Rhonda Parker

Center Director, Leadership Team

Rhonda joined Chestnut Ridge New Year's Eve of 2001, moving with her husband, Allen and their children Ben (15), Emily (12), and Greg (8) from Apex, NC. Rhonda holds an undergraduate degree from Duke University in Sociology and certification in Elementary Education. She also has a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School. She has served as a systems analyst at AMS, as a home preschool director, as an admissions reader for Duke, and as a youth minister. She serves at Chestnut Ridge as an elder in extension ministry for The North Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. When not leading ministries at the camp, she can be found enjoying a warm cup of fair trade coffee by a campfire in the woods. She believes that God is good and love is like algebra - someone has to teach you how to do it.

Jo Anna Riggins

Leadership Team

Jo Anna joined the staff of Chestnut Ridge in May '02, the day after returning from a trip to Cambodia. Her love of travel and adventure has led her to visit a handful of foreign lands, and brought her to settle well into the ever changing atmosphere surrounding camp life. After graduating from Meredith College with a degree in Art and Design, she spent a few years working in the clothing design industry until God called her back to her home in North Carolina long enough to marry and then off for another adventure with her new husband working at Glacier National Park in Montana.

At Chestnut Ridge, Jo Anna's skills and experiences combine as she works on advertising, programming, and leading our multiple horse programs.

In May '03, Daryl and Jo Anna were blessed with their daughter, Zoe Grace. Asa Finnegan followed suit in March '06.

Daryl Riggins

Leadership Team

Daryl's interests, education and experience combine in his role at Chestnut Ridge. After graduating from NC State University with a degree in environmental engineering, Daryl spent five years as a consulting civil engineer and remains a licensed, professional engineer. His experience in infrastructure, land planning, and hands-on construction are put to good use in care of the camp's land and facilities. In the meantime, he's managed to spend multiple seasons working in Glacier National Park, Montana, and backpacking europe and Costa Rica. Daryl also keeps the camp plugged-in on computers, a local network, and the web. He's a certified instructor in archery (NAA Level 2), canoeing (ACA Basic Canoe and Basic River Canoe Instructor), and Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.

In May '03, Daryl and Jo Anna were blessed with their daughter, Zoe Grace. Asa Finnegan followed suit in March '06.

Nick Jeffries

Leadership Team

Nick joined the Chestnut Ridge Staff in the Spring of '06. He is a South Carolina native who first moved to NC to go to college. He graduated from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor degree in Sociology. While Nick once pondered the notion of becoming a professional bowler, he knew that God was calling him to other things. Nick graduated from Duke Divinity School with a Master of Divinity degree. He is currently a Provisional Deacon associated with the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. At camp, Nick enjoys leading summer camp activities, teaching outdoor education classes, and facilitating the challenge course. In the fall, he can be found at the Almost Gold tailgate prior to cheering on the Demon Deacons at every Wake Forest home football game. Nick and his wife, Miriam, were blessed with their son, Levi, in April 2009.

Jeana Schopfer

After School Director

Jeana began by helping out during summer camp in 2005, and has been hanging out at Chestnut Ridge ever since. In 2007 she became a part of the full-time staff as the After School Director and Office Manager. Jeana lives in downtown Hillsborough with her 3 sons - Drake, Dakota and Durham. Before joining the staff at Chestnut Ridge, she served as a school teacher, Educational Consultant for Smart Start, Behavior Management Consultant for Forsyth Hospitals child care center and a teen director herchurch. When not at camp, Jeana enjoys spending time with her boys and having friends and family over for cookouts and wild and crazy games of spoons! Jeana says, "My joy comes from my personal relationship with the Lord. He has proved His unfailing love time and again."

Chris Burtner

Garden Manager

Stacey Young

Office Manager

Stacey joined the CR staff in December '07 working primarily in office administration. Her past work experience in both the health care and child care fields helped her get ready for the administrative duties waiting for her here. But it's likely the past 11+ years she's spent being a “stay-at-home” mom that really prepared her for the excitement and wonder of life here in the woods! So don't be surprised when you see Stacey out from behind the desk and down by the lake teaching outdoor education! Stacey and husband, Todd have 3 children - Morgan (13), Keyston (11), and Paul (7) and live in Mebane. She loves singing, party planning, cooking and cake decorating. Stacey cheers for the NCSU Wolfpack (even when they lose), loves Atlanta Braves baseball and can't wait for the start of Pro-football every fall! But her absolute favorite stress-relief is FISHING! “There is nothing more spectacular than the sun rise over the ocean. When my kids are grown and gone, I want to pack up Todd's guitar and all the fishing poles and move to Emerald Isle. We can be missionaries to fishermen and have worship services on the beach...and when worship is over, I'll be ready to throw a hook in!”

Stacey and her family attend Glen Hope Baptist Church in Burlington.

Bruce Thomas

Facilities

Bruce joined the team at Chestnut Ridge in 2003. His primary responsibilities include the care and housekeeping of all of the facilities. Working mostly behind the scenes, Bruce carefully prepares the camp facilities with great attention to detail before the arrival of retreat groups or campers. When not at Chestnut Ridge, Bruce is a fixture at Weaver Street Market in Carrboro where many people know him as the "Dancing Man." Campers enjoy dancing with Bruce at Chestnut Ridge as well, and are attracted to his enthusiasm and outgoing personality. When not dancing, Bruce's other interests include music, tai chi, yoga, and meditation.

Joel Roberts

Maintenance

Joel has been a part of the Chestnut Ridge community for the past 13 years, and as such, he is somewhat of a historian regarding the history of the ministry at Chestnut Ridge. As part of the maintenance staff, Joel continually amazes everyone with his ability to fix just about anything. When he is not repairing buildings, driving the tractor, or deftly wielding a chainsaw, Joel is always ready with a fascinating story to tell. As a world traveler, Joel has taken adventures to places both near and far. He has survived -40 degree temperatures in the Utah mountains, climbed narrow shafts in the Egyptian pyramids, and avoided a coup attempt in Zimbabwe. To the amazement of all, Joel shares these stories, and imparts other life lessons to all the campers at Chestnut Ridge.

Tom Riggins

After my first life with IBM, God called me to serve at Chestnut Ridge using my other talents (I am still discovering them!). I've been married to Linda for a lot of glorious years. We really enjoy being here and serving others. I have always been at home in the woods and we have plenty here. Many of the children call me "Grandpa" and it's fine with me - age brings many joys!

Melissa

Challenge Course

Melissa moved to North Carolina from Washington D.C. in 2007 when her husband, Frank, began his graduate studies in the school of public policy at Duke University. Melissa is a social worker within the Durham School system, but she has had extensive experience with camping ministries while a student at East Tennessee State University. She enjoys being outdoors working with groups on our Challenge Course. Melissa has quickly become an integral and important part of the ministry team at Chestnut Ridge.

Duke Divinity School Interns

Chaplain Matt

Matt Hauger will soon be a third-year M.Div. student at Duke Divinity School. He graduated from Messiah College with an interdisciplinary degree in music and biblical studies. More recently, Matt has worked as a counselor and program director at Ligonier Camp and Conference Center, then as a youth pastor at the Grantham BIC Church. His current 'vocational aspirations' revolve around tech and digital media, as he loves doing web and graphic design. Other interests include backpacking, music, and making himself look foolish. He and his wife Emily reside in Durham, NC, where she serves as Assistant to the Deans of Duke Chapel. They attend Chapel Hill Mennonite Fellowship.

After School Team 2009-10

Emily

Kevin

Summer Team 2010

Alex

Alistair

G-Day all, it’s Alistair here all the way from Melbourne, Australia. Like many Melbournians, one of my many passions is in sport, whatever it is: Australian Rules, Tennis, Cycling, Soccer or even a thing called Cricket, but now getting into even Baseball and American Football. However I also love the outdoors and exploring God’s wonderful creation. But one of my main passions is spreading God’s love to others, so I can’t wait to see you all in North Carolina for the first time.

Adam

Hi! My name's Adam and I am coming back for my 5th summer on staff at Chestnut Ridge! I am a graduate of Campbell University (Go Camels!) and I'm currently a graduate student in the Divinity School at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem. My favorite thing about summer camp is sitting 40 feet up in the trees at the zipline or high ropes.  This summer I'll be helping to plan many of the off-site trips for our Adventure camps.  We'll be white water rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, caving, canoeing down the New River, and more! Sign up for one of these camps and join me for an awesome adventure this summer!

Becca

Hi! My name is Becca and this will be my second summer on staff at Chestnut Ridge. I am so excited to be returning to a place with so much laughter and love! After spending a year and a half at Butler University in Indiana, I decided to return to the south to  NC State where I am majoring in Social Work. I love being with people, making new friends, and sharing Christ's love! Some of my favorite camp activities are Capture the Flag, High Ropes, and just playing games outside!  I can't wait to meet you, and for of those you returning from last year - get ready to have a blast!!

Ciera

Hello! My name is Ciera Ferrone and I am a rising senior at Cedar Ridge High School. I live in Chapel Hill (go Tarheels!), but I am originally from Orlando, Florida. I love to read, hang out with my little sister Alexa (who is in the picture next to me), and go to movies with my friends.  I am a swimmer and I play soccer, and I love the outdoors. I also love kids, so I cannot wait to have an awesome time at Camp Chestnut Ridge for my first summer as a Junior Counselor!

Connor

Hi, I'm Connor, and this will be my third year on summer staff at Chestnut Ridge. I am a freshman at NC State studying engineering.  I am very tall, about 4 times the size of a mudpuppy. I love many of the activities at camp, but I especially love leading mountain bikers through the woods of Chestnut Ridge. We race up and down trails, through mud puddles, and over ramps. Don't bring nice clothes if you plan on mountain biking with me! When I'm not at camp, I also enjoy camping, backpacking, hunting, and water skiing. Bring your bike and let's ride this summer at Chestnut Ridge!

David

Hello!  My name is David. I am a rising junior at Orange High.  I run cross country and track during the fall and spring and I also wrestle during the winter.  Alex (the goof-ball, pictured above) is my brother, and just like him, I have been coming to Chestnut Ridge for a long time, actually ever since I was four!  Last summer I completed the CIT program at Chestnut Ridge and it was awesome! This will be my first year as a Junior Counselor, and I can’t wait!  During my leisure time, I love to do everything outdoors in God’s amazing Creation.  This includes: soccer, mountain biking, rafting and trail riding, and my personal favorite jungle-tag.  All of these great experiences have come from CCR, and they were amazing!  (And yes, I do love to play capture the flag just like Alex.)  During my down time I like to draw and sketch.  I also love to hear the word of God, and I strive to expand my knowledge of God's work.   I can’t wait to see everyone this summer; it’s going to be amazing!

Elizabeth

I’m Elizabeth and I’m from northern Virginia, but I’m a Navy brat so I’ve lived all over.  I’ve been going to Chestnut Ridge for 7 years now as a camper, volunteer, and now junior counselor, and just can’t get enough of it!  I am a rising senior at a high school for science and technology, so my life is composed mainly of homework.  When I’m not stuck studying, I play field hockey (which has absolutely nothing to do with ice hockey), soccer, and run track, all for my school.  I love anything to do with the outdoors and God’s amazing creations.  I can’t wait to learn more about them with you this summer!

Henry

Hello everyone, my name is Henry, but everyone else knows me as Cookie. I have been going to Camp Chestnut Ridge ever since the 2^nd grade and this past year I participated in the CIT program. The camp is like my life now and I’m excited to be working as a Jr. Counselor for the first time this summer. I’m a rising junior at Riverside High School and I love to make people laugh, smile, and bring others closer to God. In school I play for the varsity tennis team and am a member of the chorus. When I’m not in school, I like to take hikes or play a nice game of Ultimate Frisbee. This will be an amazing summer and I can’t wait to see and meet everyone. Who knows? Maybe you will even get to see me sing some Mulan at the talent show?

Holly

Hi! My name is Holly Taylor and this will be my second summer working as a counselor at Chestnut Ridge. I am a junior Elementary Education major at Winthrop University and spent the past fall semester studying abroad in England. I love to travel, but there really is no place like home, which for me is Gilbert, South Carolina. I love being outside and some of my favorite activities are riding horses, playing tennis, hiking, fishing with my dad, and going to sporting events. I also love reading, listening to music, and singing. I am really excited about spending this summer at Chestnut Ridge! I can’t wait to see you there!

Jacques

Hey everyone! My name's Jacques and I'm coming all the way from New Zealand! Born and bred in South Africa. This will be my first time at Chestnut Ridge and I'm really excited. After finishing school I have been working with local youth and volunteering through my church, Grace Vineyard. I am a youth group leader for high school kids. I have met some amazing friends through my church, I love hanging out and also meeting new people. I love sports, tramping and outdoors, but like most of the country, I am most passionate about rugby. I play for my local club and have played a bit of reprisentitive rugby as well. I also enjoy movies, music, travel and pretty much all hands-on things. Coming to a new country is going to be an amazing experience and I can't wait to meet everone at camp and spend an awesome summer there with you!

Jana

Janet

Calling all Trail Riders!! My name is Janet and I love horses!  I have been working with the horse program at Chestnut Ridge for 5 years now. When I'm not riding horses at Chestnut Ridge, I also work at a teacher's assistant in the Orange County school system. I love riding through the beautiful woods at Chestnut Ridge, there is so much great scenery to enjoy.  Taking care of horses can be hard work, but we have some great horses who are a joy to ride.  Come to our trail riding program this summer and we'll teach you all about tacking, grooming, and riding these great horses. I'll see you this summer for some Riding on the Ridge!!

Jemima

Hey Hey! I'm Jemima and I'm pumped to be coming back to camp after 2 years of studying PE teaching at university. I come from the far off land of Australia and I'm a typical aussie who works at the beach, is pretty chillaxed and loves the outdoors and surfing and being in God's creation. I love being a christian, love praising God and love hanging out with my christian friends so I look forward to doing more of that at camp. So see you soon and are you ready for some super happy fun times at camp because I certainly am!!

Johny

¡HOLA! My name is Jose Juan Garcia-Granados, but people call me Johny so that its easier to remember. I am originally from Monterrey, Mexico but I came to the United States at the age of 7. I now live in North Carolina, GO HEELS! I love soccer, and other active sports like hockey, football, and basketball. I also love the passion I have for Christ more than sports. I can't wait to meet you all this summer. Hasta Luego, Que Dios Los Vendiga (God Bless).

Joseph

I'm Joseph and I'm from Chapel Hill. I am a rising junior at Cedar Ridge High School and this is my first summer as a junior counselor. I have been going to Chestnut Ridge almost every summer since I was old enough to be a camper. In the winter and spring I run track and my event is pole vaulting. I'm in boy scouts and working towards my eagle. I look forward to seeing you at Chestnut Ridge this summer!

Joy

My name is Joy and this will be my 4th year on staff at Chestnut Ridge! I can't believe it's been that many years already. I guess time flies when you are having fun, and we have a blast at Chestnut Ridge! I just finished my sophomore year at Lees-McRae College where I am studying to be an athletic trainer. I love sports of all kinds, and I'm on the track team at Lees-McRae. I am really really fast, so I tend to dominate in Capture the Flag. Don't blink or you'll miss me. I look forward to chillin with all of you this summer!

Kat

Hey y'all! My name is Kat and this will be my 5th summer working at Chestnut Ridge. Just so you know, Sarah is my twin and don't worry, you'll figure us out eventually. Currently I am a student at UNC-Asheville majoring in History and minoring in Education. One day I hope to teach high school students. My hobbies include reading, writing, drawing, and drinking lots and lots of coffee. I am super excited about coming back to Chestnut Ridge again this year and can't wait to meet all of you. See you soon!

Katie

WOOO! This summer is going to be amazing! I graduate in May from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with my Elementary Education degree. I'll being working as much of the summer as I can before joining the real world in the fall. This is actually my SECOND summer working at Chestnut Ridge. I took last summer off to go to Italy, but I learned my lesson. ;) Now I'm back and ready to climb trees, paddle canoes, play crazy games and praise God with everything I have to offer! Here's to summer 2010!

Katie

Hey y’all! I’m Katie. This will be my tenth summer at Camp Chestnut Ridge, but my first summer on staff as a junior counselor. I love everything there is to do at camp, but I especially love horseback riding and playing on the awesome new lake toys. I love to sing, so I hope to be a member of the camp praise band. I can’t wait to have an amazing summer with you!

Lee

I'm Lee and I'm returning for a sixth awesome summer at Chestnut Ridge!!  I'm super excited to come back!  I'm moving on from being a Morris Center Steward, which means I'll be spending more time with you!  (Which is one of the reasons I'm so excited about this summer!!)  I will continue serving snack every day in the afternoon, which was one of my favorite parts of the past three summers.  I'll be serving awesome slushies and other frozen snacks all summer long, so don't forget to come by and say hi!

Luke

Hi Everyone! My name is Luke Ray and this is my first summer as a Junior Counselor at Camp Chestnut Ridge. I am graduating from high school in 2011, so I am a rising senior. I plan to attend college and earn a degree in Teacher Education of History or go to the Culinary Institute of America. I am in the Enloe High School Marching Band and hope to be the Drum Major, or Brass Captain this coming season. While not with all you campers I love cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers and Mountain Biking (especially the Virginia Creeper Trail). I can’t wait till summer starts and I get to meet all of you!!

Madison

Hello all, my name is Madison (yes, that's right, it's not just a girl name) and this is my 3^rd summer working at Chestnut Ridge. I am about to finish my freshmen year at Gardner-Webb University, where I'm studying the great subject of History. My main interests, outside of camp, include running, ultimate frisbee (or really any sports), trying to be philosophical, and just having fun in general. At camp, I enjoy playing capture-the-flag, The Amazing Race, exploring God's Creation, and too many other camp activities to name. Well, that's about it for me, I look forward to seeing y'all this summer at good ol' Chestnut Ridge.

Matt

Mike

Hey everyone! My name is Mike and I am extremely excited to begin my first summer working as a counselor at Chestnut Ridge. I am a sophomore at Elon University where I am majoring in leisure and sport management. Yes, that's right, I'm majoring in leisure. In my down time I enjoy music, hiking, playing the guitar and ultimate frisbee. I look forward to meeting and working with all of you this summer!

Nicki

Hey, my name's Nicki and I’m from England. I am currently at University (or "college" as you guys would call it) studying Drama and English.  This will be my third summer at Chestnut Ridge and I am really excited to be on staff again. I love to sing and I love to be around people. I had an awesome summer both of the previous years. I am really looking forward seeing old friends and making new ones this summer.

Pete

Hey guys I'm Pete and this will be my first trip to the states, im so excited! I live in Warrington, England, and I am currently taking a year out from my education before I head off to university next September. I love to play sports, especially soccer and basketball, and I love to keep up to date on the NHL and NBA (go thrashers and hawks!). I'm also a drummer and play with my church worship group, so hopefully I'll be able to jam with the Chestnut Ridge worship band this summer and maybe even teach some of the campers a thing or two! I like all sorts of music, and I don't get America's love of baseball! Ahhh well it's better than cricket.. See you at Chestnut Ridge this summer!

Rebecca

Rolf

Hello! My name is Rolf Frazier and I am a rising junior at Holly Springs High School. I am an active participant in my schools band program during both the fall and spring. I have been a camper ever since I was a wee mudpuppy and Camp Chestnut Ridge has shaped the person that I am today. I really like soccer, swimming and anything that tests my ability to succeed. I recently went on a Chrysalis flight at Chestnut Ridge through my church and I have been on a “God High” ever since. I go on every youth retreat that my church offers and I hope to be going on ASP. This is a mission trip that helps people in under privileged areas of the Appalachian Mountains by repairing their homes. I especially look forward to this summer because I feel closest to God when I am outside in nature at Chestnut Ridge. It’s a good thing I’ll be doing a lot of that this summer!

Sarah

Hey everyone, I'm Sarah. Don't worry if you confuse me with my twin sister Katherine, everyone does. This is my 5th summer at Chestnut Ridge and I am so excited! I go to Western Carolina University in the big town of Cullowhee, NC where I am majoring in Art Education. When I'm not cheering on my Catamounts (if you don't know what that is you can ask me) you can find me painting, drawing, or dancing. My favorite thing about camp is hiking and arts and crafts. I can't wait to praise God by singing loud and by having so much fun in God's amazing Creation this summer!

Sarah

Taylor

Hey, my name is Taylor and I will be going into the eleventh grade. I have been going to Chestnut Ridge for three summers as a camper and CIT and I look forward to being a Junior Counselor this summer. I enjoy drawing and listening to music. I love to play sports. I am very excited about seeing some friends from past years and making new friends. See you this summer!

Will

Hi ya’ll! This’ll be my third summer at Chestnut Ridge and I can’t wait!  I’ll be a Senior in Wildlife Biology at N.C. State this fall.  Any of you who know me know that I love camp and love being in God’s great outdoors as much as I can.  If I haven’t gotten to meet you yet, you will figure out that is true very quickly.  I’m especially looking forward to this summer because my brother Matt will be joining us again after taking a summer off for school. So you can look forward to having a supercharged summer with the two of us back together again.  My favorite camp activities include anything high ropes or on Lake Fellowship, so get ready because 2010 is going to be a great summer!