HIGH TRAILS STAFF 2025

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

Amanda Findlay

I am a junior Music Education major hoping to teach in an elementary school! I’m a native Floridian but live part time in Maine. I love music, badly singing along to songs in the car, reading outside, and exploring new areas. I have two cats that I love very dearly and talk about to my violin students and classmates all the time. I really enjoy being outdoors and want to spend more time out in nature, especially when rocks are involved.

Hazel Hazelton

Hi! My name is Hazel! This will be my first summer at Sanborn camp! I go to Grayson college while working at an elementary school as a PE coach and studying for early childhood education. I’m from Texas where I live with my dog Jinxy. In my free time, I love to read, build Legos, do art, and go to renaissance festivals. Besides hanging out with a bunch of new faces, I am excited to go horseback riding and camping in Colorado which I haven’t done before and I think it will be an amazing adventure!!!

Olivia Murphy

Hi there! My name is Olivia and I’m thrilled to be back at Sanborn! I’ve been coming here since I was a kid both as a camper and as a member of staff. This past year I’ve been working at other camps across the U.S. too! I’ve worked both in Texas and Washington as an Outdoor Ed. Instructor, where I teach kids science classes, outdoor living skills, and lots of games! I spend a lot of time traveling around the U.S. camping and exploring. My favorite trip was to Honduras and Belie where I studied fish migration. I love animals! But my ultimate dream is to travel as a Remote EMT and help people all over the world! In my down time, you can usually find me writing stories, making little skits, playing outside, or crafting with my friends. I love art and grew up making art and working in a theatre! This makes me excited to come to Sanborn and create new experiences and stories with the campers. I can’t wait to play lots of games outside!

Emma McGraw

My name is Emma McGraw! This is my first summer at camp, and I’m so excited to be part of the team! I am a student at Western Carolina University, where I study geology. I love being outdoors, exploring nature, and sharing my enthusiasm for adventure with others. A couple of fun facts about me: I can name a surprising number of rocks off the top of my head, and I once hiked for 6 hours just to see a cool fossil site! This summer, I’m most excited to be a great role model for the campers and help them create unforgettable experiences in the outdoors. I can’t wait to meet everyone and have an amazing time at camp!

Sophia Petrus

Hello! My name is Sophie Petrus, and this will be my first summer at Sanborn! I’m currently studying psychology and nonprofit management at The Ohio State University. I’m from Cleveland, OH, and I love where I’m from—my family still lives there, and they are the best! A little about me: I’m a big music lover, whether it’s classic rock, indie, or anything new and different. I’m always up for talking about favorite artists or discovering new songs to add to my playlist. I also love arts & crafts—it’s one of my favorite ways to spend my time. When I’m not studying, I enjoy reading, painting, drawing, journaling, and exercising. This summer, I can’t wait to spend time outside, make new friends, stay active, and have the best camp adventures. Whether we’re hiking, crafting, or playing games, I know this summer will be awesome. I’m so excited to meet everyone!

Haille Hidden

I’m Haille! A South African studying Elementary Education at Methodist University in North Carolina. I do cheerleading and just adore being around children. I’m stoked to create a fun and welcoming environment where the campers feel included, safe and excited to make new friends and memories.

Charlie Schlinger

Hi everyone I’m Charlie :) This is my first year at Sanborn and I feel so thankful to be part of the team. I am a senior Elementary Education major at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire. I also have a minor in theater and a certificate in ASL (American Sign Language). I love photography, animals, fun socks, trinkets, animals, art, acting, my friends, and games. This summer I am excited to make connections, grow along side campers, and hopefully climb a mountain!

Emily Kirchner

Hi, my name is Emily! I am a rising sophomore at Salisbury University, and I am majoring in Biology. My favorite activities include swimming in the ocean, going for hikes, and playing mini golf! If you love dad jokes, we will definitely get along, I can’t wait to meet everyone this summer!

Ollie Vuckovic

My name is Ollie and this will be my first summer at Sanborn! I’m currently in my third year at the University of Texas studying math education and english. Some fun facts are I’m in an improv troupe here and love to put on silly performances, I’ve biked to Alaska, and I’m undefeated in sock wrestling. This summer I’m excited to laugh with all of the campers and get to know everyone! Spending all of my days in the outdoors is the added bonus.

Quinn Merrill

Hello! My name is Quinn Merrill and I am an incoming Sophomore at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, but originally from Boulder, Colorado. I am currently undeclared with my major, but most likely will study either psychology or nutrition. I have always loved the outdoors, and am really excited to get out there on the trails to hike, backpack and have some fun! I’ve never been to Sanborn before, but as a kid I attended a very similar camp called camp Cheley. And, finally, a fun fact about me is that I’ve been skydiving! I plan to go again someday as well. I’m so excited to be able to help campers have the experience I did at summer camp, and if you see me around feel free to say hi!

Lily Verhoff

Hi! My name is Lily and this is my first summer at Sanborn! I am currently a business student studying marketing at CU Boulder, but am originally from Phoenix Arizona. Some fun facts about me are that I love music and going to concerts, and I love to snowboard! This summer, I can’t wait to meet all of the campers, experience nature, and make memories!

Kiersten Dray

Hi, my name is Kiersten and I’m so excited to spend my summer at Sanborn Camps! I’ve been attending summer camp since I was in the third grade, and this is my first year working at Sanborn. I attend the University of Colorado Boulder and am studying Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences in pursuit of a career in Speech Pathology. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking and camping, spending time with friends, going to concerts, skiing and anything outdoors! Some additional fun facts about me: I have a major love for all animals, but especially my dog at home, Chloe. My favorite movies are all the Harry Potters, Coraline and The School of Rock. I grew up loving and appreciating music and my all-time favorite bands are My Morning Jacket, Fleet Foxes, Dr. Dog and The Grateful Dead. I also love to travel and have visited Europe over three times and hope to study abroad in the future! I am beyond excited for camp this summer, but mostly I can’t wait to build a strong community of enthusiastic campers and counselors and create unforgettable memories together!

Maia Stefanakos

Hi everybody!! My name is Maia, this is my first summer at Sanborn and I am so excited! I go to the University of South Carolina (Go Gamecocks!!) and I am studying International Business. Even though I am from the south where there are a lot of beaches I much rather prefer the mountains. I am super creative and love doing arts and crafts. I also love meeting new people and talking about life. I am so excited to meet all of y’all and to be able to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains this summer!!

Alanna Haimes

My name is Alanna and this is my first summer at Sanborn! I just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Studio Art from Drew University in Madison New Jersey. I am so eager to join this community and spend the summer making new memories and having fun in nature. In my free time I love to play guitar, paint and printmake, and drive around listening to my favorite songs. I am so excited to go on new hikes and learn things about the world by observing the natural environment and landscape. I have recently been teaching kids science in an after school program and serving at restaurants in the meantime. I am so grateful for this opportunity to live in Colorado and spend time with new people sharing meaningful experiences. I am looking forward to this big new adventure, and to see where the wind takes me!

Ellie De Groote

Hi! My name is Ellie De Groote, and I’m super excited for my first summer at Sanborn! I’m a senior at Utah State University studying mechanical engineering and mathematics. I play rugby for USU and love spending all my free time outside—hiking, camping, and exploring. I’m looking forward to forming strong relationships with my campers this summer through my love of the outdoors and sharing many adventures together!

Lily Potts

Hi everyone! My name is Lily and I am super excited to be enjoying my first summer at Sanborn Western Camps! I have been a camp counselor for four years, including as a full time counselor during the year on a farm with over 100 different animals. In addition to working at the farm, I am also attending a local college to earn a degree in psychology that I am hoping to put towards working in childcare and development. I love traveling and have a personal goal to make it to all 50 states before I turn 25, I am currently sitting at 38 with my favorite being Idaho! I love horses and work part time as a horse trainer outside of camp. I have my own filly I’ve raised who is a 3 year old buckskin Friesian mix named Scarlet. I am super excited for this summer and looking forward to exploring Colorado and enjoying all the amazing activities camp has to offer, especially rock climbing!

Maddy Redmond

Hi! My name is Maddy, This is my first year on staff at Sanborn however I was a camper for 3 years. I just finished up my freshman year of college and I am majoring in Nursing. I am from Colorado and I love being outdoors, journaling, cats, and the movie Trolls. I am absolutely stoked and cannot wait to spend my summer at Sanborn!

Summer Donovan

HIIIII campers my name is Summer Donovan this will be my first summer at camp and I am beyond excited to be spending the summer in Colorado exploring the outdoors with the girls! I am originally from Texas but am currently a junior at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina studying Environmental Geology and Political Sciences. When I am not studying I enjoy going hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, snowboarding, yoga, and adventures with friends! I am incredibly passionate about the environment and it is where I feel the most alive! A fun fact is that when I was 14 I went to an outdoor adventure camp similar to Sanborn and it is truly where my passion for the environment developed. I owe it all to fearless leaders who showed me how to truly embrace the outdoors and let it challenge you and push to you explore deeper parts of your sense of self. I cannot wait to be a counselor at Sanborn this summer and have the opportunity to show campers how to explore that passion!!

Megan Katz

Hi! My name’s Megan, and although this is my first summer working at Sanborn, I’ve been coming here for almost 10 summers as a camper. I’m currently going to the University of Missouri-Columbia, studying for a major in psychology and a minor in criminal and juvenile justice. I’m a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan, and I’ve watched almost every game with my mom. In addition to working in Colorado, during the winter I’m also a big snowboarder here, so even when camps not in session, I still absolutely love this place. I’m super excited to meet all the new and returning kids, and I hope they have just as much fun as I had!

Kennedi North

Hello! My name is Kennedi North I am coming all the way from Lansing, Michigan I am a sophomore in college at Grand Valley majoring in social work! I have been to 10 camps from different states and knew no one and that was my favorite part where I could be completely myself. My mom introduced me to Sanborn because she was a summer counselor when she was my age. She has told me the best stories from there and inspired me to spend my summer there. I absolutely can’t wait to meet the campers and create great memories for me and them.

Josie Reott

My name is Josephine (Josie) Reott and this will be my first summer at Sanborn! I am graduating in May from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. I love making art with my friends, seeing live music, camping , and swimming! I am excited to hike some tall mountains and see unusual landscapes!

Abby Durkin

Hi everyone, I’m Abby Durkin from Philadelphia! I’m currently a student at University of Virgina studying Behavioral Neuroscience. After my four summers as a camper at Sanborn, I’m so so excited to be back as a counselor this year! Once you know me, you’ll always find me with peanut butter, running, Spotify, acai bowls, tanning, or flat-brim hats! Can’t wait to climb more mountains and stargaze out of tents with you guys this summer!

Megan Brown

Hello! My name is Megan and this will be my first summer at Sanborn as a counselor. I can’t wait to join this vibrant community and meet all my campers! I am a college student at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona and I’m studying entrepreneurship with a minor in psychology. On campus, I’m involved in the Women in Business club leadership team and love to play intramural sports. When I’m not in Arizona, I live in Sacramento, CA with my family including my parents and three siblings! A few of my hobbies outside of school include running, painting, yoga, hiking, and spending time with friends. I love to explore new places and meet new people! I live just a few hours away from San Francisco so I frequently go on adventures there. A fun fact is that I have lived in four different states: CO, UT, CA, and AZ. I am so excited to be a mentor and supporter to my campers and do some super fun things together in the outdoors like canoeing!

Ellie Hughes

Hi, my name is Ellie! This is my first year at camp and I am beyond excited to spend the summer adventuring and getting to know you all. I am not currently enrolled in school, but I have stayed very busy working and growing in the community of friends around me. The past couple of years have been a process of becoming an adult and learning how to be independent. Reading,crafting, and hiking have been hobbies I’ve been pursuing lately in my free time. I am looking forward to spending my summer growing and having a blast with all of you!

Tara Sullivan

I am Tara Sullivan; this will be my first year at High Trails and my first time to Colorado! I currently go to Plymouth State University in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and I am studying Travel and Tourism. I am still unsure of what I want to do but I know that I want to travel so the major seemed fitting. I love the outdoors, and any activity related to it, music, reading, exploring, playing guitar (roughly), and hanging out with friends and family. My hometown Newburyport is a little coastal city about a half hour out of Boston. At home I have two over-hyper dogs and two younger siblings so it’s safe to say I am used to a little chaos; I am so excited to meet everyone at High Trails and to experience all the beauty of the Colorado mountains. Going out west has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, and I’m stoked that I am going to be able to see it while also getting to work with the amazing girls at High Trails!

Lexi Woodring

Hi! I’m Lexi. I’m from central Pennsylvania. I am studying Public Relations and minoring in Art History with a Museum Certificate at Penn State. My biggest passions are art and the outdoors, and I love sharing them with others! I love starting new hobbies and I’m a big WNBA fan. I’m excited to experience some high altitudes with some great people.

Lily Byron

Hi! My name is Lily! This will be my first year as a counselor and I am so excited! I have attended numerous Sanborn sessions in the past and I had a blast… which is one of the main reasons I wanted to become a counselor! I love the sense of community Sanborn provides. Growing up, I always looked forward to camp season! Currently I am attending college at CU Boulder. I am studying MCDB which is Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology. One of my biggest reasons for picking this major is because I love science! I have been interested in STEM classes for as long as I can remember. I am on a pre-health track and am hoping to go to medical school! A few fun facts about me… -I have climbed 29 mountains in Colorado! I love hiking and seeing the views at the top are always breathtaking. My first ever 14er was with Sanborn and I am so excited that I have the opportunity to spread my love for the mountains with the campers! -I am the oldest of 5 kids! Growing up with 4 younger siblings has been really fun. They are my built in best friends and I am so grateful for them. -I love skiing! I have been skiing since I was 8 and it is awesome! Whether that is in the park or just on the slopes, I always enjoy myself. -My favorite food is definitely mac and cheese! My favorite fruit is raspberries! My favorite candy has to be Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups! -I love art as well! I really enjoy pottery, mosaics, and painting. This summer I am really excited to share my love of the outdoors with my campers! Camp has taught me so many skills that I still apply today! Camp has also taught me to be mindful of my surroundings and to embrace challenges! As a camper, I remember climbing my first ever mountain and I thought I couldn’t do it. My counselor was able to encourage and motivate me and I did it! I was able to summit my first mountain! At camp, I am ready to uplift my campers to do amazing things! I can’t wait to create unforgettable memories with my campers this summer!

Elizabeth Simpson

Hi, I’m Elizabeth! I was a camper here at Sanborn for 7 years and I am thrilled to be back here on staff this summer. I am originally from Chicago, Illinois but now spend most of my year in Massachusetts at College of the Holy Cross where I have just finished my second year as a biology major. When I am not in one of the science labs, you can usually find me reading a book, knitting something new (Although I’m only good at scarves), or just spending as much time outdoors as I can. I can’t wait to get back to camp this summer and get to meet everyone!

Whitney Pruitt

Hey there, I’m Whitney (but you can call me Whit)! This will be my third summer at Sanborn, and first year on staff. I am so excited to smell the sweet mountain air again! I am Atlanta born and raised, but now I am living in Chicago studying fine arts at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. I am planning to persue a Master’s in Art Therapy and hopefully continue to create comics. When I’m not working in the painting studio, you can find me rollerblading along Lake Michigan, watching pigeons, and exploring the library. I am super excited to meet my campers and to help them to get out of their comfort zones just like I was able to as a camper. When it comes to costumes contests and dance-battles, I don’t mess around (even though I am truthfully a terrible dancer). I am so excited to meet my campers and have the best summer yet! See you soon!

Ieva Karpaviciute

My name is Ieva and this is my first summer at Sanborn camps. I have worked in summer camps both France and Germany teaching children English. Now I live in the hight mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico where I am developing my land and garden. I occasionally work with the Montessori school here, along with giving private lessons for English. Some fun facts about me: I was born in Lithuania and my mother tongue is Lithuanian. My passions including learning about plants, plant medicine, and cooking. The thing I am most excited about camp is that we will all speak the same language! It’s been a long time since I got to speak with children who speak English fluently.

Kyra Wood

My name is Kyra and this will be my fourth summer at Sanborn! I go to The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and I’m majoring in Criminal Justice/Criminology (so I have a lot of cool stories). When I’m not hard at work studying I enjoy taking walks in the city, doing tech for my theatre company, and taking photos for my school newspaper (I’m published!) I grew up on a ranch so I love hanging around horses, but I also really love getting outside, water activities, and backpacking, and can’t wait to participate in all of those this summer.

Siena McBride

I’m Siena, and this will be my first summer at camp! I’m a second-year student at Texas State University, working my way toward becoming a biology teacher. I’m also a huge cat lover—I have three of my own, plus a friendly porch cat who likes to hang out with us. Fun fact: one year, I managed to read 197 books. I’m super excited to hike the mountains and try out new activities!

Baylyn Burgett

My name is Baylyn Burgett, and I cannot wait to spend my summer at Sanborn! This will be my first year working, but I was a camper for four summers (four of the best summers of my life!) I am from Littleton, Colorado. I’m currently a freshman studying sociology and biology at CU Boulder. I hope to go to law school post-grad and go into environmental law. I absolutely love to read, watch movies, and do yoga. My favorite animal is a sloth, and I also cherish my parents cats. I listen to so much music, but recently, I have been listening to a lot of Grateful Dead, Blood Orange, and EDM Camp has always put me on to so much music, so I can’t wait for that. I love being outside doing just about anything! I am a huge snowboarder, and I have climbed 17 14ers in Colorado! I can’t wait to backpack and rock climb this summer, but overall, I’m just excited to spend so much time outside.

Giovanna Rodriguez

My name is Giovanna. This is my first time here and I’m so excited! I am not currently enrolled in school but instead traveling around the U.S to find my community and live life to the fullest! I love everything whimsy and weird! My favorite thing to do is find a patch of grass, lay, take in the sun and photosynthesize! The trees are my best friend, you will see me hugging or hanging on a branch with the critters. I am most excited to experience girlhood and being out in the woods more!

Grace Budge

Hi my name is Grace Budge. I am from Pleasant Grove Utah, and I am currently studying speech pathology Utah State University. I grew up spending time in the outdoors with my family, and am very passionate about the impact it has on each person. I am so excited for this summer, and for the new connections and experiences I will share with each person.

Anna Morrissey

Hi! My name is Anna and I am just finishing my first year of college at Middlebury where I am studying on a pre-med track. This will be my first summer at High Trails, and I am super excited to meet so many new lovely people! Some fun facts about me are that have I 4 siblings, 3 of which are younger. I love outdoor sports and at Middlebury I am on the crew team and mountain biking team. I also love to ski, hike, cliff jump and much more! I love art and have recently been super into sewing and upcycling clothes. When I’m not outside for sports, I enjoy sitting in the sun, especially on a warm rock by a lake, bonus points if I have a nice fresh orange(my absolute favorite fruit)! I grew up riding horses, so this summer I am super excited to share my joy of this with campers :)

Liza Livingston

Hey y’all, my name is Liza. This will be my second year on staff but I was a camper for six or seven years before working here. So of course as always I am so excited to be back this summer. I currently go to Denison University in Ohio, I am a Film and Philosophy double major. I love everything about film and love creating films for class and with my friends for fun. I am in a sorority at my school which seems so out of character for me but I genuinely do love it and it helped me to find a great community of intelligent women. One of my absolute favorite things to do is ski during the winter to stay outside always in Colorado obviously. If I am not in Ohio for school I am probably in Colorado on some fun adventure although I am not even from here. I love camp it is such a unique experience I grew up a Percy Jackson kid so coming to camp always felt like I was a demigod (a girl can dream). I am so excited to do some mountain biking at camp, it was the CORE bike trip as a camper that got me into mountain biking so I am excited to do that again. Overall I am just excited to be back in the Sanborn community and see old and new faces.

Alisen Chapman

Hi, I’m Alisen and this will be my first ever summer at camp! I just finished my bachelor’s degree at the University of Missouri where I studied natural resource science and management with an emphasis in forest resources. I spend my free time training my dog, reading, exercising through dance and workout classes, and going line dancing at any chance I get. I love trying new foods, meeting new people, and experiencing new things. Fun fact, I am learning Spanish and I watch all my TV shows in it to help me learn! I’m looking forward to all the stargazing, friendship bracelet-making, and swimming we will be doing. I can’t wait to meet everyone at camp and create some awesome memories!

Lilly Ligon

Hey everyone! I’m Lilly, and I’ll be a sophomore at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, where I’m studying psychology and business. This will be my first summer at Sanborn, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of such an awesome community. I grew up in a small town in North Georgia, where I worked at my hometown camp for two years and attended for as long as I can remember! Camp has always felt like a second home to me. You can find me out on a hike, reading a good book, taking pictures of cool landscapes, or skiing in the winter. I have also been getting into gardening a little lately, I’m still figuring it out, but it’s fun! I love being outside and in nature any way I can. I’m really looking forward to exploring Colorado, learning new things, and building connections with campers and staff. Can’t wait to meet all of you :)))

Ember McMullen

Howdy! I’m Ember and I am from Dillon, Colorado. I grew up backpacking, kayaking, and skiing, and I’m very excited to bring the love for the outdoors cultivated in the Rocky and Santa Ynez Mountains to my first summer at High Trails! I am currently a rising sophomore at Yale University studying Global Affairs with a concentration in Climate Science and Solutions. In my free time (often while out in the woods somewhere), I love writing, singing, and producing indie folk music, reading Annie Dillard, and being way too invested in coffee. In case you doubt that last point, I’m currently not living down the fact that I actually brought a coffee grinder and ground my own coffee every morning on a week long backpacking trip on the Grand Staircase. I’m super excited to get outside with everyone at High Trails this summer!

Indy Woll Stewart

Hi! My name is Indy and I’m super excited for my first summer at Sanborn! I’m from Michigan, but am currently a freshman at Colorado College. I’ve taken three education classes this semester and I’m thinking of majoring in environmental education concentration and anthropology. I’m gonna be climbing supervisor this summer, which I’m super psyched about. I’ve been climbing competitively and outdoors for over 10 years now. I love the mind-body connection that is so strong in climbing, as well as the community that it has given me, and the places that it has brought me to. I also love skiing, backpacking, traveling to new places, and spending time with awesome people. Whenever I visit a new city, I like to seek out the best Margherita pizza and the best climbing gym.

Sadie Tye

Hey there, awesome campers! I’m Sadie — 21 years old and beyond excited to kick off an unforgettable summer with you all. This will be my very first season at Camp Sanborn, but it’s actually my third year as a counselor, and I can’t wait to dive into all the adventures ahead. I’m happiest when I’m outside climbing, hiking, camping, or just soaking in everything nature has to offer. When summer wraps up, I’ll be heading to the University of Southern Oregon to study Outdoor Recreation, Adventure, and Education (because why not turn my love for the outdoors into a career?). I’m passionate about sharing the magic of nature and sparking curiosity about the world around us — and I can’t wait to explore it all with you!!

Margo Schellinger

Hey team, my name is Margo Schellinger and I’m a rising junior at the University of Notre Dame studying Political Science, Spanish, & Computing and Data Technologies. This will be my 7th summer at camp and my 1st summer on staff! Some fun facts about me are that I spent last semester in Washington DC working for Congress, I am a competitive powerlifter, I love hiking and spending time outside (preferably with my three dogs), I love to read, and my favorite animal is a shark! This summer I am most excited for climbing mountains and spending time with some amazing campers!

Chloe Schaal

Hello, my name is Chloe, and I am probably the biggest horse-girl you will ever meet. I’m from Loveland, CO, about 3 hours from Sanborn, but I attend school in Sterling, CO at Northeastern Junior College, and I study (You guessed it) HORSES! I like to paint and do craft projects, and I LOVE themed decorations. Fun fact about me: I can YODEL!!!

Elke Wathen

Hi! I’m Elke (sounds like elka), this will be my first summer at camp. I grew up in the mountains of Washington State but I am starting my 4th year of college in Montreal, Canada this fall where I am getting my degree in Elementary Education. I love running more than anything, closely followed by backcountry skiing, laying in the sun, and listening to music. I can’t wait to meet you all and for dance parties, big mountains, good food and lots of time outside :) !

Lydia Baron

Hi, I’m Lydia!

I’m so pumped for my first summer at Sanborn! I’m from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I’m studying Outdoor Recreation at Northern Michigan University in the Upper Peninsula. When I’m not in school, you’ll find me either hiking, rock climbing, hanging out by the water, or just enjoying the outdoors in many ways. A couple of fun facts: I have an awesome dog named Phoebe—she’s my partner in adventure, and we love getting outside together. I’m also a big fan of cooking and baking, love jamming out to music, and I love a fun craft project. I can’t wait to spend this summer exploring the outdoors, meeting new friends, and enjoying all the campfire stories and adventures. It’s going to be an amazing summer—can’t wait!

Inez Johnson

Hi everybody! My name is Inez and I am SO excited for this summer at High Trails. This summer will be my ELEVENTH (!) year at Sanborn — I was a camper for nine years and this will be my second year on staff — safe to say I’m a true believer in what we do here. I just graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine with degrees in Politics and Sociology, and a concentration in Knowledge, Action, and the Public Good (a mouthful). I am so excited to be back in Florissant and am unbelievably ready for mountains, backcountry cooking, marshmallow baseball, and dance parties.My top three favorite things of all time are: 1) karaoke 2) ice cream and 3) long conversations, but camp is right up there. It’s not an understatement to say that Sanborn changed my life — both as a person and as a professional — so much so that I will be continuing my passion for outdoor education come fall as an English literature teaching fellow at Chewonki Maine Coast Semester, a semester school in Wiscasset, Maine. But for now, I am so stoked to climb mountains, chant in the lodge, and meet all of you this summer!

Lorraine Frueh

Hello! My name is Lorraine and this is my first year at Sanborn! I’m currently studying environmental sciences at Kansas State University. One fun fact about me is that I am fluent in French! I’m really looking forward to meeting all of my campers and getting to experience nature in a new way!

Peyton Ellinghaus

My name is Peyton and this is my first summer at Sanborn (and first summer at camp, ever!!!). I’m from Richmond, VA but spent the last four years at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. I just graduated in May with a double major in math and studio art and a minor in computer science. In my free time, I mainly like to work on my sculptures or play Stardew Valley, but I recently got a Kindle and have been reading for fun for the first time since middle school. Some facts about me: winter is my favorite season, I’m a cat person, my favorite food is grilled cheese, and one of my biggest dreams is to see Maggie Rogers at Red Rocks. I’m super excited to learn some new skills this summer, especially horseback riding and backpacking, and to make lots of s’mores!

Cat Oordt (Middle School)

Hey y’all, I am Cat, and this my third summer at Sanborn! I took a break from camp last summer to do a summer long biking trip trying to go from Texas to Alaska with a really awesome organization Texas 4000 for cancer. I am so stoked to be back as a ridge leader this year.I will be graduating from the University of Texas at Austin finishing up my degree in elementary education right before camp. When I am not being super excited about social studies in the classroom, I love biking, climbing, and reading! I absolutely can’t wait to spend the summer outside with really awesome campers and staff!!

Kelty Carson (Juniors)

Howdy there! My name is Kelty, and I am from Austin, TX. I was a High Trails camper for three AWESOME summers from 2006-2008!! Later, I attended the College of Charleston in South Carolina. In 2018, I received my degree in International Studies focusing on Latin America and the Caribbean, with double minors in Biology and Religious Studies. These days, I work in Austin as a tour guide leading guests around my city and into the Texas Hill Country, speaking on street art, food, history, and ecology. Some important things to know about me: I have a deep respect for silly faces, I’m in love with shooting stars, and I have an amazing dog named Tally Lou who JUMPS in her sleep most nights (my fur-covered shooting star). This summer, I can’t wait to get to know YOU, lovely campers, while we create cool art projects, scramble over rocks and up mountains, and sing by the campfire!

Blair Sisk (Elementary)

My name is Blair Sisk! I spent seven summers here as a camper, and this will be my fourth summer on staff. I’ve followed my love for the outdoors by working as a fly-fishing guide, ski instructor, and tree climber. I thrive on hard work and adventure in the wilderness. In my free time, you’ll probably find me wood carving, bouldering, or playing guitar and singing :) This summer at High Trails, I can’t wait to be everyones friend, belt out camp songs, dance like nobody’s watching, and cook over a campfire! See you soon for an unforgettable summer!

Maya Horner (High School)

Hey there! I’m Maya, born and raised in Catalina, Arizona, and a recent grad with a B.S. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. I’m passionate about water conservation, environmental justice, working with youth, and building resilient communities - something I’ve been lucky to put into practice as a coordinator at a nonprofit for the past year. My first summer at Sanborn was in 2021, and I’m beyond excited to return as a Ridge Leader. After a few years in Flagstaff, I’m back in Tucson, soaking up the desert and doing all the things I love like mountain biking, trail running, drumming, embroidering, and, of course, geeking out over reptiles. This summer, I’m excited to be off my phone and make friends I haven’t even met yet.

Jenny Rohrer (Kitchen Coordinator)

Hi! My name is Jenny. I moved out to Colorado about a year ago to work my first season at Sanborn as a counselor. I fell in love with camp and Colorado, I plan to stick around the state for a while. With a degree in an outdoor field, I find so much joy spending time in nature. A few of my hobbies include hiking, fishing, and watching the worst movies possible on Netflix. My favorite thing about camp is getting to see campers accomplish hard things and build each other up while doing so. I’m looking forward to my second season with Sanborn!

Olivia Medrano (Photographer)

Hello! My name is Olivia Medrano. This is my second summer at camp and I am so excited to be back and capture all of the fun memories. I graduated last year from the University of Kansas with degrees in Film and Marketing and now I work in Radio/TV Broadcasting in my hometown of Topeka, KS. In my free time, I keep up with the latest movie releases and kite when the weather is nice. This summer I am so excited to work with campers in the darkroom and spread the joy of photography!

Izzi Dalsing (Outcamp)

Hi I’m Izzi, and I’m the outcamp coordinator this summer! I’m originally from Minneapolis, but have been working in California doing outdoor education. This is my first year at High Trails, but I’ve been working at camps for the past six summers. I love hiking, canoeing, and all things outdoors, and am super excited to experience all of the activities and beauty High Trails has to offer!

Syd Parizek (Arts and Crafts)

Hello friends! My name is Syd and I am a creative individual from a cattle farm in Iowa - taking time to explore by doing seasonal work full-time. After spending a magical winter building an Ice Castle in Colorado, I’m excited to enjoy my first season at camp under the warm sun. My favorite things to do are go for long walks, make art, and visit coffee shops (my order: iced maple latte with oat milk). I am looking forward to see all the amazing crafts our campers create at the art barn this summer!

Danielle Williams

Hello! My name is Danielle Williams, and I have deep roots in the Show-Me State. As a 25-year-old from Moscow Mills, Missouri my love for adventure drove me to continue my education in the Panhandle of Texas, where I earned a degree in Agriculture Media & Communications in 2022. Being from a family involved in the western way of life, I found my niche in the rodeo and rodeo queening industries. From my personal pageant experience I created a platform, Past the Sash, for all titleholders to be celebrated for their unique skills and how those skills can be utilized in the professional world. Past the Sash features queens but, more importantly, women beyond the title. I use my expertise from 15 years in the industry to continue to close the gap in the industry. I am now living my platform by continuing to stay involved as the pageant coordinator for the Troy Rodeo Queen Pageant and clinician. I have translated the skills I learned from competing in pageants to my career. My goal is to be a light for other young women to follow in my footsteps as they find their passion in the western industry. I continue to follow my love for adventure by charging headfirst into new endeavors.

Britt Walker

My name is Britt and I am outgoing, adventurous and love to bring joy and laughter to whatever it is I am doing. I love being outdoors, keeping fit and listening to country music. I am excited to bring elements our Aussie way of life and kick it in the sticks with all my newfound mates in Colorado!

Katelyn Faubel

Hi Everyone! My name’s Katelyn Faubel and I am so excited to be back at Sanborn this summer as one of the High Trails Wranglers! I’ve worked at Sanborn twice in the past, as both a riding counselor and wrangler, and I loved it. I graduated from Syracuse University in 2018 with a bachelor’s in newspaper and online journalism and international relations. Since then, I’ve been living and working for the federal government in Washington, D.C. A couple of fun facts about me: I grew up in Las Vegas, NV, I studied abroad in the Middle East, and I’m absolutely obsessed with the cookies at camp. I am so excited to share my love of horses with all the campers this summer and go on our long trips!

Cecelia Gedrose

Hi there! My name is Cece and I am SO excited to be a Camp Nurse for my first year at Sanborn, and also my first summer camp EVER! I graduated from Boise State University in 2023 with my BSN degree. After 22 lovely years of living in Idaho, I went to chase the sunshine and found myself in Charleston, SC working as a nurse for the last two years. While I’ve loved getting to live on the beach, I’ve been missing the beauty and accessibility to the wilderness the northwest offers. I am so excited to soak in all the fun outdoors this summer, and meet the most spectacular campers I could imagine!

Sydney Wilson

My name is Sydney Wilson and I am a graduate nurse practitioner student at UT. I graduated from Texas A&M in 2021. I have worked at a few summer camps in the past, and am super excited to get to serve on staff this summer as one of the nurses!