Our Programs Team brings a wide range of nature-based and youth-development expertise to help spark fun in learning about the natural world! Meet our leadership and administrative staff here.
Caroline Bowen
School Programs Manager
carolineb@campfiremn.org
612.238.1053
Pronouns: she/her
As the Out-Of-School Time Program Manager at Camp Fire Minnesota, Caroline focuses on building equitable programs and long-term relationships with partners in the Twin Cities after-school network. Caroline finds joy in supporting young people as they grow their connections to nature through social emotional learning and skill-building. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northland College with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, and she has worked alongside community organizations such as Minneapolis Public Schools, the Beacons networks, Little Bellas, and the Conservation Corps of Minnesota & Iowa. In her free time, you’ll find her mountain biking, alpine skiing, gardening, and running around the lakes with her dog Birdie.
Ask me about: Garden Harvesting, Out-Of-School Time or Canoe Adventures
Jessie Briol
Outdoor Programs Coordinator
jessicab@campfiremn.org
612.540.3044
Pronouns: she/her
I have spent my entire career working with youth in schools, at camps, and in sports programs. Before coming to Camp Fire Minnesota, I spent several years working at The Blake School in a variety of roles, including Day Camp Director and Director of Summer Programs. I started working with Camp Fire Minnesota seasonally as a Camper Care Coordinator and then joined the team year-round in September of 2020. I truly believe that camp is a magical place for young people – a safe space that allows kids to be themselves, think creatively, take risks, and develop lasting, meaningful friendships. When I’m not at camp, I enjoy playing and coaching hockey, hiking on the North Shore, and spending time with my family, puppy, and two fluffy cats.
Ask me about: School break and summer camp offerings, how to register for camp programs, and Camp Fire Minnesota’s robust scholarship program!
Growing up going to a summer camp in Michigan, my youth leaders had a huge impact on me and inspired my passion to work with youth in the outdoors. I have been working with youth for 6 years in various settings such as being a nanny, house manager, and summer camp counselor here at Camp Fire Minnesota. I love sharing my passion and knowledge of the outdoors to kids and sparking their curiosity! My favorite camp activities are rock climbing and paddle boarding. In addition, you can find me looking for the best spot to watch the sunset or knitting!
Growing up in the UK, I spent most of my free time hiking, climbing, skiing, and playing football (or soccer as it is called here). I spent 10 years at a summer camp in Northeastern Minnesota as a Counselor, Program Director and then 4 years as the Camp Director. I love providing an arena for people to be their authentic selves in an outdoor nature-based environment, away from screens and other digital pressures. I know how important camps can be for young people and how important they are in shaping their futures. I am excited to continue making Camp Fire a safe space for campers and staff alike. When I’m not at Camp I enjoy playing soccer, running, skiing (Alpine and Nordic), and spending time with my wife and 3 young kids!
Ask me about: Summer Camp, planning wilderness trips, and canoeing
I worked as a youth leader in church settings for many years. I loved the chance to come alongside young people as they grow and develop, and support them in their curiosity. I left ministry to pursue a career in the environmental field and worked for a few years in the corporate world while I finished my degree and expanded my skillset. I have a deep love for the outdoors, and for environmental protection and care. Working at Camp Fire brings together my passion for the outdoors with my background working with young people. I am so excited for the opportunity to share my love of nature with young people. Outside of work, you will find me hiking and birdwatching with my wife, playing mandolin, or hanging out with my cats!
Program Area: PreK-12 Environmental Education
My background stems from education, childcare, and like our other staff members, a love for the outdoors. In the summer, you’ll catch me Googling “best waterfall hikes” wherever I happen to be, camping at new sites or just sitting on my deck, soaking up the sun. In the colder seasons, you may find me reading a good book, taking a nap, or trying a new recipe. Regardless of what I am doing, I am accompanied by my dog, Indigo. I love working with kids and exploring the outdoors, making this the perfect job for me!
Program Areas: PreK-12 Environmental Education
Ask me about: Archery and Big Woods Exploration
With a background in therapeutic recreation and healthy aging, I’m passionate about helping others across the lifespan explore their recreation and leisure interests to improve their quality of life. At camp, you’ll likely see me leading climbing groups on our Adventure Course. My favorite part of working with any group is encouraging them to try new things and sparking curiosity. I enjoy leisure pastimes such as hiking, journaling, and sending snail mail from my adventures.
Program Areas: PreK-12 Environmental Education
Ask me about: Teambuilding, Rock Climbing, High Ropes Course
I started as a summer camp counselor here at Camp Fire in 2022 and I’m over the moon about joining our year-round programs team. Camp Fire’s mission of inspiring youth to appreciate nature persuaded me to move here from Florida, and the stunning scenery and wonderful coworkers have kept me here ever since. My favorite activities here at camp are paddle boarding and leading canoe trips, and on my free time you can find me at local parks, permaculture gatherings, and museums.
Alexis M. Murillo
Education & Digital Programs Manager
alexism@campfiremn.org
612.235.7805
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Alexis M. Murillo, who has a plethora of experience in the private, nonprofit and public education sectors, has been with Camp Fire Minnesota since June 2020.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Alexis came to Minnesota to pursue her Bachelor of Science at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in Agricultural Communications and Marketing with an emphasis on Food and Natural Resources. A first-generation college student, her journey began in Chicago Public Schools, both as a student and then as a professional.
At Camp Fire Minnesota, Alexis leads the team of Naturalists and together they focus on equitable curriculum development, partner relationships, stakeholder engagement, and social-emotional learning in the outdoors. Alexis works year-round with schools to expand and grow Camp Fire’s Environmental Education department and vision for nature immersion through in-class engagement, on-site field trips and online education.
Ask me about: Scheduling a school program and equitable curriculum implementation and resources
Sage Passmore
Program & Event Specialist
sagep@campfiremn.org
Pronouns: she/her
Bio coming soon.
As a seasoned camp and conference person, I am passionate about youth development, outdoor programming, and accessible recreation. Before my work here with Camp Fire, I lived in Florida and worked with a camp I attended throughout my youth. At Florida State University, I studied Recreation Management and Leadership to pursue my dream of working with youth in an outdoor setting. I began at Camp Fire as a Program Coordinator for summer camp programming, and I am pleased to continue working year-round with such an inclusivity-driven organization.
Program Areas: PreK-12 Environmental Education and Teen Outdoor Leaders
Ask me about: Outdoor living skills, Challenge Course/High Ropes, Canoeing, and Team Building Activities
Andrew Soudbash
Program & Event Specialist
andrews@campfiremn.org
Pronouns: he/him
Bio coming soon.
Will (he/they) has been in youth work since 2015, beginning at the Science Museum of Minnesota. They were a part of the Teen Tech Crew of the Kitty Anderson Youth Science Center, educating youth peers on technology and leading workshops to empower youth through science. They spent four years at the Science Museum before transitioning to being a Pathway Intern with the USDA Forest Service. As an intern, Will analyzed forest field data collected by field crews to measure above-ground biomass. They also acted as a teaching representative of the forest service on camping trips for inner-city youth to the Chippewa and Superior National Forest. Will loves any opportunity to engage youth in learning, being creative, and having fun. They are a recent addition to the Camp Fire Minnesota team as a Youth Program Naturalist supporting the Out-of-School Time and Environmental Education teams. They spend their free time exploring the local outdoors on their longboard and playing music with their band!
Program Areas: PreK-12 Environmental Education, Out-of-School Time Programs
Greta is a northern map turtle that came into Camp Fire Minnesota’s care in 2020. Greta now lives with us and is one of our wildlife ambassadors that helps educate visitors about native turtles.
Have a question about turtles, Minnesota wildlife, or life at camp? Email Greta at greta@campfiremn.org! You’ll receive a response within several business days.