About the Directors...

Eddie & Kelly Byrnes have directed Camp Eagle Ridge since 1994.  They have a deep commitment to young people and believe that “camp gives kids a world of good”.  Camp gives kids a sense of independence, self-reliance, confidence, friendship and a sense of community responsibility in a loving, caring environment.

Eddie has been involved in camping since 7th grade.  (He’ll admit that at first he didn’t want to go)  But, after his first session at camp, Eddie was hooked.  He still remains friends with many of the people he originally went to camp with!  Eddie was a Junior Counselor in high school and became a counselor during college where he met Kelly.  He has a degree in Environmental

Administration and a has a keen interest in the environmental programs and site management at camp.  Eddie also is a 2nd degree black belt and teaches Tae Kwon Do and self defense during camp sessions.  Eddie and Kelly are both lifeguards as well.

Kelly grew up working with children’s summer programs with the Hales Corners Recreation Department.  Kelly was a camp counselor for UW-Green Bay summer camps along with Eddie. Kelly holds degrees in Organizational Communications and Child Development and has also taught middle and high school English, speech and communication.  During the off-season, Kelly travels throughout the midwest training corporations, faculties and kids in leadership and teambuilding skills.  Kelly is very involved in the American Camp Association.  She teaches the Basic Camp Director Course for the A.C.A.  Kelly also sits on the Board of Directors for the American Camp Association - Wisconsin Section and serves as the Public Relations chair.  Kelly has appeared on Oprah and the Today Show!

John Jones is our Site Manager at camp.  John has been with Camp Eagle Ridge since it began in 1994.  John is originally from Mellen, Wisconsin.  John keeps everything in camp in tip-top shape and over the past few years has been responsible for building our new gazebo and the new tables in our dining hall.  John is married with three children and grandchildren that attend Camp Eagle Ridge.  During the off-season, John is an avid hunter.

ABOUT OUR COUNSELORS...

Jason Davis is our Waterfront Director.  Jason has been part of the Camp Eagle Ridge team since 2002 making this his 7th summer at CER!  As Waterfront Director, Jason ensures that all of our watersports activities are safe and fun!  Jason supervises our lifeguards and watersports instructors.  He is a American Red Cross certified lifeguard and a U.S. Sailing Instructor.  Jason also enjoys teaching several leadership workshops as well as some of our landsports such as basketball, football, and soccer.  When Jason is not at camp, he is pursuing his degree in Psychology and Sociology at UW-Stevens Point.

C.I.T. & J.C.  Program

Emily Gniotczynski returns to our staff in 2008 for her third year as our Health Manager.  Emily is an Emergency Responder and finishing her Registered Nursing degree at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Emily has been a part of Camp Eagle Ridge since she was a camper with us.  She’ll be keeping us all healthy & safe this summer!

Ashley Brabec is our C.I.T. (Counselor-In-Training) and J.C. (Junior Counselor) Director and is returning to Camp Eagle Ridge for her 13th summer!  Ashley graduated in the Spring of 2005 from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota with her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Anthropology.  When Ashley is not at Eagle Ridge, she is working at Minnesota Life College (a college for young adults with learning disabilities) as a Program Assistant. She is also working for Camp Friendship as an Administravtive Assistant/Adventure Education Instructor. There, Ashley has been leading high school groups, college groups and adult/corporate groups in teambuilding programs and working with their high and low ropes programs.

Steve Zampanti and Vanessa Bell are our Kitchen Managers!  They return to Camp Eagle Ridge in 2008 for their second summer.  Vanessa grew up going to summer camp and even went to family camp with her family.  Vanessa is a student at Carroll College where she is studying art.  Steve is a student at UW-Stout, where he is also studying art.  Both Steve and Vanessa are certified Serv Safe Food Managers.  They bring their art to the kitchen where they serve delicious and nutritious meals.  Our kitchen is certainly the heart of camp!