Meet the Cedarbrook Leadership
Amy “Ellie” Culhane
Executive Director
I am honored to serve Camp Cedarbrook as the Executive Director since October 2015. Having attended Camp Cedarbrook every summer growing up (starting with father/daughter weekend all the way through the CILT program), I can honestly say that camp changed my life. The friendships I made and the impact it had on my spiritual formation and leadership development remain with me to this day.
Before returning to camp, I served in the development office at Wheaton College (my alma mater) for seven years. When I’m not at camp, I live in Saratoga Springs with my husband, Brendon and our sons, Owen and Myles.
Megan “Rory” Morgan
Assistant Director
I began my camp journey as a Trailblazer and started on staff in 2005. I have worked full-time for camp since 2013. Throughout my time as a camper, my CILT training, and my years on staff, God has truly blessed me through camp. The many friendships and my spiritual growth have been the two most significant things to come from my years at Cedarbrook and I can talk forever about how much it has made me a better person.
In addition to working for camp year-round, I teach Criminal Justice part time at Bronx Community College in New York City. I live in Northern New Jersey during the year with my husband, David and daughters, Olivia and Emma.
Hannah “Scooter” Taetzsch
Recruitment/Curriculum Manager
Having grown up as a camper from father/daughter all the way through CILT and having worked on staff for several years, there are few places in my life that have had as big of an impact as Cedarbrook. The spiritual friendships I made and leadership skills I developed continue to positively impact my walk with Christ to this day.
Before joining full time on staff at Cedarbrook, I worked at HoneyRock (Wheaton College’s Outdoor Center for Leadership development) while completing my masters in Outdoor Adventure Leadership. When I’m not at camp I live in Saratoga Springs and enjoy chasing my nephews, traveling around to recruit our amazing staff, and dreaming of the day it’s warm enough to jump into Davignon Pond.
EVERY COUNSELOR HAS
MADE A COMMITMENT TO
YOUR DAUGHTER
Camp Cedarbrook counselors are mature young women who have completed at least one year of college and are 18 years old or older. Many of our staff have grown up with us as campers and have completed our Camper in Leadership Training (CILT) program. Our counselors and staff form a strong, committed team with a single focus: a safe summer filled with learning, fun, and spiritual growth for each camper.
Every counselor, staff member and volunteer is carefully screened in order to create a safe and positive experience for campers. The hiring process includes reference checks, a background check, and an interview. All staff attend approximately two and a half weeks of pre-camp training, which includes fine-tuning their skills in counseling and group dynamics, activity area specialties, and safety procedures. All counselors and staff supervising high-risk activities (for example, archery, boating, riflery, and swimming) have met strict American Camping Association certification standards.
Camp Cedarbrook in the Adirondacks recruits committed Christian women who love God and enjoy working with children. Each counselor is devoted to nurturing your camper’s faith in Christ, building her skills, and guiding her friendships.
What are Bird Names?
At Cedarbrook we have a long tradition of staff having "Bird Names." This comes from the Bible in 1 Kings 17 where Elijah is fed by ravens in the Kerith Ravine. The Lord provided for and sustained Elijah with these birds. Cedarbrook (formerly Cherith) staff are spiritually feeding and caring for our campers during their time at camp. When your daughter's counselor introduces herself with her bird name, now you know why! We hope you enjoy our fun tradition!
Words From the Director
Our Director Ellie talks about “Why Cedarbrook,” how her life was transformed at camp, and how she loves seeing lives changed every summer.
“Cedarbrook is a place where she feels unconditionally loved by the staff, and it fills her with such joy that she talks about it all year long to anyone who will listen.”
Camper Parent
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: WHAT WE DO
The Camp Cedarbrook in the Adirondacks Board of Directors is a volunteer group whose purpose is to seek God's will for camp, cast vision for the ministry of camp, connect with camp stakeholders (campers, parents, alumni, staff, churches, community), pray for and otherwise support the camp ministry, and provide oversight and support to the Executive Director. New members are selected by the existing board for their ability and willingness to carry out these goals. Using the Policy Governance® model, the board functions through administration of ends policies which lay out the goals for camp and executive limitations policies which provide the parameters within which the Executive Director must work to administer camp decisions and operations.
Shellie “Cat” Ware - President
Connie Tyrrell - Vice President
Beverly “May” Beaudette - Secretary
Rachel “Callie” Comini
Cay Hanley
Bill “Uncle Tawny” Hartmann
Colleen “Kiska” Heinze