Meet Our Team
Christopher Fruehauf
Role: Camp Director
Age: 31
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”
Sarah Thacker
“Redwood”
Role: Head Counselor
Age: 29
Hobbies: reading, gardening, embroidery, walking my dogs
Education: Bachelors in Geography & Masters in Elementary Education
This will be my first year with Nellie Creek but I have done outdoor education for many years. I’m excited to get to know my new community better, look for birds, milk goats and gather eggs, and learn from all the great counselors.
Cyrus Kurkinen
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 17
Hobbies: Track & Field, XC, Piano and Hiking
Education: Student at Corbett HS and MHCC
Avid nature enthusiast and athlete, Cyrus has been working at Nellie Creek for the past two years. Always curious and always loves an adventure, Cyrus is grateful for his time at Nellie Creek Camp. Eagerly anticipating his work in summer 2024, Cyrus can’t wait to meet everybody at camp and have a good time.
“Cy”
Lillian Chung
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 17
Hobbies: Writing, reading, music, art
Education: Homeschool High School Graduate
Lillian loves to be outside and get her feet dirty. This is her second summer at Nellie Creek, and she is glad to be back. Alongside the joy of playing with and guiding campers, she finds much pleasure in beautiful sounds and beautiful words. Poetry and music are her trusty companions. Lillian is so excited to be able to spend the summer where there is so much beauty and wonder, and she wants to lead kids through that excitement as well. Open to new adventures, Lillian can't wait to meet your kids, learn from them, and see what they have in store!
”Lyra”
Caleb M. Chung
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 21
Hobbies: Mountain biking, playing guitar and drawing
Education: Homeschooled
I love to be outside and with others, and I am excited to share joy!
Lucca Lyon
“Newt”
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 17
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.