The Chestnut Ridge Team
Leadership Team Supporting Roles Summer Team 2011
Leadership Team
Nick Jeffries
Director
Nick joined the Chestnut Ridge Staff in the Spring of 2006. 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 now an ordained 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 sons, Levi in April 2009 and Samuel in Sept 2011.
Jeana Schopfer
After School Director & Special Events Coordinator
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 Special Events Coordinator. Jeana is blessed with 3 wonderful 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 for her church. 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
Equestrian Director & Farm Manager
Chris joined the full-time staff as Garden Manager in 2009. Prior to taking the reigns of The Community Farm at Chestnut Ridge, Chris had been volunteer managing a community garden and teaching preschool and elementary children in Fuquay-Varina, NC. Chris says, "God has given me a passion for growing fruits and vegetables and for teaching children, so I am looking forward to doing those things at The Community Farm at Chestnut Ridge." With an undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Virginia Tech and years of work experience in the veterinary medical field, Chris was well suited to take over livestock management in 2010. She cares for all the animals at The Community Farm including the sheep, goats, pigs, cows, and chickens. In 2011 Chris also added Equestrian Director to her expanding role at camp. Chris has over 20 years of riding experience and certification from the American Association for Horsemanship Safety. She and her husband Paul, are big Hokie fans and try to make it back to Blacksburg with their girls, Amy and Sarah for a football or basketball game each year. When she's not playing in the dirt, or riding a horse, you can find Chris taking a walk or curled up with a good book. Chris looks forward to digging in the dirt with you at the Community Farm or riding the horses through the beautiful woods of Chestnut Ridge!
Stacey Young
Hospitality Director
I've been blessed to be a part of this ministry since December 2007. My experiences in office administration in both the health care and child care fields have been invaluable to my administrative role here at camp. My husband, Todd and I live a few country roads over in Mebane with our daughter, Morgan and 2 sons, Keyston & Paul. Surf fishing on the coastal shores of NC is my favorite "decompression". Besides raising a family, I enjoy cake decorating, crochet, singing and my 2 newest hobbies - tennis and raising chickens. I'm a "city-girl-gone-country" who somehow fits right in here at CR! One of my favorite passages is, "...stop and consider God's wonders." (Job 37:14) and each passing season at Chestnut Ridge has helped me have a greater appreciation for the truly marvelous works of God. I see Chestnut Ridge as a masterpiece canvas of nature, made more beautiful by the happy experiences of campers and retreat visitors. Then as a bonus, God brushes on sweet highlights through the devoted staff who come and go - and the ones who come and stay. What a wonder!
Supporting Roles
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 Director
Joel has been a part of the Chestnut Ridge community longer than anyone can remember, 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.
Nicole Sheppard
Food Services Director
Nicole began working at Chestnut Ridge in the summer of 2009. She has a passion for cooking with fresh, all-natural, whole foods. Nicole has done tremendous work to create seasonal meals using food from the Community Farm at Chestnut Ridge, as well as other local farmers in our area. Our kitchen is commited to purchasing food free of trans-fats, MSG, artificial colors and flavors, and high fructose corn syrup. Under Nicole's direction we are increasing our use of organic and fair-trade products such as coffee, tea, and bananas. In addition, we are purposefully supporting local farms for products such as vegetables, fruits, milk, whole grains, and meat. Nicole is proud to be serving real food and supporting local sustainable farms. Our kitchen staff takes these raw ingredients and whips up a dazzling array of made from scratch meals for all of our guests to enjoy. Come join us at the table and enjoy Nicole's delicious meals.
2011 Program Specialists
Beverly Benton
Program & Administration Specialist
Hey guys! I am one of the newest full time staff members at Camp Chestnut Ridge as the Program and Administration Specialist. I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2009 with a degree in music education. Before coming to work here at camp I worked at Duke Memorial United Methodist Church as the Music Ministry intern. I also worked for Parents Morning Out, and several camps in the area. I have worked with Chestnut Ridge’s afterschool and outdoor education programs since Fall 2009. When I am not at camp I enjoy camping, hiking and playing outside! I am blessed to have a job where I can do all of those things and spend time with amazing kids and all the wonderful staff here at Camp Chestnut Ridge!
Jana Murdock
Equestrian Specialist
Hey y'all. I'm so excited to be returning for my fourth summer at camp, this time as the Equestrian Intern! I graduated from Elon University in May 2011 with a degree in Anthropology, but I'm also interested in sustainability, the outdoors, animals (especially horses), and traveling. If you can't find me down in main camp, look out in the horse pasture or the community farm....or in a comfortable tree, where I might be lost in a (hopefully!) good book. Being from Texas, I'm a cowgirl at heart, and I can't wait to share that passion with everybody at camp! Here's to old and new friends and a spectacular summer :)
Megan Rowell
Farm & Garden Specialist
I am very happy to be joining the Chestnut Ridge community! I am from Bristol, TN and went to college at Furman University in Greenville, SC. I studied Elementary Education and became interested in a more sustainable kind of living. For two years, I was part of a Christian living community called the Vista House, where I discovered the joys and struggles of sharing life closely with others. It was there I also learned how to cook. This past summer I worked on an organic farm in Southwest Virginia, growing in my love and knowledge of growing food and cultivating healthier communities. I am hopeful that my time here at Chestnut Ridge will be a beautiful synthesis of the things I am most deeply interested in: farming and education. When I am not in the dirt, you may find me starting a book, playing in the kitchen, dancing, and exploring the area. I have so much to learn. I hope that you will join me.
Ollie Lopez
Program Specialist
Hello! I am the newest full-time member here at Camp Chestnut as a Program Coordinator Specialist! It’s been my joy and passion to be serving in full-time ministry. My heart is devoted to children in our world today. As I think more and more about all the little children in the world, I’m reminded that if I were to get in a car accident today, what would be left behind? It would be that of our “next generation!” It’s vital to invest in our kids’ lives. I graduated high school in Indiana. Upon graduating, I immediately fell in love with children's ministry as I traveled the world serving with Encounter Revival Ministry. I chose to come to NC for college, and served on staff at Crosslink Community Church as a Children’s Worship Leader for two years. God opened the door to work at Camp Chestnut Ridge. I have worked with the After School program since the fall of 2010 and now I am blessed to be a part of their full-time team! I’m excited to share ideas, teach, and grow with this team here at Camp Chestnut Ridge!
Duke Divinity School Intern
Chaplain Rebecca

I am a second year divinity student at Duke (as an ’04 UNC grad, it is still a little hard to admit that). Before coming to Duke, I lived in Durham and worked as a middle school teacher and soccer coach. I spent a lot of time at a summer camp in Alabama during college, and I don’t think I will ever find a job I love more than being a camp counselor. When I am not writing a paper or parsing Hebrew verbs, I like to garden, cook, read, watch old movies, eat tomato sandwiches, and ride my bike.
Summer Team 2012
Bethany
Hey y'all! My name is Bethany and this will be my first summer working at Camp Chestnut Ridge. I am just finishing up my freshmen year at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in International Studies and Spanish with a Music minor. In my free time I enjoy playing bassoon, baking, and being silly with my friends. I also love to play Disney Scene It and learn new languages (this year I'm taking Japanese)! This summer I'll be working as a camp counselor and as a trail riding instructor. I can't wait for the summer, to hang out with all the amazing counselors and campers, and to see what God has in store for all of us. See you soon!
Kent

Hello everyone! My name is Kent and I am really looking forward to joining all of you for what will be my first summer camp in America ever! Here are a few things you might like to know about me. I hail from the small country of New Zealand (It’s near Australia and no, I am not a hobbit). I have just graduated from the University of Auckland with a degree in history and sociology but don’t let that fool you, I love playing sports and mixin’ it up in the outdoors as well as being a really fun leader to be around! My favourite past times are soccer, swimming and basketball and hanging out with my friends from Northcote Baptist church. I can’t wait to get over there and spend the summer with you and I hope that you guys are as excited as I am!
Luke
HEY CAMPERS!!!! I'm Luke and this is my secound summer at Camp Chestnut Ridge. Last summer was the bomb and I can't wait to get back to hanging out with all you campers. During my free time (as if I have any) I love to drive, drum, and spend my time outdoors. I am born and raised a Tennessee Volunteers football and basketball fan and bleed Tennessee orange. I can't wait for the summer and hope that you can't either.
Morgan
Hi y'all! I'm Morgan and I am so excited to be at camp this summer! I'm a rising junior at Eastern Alamace High School and I'm on the softball team and in the marching band. This will be my 4th summer at Chestnut Ridge, but my first summer as a Junior Counselor. I have so many amazing memories at Chestnut Ridge and I can't wait to make more! Some of my favorite things about camp are the lake toys, the low challenge course, and especially making fires and eating s'mores. I look forward to meeting all of you and spending the most amazing summer ever with you!
Natalie
Hey everyone! This will be my first summer at Camp Chestnut Ridge as a junior counselor and I'm ready for a fun and amazing summer! I'll be a senior at Cedar Ridge High School. I swim all the time and I'm on the Dream Team there. Outside of school I'm very involved with my youth group at my church. I love kids of all ages, animals, the outdoors and most importantly I love having a good time! I can't wait to see y'all there!
Taylor
Hey my name's Taylor and I'll be a senior at Orange High next year. Chestnut Ridge is my happy place. Working at camp last year was the highlight of my summer. I can't wait to come back again this year. In my free time I love hanging out with my friends and playing in the Orange High marching band. I also enjoy hugging and flip flops. At camp you can often find me at Arts & Crafts or catching the zipline. This year's going to be awesome! I can't wait for another amazing summer at Chestnut Ridge!
Interested in joining our team? Find the staff application and other information on our "Join the Team" page.
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