New Hires at CedarS – Welcome Home

Meet the new faces of the CedarS year-round team:

Thank you, Lauren!

Cedars is so grateful to Lauren Stewart for her service to camp over many years. As Director of Operations this past year, Lauren made significant contributions in supporting staff development and program excellence. Her deep listening and compassionate spirit were a blessing to everyone at camp. As Lauren moves into a new role at Principia College, we are grateful she’ll visit camp this summer to support pre-camp training and between-session transitions.

Welcome Sam!

We’re happy to announce that Sam Wade will join the year-round Cedars team as Director of Operations. Sam spent 20 summers at CedarS with 15 summers on staff. While at CedarS, he was Boys Program Director, JL Asst. Director, and Asst Riding Director. Since then, Sam’s love of working with Christian Science youth took him to Michigan, where he served as the Leelanau Outdoor Center Program Director & Ropes Manager. For the last decade, Sam has served at the Principia School in roles ranging from houseparent, to math & computer science teacher, to basketball coach and bus driver. He has also served as a branch church reader. Sam will be moving to Lebanon year-round after this school year. His duties will include recruiting, training and mentoring staff to apply Christian Science authentically and joyfully; developing fun, high-quality summer programs for campers from all walks of life; and working with the CedarS Team to implement off-season programs that serve Christian Science groups and build bridges beyond. We are so blessed by Sam’s humility, flexibility, and servant-leader approach. Welcome home, Sam!

Thank you, Larry! 

CedarS extends our deep gratitude for Larry Patterson and his dedication and service over many years. Larry spent 21 summers at CedarS as a camper, counselor, and ambassador - including mentoring the Junior Leadership program. In 2020, the staff voted to rename one of the cabins “Pathfinders” in honor of the Patterson family. Larry’s inclusive spirit drew campers and staff alike as he taught leadership skills and encouraged all to realize their God-given potential. Larry is a cherished part of the Cedars family. As he moves to the Northwest to pursue new adventures, we wish him the best! Larry is hopeful that he can visit camp this summer.

Welcome aboard, Ben!

CedarS is grateful to welcome Ben Stolfa to the year-round team as a Program Director and Ambassador starting June 1. Ben spent 25 summers at Cedars, ten of those on staff. He’s been a CIP program director, bus driver, boat driver, and ropes and zipline facilitator. Ben brings experience from being a Principia Middle School Integrated Studies Teacher, soccer and basketball coach, and Disney team member. Ben is finishing his master’s degree in education this spring. Please welcome Ben to this new role.

Welcome Kaetlyn!

CedarS Camps is grateful to announce that Kaetlyn Allen will join our year-round team as a Program Director and Logistics & Events Coordinator. Kaetlyn has spent 13 summers at CedarS, with six being on staff. She’s been a Program Director or Asst Director for Musical Theater, Outdoor Programs, Online Camp, and Family Camp. She’s contributed as a lifeguard, ropes & zipline instructor, 15 passenger van driver, IT support, and staff calls facilitator. During the off-season, she spearheaded our Giving Tuesday Call-a-Thon, first ever online Camper Reunion, and weekly staff inspirational calls. Kaetlyn graduated from the University of Illinois with Highest Honors in 2021. Her organizational skills, together with an ability to remain spiritually-lighthearted while completing every task, makes Kaetlyn a wonderful complement to the team.