Meet Our Team
Christopher Fruehauf
Role: Camp Director
Age: 32
Hobbies: Mycology, music making, cooking, running, traveling and spending time in nature
Education: University of Oregon. BA in International Studies and Mandarin
Passionate about immersing himself in the outdoors and learning from the natural world, Chris is thrilled to be able to share his love for Nellie Creek with the next generation of campers! Currently studying permaculture and regenerative soil science, Chris is looking forward to teaching campers how we can work with nature in creating simple, regenerative systems that benefit all of life. With the help of his family, friends and community members, Chris aims to continue fostering a fun, safe and inspiring space for families and their children.
“Furry”
Cyrus Kurkinen
Role: Head Counselor
Age: 20
Hobbies: Track & Field, XC, Piano and Hiking
Education: Student at MHCC
Avid nature enthusiast and athlete, Cyrus has been working at Nellie Creek for the past four years. Always curious and looking for adventure, Cyrus is grateful for his time at Nellie Creek Camp. Eagerly anticipating his work in summer 2026, Cyrus can’t wait to meet everybody at camp and have a good time.
“Chicken”
Lillian Chung
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 18
Hobbies: Poetry, music, art
Education: Current student of the Torrey Honors College of Biola University
This is Lillian’s third summer working at Nellie Creek and one of her favorite things about camp is roaming around barefoot. She is excited to share her love of beauty and art with kids through the making of music and the writing of songs. The natural world is an excellent palate for the imagination, and she hopes to help campers harness the beauty around them to release the beauty inside them. Lillian is so excited to reunite with some past campers and also to welcome new campers and help them feel comfortable and accepted.
”Rosemary”
Bennett Mathew
“Scarecrow'“
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 16
Hobbies: Guitar, theatre, weight lifting
Education: Freshman at MHCC
I love to be outside in the summer and being with kids makes it even better. This is the first summer I’ve had the opportunity to counsel at Nellie Creek, and I am so excited. I love seeing kids have the opportunity to be further out into nature then they normally are able to be. I really enjoy deep conversations with friends and learning new things and drawing new connections through our conversations. I look forward to having that opportunity with the kids this summer as well. Having conversations and teaching them new things, and letting them teach me things I haven’t known or noticed before. I’m very excited for this summer.
Lucca Lyon
“Newt”
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 16
Hobbies: Hiking, Camping, Mushroom Hunting, Card Games
Education: Student at Corbett High School
I've grown up spending a lot of my time out in nature, and have developed a love for all the different plants in our woods. I'm very excited to share my knowledge and enthusiasm about nature with kids, especially regarding plant identification. I've been coming to Nellie Creek for eight years this summer, and I'm very excited to show younger kids all the joy that this camp brings.