Ellen is originally from Iowa City but has lived in towns all up and down the Mississippi River, including Keokuk, Burlington, Fort Madison, and Quincy, IL. She is a student at the University of Iowa where she is double majoring in Psychology and Counseling and Behavioral Health. Approaching this summer, Ellen says, “I’m beyond excited for this experience. I’m here to create a safe, fun, and welcoming space for everyone, and I can’t wait to make this summer one to remember!”
In her free time, Ellen likes to be outdoors, whether that is going for a run, hiking, or fishing. It’s part of what drew her to apply to work at Camp Bear Creek this year. She also likes learning new sports (tennis is her current challenge) and watching movies with her friends. She has an adorable beagle-dachshund mix named Nola, and the two of them love to go for walks together. Ellen says, “I’m a huge fan of arts and crafts like cross-stitching and diamond art, and I love getting lost in a good mystery book—especially if there’s a big twist at the end!”
A couple of quirky things about Ellen: “I have a habit of picking up cool rocks (they often end up in my pockets!), I collect fun earrings, and I’m a big Taylor Swift fan… so don’t be surprised if I offer you a friendship bracelet! Also… if there’s a frog nearby, I will absolutely try to pick it up; they’re such beautiful creatures!” We have a feeling that Frog Pond may become Ellen’s favorite place at camp! She loves looking at the moon and the stars and can often be found stargazing at night. Ellen says that she connects best with God through prayer, reading the Bible, and nature. “Sunrises and sunsets remind me that He’s always near and that everything will be okay.”
Ellen is really looking forward to being at camp. She says, “I’m so excited to be a part of Camp Bear Creek this summer! I can’t wait to build meaningful relationships, have fun outdoors, and be part of all the amazing camp activities. I went to Girl Scout camp as a kid, and I loved all the team-building exercises and crafts I did with my friends, so I know how special camp memories can be.”
Ellen’s favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: “Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.”
About this verse, she says, “I use this verse as a guide for how I want to treat others—with patience, kindness, and joy. It helps me stay centered on love in all my relationships, even during tough times. It also reminds me of God’s never-ending, unconditional love for me, which brings me comfort, hope, and strength in every season.”
