Meet the Summer Staff Team!
Woodcrest Retreat is a non-profit, Christian organization located in Ephrata, PA. Our summer staff is committed to bringing excellent day and overnight camp programs to our community. Our vision is to see lives impacted for Christ and we feel privileged to be able to do that through our work.
2026 Summer Leadership Team:
Andrew Mylin - Director of Discipleship
Andrew Mylin – Director of Discipleship
After six incredible summers serving as a member of the summer staff, I am honored to now be a full-time staff member at Woodcrest. I had the pleasure of coming to Woodcrest as a camper, then staff-in-training, to summer staff, now to full-time staff. Those years being at Woodcrest had such a profound impact on my spiritual journey. One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 13:20: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” This verse emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who model the love of Jesus so we can become like him. I’ve experienced firsthand the impact of Christian mentors who believed in me and trusted me beyond what I deserved. Their support has played a pivotal role in my own spiritual growth, and I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to give back to the next generation what has been given to me.
In 2024, I graduated with a bachelor’s in Leadership Studies with a Christian Ministry Concentration, and minors in both Biblical Studies and Psychology. I am passionate about helping young men and women grow in their faith and helping them develop as leaders. My educational background has given me a greater capacity to support young leaders based on a solid biblical foundation with a sensitivity toward mental and spiritual well being.
Joel Wayde - Director of Programs
Joel Wayde – Director of Programs
First as a camper, then summer staff member, and now a member of the full-time staff, Woodcrest has long been a special place to me. After serving on summer staff since 2018, I joined year-round staff in August of 2022. As Director of Programs, I’m happy to assist with camp registration, staff hiring & leadership, and helping to ensure that all of our programs run smoothly. I believe in Woodcrest’s mission of bringing the Kingdom of God to earth both in our corner of Ephrata and to the ends of the earth. A favorite passage of mine is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” My prayer for Woodcrest is that it would always remain a place for young people to encounter God and grow in their faith, being given opportunities to serve and being equipped to bring the Kingdom of God wherever they go.
Nolan Burkholder - Trekkers Director
Nolan Burkholder – Trekkers Director
Hi my name is Nolan Burkholder, I am 20 years old. This is my 4th summer on camp and this is my first time being the Trekkers director. My favorite verse is Psalms 42:11 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” I’m super excited to meet your kids and get to know them!
Jenna Zeiset - Day Camp Director
Jenna Zeiset – Day Camp Director
Hello my name is Jenna Zeiset. I am 21 years old. I am currently taking online classes through Western Governers University I am in my 2nd year. This will be my 6th summer at Woodcrest, previously a Day Camp Counselor to Assistant Day Camp Director, to now the Day Camp Director! I work at a local day care in the off season of camp, helping as an assistant teacher. In my free time I like to spend time with friends and family. I also enjoy painting, kayaking, and spending time outside. My favorite Bible verse is Luke 23:34, gives us a reminder to love like Jesus. I am so excited to get to know everyone this summer!
Kate Burkholder - Overnight Camp Director
Kate Burkholder – Overnight Camp Director
My name is Kate Burkholder! I’m 20 and I’m a Sophmore at LBC. I also work at Fox Meadows Creamery. I enjoy reading, hiking, and baking. My favorite Bible Verse right now is Ephesians 2:10. I’m so excited to have a fun summer with your camper!
Landon Stoner - Assistant Day Camp Director
Landon Stoner – Assistant Day Camp Director
My name is Landon Stoner, and I am the assistant day camp director this summer. I have been working at woodcrest for 4 years. In my free time I enjoy playing music, chess, and the occasional videogame. I enjoy engaging in healthy and safe shenaniganery, and am pumped to serve as the assistant director this summer. See you at camp!
Braden Buckwalter - RISE Staff-in-Training Director
Braden Buckwalter – RISE Staff-in-Training Director
Hey! My name is Braden Buckwalter and I am 24 years old. I love to spend my free time playing disc golf, drums, and watching movies. Some verses that mean a lot to me are Psalms 23. This will be my tenth year serving on staff at Woodcrest. I’m so excited to meet your RISEr and have fun at camp as we learn about God and camp!
2026 Day Camp Counselors:
Aaralyn Saunders - Counselor
Aaralyn Saunder – Counselor
Hi! My name is Aaralyn Saunders and I’m 17. I’m a homeschooler and I just finished my junior year. A few things I love are reading, babysitting, and spending time with friends. My favorite verse is Psalms 20:7. It serves as a reminder to me that my faith belongs in the Lord. This will be my first year working at Woodcrest. I’m so excited to serve at camp as well as getting to meet and connect with your child(s) as we learn about God, make new friends, and have fun! 🙂
Abigail Martin - Counselor
Abigail Martin – Counselor
Hey there! My name is Abby Martin. I am 17 years old and just graduated from Cocalico High School. I enjoy cooking, baking, and spending time outside with my friends and family. My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11. It reminds me of Gods perfect plan for my life and that I should not stress about what my future holds, but be confident in the one who holds it! I could not be more thrilled to be part of the Woodcrest team and grow closer to the Lord together.
Adam Buckwalter - Counselor
Adam Buckwalter – Counselor
Greetings! My name is Adam Buckwalter and I’m 19 years old. I just graduated college with an associate degree. For work I’ve been all over the place, from working at camp for the past 4 summers, being a cleaner, delivery driver, assistant cook, and finally my current occupation of a woodworker. I also volunteered in various places within my church and I ran a men’s ministry for 2 years. I love playing hockey, disc golf, and any form of physical activity I can. A verse that has truly impacted my life is James 1:2-3. I’m beyond excited to serve anyone who steps into the doors of Woodcrest, and more importantly excited to have fun sharing the gospel and being in his creation. Can’t wait to see you at camp!
Anna May - Counselor
Anna May – Counselor
Hi! My name is Anna. I just turned 20. I’ve been a part of camp life since I was 16! This will be my fourth summer as a counselor! I love dancing, spending time outside, and spending time in the water! I can’t wait to spend time with these campers and helping them experience the outdoors that God crafted for us to enjoy!
Athena Green - Counselor
Athena Green – Counselor
Hello!! My name is Athena Green, I am 17 years old and I am a recent graduate of Cocalico High School. In my free time I enjoy crafting, reading, playing piano, and spending time outside. A verse that I currently lean on is, Proverbs 3:6. It serves as a great reminder of Gods amazing plan for us. I am so thrilled to be apart of welcoming campers back for another amazing summer full of blessings and fun memories!
Brayden Engel - Counselor
Brayden Engel – Counselor
Hey I’m Brayden I’m 17 and now a senior in high school. I love playing bass guitar and playing video games. My favorite verse is 1 John 4:19 “we love because he loved us first”. I can’t wait to serve at camp and meet my new campers 🙂
Elise Manning - Counselor
Elise Manning – Counselor
Hi, my name is Elise Manning and I am 19 years old. I just completed my freshman year at Grove City College, studying Elementary Education. I love to read, garden, and do any sort of crafts. I am also currently working part-time at Mission BBQ. I love Psalms 23:4, because it reminds me that no matter what I am going through, the Lord is always with me. This is my first year serving at Woodcrest Retreat, and I am so excited to serve at camp this summer!
Elise Stoner - Counselor
Emma Gresh - Counselor
Emma Gresh – Counselor
Hi! I’m Emma, and I am so excited to spend this week at camp with your kid! I am 16 years old and I’m going into my junior year at Lancaster County Christian School. I attend the Worship Center where I regularly serve with the first graders! I’ve been a dancer my entire life and I also sing and play guitar on my worship team at school! One of my favorite verses is Ephesians 3:20 which reminds us that God is able to do far more than we could ever even think or imagine! I truly cannot wait to get to know your kid, and have so much fun and grow in the Lord together!
Emma Monyer - Counselor
Emma Monyer – Counselor
Hey! My name is Emma Monyer and I am 16 years old. I just finished my junior year at Cocalico High School, and work part time at Dutchway Farmers Market. I enjoy spending my free time doing things outside like reading, kayaking, or hanging out with my friends. One of my favorite bible verses is Romans 8:18. This will be my first year serving on staff at Woodcrest! I am so excited to meet your kid and have a great time at camp this summer as we learn about Jesus!
Kara Burkholder - Counselor
Kara Burkholder – Counselor
Hey! My name is Kara Burkholder and I am 18 years old. I just graduated high school at Hinkletown Mennonite and work part time at Lickity Split in New Holland. When not working, I enjoy reading, hanging out with my friends, brisk walks, and iced lattes. 2 Corinthians 5:17 has been a huge encouragement to me throughout my life, especially at camp! This will be my fourth summer serving at Woodcrest and I cannot wait to have a blast with your kiddos!
Katelyn Weaver - Counselor
Katelyn Weaver – Counselor
Hello! My name is Katelyn Weaver and I am 16 years old! I am homeschooled, and I just finished my sophomore year! I did the staff in training program for Woodcrest last year, and volunteered one week of day camp last year as well! I work as a mothers helper and do some others babysitting jobs! I enjoy cooking, cleaning, babysitting, going to bible studies, and hanging out with friends! My favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:6, it stands as a good reminder to not worry about anything, but to come to God through prayer, and He will give you peace! I’m excited to serve at Woodcrest and to have fun with some kids while we grow closer to God this summer!
Kelsey Martin - Counselor
Kelsey Martin – Counselor
Hey my name is Kelsey!! I am 17 years old and this is my 2nd year on staff. I graduated last year and have been working full time at Meadow Spring Farm. I also enjoy babysitting and helping in the children’s Sunday school class at my church. In my free time I love hanging out with my family and friends and spending time outside!! My favorite Bible verse is Exodus 14:14 it reminds me that the Lord is the one who fights my battles and He’s in control of every situation. I am so excited to meet your child this summer and encourage them in their walk with the Lord!!
Kevin Starks - Counselor
Kyleigh Queena - Counselor
Kyleigh Queena – Counselor
Hi I am Kyleigh and I am 17 years old and I go to Ephrata High School. This will be my 2nd summer as a full time staff member at Woodcrest. I am so excited to work with everyone and meet all of the kids this year!!
Laina Martin - Counselor
Laina Martin – Counselor
Hi! My name is Laina. I’m 16 years old and I just finished my junior year at Conestoga valley high school. I work at UPMC in the food department. I love being outside, going for hikes, kayaking, and hanging out my friends/family. A verse that means a lot to me is 2 Timothy 1:7, it serves a constant reminder the amazing God I serve and how I should be walking out my faith each day. I’m looking forward to serving at Woodcrest this summer and I can’t wait to meet your child!
Larissa Burkholder - Counselor
Larissa Burkholder – Counselor
Hi, my name is Larissa. I am 17 and a junior at Conestoga Valley high school. I volunteered here at Woodcrest last summer for 2 weeks and have worked as a cashier during the rest of the year. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, doing things outside, listening to music, hanging out with friends and youth group, and horseback riding. I am so excited to be a day camp counselor and can’t wait to meet everyone! My favorite verse would be Psalms 139:9-10. It talks about how we can go anywhere and God is still with us.
Maci Hurst - Counselor
Maci Hurst – Counselor
Hey! My name is Maci Hurst. I am 15 years old and a sophomore at Warwick high school. One of my favorite Bible verses is Isaiah 54:10, a verse that reminds me that God is in control and that He loves me. I really like hanging out with friends and doing anything outside. I also love hanging out with kids, so I am very excited to meet your child and help them have an awesome week and learn about God!
Malachi Yunginger - Counselor
Malachi Yunginger – Counselor
I’m Malachi Yunginger, I turn 18 this summer and I’m finally graduating! I’ve been at camp for 3 summers now and was a camper for 5 years before that. I like to hunt, eat, and play backyard football. Being able to see the kids grow from never being at camp to never wanting to leave is the best experience every week!!! I think camp just radiates 1 Timothy 4:12 like crazy! (look it up) 😉
Natalie Martin - Counselor
Natalie Martin – Counselor
Hey! My name is Natalie Martin. I am 18 years old and just graduated from Conestoga Valley High school. I work part time at Byers Butterflake Bakery in Leola. I enjoy art, reading and hanging out with my friends in my free time. One of my favorite verses is John 15:1. This is my second year of camp counselor. I am excited to get to know your child and learn about God through out the week with them!
Rebekah Zimmerman - Counselor
Rebekah Zimmerman – Counselor
Hello all, I’m Rebekah and I am a junior in college. My major is Elementary education. I’ve worked as a hostess, ran a Chinese conversation group, and tutored. When I have time, I like writing, drawing, and hanging out with friends. I am so honored to be in this position and serve this community. I look forward to getting to know your children because I know they are all brilliant and will do great things in their life. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of their life. See you soon!
Reece Wilson - Counselor
Reece Wilson – Counselor
My name is Reece Wilson. I am 16 years old, and going into 11th grade. I have been coming to Woodcrest Retreat for many years as a camper, first as a day camper, then as an overnight camper. Last year I served as a lifeguard and as a volunteer day camp counselor. In my free time I play tennis, golf, and volleyball all for the Ephrata high school teams. I love being outside and having fun. A verse I love is 2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we live by faith, not by sight.” I love this verse because it reminds me even we don’t see the Lord he is always there. I am super excited to serve this summer and can’t wait to meet your kids!
Renee Martin - Counselor
Renee Martin – Counselor
Hey! My name is Renee Martin. I am 17 years old. I just finished my junior year of high school. During the school year I work part time at Bowmansville before and after school child care. This is my second year on staff at Woodcrest. I love being with my family, canoeing, playing the piano, singing, and bacon.😁 I’m so excited to meet your kiddo! We’re going to have an awesome week learning about God and having tons of fun! See you soon!
Rinna Glick - Counselor
Rinna Glick – Counselor
Hey! My name is Rinna Glick and I’m 17 years old. I am homeschooled and just finished up my junior year. I currently work part-time at Shady Maple Farm Market. Some of my hobbies include hunting, anything outdoors, and hanging out with friends. A verse that means a lot to me is Romans 8:28 which states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse is a constant reminder that we all have a purpose and that God has a plan for all of us. This is my second year working at Woodcrest. I’m so excited to meet your kid(s) and show them the love of God!
Rowan Warfield - Counselor
Rowan Warfield – Counselor
I am Rowan Warfield and I am 16 years old going into my senior year at Cocalico High school. This is my first year as a full time day camp counselor and I have volunteered part time last summer. I play women’s lacrosse and participate in my varsity cheerleading program at my high school. I also enjoy painting in my free time and taking lots of art classes. 1 John 4:8 is my favorite verse because it reminds me that without God there is no love. I am beyond thrilled to be able to serve God this summer and meet my campers!
Ryan Lambert - Counselor
Ryan Lambert – Counselor
Hello!, my name is Ryan Lambert and I am 19 years old. I graduated from high school in 2025 and work full time at Horning Exteriors. Some of my favorite hobbies are hiking, disc golfing and NASCAR. I have worked at Woodcrest full time in 2023 and 2024 and took a break in 2025 only to feel God pulling me back to it now in 2026. One of my favorite verses comes from the book of Romans chapter 5 verse one which states “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I am so excited and thrilled to help this year at camp and cannot wait to see what the Lord has to teach both me and the kids this year about his abundant love.
Stevey Shelly - Counselor
Stevey Shelly – Counselor
Hi! My name is Stevey. I am 17 years old, and will soon be a senior at Catalyst Christian School. This will be my 2nd year on staff as a day camp counselor. I enjoy art, theatre, listening to music, running, and hanging out with my amazing friends. I can’t wait to serve this summer and meet your kid! We’re gonna have a blast!
Theodore Bailey - Counselor
Theodore Bailey – Counselor
Hello! My name is Theodore Bailey! I’m 18 years old and just graduated high school! I work at Masonic Village Orchard, and when I’m not at work you can see me hanging out with friends, playing sports, and building things out of wood! A verse that I store in my heart is John 15:4 “, Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me.” I’m eager to meet your kid and have fun this summer playing games and learning about God!
Wyatt Hurst - Counselor
Wyatt Hurst – Counselor
Hello my name is Wyatt Hurst and I am 16 years old. I just finished up my Sophomore year of high school. This is my second year here. I enjoy spending time with friends, going outside, and playing sports. My favorite verse is Matthew 28:19-20. I am so exited to have fun outside and learn more about God with your kids this summer!
2026 Overnight Camp Counselors:
Aidan Shirk - Counselor
Aidan Shirk – Counselor
Hey there! My name is Aidan Shirk and I am 22 years old. Having been out of school for 4 years, I have been able to focus on developing my skills as a planter mechanic for Agriteer in Leola. Besides hanging out with friends, I enjoy any activity involving a frisbee, especially playing disc golf in my free time. One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 8:37-39 which gives me peace and reminds me of God’s nearness. I am excited to get to know your child and enjoy an awesome week of camp together!
Hannah Kilheffer - Counselor
Hannah Kilheffer – Counselor
Hi my name is Hannah Kilheffer! I am 20 years old and this is my 5th year on staff but my 11th year coming to camp:) I will be entering my junior year of college in the fall, and I work part time at Moniques Bakery and Ann Taylor Loft. I love being outside and enjoying the Lord’s creation, as well as fellowshipping with my friends. On a day off you will often find me at the beach. One of my favorite verses recently has been Psalms 18:1-3, it is such a good reminder that only in the Lord I will find my strength. Through that strength I am so blessed to be able to serve at camp and share his goodness with your campers!
Ben Wentzel - Counselor
Ben Wentzel – Counselor
Hello! My name’s Ben Wentzel and I am 19 years old. I graduated from Penn Manor Highschool as well as LCCTC’s Carpentry Technology Program. In my spare time I love going on long backroad drives with friends and listening to music. A verse that stands out to me is Matthew 10:22, as Christians we need to stand firm in our faith when we are tested! I am so excited to be your campers counselor this summer!
Naomi Grace Byers - Counselor
Naomi Grace Byers – Counselor
Hi my name is Naomi Grace Byers (20). I’m furthering my love for Christ dancing with Diffusion Dance Company where we spread the gospel through dance. Along with cultivating the Lords earth at Creation Landscaping. I have the sweetest opportunity to teach my 7 wonderful piano students and teach various ballet & contemporary classes at ACE Dance Academy. I live in Denver, PA and I’m the second oldest of 7! This is my 3rd summer serving at Woodcrest and I couldn’t be more excited to be back serving full time while pouring life giving JOY into the campers and staff! Some things I enjoy doing outside of work & teaching is being outdoors, hiking, creating lasting memories, spending time with my Fiancé, photographing, baking, sewing, babysitting, and song writing. God has remarkable things in store for your child this summer and I can’t wait to share in such a memorable summer with them! Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing LOVE, that we may sing for JOY and be GLAD all our days.” Psalm 90:14.
Ryan Bo - Counselor
Ryan Bo – Counselor
Hello! I’m Ryan Bo, and I am 20 years old. I have just completed my second year at Houghton University, where I am studying physics. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, reading epic fantasy, playing my guitar, camping, and spending time with friends. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 46:2, which reminds us that we need not fear, even when our world is chaotic. This is my second year on the Woodcrest staff, and I’m excited to meet your kids and have another great summer at camp!
Landon Snider - Counselor
Landon Snider – Counselor
My name is Landon Snider, I am 20 years old and just graduated college at Thaddeus Stevens College of a Technology for cabinet making and wood technology. I have worked and will continue to work at Premier Custom Built Cabinetry after camp. I love to exercise, create music and hang out with friends. One of my favorite verses is John 17:3, I love how Jesus simply defines what true eternal life is. I am so excited to serve at camp and pour into all of the kids here at camp!
Johnny Witmer - Counselor
Johnny Witmer – Counselor
Hi my name is Johnathan Witmer but everyone around camp knows me by Johnny. I am 20 years old and this is my second year as an overnight counselor. Over this past year I have been working at DH Funk and sons excavating. Some of my favorite pass time activities include fishing and pole vaulting, I also always enjoy hanging out with my buddies having cookouts.
My go to verse is John 1:5 “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.” I’m super excited to get to know all of my campers this year and hope to make the same impact on the that my counselors made on me.
Elsa Weaver - Counselor
Maggie Martin - Counselor
Maggie Martin – Counselor
Hello! My name is Maggie Martin, I am starting my 3rd year of nursing school in the fall. I am a line cook at a restaurant and I volunteer as an EMT on an ambulance and as a worship leader at Goodville Mennonite Church. I absolutely love music (both playing and listening to it) and solo traveling to new cities/state parks. One of my favorite passages in the bible is Luke 23:39-43. This will be my sixth summer at Woodcrest and I am beyond exited to meet all kids that come to camp this summer!
Tori Eberly - Counselor
Tori Eberly – Counselor
Hello, my name is Tori Eberly and I am 19 years old. I work at PaulB Wholesale and this will be my third summer serving at Woodcrest! When I have free time you can usually find me outside or hanging out with friends. I’m so excited to meet your child, enjoy creation together, while learning more about the one who created it! See you at camp!!
2026 Trekkers Counselors:
Abigail Vanderplate - Counselor
Chris Straubel - Counselor
Chris Straubel – Counselor
Hello! My name is Christopher Straubel and I am 21 years old. I just finished my junior year at Lebanon Valley College. This will be my third year at Woodcrest. I enjoy hiking, kayaking, and playing card and board games. A verse that stands out to me a lot is Matthew 6:34 as it reminds me to give tomorrow to the Lord. I am extremely excited to meet your kids and serve them here at camp!
Cole Weaver - Counselor
Cole Weaver – Counselor
My name is Cole weaver, I am 18 years old and I’m looking so forward to discipling kids this summer. I enjoy disc golf and playing softball. My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9. This year at camp I’m looking forward leading children to Christ and ministering to them on a deeper level.
Anneka Siegrist - Counselor
Anneka Siegrist – Counselor
Hi! My name is Anneka Siegrist. I am 22 years old and I just graduated from Millersville University with a Bachelor’s in biology. I’ve worked at Landis Homes Retirement Community in Personal Care part time for the past four years, but this is my first year at Woodcrest. Outside of school and work I like to read, bake, hike, and do anything that involves music! One of my favorite verses recently has been Philippians 4:19, since it reminds me of the sufficiency of Christ. I’m so excited to get to know your kid this summer!














