Contact

Address

2577 Idaho Rd.
Ottawa, KS 66067

Phone Number

(785)242-6797

Office Email

campchippewa@greatplainsumc.org

Office Hours

Monday-Friday: 9am-4pm

I am married to Lauren Rickner, my son Harrison as born in October 2016, and my daughter Henleigh born in July 2018. I was born in Oklahoma, but Humboldt, Kansas is where I was raised. After graduating high school, I attended FSCC for one year before transferring to Ottawa University. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Business Administration from OU. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I returned and completed my MBA. I worked at Camp Chippewa seasonally for five years while I was in school.

Since I started working at camp, I have attended various ACA, UMCRM, and CHA conferences and clinics. I am also on the Certified Horsemanship Assocation board and I have completed many certifications over the years, including; completion of ACA New Director Course, ACA Basic Camp Director Course, CHA certified riding instructor, CHA certified day ride trail guide, CDL, Red Cross life guard, and a private pesticide applicator license.

I was born and raised Hillsboro, KS. I attended college at Emporia State University and graduated in 2018 with a Bachelors of Science in Education. I taught elementary school for four years. I have been going to summer camp since I was in elementary school. I worked at Camp Horizon in many different positions for several years. It has always been a passion of mine to teach children and help lead them to Christ!

I have worked at Camp Chippewa for 3 years. Over my time in Camping Minstry I have obtained multiple certifications including: Kansas Teaching Liscense, ACCT Certified Challenge Course Instructor, and Red Cross Lifegaurd.

As a graduate from Fort Hays State University, I teach high school math and forensics (speech and drama) in a small school in southwest Kansas. When I’m not at school, I can usually be found at the barn working with horses. I have a strong passion for horses that I love to share with others in many ways! My horses are local favorites when I dress them in costume for Halloween or help deliver Valentine bouquets with a horse-drawn carriage.

As a youth, I looked forward to my summers packed with various summer camps, both as a camper and later as a staff member. With most of my camp staff experience being directing a horse program, I am excited about my next chapter at Camp Chippewa! I can’t wait to see you there!

I have over 35 years working with children, youth and families in a variety of human service settings. Direct service led into administration which led me to retirement. Now I spend time working in fun settings doing things I love – farm and gardening, cooking, seeing children happy.

My greatest joys are my grandchildren, Lanee, Weston, Landree and Luna.

Camp Chippewa encompasses many aspects of life I strive for as I continue my journey. I bring my skills as a grant writer and administrator as well as my love for cooking and organization.

I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS.

I see myself as a renaissance man, having a wide variety of experiences. I have held certificates in nuclear engineering, small engines mechanics, and emergency medicine.

I hold a license for radio broadcasting. Ran my own construction company and worked in retail. Worked in electrical generation and chemical processing. I was US Navy for 11 years, a volunteer firefighter/EMT for 17 years. Married for 42 years, father, grand father and now a great-grand father.