Camp Amnicon
Be Real ● Be Challenged ● Be Changed
Alana first came to camp in 1992, when it seemed the camp was about to close. Through perseverance, passion, and maybe a few miracles, she’s been serving here on Lake Superior ever since. She believes deeply in the power of small group wilderness camping ministry to change lives. Alana has dedicated her life to the cause of Camp Amnicon. (One example: for the first 11 years of her ministry here, she lived in a tiny one-room cabin without running water!) She’s inspired over two decades worth of summer staff and campers to believe that they truly are capable and lovable children of God. Alana is an excellent story-teller and relationship builder, and uses her forward-thinking mind and long-range wisdom to direct the ‘big picture’ of Amnicon’s ministry.
Leah's journey with Amnicon began in the summer of 2010. She started as an Hivernaut and experienced Camp Amnicon in a way that challenged her to see the world in a new light. In 2014, she decided to return to Amnicon, but in a different role, as a Guide. That summer, God showed her that He has so much in store for her and that she is a capable lovable child of God. In the spring of 2015, she joined the amazing Amnicon community as a year round staff person in a new role for her and for the camp as the Development Coordinator. When Leah is not in the office connecting with volunteers and donors, she is usually studying, as she is pursuing her master's degree in Intercultural Studies and preparing to follow her calling to work with young people and women in Africa. She also enjoys keeping herself busy with sewing and crafty things or just laying in a hammock watching the stars!
Bethany began her life at Camp Amnicon in 2008, when nothing less than the Holy Spirit put her up to the challenge of being a wilderness guide. She had the sense that she had to go to this camp—that it would change her life—and it did. After three years on summer staff and one year as an Amnicon Volunteer Corps member, Bethany stepped into the role of Associate Director, where she especially loves mentoring summer staff, building long-term relationships with the churches and groups that partner with Amnicon in ministry, and writing newsletters and other communications. Bethany finds joy in the camp garden, in the kitchen cooking up something gourmet to share, or wild-crafting medicinal herbs along Amnicon’s trails. She’s also a BIG fan of sharing an office space with her husband, Brendan.
Brad first came to Amnicon in the summer of 2008 and he keeps coming back. Through Guiding (2008, 2009, 2014), Summer Assistant Directing (2010), and summer and work-weekend volunteering. Brad has grown closer to the camp community and has grown in his faith. He often refers to Camp Amnicon as his "spiritual home". Brad is excited to started the next chapter of his Amnicon story by joining the year-round staff in 2015 and serving as Associate Director alongside his wonderful wife Hannah. In what is left of his free time Brad enjoys camping, canoeing, classical literature, playing guitar, acting, and strategy games.
Meet Our Team
Hannah Damon was born on a Saturday in Eagan, Mn. As a child, her career aspirations included being a whale trainer, an elevator button pusher, and a movie costume designer. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2010 where she studied psychology and philosophy. She has always enjoyed connecting with people and solving problems. Hannah first encountered Amnicon in 2008 when her good friend Brad Damon invited her to visit the summer camp he where was working. Brad and Hannah were married in 2012, and continued returning and volunteering at Amnicon as often as possible. In 2014 they had the opportunity to serve as summer staff. Hannah is very excited to begin her new role at Amnicon as Director of Operations. She takes care of bookkeeping, waste water treatment, site maintenance, and camp communications. In her free time she is loves to hike, swim, crochet, cook, garden, and spend lots of time with her wonderful husband.
Brendan followed his then-girlfriend, now-wife Bethany to camp in 2009, where he encountered a caring Christian community and the satisfaction of a job well done. He came back as an Amnicon Volunteer Corps member in 2011, and has been Amnicon’s resident jack-of-all-trades as the site director ever since. Brendan is responsible for maintaining and improving Amnicon’s site and buildings, keeping the books, and dealing with almost anything else that crops up. He enjoys playing guitar, brewing beer, caring for the camp chickens, snuggling with his wife, and shooting digital aliens. But not all at the same time.