BIG SPRING STAFF 2025

We are so excited to introduce the Big Spring Staff of 2025! Our staff is in the middle of a 10-day staff training and we cannot wait for the campers to arrive soon. Keep reading to learn more about us before you arrive!

Carson Olson

Hello my name is Carson Olson and this is my first summer coming to Sanborn Camp! I got to school at Black Hills State University and I am studying Photography! I been up to hiking and exploring and taking my camera with me everywhere I go! And spending time with my family. A few fun facts about me is that I love Photography and I love people and I love the darkroom. I also love my family alot especially my dog and I am a very passionate person. What I am most excited for this summer is getting to meet all these new people and to enjoy a completely different new area and a new place! I am so excited to meet and cherish the new friendships I make at Camp! And definitely the Hiking and backpacking trips!!! I am also most excited for all the new experiences and I can’t wait to experience them with you!

Joe Kelly

Hi! My name is Joe. This will be my first Summer at camp after falling in love with the land and people here as an outdoor educator in the Spring season. I grew up in Massachusetts and went to Colgate University in upstate New York. I moved out to Colorado about 7 years ago in search of a life that prioritized time in the outdoors. I am passionate about connecting people to the wonder and enchantment of the natural world. I’ve trained and worked as a nature-based mindfulness teacher with the Awake in the Wild organization. And I’ve used these skills to help people listen to the deeper currents of the world around them. I also love storytelling, movement, imaginative play and dance.

Michael Milewski

Hey my name is Michael and I’m coming all the way from New Jersey for camp this year! This will be my first time at Sanborn but I have been lucky enough to visit Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana before. Right now I am finishing up my freshman year at Mercer County College in New Jersey where I study architecture. But outside of school I spend my time playing guitar, going on hikes with my friends, and keeping up with just about any sport. I really hope I’m not the only Cowboys fan this summer! I cannot wait to get the chance to camp outdoors!

Brandon Burditt

Hello Sanborn Family! My name is Brandon Burditt and I am positively ecstatic to be a camp counselor this summer! This will be my first season over at Big Spring and I can’t wait to go horseback riding and camping. A proud graduate of the University of Illinois, I am also a professional actor playing crazy characters like a time traveler and a bossy king and a heroic swordsman. This summer is going to be all about fun fun fun and I can’t wait to see how their relationship with nature grows through the overnight camping trips and our arts and crafts. So excited to meet you all, see you soon!

Landon Morse

This summer will be my first experience as a camp counselor. I am an art student at Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. My primary interest is metal art and sculptures. Outdoors I enjoy hiking and scrambling rocks. I am looking forward to hitting the trails around camp. I also have a fondness for reptiles and amphibians. At home I have a pet axolotl. My personality is chill and I am adept at getting along with a wide variety of personalities. I enjoy most board games, am a good chess player.

Levi DeAngelis

I’m Levi. I was a camper at Sanborn for six years. I grew up and went to highschool in Oklahoma. After graduating I relocated to Italy. This past year I have been traveling the world while taking my gap year. I have been to Europe, Japan and Australia so far. I’m very excited for this summer and excited for our hiking adventures! Let’s have the best summer and create unforgettable memories!

Brandon Elston

Hello everyone! I’m originally from a town of 500 people called Watonga, Oklahoma. When I was 6 I moved to Arkansas, where I spent most summers playing hide and seek at grandmothers house with my 26 cousins–so I am excited to be back in a fun, game playing summer community! I’m looking forward to digging for fossils and going to the river for some tubing adventures. Can’t wait to meet everyone and to have a great summer!

Jay Bradley

Well hello there soon to be friends and family my name is Javien but I go by Jay or red because of the color of my natural hair. This is my will be my first summer coming to work and just build an amazing bond with some of the returning and new camp members. So a little about myself is I attend LSUE and I went for graphic and digital arts design but I unfortunately didn’t finish because in my eyes I wasn’t getting taught hat I wanted right away so I started to learn it on my own. Now I make YouTube vlogs and study day trading. Finally I am a very outgoing and creative artist because I sing and draw and I’m also very competitive when it comes to sports but with all of that being said I’m just ready and excited to come and meet all the new faces I can’t wait.

Joseph Cuenco

Hi everyone! My name is Joseph, and I’m psyched to say this will be my first summer at Sanborn. I’m currently in my last semester studying Computer Science at the University of Florida. Before I spend the rest of my life behind a computer, I wanted to do something new and fun which has led me to this camp! My favorite things to do are rock climbing and skiing and I’m very excited to just be outside at camp!

Theo Yar (Not Pictured)

Hello, Big Spring! I was a Sanborn camper for 9 summers and this is my first year on staff and I am VERY excited to be an AC! I am a freshman at University of Chicago and I am studying Psychology and Economics. At camp, I have always loved the hiking and backpacking trips (I love climbing 14ers!) and I also love rock climbing and rock scrambling. You can also find me in Big Deal Hall in our woodworking area–I have worked construction and like building things with my hands. It is going to be an amazing summer!

Sebastian Villar

Hi! I’m Sebastian Villar, and this will be my third summer at camp, but my first time as a counselor and I couldn’t be more excited! I’m from Mexico and currently studying Business Engineering at Universidad Iberoamericana. A few fun things about me: I play on my university’s soccer team, and I learned English during my exchange year in Canada, so I love meeting people from different places and cultures. I’m really looking forward to being back at Sanborn after two summers away. I’ve missed the energy, the community, and all the amazing activities. Whether it’s hiking, playing games with campers, or just enjoying nature, I can’t wait to jump back into the adventure.

Steve Crosby

Hey, I’m Steve.

I’m the kind of person who feels most alive with a backpack on, boots muddy, and no real plan except to explore. I love camping, hiking, and pretty much anything that gets me outside and into something new. Whether it’s a trail I’ve never walked or a spontaneous weekend trip, if it sounds fun, I’m in.

Lately, I’ve been learning another language—not just for the challenge, but because I want to connect with people around the world in their own words. That’s the dream, really: to travel, see new places, meet new people, and create memories that stick with me forever.

I’m always chasing something meaningful, but I also believe in enjoying the little moments along the way. Life’s too short to stay still for too long.

Donald Derisse (not pictured)

Hello! For as long as I can remember I have had a passion for teaching and working with children. I have worked in settings such as community centers, in schools, in clinics, and in homes as a registered behavioral therapist. Most recently I worked at the Pali Institute in California, serving as an outdoor education instructor. I can’t wait to try all of the new activities and trips available at Sanborn this summer!

Nathan Barrett

Hi! I’m Nathan Barrett, but you can call me DJ Dive. This is my second summer at Sanborn, and I’m excited to be back! I’m a DJ and music producer, which means I spend a lot of time curating sets and creating music to get people moving. I’ve even had the chance to DJ at huge events like Burning Man, and I co-lead a Burning Man camp, which is always an adventure.

When I’m not behind the decks, you’ll find me in the great outdoors. I’m passionate about hiking, backpacking, and just getting out into nature, which makes Sanborn a perfect fit for me. I’m looking forward to playing camp games, helping the kids have an awesome time, and exploring the trails with them this summer.

Fun fact: I’ve got a knack for reading the room—whether it’s a dance floor or a camp group, I can sense the vibe and know how to keep the energy flowing. And I might just bring a little music magic to camp activities, who knows? Can’t wait to meet everyone and make this summer unforgettable!

Axel Armenta

HI, everyone! My name is Yahel Axel Armenta Rivera, and I am thrilled to be joining the camp family this summer as a first-time counselor. I’m originally from Mexico and the youngest of three siblings—my family means the world to me. They have always been my biggest supporters, and I cherish every moment we spend together. I firmly believe that God is first in every moment, and this motto guides me in everything I do. I’m a polyglot, which means I love languages and enjoy connecting with people from different cultures. When I’m not busy with my studies, you can find me enjoying sports, singing, and dancing to all kinds of music. I also have a love for reading books and often jot down my thoughts or crafting songs. Creativity fuels my spirit, and I’m excited to bring that energy to camp this summer! This summer at camp, I’m most excited about creating fun memories with all the campers, leading exciting activities, and hopefully discovering new talents along the way. I can’t wait to share laughter, stories, and adventures with everyone! Well then, the real question is … Are you up for the challenge?

Jackson Rossi

My name is Jackson Rossi and this is going to by my first at Sanborn Camps! I am a Freshman the University of Arkansas starting this fall. I absolutely love the outdoors and everything nature and I cannot wait to show our new campers how amazing this experience will be for them. I am most excited to get to know the campers I’ll be watching over, and give them the most exhilarating outdoor experience of a lifetime!

Ben Fernandez

Hey, my name is Ben Fernandez and I first attended camp as an ABC counselor this past summer. I just graduated with a bachelors in both Communication as well as Nonprofit, Park & Recreation Administration. Recently, I relocated from Nashville, TN to Winter Park, CO. I love to snowboard and be outdoors. I chose to return to camp for summer 2025 in search of my best self. I love motivating campers to try new things. Last year I had many firsts. Backpacking, climbing 14ers, mountain biking, rock climbing and learning the basics of outdoor education. I want to continue to grow Sanborns educational, positive and exciting atmosphere by providing excellent leadership skills as well as help campers discover what they are capable of! I like inspiring others as well as learning along with them. I am so excited for this summer! I can’t wait to return for my second year!

Jacob Farhy

My name is Jacob and I am from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I will soon be a sophomore at Emory University where I study math and physics. I was a camper at Sanborn for six summers and loved it. Some fun facts about me are that my mother is from Denmark and I speak Danish pretty well. I also play guitar in a band when I am at school and we perform at different restaurants in Atlanta. At camp this year I am excited to rock and mountain climb, but meet new people and spend a summer in the Rocky Mountains above all.

David Howard

Hello! I’m David Howard, and I’m thrilled to join Sanborn as a camp counselor this summer! While this is my first time as a counselor, I have had wonderful memories from my time as a camper here in 2021. Sanborn is a family tradition for us. My grandmother, mom, sister, brother, and many other relatives have attended it over the years. I’m eager to create unforgettable experiences for this year’s campers. I am studying International Business and Spanish at the University of Delaware. Here are some fun facts about me: I’m an Eagle Scout, which sparked my passion for the outdoors and camping. I love collecting and playing board games and card games. I’ve lived in four states: California, Nevada, Kentucky, and Delaware. I’ve also had the chance to study abroad in Latvia, Spain, and Argentina. I’m passionate about languages and cultures, and I’m currently learning Spanish, which I’ve been studying for six years, and Russian for three years. I can’t wait to share Sanborn’s great experiences with my campers!

Owen Neuhaus

My name is Owen Neuhaus and I am from Iowa. I love working out, mma, traveling, and meeting new people. I have worked in farming, construction and landscaping. Some day I hope to have a ton of life experiences and travel to high schools and talk about them.

Sawyer Dewitt

Hey, my name is Sawyer, this is my first summer ever at Sanborn. I am a student at Oklahoma State University, I am studying for a Forest Ecology Major and a Wildlife Ecology Minor. I am an avid hiker, camper, birder, and climber. I spend my time reading and being present in the great outdoors. I love to relax out in a canoe or take in the views of a mountain. My career goals are to work in the outdoor education system and travel to see unique wonders in this extraordinary life. I am excited to help young men build self-confidence and a strong foundational love for the wild.

Dillion Kingbaum

Born, raised, and bored in Iowa. Needed to live somewhere with more opportunity to be active and adventurous and find people who wanted the same thing. Moved to Colorado at 20 and have never though about leaving.

Joey Peters

Hi, my name is Joey! I am from State College, PA, studying at Penn State University. We Are! I’ve been going to camp ever since I was in kindergarten. I have been greatly passionate about the natural world for my entire life! My very first backpacking trip was in 6th grade, and I haven’t stopped! My favorite place to camp is Canyonlands National Park. I cannot wait for this summer to hike up Mt. Massive!

Daniel Mongrain

Hi, my names Daniel and this is going to be my first year working as an Assistant Counselor at Sanborn. I’ve just recently graduated highschool and am planning on attending university in the fall. I hope to study Computer Science with a year in industry. Outside of school, I enjoy playing sports, being outdoors and working on hobby projects. I have experience in everything from welding to woodworking. I’m very excited to learn how to ride and care for horses this summer as this will be a new experience for me. I’m most excited to help lead the incredible trips we have to offer.

Jean Herard

Hi, My Name is Jean Herard. I was born and raised in Chicago IL. I’ve been doing to camp for about 3-4 summers. this will be my third year at Sanborn, first as a counselor. I’m excited to meet all the campers this summer. I hope I can share all the good time and life changing experiences that inspired me to come back as a counselor. I am currently studying film and photography at the University of Illinois at Chicago. I love to play games and racing so if any camper want to test their speed I will accept the challenge.

**Will Mitchinson (not pictured) **

Hi! My name is Will, and this will be my fourth summer at camp! During the year, I teach 2nd grade in Chicago, where I get to spend my days helping kids grow into the best versions of themselves—and having a lot of fun while doing it. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy playing basketball, ceramics, fishing, and listening to music. This summer, I’m so excited to get back to the mountains, meet new friends and catch up with old ones, explore, and be in nature. Can’t wait for all the adventures ahead!

Alex Henry

My names is Alex Henry I am from evergreen Colorado and this will be my tenth camp at Sanborn. I studied zoology at Colorado State University and I am now taking classes at Red Rocks Community college to become a certified park ranger. (If possible I would rather not have my own bio post)

Adam Lawrence

Hello everyone! My name is Adam Lawrence, and I am from a small town about twenty minutes from Gettysburg, PA. I just finished my first year at Elizabethtown College, and I intend to earn a B.S. in Engineering. I grew up playing soccer, hiking, fishing, and loving the outdoors. I am most excited to backpack these fourteen-footers, climb the mountains, and meet a whole new world of people. I also am obsessed with music. I listen to all genres, mainly rock, indie, alt, rap, folk, and soul. I also have a large record collection including my favorite albums, but not limited to Led Zeppelin, Mac DeMarco, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan. I am trying (key word trying) to learn electric guitar. Considering this would be my first time going to Colorado I am so ready to see the spectacular views that the land presents. I’m brand new to the Sanborn community but I am nonetheless excited to be a counselor. Ultimately, I am beyond blessed to be able to spend my summer here at Big Spring, hopefully giving kids the experience of a lifetime.

James Richards (Not Pictured)

Hi I’m James Richards. This will be my first summer as a camp counselor, but I was a camper for 6 yearsI am currently a sophomore at the University of Denver, and I am studying Accounting and Economics. I have a Corgi and a Yellow Lab. I am studying abroad in Thailand in the fall of 2025. I can solve a Rubiks Cube in under a minute I am really excited to do some backpacking, because I haven’t had the chance to do it in a while. I am really excited to get back to Sanborn. I have not been at camp since I was 15 years old. I am also really excited to get to know my peer counselors.

Evan Hodgson

Hi there! My name is Evan and I am so excited to be coming back to Sanborn for my second year as a counselor. I am going to school at the university of Montana for Wildlife Biology. Some things I like to do outside of the school and work are hiking in the beautiful rocky mountains, or going out looking for animals to photograph, although in the winter both of those options tend to be a bit limited. This summer I am so excited to try new things and watch the campers grow over the course of the summer!

Ryan Sanders

Hello, my name is Ryan, and this will be my first summer at camp. I am a rising Junior at Florida State University, majoring in Computer science with a minor in math. I love being outdoors, hiking, fishing, or playing sports in my free time. I am on the FSU club beach volleyball team and love learning new sports and games to bring people together. I grew up in Miami and love hanging out with friends and family; always up for a good time and fun memories. I am excited to hike, explore Colorado’s great state, and meet many incredible people this summer

Alexander Swope

Hey, My name is Alex Swope this will be my first summer at Sanborn. I decided college wasn’t for me so I’ve been working at UPS for the past 7 months. A couple fun facts about me are I played hockey for 12 years, I like to go fishing, and visiting my friends at their colleges. I am most excited about meeting new people and making more friends.

William Durishin

Hey all! My name is Will and this will be my first summer as a counselor at Big Spring. This will also be my first time at Sanborn Western Camps and I can’t wait to be a part of what everyone tells me is a magical experience. I am super excited to be working with everybody this summer, campers and co counselors alike! I’m currently a first year nursing student at Ohio University, and before this I spent the last couple years working as a veterinary technician. A fun fact about me (which is probably unsurprising) is that I’m super passionate about the outdoors. I love camping, backpacking, hiking, all of the above. I’ve backpacked all over the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. There are lots of things I’m very much looking forward to this summer, mostly revolving around the outdoors. If I had to pick one thing however, it would have to be the mountain trips I’ll have the opportunity to lead. I really hope to inspire a sense of adventure and love for the outdoors in the campers I work with. Can’t wait to meet everyone!

Wheeler Ehrlich

Hey! I’m Wheeler Ehrlich, and this is gonna be my 10th summer at Sanborn, but my first one on staff. I go to the University of Dallas where I’m studying Econ and play on the tennis team. Most of my time goes to tennis and just hanging out with friends, but camp has always been one of the biggest parts of my life. I’m super excited to finally be on staff and help campers have the best experience possible this summer, I can’t wait to be back out there!

Nathanael Luna

My name is Nathanael Luna, but I go by Nate and I live in New Jersey. This is going to be my first year at Sanborn and I’m getting really excited about meeting everyone! Currently working as a bartender, but have been working in a variety of fields(mainly hospitality) I was a volunteer EMT and worked at a start-up food-tech company. I’m the youngest of 5 siblings and have a brand new nephew who I adore! I love spending time with family and friends and just playing all types of games. I enjoy playing sports, but not so much watching them. One of my favorite things to eat is a fresh breakfast sandwich(bacon, egg and cheese). I’m looking forward to this summer with everyone and learning so many new things at camp. I’m really looking forward to the horseback riding as it’ll be my first time ever attempting it!

Parker Courson

Hey y’all, my name is Parker Courson and this will be my second summer working at Sanborn. I am currently a freshman at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign and I am currently studying Agriculture and Consumer Economics with a concentration in Public Policy and Law. A couple of fun facts about me is I have 3 dogs, I am in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and I think sunsets are better than sun rises. I am super excited to climb some mountains this summer!

Jarod Skoke

Hey there! I’m Jarod, I am 22 originally from Miami, FL but have been living in Salt Lake City since 2022. I am a competitive rock climber, I race mountain bikes, as well as love to hike, backpack, fish, and snowboard. This is my first year working at camp, but I am super excited! I did my freshman year of college at a tiny private school called Warren Wilson in Asheville, NC where I studied Outdoor Leadership. I decided I needed a bigger community, so I transferred to University of Utah for my sophomore year to study Recreational Therapy, and now have been taking a break to work and decide what I want to do full time, as Rec Therapy wasn’t the exact path I wanted to take. Instead of school, I spent last summer working for a conservation corps in Utah, and since then I have been working at the Salt Lake airport. A few fun facts: I free soloed the Owen Spalding route on the Grand Teton last summer with a close friend, I don’t eat ice cream (shocker!), and I have a goldendoodle back at home in Florida named Harley. I am most excited to go rock climbing, as well as check off (hopefully) a few more 14ers!

Carter Edwards

Hello. My name is Carter Edwards. I was a camper at Sanborn for four summers. I’m a UCF student and enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program. My dream job is to become a TACPO in the Air Force or a pilot. A few fun facts are that I love sports and will play any sport at camp. I also love Star Wars, Aviation, and history. I can’t wait to work at Sanborn this summer because working with kids is something I find challenging but extremely rewarding at the same time. I remember being a camper and having counselors that left a long lasting and positive impact on me, and this summer I want to uphold that same culture. I can’t wait for a great summer and hopefully it’s one filled with plenty of adventures. -Sincerely Carter Edwards

Parker Lovelace

My name is Parker ‘Gardy’ Lovelace, and I am a 21 year old Eagle Scout with a Taekwondo Black Belt! This is my first year at the camp, and I am looking forward to help share my outdoors skills and appreciation with younger generations to help foster wonder and creativity within the lovely state I grew up in! Colorado Native all the way! I graduated from Thomas MacLaren School in Colorado Springs and am currently self studying to become an electrical engineer for the United States Air Force. I am a huge nerd and love to talk to anybody about pop culture topics, and am a huge fan of any form of game, from cards to video, from tabletop to sports, I love getting to play and interact with people through them! My top Music artist is 5 Seconds of Summer, my favorite Author is Robert Greene, and I love my coffee with an extra shot.

Evan Goode

Hi, my name is Evan Goode, and I’m a junior at Loyola Marymount University, where I study Entrepreneurship and Finance. This will be my first summer at Sanborn, and I couldn’t be more excited! I grew up in Boise, Idaho, where my love for the outdoors really took root. Whether it’s backpacking, mountain biking, skateboarding, or fly fishing — if it gets me outside, I’m all in. When I’m not adventuring or studying, I run a small vintage clothing business, selling online and to fellow students on campus. This summer, I’m most excited to share my passion for nature with the campers, build unforgettable memories, and spend as much time as possible under the Colorado sky. Can’t wait to get started!

Benjamin Althoff

Hi guys! My name is Benjamin Althoff, I go by Ben (Benjamin) is a mouthful. I’m 25 years old and I went to Sanborn Western Camps for three years when I was younger. After high school I went to trade school for building power lines and did that for 7 years. I recently made the transition to being a full time real estate agent which gives me the opportunity to be at this amazing camp! I love being in the outdoors and look forward to getting to know all the kids at camp and show them the amazing state of Colorado!

Jack Rissman

Howdy! My name is Jack Rissman, and this will be my first year at Sanborn. I’m from Boulder, Colorado and I just graduated from Silver Creek Highschool! I’ve had many family members who have been both campers and counselors at Sanborn, and for years now I’ve wanted to be apart of the camp experience as a counselor after I graduated high school. In my free time you’ll either catch me out backpacking with my buddies snapping photos of some sweet views, or getting a workout in at the gym. Growing up with Colorado’s amazing outdoors has always made me appreciate the nature we have here and I’m so glad that I have the opportunity to help campers experience all that it has to offer as well. I am extremely excited to experience all of what Sanborn Camps has to offer, gain some new skills, and make some life long memories along with it!

Aidan McMullan

Hi! My name is Aidan McMullan. I haven’t been to camp before and I am so excited to make this summer a memorable one! I go to Virginia Commonwealth University and I study music education with a concentration on guitar. I can play 10 instruments (some much better than others) and I am so excited to sing along to songs this summer with everyone. I love the outdoors and I am a trip leader for the outdoor adventure program at my university. I am so excited to go to Colorado for my first time and lead some amazing trips!

William Lee

Hi I’m William. I have gone to summer camp for two years during high school but now I am currently studying physics in college in Ireland. I love hiking and am a huge soccer fan (Big up Barcelona!). I also really like to read fiction novels, Cormac McCarthy is my favorite author, or else listening to indie rock. I am a huge space nerd and cant wait to share my passion and all the cool facts of astronomy with my campers! Like a year on Venus is longer than a day there. I have never been to Colorado before, but from the photos I’ve seen the landscapes look absolutely beautiful and I cant wait to spend time in the Rocky Mountains!

Colby Fewster

Hi my name is Colby! This will be my ninth year at camp and third year on staff. This spring I’ll be graduating from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA with majors in Russian and Italian. I really love traveling and got to spend my junior year studying in Tbilisi, Georgia and Bologna, Italy. One of my life goals is to go to the highest point in every state! By the start of camp I’ll be at 28/50, but hiking up Mt. Elbert (the highest mountain in Colorado) with Sanborn is still my favorite summit by far. This summer I’m really excited to work with the Outbackers during their capstone year as they mentor the younger campers and go on some of the best trips camp has to offer!

Caden Talmadge

Hello my name is Cade. This will be my first summer at Sanborn and I am super stoked. I am currently a junior at Chico State College and study criminal justice. I’m a passionate rock climber and a retired college wrestler. I also just picked up DJ’ing so that’s pretty cool. I’ve never been to Colorado before so I’m super excited to check it out and make some new awesome connections.

Sam McMullan (Juniors)

Hey! My name is Sam McMullan. This will be my 2nd season at Sanborn! After an incredible experience as an outbacker and junior counselor in 2022, I am so excited to be coming back! I went to Slippery Rock University for park and resource management and graduated in 2023. Since then, I’ve worked as a biologist at Shenandoah National Park, a carpenter in Pittsburgh, and all sorts of odd jobs in between.

I love to be creative any way that I can! Music is my biggest passion. Through working at a local guitar shop all four years of high school, I started to write and record my own songs, which I release under the name ‘Cicada Killer’. Outside of music, I love drawing, climbing rocks and/or trees, and baseball.

There are so many things I’m excited for this summer, but the community is what I am looking forward to most. So thrilled to be back!

Shea Briody (HKL)

What’s up, my name is Shea and this will be my third summer at Big Spring after being a counselor in 2021 and 2022! I graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2023 with degrees in Natural Resources and Economics, and am currently based outside of Los Angeles working in outdoor education. A few fun facts are that I’m a huge New York Mets fan, my favorite food is burritos, and I coached high school lacrosse for three years! I’m beyond pumped to be part of the Big Spring brotherhood again, and to finally reclaim my place as undisputed champion of the dish pit!

Brian Bruno (STUW)

What’s going on Sanborn! My name is Brian Bruno and I’m very excited to be returning for my second summer as STUW Ridge Leader. I was born in Arizona, but grew up mostly in Pennsylvania. I recently graduated from DeSales University with a Masters degree in Business Administration. After working a summer in 2023, it became very clear how much of a community Sanborn builds. A community of love and support that wants the best for every camper and staff member. As Ridge Leader, it is my goal to uphold Sanborn’s mission. Hmm I guess a little about me -> I love running, mountain biking, playing a bit of guitar here and there, and then finally hiking mountains! I’m very excited to meet like-minded individuals who love the outdoors as much as I do.

Jamie Bruesch (MOPQ)

What’s up? I’m Jamie! I am 23 years old and grew up in Switzerland for most of my life. I am half Swiss and half American, but I also did an exchange year in Iceland when I was 16. I studied Digital Film Production at the SAE Institute in Zurich for 3.5 years, which allowed me to get a bachelor’s degree in arts. Since then, I spent the last year serving in the Swiss military as a medic. Now I am gearing up to work at Sanborn for the third time this coming summer. As a child I also was a camper at Big Spring for 9 summers. I love making movies and spending time in the outdoors. I enjoy going on hikes, swimming, and reading. I also love playing guitar and making music in general. For the past 5 years I have also been the lead singer in a rock band. I am stoked for the summer, and I cannot wait to create more amazing memories and experiences in the outdoors.

Ben Wagner (ABC)

Hey squad! I’m Ben Wagner. This will be my THIRD summer at Sanborn but my eleventh at similar camps (yikes). I just graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in International and Global Studies with a focus on Global Environmental Change. Couple of fun facts: I can do a triple backflip from a standing start, my feet are a size 17, and I love dogs. I’m pretty hyped to HANG OUT and have GROWTH MOMENTS at camp this summer. Heck yes!

Dakota Jones (Photographer)

My name is Dakota and I am 23 years old freshly out of college and looking to explore the world and meet some amazing people along the way. I have always loved taking pictures and now I get to do it as a career and capture amazing moments over this summer

Andrew Gambino (Kitchen Coordinator)

Howdy my name is Andrew Gambino and I’m from Dallas,Texas. I was a camper at Sanborn starting the summer after 6th grade and then every year after that through high school. It has been a dream of mine to come back to the place I had so many formative experiences. I am a Cardiovascular Technologist and happy to contribute my healthcare experience to the team. I also worked over a decade in the food industry and will be taking on the role of kitchen coordinator. I can’t wait to get back out to contribute to the place that so fully enriched my life.

Spencer Howe (Outcamp)

My name is Spencer Howe this is my second year at camp and I am the outcamp gear guy at Big Spring this summer. I go to UH double majoring EE and GIS. I have an identical twin that lives in boston. I climb all the time. Im training for a triathalon and I am very unprepared!

Nat Hernandez (Arts and Crafts)

Hello everyone! ^u^ My name is Nat Hernandez and this is my first Summer at camp! I am currently going to school for environmental science at my local community college, Victor Valley College and also working at a local restaurant in my town called Oggi’s. I’m very excited to be a mentor and enrich children’s creativity through arts and crafts while also building community and connecting with our beautiful planet and the nature it offers.

Dan Thatcher

Howdy! I’m Dan, and I’ll be a wrangler at Big Spring this summer! This will be my third summer on staff and my ninth summer overall at Sanborn. I’m from Nashville, Tennessee originally, however I grew up in the Colorado Springs area. I love to read and write, as well as climb, backpack and be outside as much as possible. I’m super stoked to have another amazing summer at Big Spring and I hope to see everyone down at the barn!

Yana Thompson

Hi there, my name is Yana! I’m currently studying Environmental Science in Central Texas where I live. After college, I’m looking to pursue a job as a Park Ranger and hopefully move to the PNW. When I’m not working at my part-time job, I enjoy reading, playing games with my friends and family, and thrifting. I’ve been riding since I was a young girl and want to pass on my enthusiasm of riding to others. A fun fact about me is that I own a 4 year old corn snake named Anubis! I also enjoy listening to music and watching movies from time to time as my favorites are Shutter Island, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and La La Land. I’m so excited to meet all of you and see you all grow, as this is my very first summer at Sanborn!

Bella Fleshman

Hello! I am LisaBella (yes, that is how its spelled) but I usually go by Bella. This will be my first year working at Sanborn and I’m excited to join the team as one of the wranglers! I grew up with horses and currently go to college in Ocala Florida for Equine Exercise physiology and Agriculture buisiness. Horses are a huge passion of mine and I absolutely love learning and working with them, however, before I went to school for horses I had an internship with a dog training company and got a couple dog training certifications! Teaching others about animals is incredibly fun for me and I have SO many fun facts to share. I am looking forward to overnight rides to show off my cooking skills and sharing some fun stories!

Josiah Neal

Hello there! My name is Josiah and I’ve been at Sanborn since working in 2021. I was a counselor in 2021 on ABC ridge, I stayed on to help with the hay season, then became a ranch hand until summer of 2022, where I served as camp photographer and a wrangler, and then went back to being a ranch hand on our year-round team. I am now excited to be a wrangler for this summer! I grew up on a tree farm in Alabama running around in the woods with my dog making forts, climbing trees, and making campfires with my sisters. When I was old enough, I joined the Boy Scouts where I stayed in till I was 18 achieving the rank of Eagle Scout when I was 14. Growing up in the country and in Boy Scouts, I developed a love for the outdoors, animals, and photography. Growing up in the 90s and 2000s I have deep love for Lord of the Rings and Star Wars and love reading and watching them. (Fun fact I watch all the extended LOTRs once a year and read them every two years) I’m super excited to be a wrangler this summer to help facilitate horse trips and learning more about them. I’m always learning new things about horses, riding, and coybowing and look forward to passing on what knowledge I have to those that want to learn

Kaitlyn Bohnen

My name is Kaitlyn, I’m a registered nurse and I am currently a graduate student at UCCS working on becoming a Nurse Practitioner. This will be my first summer attending camp, but my two kids have been going for years, and my husband also went to camp, so it’s kind of a family tradition at this point and I’m excited to finally get to go! Other than being a nurse and a mom I’m a avid crafter, love outdoor activities (both warm and cold weather- we snowboard as much as possible!), and I’m the proud owner of a very spoiled pooch named Merle. I’m most excited to meet all the campers and spend time experiencing all that camp has to offer- especially hiking, biking, horseback riding, and I hear there will be baby goats that need petting! I’m so excited to meet all of you and have a wonderful summer!

Nick Paciulla

Hi, my name is Nick! This will be my second summer at Sanborn. I took one summer away from camp but couldn’t wait to return. I went to school at the University of Portland where I graduated with a BSN in Nursing, I have been a Registered Nurse for two years. In my free time, I love climbing, hiking, running, or just anything outside. This is going to be a great summer!

Sarah Baxter

Hey ya’ll! I’m Sarah from Alabama! I am a registered nurse and am so excited to be here at camp this summer! I graduated in 2024 (summa cum laude - after many, many tears) from UAB School of Nursing. I am incredibly thankful that I was able to obtain a degree that will allow me to impact so many lives! I worked in the ER as a patient care technician for 5 years and then as an RN for 1 year. This will be my first summer at Sanborn and I know I will walk away with a full heart and a renewed strength. Outside of work, I love hiking, road trips, lots of family and friend time, reading, movies and finding new restaurants to try. I took a graduation trip with my mom in 2024 where I drove from Alabama to Montana, visiting Yellowstone, then the Grand Tetons in Wyoming, where I fell in love with the mountains and the freedom being outdoors brings. I am the youngest of 7 children and as my siblings say, I am the “favorite”. I am excited to get to know all the campers and watch them grow throughout the summer as they gain confidence by accomplishing things that seemed too hard before! I can’t wait meet all the campers and families and kick off an amazing summer 2025 at camp!

Baxter Forest

Hi! I’m Baxter, a Registered Nurse originally from Maine! This will be my 5th summer at Sanborn Western Camps, one as a counselor and 4 as a Nurse! When I’m not working I spend almost all of my time outdoors in some capacity, rock climbing, hiking, sailing, anything where I can get some fresh air! I also have a newfound love for baking! I’m so excited to see some old friends at camp this summer, and make some new ones!