Our Team

  • James Rickner

    CAMP DIRECTOR

    I am married to Lauren Rickner, and have two children. 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 Association 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 lifeguard, and a private pesticide applicator license.

    jrickner@greatplainsumc.org

  • Courtney Troyer

    PROGRAM DIRECTOR

    I was born and raised in Hillsboro, KS. I graduated college at Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a minor in coaching. 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 since April 2020. Over my time in Camping Ministry, I have obtained multiple certifications including a Kansas Teaching License, ACCT Certified Challenge Course Facilitator, Red Cross Lifeguard, Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, and Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aide.

    ctroyer@greatplainsumc.org

  • Kim Leach

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/ KITCHEN MANAGER

    I have over 35 years of experience 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 – farming and gardening, cooking, and 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 from Ottawa University in Ottawa, KS.

    campchippewa@greatplainsumc.org

  • Amanda Barnum

    SENIOR STAFF

    As a graduate from Fort Hays State University, I teach high school math and am involved in several school activities. 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's 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. I believe in the power of camp and the impact it can make on young lives! Can’t wait to see you here!

    campchippewa@greatplainsumc.org

  • Dave Edwards

    Dave Edwards

    SITE IMPROVEMENT MANAGER

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

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

    campchippewa@greatplainsumc.org

Site Council

  • Lauri Beach

    Site Council Chair

    lbowmanbeach@greatplainsumc.org

  • Brenda Davids

    Site Council Vice Chair

    bdavids@greatplainsumc.org

  • Jennifer Rolland

    Secretary

    rollandjennifer@gmail.com

  • Annie Ricker

    aricker@greatplainsumc.org

  • Dan Norwood

    dnorwood@greatplainsumc.org

  • Gail Billman

    gmbillman@altamontks.com

  • Kristy Martin

    kristygentry14@gmail.com

  • Ron Johnson

    ronj1954@gmail.com

  • Kurt Cooper

    umcmesu@gmail.com

  • David Whetstone

    ksdrdave@gmail.com

  • Tom Stutzman

    tommystutz@gmail.com

  • Jeff Clinger

    jclinger@greatplainsumc.org