Our Team
Michigan United Conservation Clubs carefully recruits its camp staff from numerous colleges and universities throughout Michigan. We recruit candidates who have knowledge of conservation, outdoor skills, and environmental education as well as demonstrate a mature and responsible attitude. Background checks are completed for all staff hired and participation in a week long training session is a requirement for employment. During this time, each of our camp staff learns the importance of teaching techniques, camper motivation, behavior management, leadership and emergency procedures plus the many different curricula they will be instructing as part of their training. We are extremely proud of the staff at Cedar Lake Outdoor Center and assure you that the utmost care is taken to provide a safe and encouraging atmosphere for your child at camp. As a State of Michigan Licensed Camp, we not only meet the requirements of several inspections we strive to go above those requirements in order to deliver the best experiences for your child!
Shannon Stover
Camp Director and Educator
Shannon began her position at MUCC as Camp Director in January of 2023. 2025 will be her third camp season with us! Growing up in Mount Clemens and with a background in equestrian, hunting, fishing and camping, she is looking forward to another summer leading the Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth camp. Shannon comes from a family of veterans and hunting advocates.
Shannon attended Central Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a double minor in Anthropology and Geography.
Prior to MUCC, she worked as a camp counselor in Elk Rapids, Michigan. She also worked as a Behavior Technician for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Shannon is a certified Hunter Education Instructor and leads the campers through the Michigan Hunter Education Course alongside her other camp director duties.
When not at camp, she enjoys camping, bow hunting, skiing in the winter season, and playing with her dog, Buck.
Roy Bowman - Assistant Director & Health Officer
Roy is in his fourth camp season with MUCC. He is from Jackson, Michigan. He studied conservation biology at Lake Superior State University, where he also competed on the track & field team. Roy loves being at camp and when he is away, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, running, hiking, biking, and being in the great outdoors!
Ashton Krill - Co-Assistant Director
This is Ashton’s 3rd summer here at Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp! He is currently a Senior at Michigan State University studying history and education. His favorite camp activities include hiking, kayaking and getting to know all of the campers!
Ashley Danielak - Waterfront Director
This is Ashley’s second year at our youth camp. She is a recent graduate of Northern Michigan University and is excited to work in environmental conservation. Her passion and love for the environment carries her in this role at MUCC. Outside of camp hours, Ashley enjoys disc golfing and exploring what Waterloo has to offer.
Taylor Vehrenkamp - Range Officer
Taylor grew up in the Ann Arbor area and is currently enrolled at Michigan Tech for ecology. Growing up, she spent a lot of time outside doing shooting sports, swimming, and soccer. Once she got into high school, she participated in Boy Scouts and spent a lot of time camping and in the woods. She’s really excited to spend the summer with everyone!
Ben Sachs - Conservation Educator
This is Ben’s first year at MOOD Youth Camp. He joins us from St. Louis, Missouri where he currently lives and works as a K-12 substitute teacher during the school year. He also attends college at Lindenwood University, pursuing a Health and Wellness degree. He has prior experience working with the New England based “Outdoor Classroom” Outdoor Education program partnered with middle schools.
Jes Courtright
Hi, I am Jes! I am from Allen Park, Michigan. I am currently studying at Eastern Michigan University. I was a camper at MOOD Youth Camp for eight years, and now finally get to work here. I am so excited to meet you guys.
Adam Gilbert - Conservation Educator
Hey I’m Adam! I am first year person here. I am studying in college sports management and secondary education. I am very excited to meet you all. As a big outdoors person, I love hunting, fishing, and playing football.
Mackenzie Blume - Conservation Educator
Mackenzie is from Gladstone, MI. She is currently studying Outdoor Recreation at Northern Michigan University. She loves spending time in the outdoors. She has attended this camp for 4 years as a kid and is very excited to be returning as a counselor and to have a great summer!
Andreas Overmyer - Conservation Educator
Andreas is Finnish-American from Helsinki, Finland. His father’s side is from Jackson, Michigan. This is his second year with us at camp! Andreas has 7+ years volunteer experience with Boy Scouts of Finland. As an avid backcountry hiker and climber, he believes in giving children rewarding and adventurous outdoor experiences to facilitate growth and self confidence.
Ella Graves - Conservation Educator
Ella is an MSU student going into wildlife conservation. This is her second year with us at camp. She loves to kayak, hike, and go camping. She has 6 dogs and a cow. She loves frogs, snakes, and salamanders. She is so excited for another year of camp!
