Going into his 21st year at Orkila - 7 years as a camper and 14 years on staff - Dave loves and lives Orkila! You might catch him saying "hello" to the LDI campers on President Channel, cooking food with the elves in the Enchanted Forest, or singing The Jellyfish Song at line-up. Dave loves smiles, laughing, high fives and hearing what’s going on with you!
Joe started going to Camp Orkila when he was 9 years old. Now he’s going in to his 18th summer at Orkila and still loves everything about camp! Joe loves playing music at campfires, jumping of the dock (with a PFD of course), and going for a long run through camp. He also thinks that sunsets as viewed from Orkila are one of the most beautiful sights in the world.
Hannah has been attending Camp Orkila as a camper, then as a staff member since she was 7 years old. Around camp, you can find Hannah attempting pottery projects, jumping off the dock, and doing low ropes. You might even see her flying overhead practicing her Pilot skills! Hannah recently moved back home to the PNW from Colorado, where she lived for 5 years. She loves admiring Orcas Island, singing and cheering at lineup, and watching campers learn new skills.
This summer will be Jordan's 16th at Camp Orkila. Starting as a camper back in 2000, he has been a cabin counselor, photographer, unit director and expedition leader. He has also worked as an instructor with Orkila's Outdoor Environmental Education Program. Jordan will be starting his new role this year as a Program Director and will work hard to support another summer of Teen Expedition instructors and students. Jordan loves 9:00 radio checks, setting up "perfect camp" and brainstorming new recipes for expedition participants - ask him about his dutch oven enchiladas, tuna chowders or bread pudding french toast (all of which he made while leading trips for Orkila).
Christy began working at Orkila in 2004 after spending 5 years as a High School Biology teacher. She enjoys working with our 75+ schools to make a camp experience possible for every student. She also provides support for our family programs and enjoys engaging donors. The Orkila beach and waterfront is her favorite place in camp and she can be found there with her two sons, husband, and sometimes their family pup, who also love Orkila.
Haley started her Orkila career as an Outdoor Environmental Educator in the spring of 2012. She flew in from Wisconsin for what was meant to be a short stay in the PNW, however, she fell in love with the Orkila spirit and never left! Now you'll find her at camp playing games, singing songs, laughing a laugh and ensuring a rockin' experience for visiting campers AND adults. Haley loves to play; no matter the activity, she just loves to play. "I often think how wonderful a job teaching OEE is because I get to combine teaching kids and playing outside!"
Chris has been staffing camps for over ten years between Camp Orkila, the Boy Scouts of America, and several private camps. His passion for working with youth and adults in the outdoors led him to get a Bachelors and a Masters in Environmental Education from Western Washington University. Chris is excited to work at Orkila providing memorable camp experiences for all of its participants. When not running the lodge or riding his bike around camp, you might find Chris singing silly songs at the campfire pit or taking a mud bath in the swamp.
Lynda has been the Office Manager at Orkila since 2008 but her favorite role is camp mom! She says, "I love having so many kids, it keeps me young and honestly I get so much more than I give!" During the slower seasons, Lynda loves to spend time with her family and would love to have her own TV show on the Home and Garden Network.
