Summer 2026 Team
Directors | Leads | Counselors | Lifeguards | Photo Team | Maintenance
Directors
David Williford “Shilo”, Owner
Shilo’s been around summer camps and outdoor adventures since he was a kid—and he never really left! He’s worked at awesome places like Sky Ranch, Camp Compass, Camp Thurman, and Sabine Creek Ranch. A proud Marine veteran and double major from Houston Baptist, Shilo brings big energy, strong leadership, and a heart for mentorship.
Dylan "Maui", Camp Director
Maui is no stranger to camp life—he’s served as a counselor at both Camp Anothen and Camp Thurman, and now he’s back full-time and fired up to make more memories. Dylan played football while earning his Business degree from Austin College.
Maui and his wife are part of Lifegate Church! His go-to Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10—because with God on our side, there’s nothing to fear!
Elise “Hoosier”, Camp Administrative Director
Hoosier serves as the Camp Administrative Director at Camp Anothen and is passionate about helping create an excellent experience for campers, families, and staff. With a heart for organization, she works behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly and ensure camp is a place where lifelong memories are made. Hoosier and her husband have been happily married since May 2024 and enjoy building a life rooted in faith and purpose. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 16:24: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Angie "Tia", Discovery Camp Director
Angie is the Discovery Camp Director at Camp Anothen, and she brings a heart full of love for Jesus, children, and the great outdoors! With years of experience teaching Sunday School, leading church camps, running in-home childcare, and serving as a teaching assistant in both general and special education Pre-K, she’s dedicated her life to nurturing and guiding young hearts. She holds a degree in Educational Studies and is passionate about creating meaningful, faith-filled experiences for campers. Creative at heart, Angie enjoys crafting, decorating, and making art with kids—and she couldn’t be more excited to lead a program rooted in God’s beauty: children, nature, and a Christ-centered community!
Amanda "Moose", Marketing + Communications Director
Moose brings over 10 years of leadership experience in nonprofits and knows a thing or two about building awesome teams and strong communities! She studied Journalism, PR, and Marketing at the University of North Texas and loves connecting with people and making a positive impact.
When she’s not at camp, you’ll probably find her hiking or backpacking through a National Park with her husband and kids—always up for a new adventure!
Jim Rose, Discipleship & Rangers Director
Jim Rose is a well-loved name in the camping world, best known for building and leading Camp Thurman in Arlington, Texas. He served as Executive Director there for over 37 years, leaving a lasting legacy in the lives of campers and staff alike. Now, Jim’s adventure continues at Camp Anothen in Mansfield, Texas—where his heart for mentorship, faith, and fun is right at home.
Leads
Kipp, Counselor Lead
Kip serves as the Female Lead Counselor at Camp Anothen and is excited to return for her fifth summer! She is currently pursuing her specialist degree in School Psychology and loves working closely with campers in a supportive and engaging environment. Kip especially enjoys leading games and songs during morning rally, building meaningful connections with campers, and taking part in fun traditions like dress-up days and parades. She deeply values the Christ-centered community at Camp Anothen, which is what keeps bringing her back each summer.
Typewriter, LIT Lead
Now in his second year in a leadership role at Camp Anothen, Typewriter brings all the energy of a true theater kid—plus an accordion! Before stepping into leadership, he served as a counselor and loved every minute of it. He’s all about making campers laugh, creating unforgettable moments, and adding a little music to the woods (yes, that really is him playing the accordion out there!). Camp wouldn’t be the same without his big personality and even bigger heart.
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Scooby, Counselor Lead
Scooby is one of the Lead Counselors at Camp Anothen and is thrilled to be back for his second summer! He recently graduated with a degree in Kinesiology (December 2024) and will be stepping into his dream job as a PE teacher this fall. Scooby is passionate about helping kids stay active, build confidence, and discover that movement can be seriously fun. With his energy and heart for campers, he’s ready to make this summer one to remember!
Cheese, Lead Lifeguard
Cheese is the Lifeguard Manager at Camp Anothen and is diving into his fourth summer on staff! With a love for the outdoors and a heart for campers, he’s all about creating a safe, fun, and unforgettable experience by the water.
Dove, LIT Lead
Dove is currently studying Early Childhood Development and has a heart for working with children! Along with serving at Camp Anothen, she also volunteers as a Sunday School teacher at her church. She’s a big fan of Dr. Pepper, giraffes, and spending quality time with her husband and family. Her favorite thing about Anothen? The warm, family-like community that makes camp feel like home!
Goldie, Photo Team Lead
Goldie is the Marketing Assistant for both Camp Anothen and Anothen Outdoor Academy and serves as the Photo Team Lead for Camp Anothen. She loves Jesus and is passionate about helping campers have an unforgettable summer! With her joyful spirit and heart for others, Goldie helps make Camp Anothen a place where every camper feels seen, loved, and ready for adventure.
Counselors
Dragonfly
Dragonfly is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is so excited to be back this summer—this time as a counselor! She previously served as an LIT (Leader in Training), and we’re thrilled to see her step into this new role. Dragonfly is passionate about loving God, leading children, and having fun. She plans to pursue a degree in Biochemistry at Baylor University and hopes to do lab research one day. She can’t wait to spend the summer with your campers and make it one to remember!
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(Kailee) is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is so excited for her first summer in this role! She loves being outdoors, writing, playing with her cat, riding horses, and watching TV. Kailee has played many sports—including soccer, basketball, cheer, and currently softball for her school team—which fuels her love for teamwork and staying active. This summer, she hopes to grow as a devoted Christian while helping make camp a fun and safe place that campers can’t wait to return to year after year!
Tiara
Tiara is one of our returning Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is so excited to be back for her second summer! She loves iced coffee, coloring, online shopping, and going on morning walks. Tiara can’t wait to meet her new campers and is ready to make this summer full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
Bigfoot
Bigfoot is returning for his second summer at Camp Anothen and is so excited to be back! He recently graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology on the Motor Rehabilitation track. He hopes to begin an alternative teaching certification program this summer and is passionate about working with kids. Bigfoot is ready to make this an unforgettable summer for your campers!
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(Kelsey) is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for her first summer in this role! She’s no stranger to camp—she previously served as an LIT (Leader in Training) in 2023 and is thrilled to be back. Kelsey loves coloring, music, sports, helping at church, and grabbing a fun drink from Sonic. She can’t wait to meet all the campers and make this the best summer ever, full of memories, friendship, and growing closer to Jesus!
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(Emma Grace) is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for her first summer on staff! She is a business major at Baylor University and will be starting her sophomore year this fall. Emma Grace has always loved camp and enjoys spending time with kids outdoors playing games and doing fun activities. She can’t wait to share more about Jesus and build meaningful relationships with campers this summer!
Lavender
Lavender is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for an amazing summer! Outside of camp, she works as a dance teacher and loves sharing her passion for movement and creativity with others. Lavender enjoys helping kids build confidence while having fun and trying new things. She can’t wait to bring her positive energy and love for dance to make this summer unforgettable!
Halo
Halo is one of our returning Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for her third summer on staff! She loves creating a fun and encouraging environment where campers can try new things, build friendships, and grow in confidence. Having recently graduated high school, Halo is excited to begin studying nursing this fall. She’s looking forward to making this summer full of great memories and adventures!
Bridge
Bridge is returning for her second year as a Camp Counselor at Camp Anothen and is excited for another great summer! She also works as a substitute teacher during the school year at Anothen Outdoor Academy. Bridge is currently pursuing a degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Texas Christian University. She is excited to bring her enthusiasm and skills to create a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment for all campers this summer!
Dino
Dino is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for an incredible summer ahead! He previously served as an LIT (Leader in Training), and we’re thrilled to welcome him back in this new role. A dedicated soccer player who loves staying active and being outdoors, Dino loves encouraging others to try new things and give their best effort. With his positive energy and heart for campers, he’s ready to help make this summer one to remember!
Blaze
Blaze is returning for his second year at Camp Anothen and is so excited to be back for another amazing summer! Currently a junior in high school, he loves being a positive role model for the kids who look up to him. Blaze is passionate about helping campers grow closer to God while making sure they have a fun and meaningful summer they’ll always remember.
Spike
Spike is returning for his second summer at Camp Anothen and is excited for another incredible season! He loves being outdoors and having the most fun—especially when it comes to sports. Spike is passionate about helping every camper feel included and can’t wait to make sure they have an absolute blast this summer!
Mixtape
Mixtape is a returning Camp Counselor at Camp Anothen and is excited for his second summer on staff! A current college student, he is fun, laidback, and always ready for another adventure. Mixtape brings a great mix of music and energy to camp and is passionate about making sure every camper feels included. He works hard to make each day fun, exciting, and one to remember!
FIshsticks
Fishsticks is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for her first summer in this role! She previously served as an LIT (Leader in Training) in 2023 and is thrilled to step into this new position. Fishsticks loves the outdoors, playing volleyball, animals, Jesus, and getting to know new people. Always full of energy, she enjoys being involved in activities and making every moment as fun as possible. She can’t wait to build new friendships, create lasting memories, and help make this the best summer yet!
Pluto
Pluto is one of our returning Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for her third summer on staff! She is currently studying Psychology and Criminology at the University of Arkansas and plans to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in 2028. Pluto loves Camp Anothen and is passionate about making memories while sharing the Good News with your kids this summer!
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Meredith is one of the Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited to serve this summer! She is a student at Texas Christian University and has grown up in Fort Worth. Meredith enjoys spending time outdoors and loves making camp a fun and unforgettable experience. With her heart for serving and working with kids, she can’t wait to help campers create a summer full of joy and laughter!
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Morgan is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for her first summer on staff! She loves dogs, football, and sushi, and brings a fun and energetic spirit to everything she does. Morgan is passionate about sharing the Gospel and reminding campers that our God is a great big God, and that the Holy Spirit can fill you no matter how small you are. She can’t wait to make this summer fun, meaningful, and full of unforgettable moments!
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Addie is excited to be part of the Camp Anothen team this summer! She has experience working with kids as a science teacher, AWANA leader, and teacher’s assistant. Addie is currently a religion and philosophy student at Nelson University. She loves archery, art, and putting smiles on the faces of young children, and she can’t wait to help make this summer fun and meaningful for every camper!
Dallas
Dallas is one of our returning Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and has been part of our community for years—first as a camper, then as a volunteer, and now as a counselor! He is graduating high school soon and plans to pursue a degree in Ecology at Tarleton State University, where he hopes to deepen his knowledge of animals and their relationship with nature. Dallas is passionate about bringing kids closer to Christ and closer to the great outdoors, all while making sure his campers have the most fun possible this summer!
Pluto
Pluto is one of our returning Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for his third summer on staff! He is currently studying Psychology and Criminology at the University of Arkansas and plans to graduate with his bachelor’s degree in 2028. Pluto loves getting to know your kids and is passionate about helping them grow in their relationship with God—all while having SO much fun at Anothen!
Ace
Ace is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for his first summer in this role! Before becoming a counselor, he spent three years serving as an LIT (Leader in Training) and five years as a camper, giving him a deep love for everything Camp Anothen has to offer. Ace is ready to help every camper have a safe, exciting, and unforgettable summer!
Prima
Prima is one of our Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is so excited for an amazing summer! She is currently in college working toward her nursing degree and works at a nursing home during the school year. Prima loves reading, cooking, and spending time with her family—but most importantly, she loves Jesus! She can’t wait to meet everyone and make this summer full of fun, laughter, and new friendships.
Goob
Goob is excited to return for his second summer at Camp Anothen! He is currently a junior in high school and loves working with kids. Goob is passionate about sharing the Gospel with campers in fun and engaging ways and is looking forward to an amazing summer at camp.
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Ella is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for her first summer on staff! She recently graduated from high school and will be attending the University of Central Oklahoma. Ella loves all things sports and the outdoors and can’t wait to help campers have the best summer ever!
Paprika
Paprika is one of the Camp Counselors at Camp Anothen and is excited for her first summer in this role! She has been part of the Camp Anothen community for 10 years as both a camper and an LIT (Leader in Training). Paprika loves the outdoors, spending time with her family, and a good cup of coffee. She hopes to pursue a degree in education one day and can’t wait to make this summer fun and memorable for all her campers!
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Kitty is the Music Specials Teacher and Teaching Assistant for the Hedgehogs class at Anothen Outdoor Academy and is excited for her first year as a Discovery Counselor at Camp Anothen! Her passions for Jesus, nature, music, and language come together with joy, energy, and creativity to create a fun and engaging experience for every camper in her care. Kitty’s mission is to make each day safe, colorful, musical, joyful, and full of Christ-centered moments for all her Outsiders!
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Jill is excited to be part of the Discovery team at Camp Anothen this summer! She loves working with kids and is looking forward to a fun season filled with laughter, learning, and adventure. Jill can’t wait to make camp a place where every camper feels welcome, included, and ready to have the best summer ever!
Lifeguards/Nurses
Pinkalicious
Pinkalicious is one of the Lifeguards at Camp Anothen and is excited to be back for her second summer! She plans to attend Texas A&M University this fall to study Psychology and pursue her goal of becoming a pediatric speech therapist. Pinkalicious has a heart for kids and their childhood experiences and is passionate about making water activities both fun and safe for everyone this summer!
Clementine
Clementine is one of the Lifeguards at Camp Anothen and is excited to return for her second summer! She loves seeing the campers each day and works hard to make the water both fun and safe for everyone. Clementine enjoys reading and writing and hopes to become an elementary school teacher one day. She can’t wait to meet both new and returning campers and help make this summer as fun as possible!
Minnow, Nurse
Minnow has been part of Camp Anothen for 6 summers and is excited for another incredible season! She is a nursing major at Stephen F. Austin State University and a founding Vice President of the Christian sorority Sigma Phi Lambda. Minnow loves her camp family, pouring into campers, and sharing the joy of knowing Jesus!
Photo Team
Mando
Mando is one of the Photographers and Videographers at Camp Anothen and is excited to return for his third summer on staff! He captures epic moments through both photos and video, adding another dimension to the memories you see. Mando has been making films since he was 12 years old, when he first received a camera. Growing up around the world as the son of a U.S. diplomat and a Third Culture Kid has given him a unique perspective that inspires his storytelling and fuels his love for travel. He can’t wait to capture cool shots and create some of his most epic camp videos yet!
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(nataly) is excited to join the Photo Team at Camp Anothen for the first time this summer! Photography is a deep passion, and she loves capturing joy-filled moments that will be remembered for years to come. She is looking forward to a summer full of smiles, faith, and fun while helping preserve all the special memories made at camp.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is joining the Photo Team at Camp Anothen and is excited to capture all the fun memories campers will experience this summer! She has been part of the Camp Anothen community for about seven years as a camper and also served three years as an LIT (Leader in Training). Hibiscus loves drawing, painting, and of course photography. She hopes to use her creative passions to serve God while helping capture moments that reflect the joy and faith growing at camp.
Maintenance
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(Dane) is a member of the Maintenance Crew at Camp Anothen and is excited for his first summer on staff! He plans to attend Texas A&M University to study Agricultural Business. Dane has played football and baseball his whole life and loves being outdoors. He enjoys working alongside fellow Christians who love Jesus and can’t wait to spread the Good News while helping make camp an incredible experience this summer!