Meet The Team

Directors

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    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.

  • Meet the dedicated, background-checked team at Camp Anothen in Mansfield, TX

    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!

  • Meet the dedicated, background-checked team at Camp Anothen in Mansfield, TX with blonde hair and blue eyes smiling outdoors at Camp Anothen in Mansfield, TX

    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    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

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    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.

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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!

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    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!

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    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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    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.

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    Goldie, Photo Team Lead/Marketing Assistant

    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

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    Ace

    Ace is excited to step into his new role as a Camp Anothen counselor this summer! While this is his first year as a counselor, he has been part of the Camp Anothen community for years as both a camper and a Leader-in-Training. Ace is engaging and loves connecting with campers, staying active, and playing football. He can’t wait to use his experience, enthusiasm, and camp spirit to help create an unforgettable summer full of fun, friendship, and adventure.

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    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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    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.

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    Badger

    Badger is thrilled to be serving as a Discovery Camp counselor this summer! She is a goofy college student with a big heart for children and a passion for helping them grow in their faith. Badger’s favorite book of the Bible is Daniel, and she enjoys performing in various plays. She has worked with children in many different roles, including as an acting teacher, an AWANA game time leader, and a kids’ ministry leader. Badger is excited to build new friendships, create lasting memories, and help make this summer unforgettable for every camper!

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    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!

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    Boo

    Boo is excited to be serving as a camp counselor for her first summer at Camp Anothen! Although this is her first year on staff, she is already familiar with camp after serving as an LIT in 2023. She is looking forward to a summer full of memories, friendship, and growing closer to Jesus. Boo loves coloring, listening to music, playing sports, helping at church, and grabbing a fun drink from Sonic. She can't wait to meet all the campers, build new friendships, and help make this the best summer ever!

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    Bumble Bee

    Bumble Bee is excited to be serving as a counselor at Camp Anothen for her first summer on staff! She is entering her junior year of high school and is actively involved in Mansfield FCA. Bumble Bee has a heart for sharing the Gospel with people of all ages, especially children, and is passionate about helping them grow in their faith. She is looking forward to building meaningful relationships, creating unforgettable memories, and showing Christ’s love to every camper she meets. Bumble Bee can't wait to see all that God has in store this summer at Camp Anothen!

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    Cheetah

    Cheetah is excited to be serving as a camp counselor this summer! She loves being outdoors, writing, spending time with her cat, riding horses, and watching TV. Cheetah has played a variety of sports, including soccer, basketball, cheer, and currently plays softball for her school team. This summer, she hopes to grow stronger in her faith and help make camp a fun, safe, and welcoming place that campers will want to return to year after year. She is looking forward to building friendships, making lasting memories, and sharing the love of Jesus with campers all summer long!

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    Chevy

    Chevy is excited to be returning to Camp Anothen for his second summer as a counselor! After an incredible experience last year, he is looking forward to another season filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Chevy is passionate about encouraging campers as they grow in their walk with Christ while creating lifelong memories through camp adventures. He can't wait to build meaningful connections, make lasting memories, and help make this summer an unforgettable experience for every camper.

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    Cricket

    Cricket is looking forward to her third summer as a Discovery Camp Counselor. She just completed her sixth year teaching at Anothen Outdoor Academy. She loves helping children grow not only academically, but also into the unique individuals God created them to be.

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    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!

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    Dino

    Dino is a soccer player who loves staying active and spending time outdoors. Whether he’s on the field or out in nature, he enjoys encouraging others to have fun, try new things, and give their best effort. As a camp counselor, he is excited to build meaningful relationships with his campers, and push them to be the best versions of themselves.

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    DK

    DK is ready for BIG fun at Camp Anothen! As a former camper, LIT, and staff member, he knows camp inside and out and loves making every day exciting for his campers. Whether he’s playing Gaga Ball, laughing with campers, or jumping into adventures, DK is always ready to make camp the best week ever!

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    Dandelion

    Dandelion is excited to be returning to Camp Anothen for her fourth summer! She loves getting to know campers, making fun memories, and helping create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone. Camp has always held a special place in her heart, and she is looking forward to another amazing summer filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable experiences. Dandelion can’t wait to meet new campers and make this summer the best one yet!

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    Fishsticks

    Fishsticks was previously involved as an LIT in the summer of 2023 and is now stepping into her first year as a Camp Anothen counselor! She loves the outdoors, playing volleyball, animals, Jesus, and getting to know new people. She can’t wait for this summer and all the new experiences and friendships she’ll make. She’s always full of energy and loves being involved in activities, and making every moment as fun as possible. Fishsticks is excited to create lasting memories, and help make this the best summer yet !

  • Goob

    Goob is excited to be returning to Camp Anothen for his second summer on staff! He is a junior in high school and loves working with kids. Goob is passionate about creating a fun, encouraging environment where campers can grow, make new friends, and enjoy every moment of camp. He is especially excited to share the Gospel in fun, engaging, and meaningful ways throughout the summer. Goob can't wait to make lasting memories and help give every camper an unforgettable Camp Anothen experience!

  • A young man with curly red hair and a slight mustache standing outdoors with trees in the background. He is wearing a black and green athletic shirt, a black digital wristwatch, a pink wristband, and a black cap with the text 'Lukey Bear Heat Co.' on it. He is showing a thumbs-up gesture with his right hand, which also has a necklace and sunglasses hanging around his neck.

    Ginger

    Ginger is another one of Camp Anothen’s tenured counselors and loves everything about summer camp! He enjoys leading Bible studies, going on grand adventures with his campers, and making every day full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

  • Halo

    Halo is so excited to be starting her third year at Camp Anothen this summer and can’t wait to spend the season getting to know the campers. She loves creating a fun and encouraging environment where kids can try new things, build friendships, and grow in confidence. Having recently graduated high school, she’s excited to begin studying nursing this fall. She’s looking forward to making this summer full of great memories and adventures!

  • Havana

    Havana is excited to be serving as a Camp Counselor at Camp Anothen for her first summer! She is a Business major at Baylor University and will be starting her sophomore year this fall. Havana has always loved camp and enjoys spending time with kids outdoors, playing games, and participating in fun activities. She is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus with campers and building meaningful relationships throughout the summer. Havana can't wait to make lasting memories and help create an unforgettable camp experience for every camper!

  • 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.


  • Jazz

    Jazz is excited to be returning to Camp Anothen for her fifth summer as one of the camp photographers! She is currently attending Stephen F. Austin State University, where she is majoring in Dance Performance and Choreography. Jazz has a passion for photography and loves capturing the special moments that make camp so memorable. She is looking forward to documenting all the fun, friendships, and adventures that campers will experience this summer while helping create memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Jellybean

    Jelly Bean 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!

  • Lavendar

    Lavender is excited to be a camp counselor this summer and help create a fun, welcoming space for all campers! Outside of camp, she works as a dance teacher and loves sharing her passion for movement and creativity with others. She enjoys helping kids build confidence, and have fun while trying new things. Lavender can’t wait to bring her positive energy and love for dance to make this summer unforgettable!

  • Lion

    Lion has been part of Camp Anothen for so long, she IS the legacy! She loves everything about summer camp and shines when she’s spending time with campers, exploring camp, and making every day full of fun and adventure. Lion can’t wait to share the love of Jesus with her campers and make this summer one to remember!

  • Luna

    Luna is a true Camp Anothen staple! She works with the youngest students at Anothen Outdoor Academy and loves exploring campus, making memories, and sharing the love of Jesus with her campers. Luna can’t wait for a summer full of big fun with all of Camp Anothen’s smallest campers!

  • 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!

  • Nightfury

    Nightfury is excited to be returning to Camp Anothen for his third summer! Named after his favorite movie, How to Train Your Dragon, he is looking forward to another season filled with fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories. Nightfury can't wait to meet new campers, reconnect with returning campers, and make this summer an amazing experience for everyone.

  • Nola

    Nola is excited to join Camp Anothen for her very first summer! With family roots in New Orleans, Nola brings lots of energy, enthusiasm, and fun wherever she goes. She loves playing soccer, making new friends, and trying new adventures. Nola can't wait to be part of the Camp Anothen community and help create a summer full of laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

  • Oso

    OSO is so excited for her very first summer at Camp Anothen! She works with students at Anothen Outdoor Academy and can’t wait to have fun with campers, jump into all the camp spirit, and make awesome memories all summer long!

  • 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!

  • 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 a bachelor’s degree in 2028. Pluto loves getting to know campers and is passionate about helping them grow in their relationship with God—all while having SO much fun at Anothen!

  • Pringle

    Pringle is excited to return for her third summer as a counselor at Camp Anothen! She loves music, animals, and spending time outdoors, and enjoys sharing her enthusiasm and creativity with campers. Pringle is passionate about helping children build confidence, make new friends, and create unforgettable summer memories. She can’t wait for another season of adventure, laughter, and fun at camp!

  • Power

    Power is so excited to be back at Camp Anothen this fall and spring as the Physical Education teacher at Anothen Outdoor Academy! She loves helping campers stay active, play hard, laugh loud, and discover how fun it can be to learn about God while moving their bodies and making new friends.

  • Pozie

    Pozie is excited to be returning to Camp Anothen for her fourth summer! She is currently a junior in college majoring in Victim Studies with a minor in Psychology. Pozie loves being outdoors, playing games, crafting, and helping make camp a fun and memorable experience for every camper. She is passionate about creating a positive environment where kids can grow, make friends, and enjoy an unforgettable summer. Pozie can't wait to make even more memories, build new friendships, and share another amazing summer at camp!

  • Prima

    Prima is currently in college pursuing her nursing degree and spends her school year working at a nursing home. She loves reading, cooking, spending time with family, and most importantly, growing in her faith and love for Jesus. Prima is excited to meet new campers, build lasting friendships, and help make this summer full of fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories!

  • Ray Ray

    Ray Ray is doing her 1st summer as a Counselor but has been going to camp anothen for 5 years. She has been an LIT for 3 of those years and loved every minute of it. She loves animals, her family and Dr. Pepper. Ray Ray hopes to make this a memorable year for your campers.

  • Rocky

    Rocky is excited to be returning to Camp Anothen for his fourth summer! His favorite part of camp is sharing the good news of Jesus with campers and watching them grow in their faith each week. Rocky is also working toward earning his bachelor’s degree in music. He looks forward to another summer filled with worship, fun, friendship, and making lasting memories with campers.

  • Spike

    Spike is excited to be returning to Camp Anothen for his second summer on staff! He loves spending time outdoors, staying active, and having fun—especially when it comes to sports. Spike is passionate about helping campers feel included, encouraged, and part of the camp community. He is looking forward to building new friendships, creating lasting memories, and making sure every camper has an amazing time this summer!

  • Skipper

    Skipper is so excited to serve this summer! She is a student at TCU who has grown up in Fort Worth. Meredith enjoys spending time outside and loves to make camp a fun and unforgettable experience. With her love for serving and working with kids, she can’t wait to help campers create a summer filled with joy and laughter!

  • Tiara

    Tiara is excited to be returning to Camp Anothen for her second summer! She loves iced coffee, coloring, online shopping, and going on morning walks. Tiara is looking forward to meeting new campers, building new friendships, and making lots of fun memories throughout the summer. She can't wait for a season full of laughter, adventure, and unforgettable camp experiences!

  • Trout

    Trout is so excited to be back on campus as a Camp Anothen counselor! After being an LIT, he’s ready to pass down the Camp Anothen legacy and make camp unforgettable for his campers. Just like his name suggests, Trout loves fishing, but he also loves sharing all the classic camp favorites, big fun, and adventures that make camp so special!

  • Twilight

    Twilight 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. Twilight is currently a religion and philosophy student at Nelson University. She loves archery, art, and putting smiles on the faces of young children.

  • Wave

    Wave is excited to return for his second year at Camp Anothen! He loves spending time outdoors, trying new things, and helping campers have fun while building friendships and confidence. Wave is looking forward to an awesome summer filled with adventure, new experiences, and unforgettable memories.