Meet the 2021 Staff

Dottie Myers-Hill, Camp Director — Hello there goobers and grownups! My name is Dottie and I am your Camp Director at VBYC. This is my 22nd summer working at Camp and I love my job so much...I used to tell people that being on staff was so fun, I felt guilty accepting a paycheck. I have worked with a bunch of different camp generations and consider myself lucky enough to have met many founding family members in my days here. I credit them with giving me the Camp spirit and the inspiration to come back and keep their original vision for the program alive so many years later. I feel very lucky to work with the young people in these photos...they teach me things every day and I am extremely grateful that they allow me to lead them and VBYC into the future. I have one "kid" in college, one a new teacher, a husband and three cats at home. In addition to my family, Camp fills my soul and keeps me grounded. Thank you for trusting me, and our staff, to look after your children...happy camping! :)

Hannah Powless, Assistant Director — Hello friends! My name is Hannah and I am so excited to be returning to VBYC this summer. Camp is seriously the highlight of my year. I am a recent graduate of Western Michigan University where I received a BA in Gender and Women's Studies and Communication Studies. I am eager to dive back into nature and make memories with you all this summer. See you soon!

Wendy Tarantino, Office Manager — Hi! My name is Wendy and this is my 11th summer as your Office Manager at Van Buren Youth Camp. I love all the campers, the singing, the games and fun that we have out here. I also love the other staff and their commitment to your campers happiness! This has been my favorite place since I was 8 and it has barely changed at all. I LOVE IT HERE! My favorite things to do include taking photos, watching my girls play at the beach, attending (or being in!) musicals and travelling.

Autumn Hopkins, Health Officer — VBYC has been my happy place since attending leadership camp in 1995! After being on staff in 1997, I finished my medical education and always hoped I would get a chance to return to camp as the health officer. Now I have 3 campers of my own and sharing VBYC memories with them is amazing. I am a physician assistant, currently practicing dermatology. When I’m not working or parenting I play the mandolin, spin yarn, watch live music and enjoy the outdoors.

Hollie Powless, Head Counselor, Nature Crafts — Hello, my name is Hollie, and I am thrilled to return to VBYC again this summer! I always look forward to spending my summers at camp each year. During the off-season I am a student at Western Michigan University where I am pursuing an anthropology degree. I spend most of my free time crafting and drinking tea. During this hectic year I also developed a love for cooking new plant based meals. I’m so excited to form connections this summer!

Azabeth Kish, Head Counselor, Song & Dance — I love VBYC!

Madelin Lapp, Store Manager, Archery Instructor — Hi friends! My name is Madelin (she/her) and I am the archery instructor this summer! This will be my fourth summer on staff, and my second summer teaching target skills. I come back to camp every year because I love the feeling of home, and the connections I've made here with other staff, campers, and their families. One of my favorite things to do with campers is listen to their fun stories! Outside of camp I am a college student in Indianapolis, IN, and am a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.

Kiernan Dean-Hall, Waterfront Director — Hello all! I'm Kiernan and I will once again be the waterfront director this summer. This will be my 6th summer on staff, and 5th as waterfront director. I grew up in Kalamazoo Michigan and attended Kalamazoo College for my bachelor's degree. I have previously lived in Germany and can speak the german language at a fairly high level. I am excited to be back this summer and can't wait to see what makes this summer unique!

Megan Swanson, Drama — Hi! My name is Megan or Meg! I'm thrilled to come to camp this summer! I study at a small college called Alma College. I am studying psychology and history, where I am also involved in a sorority and the psychology club. Working with young people is my dream job and I am so excited to hang out at camp and help young people at the same time!

Evan Wahmhoff, Riflery — Howdy! My name is Evan Wahmhoff, my pronouns are he/him/his, and I have the pleasure of being the riflery instructor this season at camp! I've been going to camp for the past 6 years now, first as a camper, counselor, and now staff member! I'm excited to have you all down at the range! When the summer is over, I'll be heading over to Michigan State University to study Environmental Science!

Andrew Brown, Sporty Initiatives and Kitchen — I wanted to work at camp because of all the great memories I’ve made there, and so I can make kids create their own memories! I like to play sports, I love theater and the arts, and I also enjoy drawing and writing. I’m excited to meet everyone else this summer! :)

Antonio Fields, Initiatives & Low Ropes Instructor — Hey everyone, I'm Antonio! While this is my first year as a staff member, I've been a camper/counselor at VBYC since 2012 along with my brother, and recently, my sister as well. Even though I'm from Detroit, I'll happily make the drive to camp anytime I can! During the rest of the year, I attend school at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee where I major in music education, with a concentration in choral, and minor in English (yes, I can spend all day reading and will sing any song that comes onto the radio). I'm so excited to get to know every face that comes through camp this summer!

Emma Pearson, Nature Instructor — I love VBYC!

Liam Hunt, Head Kitchen — I love VBYC!