

Lou Arnold

My name is Lou. This is my first summer at camp! I am 23 years old and live in West Tennessee. I went to Jackson State Community College and work as a registered nurse. My favorite musical artist is Taylor Swift! On the weekends at home I enjoy exploring in my 4-runner and playing with my golden retrievers. This summer I am excited to spend time enjoying nature!

Shannon Croghan

Hello! My name is Shannon Croghan! I am so excited to join everyone in this wonderful camp experience! This will be my first summer at Sanborn, but I did attend a summer camp when I was in elementary and middle school. I went to St. Vincent St. Mary High school in Akron, Ohio and I went to Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I have a bachelor’s degree in Nursing and I have worked as a bedside nurse in the NICU for the last year and a half. In my free time I enjoy reading, going to concerts and cheering on Ohio sports teams and Tottenham Hotspur English football team. I have been to 100+ concerts. I listen to nearly every genre of music. Some of my favorites artists include:Fall Out Boy, The Story so Far, Oasis, The Cure, and The Smiths. I love traveling and I have traveled to 7 countries so far! I am a vegetarian and I have a strong passion for the environment and environmental protection. I love animals and I currently have a pitbull named Tank and a cat named Bowie. I am looking forward to going on hikes and spending time with wonderful staff and campers. I look forward to meeting everyone!

Allysa DeMarco

Hello! My name is Allysa DeMarco (she/her) and this is my first summer at camp and I am so excited to experience all this summer has to offer. By the time you are reading this I will have just graduated from Geneva College in Beaverfalls Pennsylvania with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I have been a Registered Nurse for almost a year with my clinical experience being mainly in the NICU. I’m a big animal lover and have had pretty much every furry friend you can get at a pet store. In my free time I like to be outside, reading a good book, or enjoying some good food with friends. This summer I am excited to experience life unplugged from technology and find community with nature, coworkers, and Sanborn’s notoriously awesome campers!

Wranglers

Sarah Bloom (second from right)

I came to Sanborn in 2017. Before that I worked as a Vet Tech with large and small animals for 9 years. I’m a Colorado native who had the opportunity at a young age to ride at Sanborn, learn all the property and explore the surrounding areas. I grew up with the love of horses, trained horses and rode everyday. In 2020 I became the Riding Program Director. I have two boys and two dogs that I loves to go on adventures with.

Taylor Indrebo (center)

Hi, I’m Taylor! I am the Herd Manager for the Sanborn Ranch. I’ve spent about 6 summers here at camp on staff, more or less. I went to school in Santa Rosa, California and also went to Western State here in Colorado. Got myself a degree in Equine Science and a degree in Recreation and Outdoor Education with an Emphasis in Outdoor Leadership. I’ve been here at camp these last couple of years managing and tending to our herds. Love me some horses! Can’t wait for our bustling camp community to return and to get lots of company down at the barn. Especially looking forward to all the fun of getting out on some trail rides and horse packing trips with y’all! Got my boots on, lets ride!

Anna Gordon (second from left)

Hello, my name is Anna! This will be my 5th season working for Sanborn. Two seasons as a field instructor at HTOEC and three at Sanborn Western Camps. Youth development is something I’m deeply passionate about. I have spent over eight years working with children and teens (k-12th). Seven of those eight years was spent working as a librarian assistant at a junior high in southern Colorado Springs. The time I spent in public education was humbling; however, I wanted to expand my horizons from the “traditional classroom” setting. I found these unconventional classrooms from my time as a camp counselor, and wrangler. Each season, I find a renewal of community, compassion, and sense of wonder. I am beyond excited to be a wrangler again for the summer 2023 season!

Liz Goldcamp (far left)

Hi, I’m Liz but many people call me by my nickname “Lizzy G”. I was a camper for 5 summers growing up and I am so thrilled to be back at Sanborn. I am currently a sophomore at Augustana College studying Accounting and Graphic design. I love being active and I am on my college’s lacrosse team. I also workout a lot and love pushing myself physically. I’m a vegetarian and obsessed with vegan Dino nuggets. I’m really excited to be back at the barn this summer and to re-immerse myself into a joyful community of women at hightrails.

Jenny Peck (far right)

I first started as a counselor at High Trails in 2008. After two years as a counselor, I became a wrangler. I led trail rides and pack trips for the older campers, then transitioned into helping the Juniors, our youngest campers, learn how to ride. I’ve also spent several seasons as an instructor at High Trails Outdoor Education Center. I graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. I also taught for nine years at Guffey Community Charter School as both the K-2 teacher and the middle school teacher.

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Jacy Werning
About Jacy Werning

Jacy started her time at Sanborn in the summer of 2022. She spent the summer of 2022 as a junior counselor, and a social media intern. She returned in summer 2023 to fill the role of Media Director. She can be found anywhere on property, snapping some photos, making a TikTok, or even riding a horse! Jacy grew up in Iowa and attends college at Wartburg College, a small Liberal Arts college in Northeastern Iowa. She is studying Graphic Design and Public Relations. When not studying- she can be found climbing, teaching swim lessons, and running around with her golden retriever, Maverick.