We believe it’s both a privilege and a responsibility to create a safe space for all youth to discover their unique spark so that their futures will glow brighter. Through courageous leadership and can-do collaboration in the community, we are committed to innovative and engaging youth development in Minnesota.
Our team brings a wide range of nature-based and youth-development expertise to help spark fun in learning about the natural world!
Zoe Allen
Youth Program Naturalist & Cultural Liaison
zoea@campfiremn.org
Pronouns: she/her
Molly Rose Bonnstetter
Database & Development Manager
mollyr@campfiremn.org
612.276.6951
Pronouns: she/her
Caroline Bowen
School Programs Manager
carolineb@campfiremn.org
612.238.1053
Pronouns: she/her
Molly Bredemus
Office & HR Coordinator
mollyb@campfiremn.org
612.540.3039
Pronouns: she/her
Jessica Briol
Outdoor Programs Coordinator
jessicab@campfiremn.org
612.540.3044
Pronouns: she/her
Becca Fink
Vice President of Programs & Operations
beccaf@campfiremn.org
612.326.3821
Pronouns: she/her
Sara Lemke
Vice President of Development & Communications
saral@campfiremn.org
612.540.3043
Pronouns: she/her
Rio Perez
Development & Youth Storytelling Coordinator
riop@campfiremn.org
Pronouns: they/he
I am a citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe as well as an Anishinaabe descendant of the White Earth Nation. Growing up I was active in seasonal camps where I learned how to harvest traditional Indigenous foods such as wild rice, mushrooms and other wild foods on my home reservation of White Earth, MN. Previous to being at Camp Fire I studied Native American studies, Sociology and American studies at Macalester College. Outside of work I like to make jewelry, hammock and go thrifting.
Ask me about: land-based education, art, and mindfulness in nature!
As the Facilities Manager, I enjoy the fact that every day is different. I am surrounded by people who love to work with children, and are always looking for new and creative ways to engage them in nature. I get to be the person that helps them turn these ideas into practice. It’s super satisfying to take an idea, make it real, and to watch my efforts help make our campers experience be the best it can be.
When I’m not working you can find me hiking, boating, and playing with dogs.
Molly Rose joined the Camp Fire Minnesota team in 2023 and is excited to work for an organization that helps young people cultivate a love for nature! As the Database and Development Manager, she assists the Development and Communications team in their fundraising efforts. Molly Rose has over 10 years of experience in fundraising and CRM databases. She is a nerd for Excel! Molly Rose currently lives in Iowa and daydreams about moving to Minnesota. In her free time, you’ll find Molly Rose obsessing over her garden, knitting, making soup (it’s always soup season!), and having nightly dance parties with her family.
Ask me about: Our 100-year celebration, memorial gifts, yummy soup recipes
As the School Programs 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, Afterschool Explorers, or Canoe Adventures
I grew up in the summer camp world! My Grandparents started 2 camps in Northern Minnesota, so camp is in my DNA. I attended as a camper, counselor, leadership staff and was a Camp Director for 4 years. I have seen and experienced firsthand how important camps can be in the development of young people. I love being a part of providing a space for youth to grow, challenge themselves and create lifelong relationships with each other. When I’m not at camp I love exercising, downhill skiing and being a mom to my 3 young kids.
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 a local independent school in a variety of roles, including Day Camp Director and Director of Summer Programs. I started working with Camp Fire Minnesota seasonally 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 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 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
Becca Fink is a youth development professional with years of experience working alongside young people and partners to grow and develop programs focused on creating equitable access to nature and opportunities for leadership development, skill building and personal growth. She has spent her career leading out of school time programs, environmental education and camp programs including leading wilderness trips throughout the country. This is where she developed her drive to use nature as a catalyst for growth and development. With an educational background in sociology and outdoor recreation and career experience focused on using evaluation and evidence based practices, Becca combines her expertise in leading high quality, impact focused programs with a passion for connecting people to nature to create real and lasting change in the lives of young people. Becca lives in Minneapolis, MN where she enjoys biking, hiking, skiing, and escaping to the woods to camp and stargaze with her two young kids and husband as much as possible.
Ask me about: youth programs, summer camp & wilderness trips, and overall outdoor adventuring with kids.
Emily is passionate about youth development and outdoor programming, dedicated to connecting our programs with the community and expanding our network of support. With over 10 years of experience serving youth in a variety of roles, she brings a deep understanding of the importance of outdoor education and its transformative impact on young lives. Emily holds a Master of Science in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation, which has fueled her commitment to creating meaningful, accessible outdoor experiences. She thrives on building relationships and sharing the vision of our program with supporters and families. Emily had previously worked at a summer camp, which changed her life, and her mom was involved in Camp Fire as a young person, which Emily feels is a cool connection to this work. When is not at work, Emily can be found cooking and trying new recipes and techniques, going on adventures with her family and her dog Diesel, and daydreaming about her next trip to Lake Superior.
Ask me about: Why Camp Fire Minnesota is the perfect venue for your wedding, family reunion, team-building retreat, or corporate meeting!
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
Eleanor just started working at Camp Fire Minnesota this past summer as an overnight/day camp counselor. She recently graduated with a degree in Psychology/Neuroscience and has experience as PCA and participating in Special Olympics. She shared, “I’m so happy to connect with kids, especially those from diverse backgrounds and experiences. It’s incredibly rewarding to create a space where they feel safe, supported, and can truly be themselves while having fun and learning new things.”
Ask me about: Ask me about my original music, my cats, and cognition 🧠
My background in education, childcare and personal care assistance, along with my love for the outdoors, has brought me to Camp Fire. I am an avid hiker, and animal lover with two active dogs. I have a knack for finding four-leaf clovers, spend most of the summer in my hammock and most of the winter reading and trying new hobbies. At work, I enjoy spreading awareness about invasive species, getting my hands dirty in the garden, and teaching the Nature Preschool students.
Ask Me About: Our Nature Preschool Partnership, Big Woods Exploration, Adventure Course
Growing up in Northeast Iowa I was always fascinated by nature and the growth that comes from experiential education. Joining Camp Fire Minnesota I saw an opportunity to extend the kinds of resources that were all so impactfuI for me growing up to the youth that this organization serves. I come from Colorado where I recreated and worked at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory supporting scientists and students alike as they studied the effects of climate change in high mountain ecosystems. I recently graduated from Western Colorado University with a Bachelor of Arts in Recreation and Outdoor Education and a minor in Political Science. In my free time I like to play tennis, read, and watch sports! Go Pack go!!
My journey with camp began in summer of 2023 when I moved to Minnesota to work with summer camp. I quickly fell in love with camp and the mission of engaging with young people out in nature, so I began working year-round with both the Environmental Education team and the Out of School team. In fall of 2024 I began a new chapter of my career as a Youth Program Naturalist with the Environmental Education team. My educational background is in Elementary Education and Early childhood, and I come to Camp Fire with over 15 years of classroom experience with young people from PreK to college. For me, creating connections with young people is incredibly important and I truly enjoy working with youth of all ages and backgrounds. Some of my favorite memories with Camp Fire include stargazing deep in our Front-Forty, teaching young people how to set up hammocks for the first time, paddleboarding across Lake Minnewashta, and helping youth take the time to breathe and notice the nature around them.
When I’m not at camp I spend a lot of time baking, hanging out with my plants, and finding cool spaces in nature to explore.
Ask me about: Mindfulness out in nature, the importance of play and exploration as youth create connections with their environments, winning at Spoons and Egyptian Rat (summer camp card game staples), and the different groups of Crows we have at camp.
From a young age I’ve been inspired to be a part of Camp Fire Minnesota. I’ve had the opportunity to work at Camp Fire Minnesota for the past four years. While being at Camp I’ve gained a passion for learning and teaching about nature. My mom came to Camp Fire when she was younger, and my grandfather worked maintenance at Camp Fire. The memories and stories I have from my years at Camp are life long.
Ask me about: Camp Fire history, poetry, and music
With six summers of experience working at summer camps, I have developed a strong passion for youth development and creating positive, engaging experiences for young people. I love working at Camp Fire Minnesota and being a part of a team that is so dedicated to connecting people to the outdoors. Outside of camp, I enjoy water skiing, camping in the Boundary Waters, and playing cribbage with friends and family.
Ask me about my favorite camp songs and games!
Growing up in eastern Wisconsin I attended and worked at a summer camp until I left for college, so I am personally familiar with the impact a place like Camp Fire can have on a young person during their formative years. I’ve been working in the nonprofit sector for over a decade when I began my career as co-founder and as inaugural Executive Director of Twin Cities Catalyst Music from 2012-2022, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to provide young people with equitable access and opportunities to see, experience, and participate in the Twin Cities music community. I am also a co-founder of the Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance as a 501(c)(6) organization while serving as Vice Chair of the organization from 2020-2023. Currently I live in St. Paul with my wife Sarah, our son Archer, and dog Cooper.
As the Vice President of Development & Communications, Sara helps build relationships within our community, tells the story of Camp Fire Minnesota, and continues our legacy by working alongside supporters. As a Camp Fire Iowa alum, she understands the critical need for our programs and the deep connection to nature they provide. She loves meeting Camp Fire enthusiasts, the people she calls our biggest cheerleaders! She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Human Sciences in Child, Adult, and Family Services. She began her career in health care, working as a community liaison supporting families navigating our healthcare system. Through volunteer work, Sara found joy in fundraising and advocacy and quickly found a new home leading non-profit development teams. In her free time, you’ll find her exploring new nature spots with her family, participating in car karaoke with her sisters, and enjoying her favorite place on earth, her family cabin in Grand Marais.
Ask me about: Alumni Engagement, Planned Giving, or Capital Support.
Rio (they/he) first joined Camp Fire as the Marketing & Photography Intern in the summer of 2024. Now, as the Development and Youth Storytelling Coordinator, they are excited to collaborate with the incredible young people in our programs to tell the story of Camp Fire’s impact. Rio completed their master’s in education degree at Harvard University and formerly worked as a 7th grade English Language Arts teacher and post-secondary student support specialist. They are passionate about the intersection of creativity and education, and their favorite part of working at Camp Fire is seeing the joy, playfulness, and imaginative power youth bring into (and get out of!) the camp experience. In their free time, Rio is a practicing visual artist who loves taking photos and videos, making collages, overanalyzing TV shows, and cuddling their dog, Feliciano.
Ask me about: Our upcoming youth board, our DEI committees, and our mission to center youth voice
My mom attended camp at Camp Fire as a kid and I am so honored to be connected to this amazing organization. My entire career has been focused on working with young people and I love that Camp Fire creates space for all young people to learn, explore nature, and feel included and seen. I am a proud Minnesota native but after spending ten years in Boston, I am also a big fan of the East Coast and the Red Sox (sorry Twins fans!). When I am not working, you will find me spending time with my wife and two kids, running, traveling, and being an aunt to 16 amazing humans!
Ask me about: Experiencing archery for the first time as an adult, why our Camp Fire turtle, Greta, is amazing, and my favorite walking routes at camp.
Hi, I’m Tiane, my camp name is (Stormy). My background is in education. I love teaching and learning from children. I came to Camp Fire because I enjoy being in nature and exploring the best things of life. Outside of work I like to spend my time being outside and going on adventures.
Hello, my Camp Fire friends, my name is Andrew Soudbash (camp name ACE) and I have been with Camp Fire for many years now! Coming from a background in Boy Scouts, I developed a love for nature at a very young age. After leaving scouting in 2020, I discovered Camp Fire, an organization that truly shares my love for the outdoors and helps youth find their spark in nature the same way I did as a kid. One thing I love about Camp Fire is how no matter your background, from gender identity to religion, there is a place for you at Camp Fire.
Some of my hobbies outside of campfire include archery, camping, wood working, welding, rally racing, and various other small things. (this list can go forever!)
If you have any questions about camp, I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have and if I don’t know the answer, I can find someone who does! I can’t wait to see everyone this summer and throughout the school year. Have a wonderful day!
As someone who longed to attend summer camp in my childhood but never had the means or opportunity to, I love that I can work at Camp Fire Minnesota throughout the year at this stage of my life! I’m originally from California, but Minnesota has slowly become my home. I love to fish and be in and around water. Something I’ve gotten into the past few years is Spearfishing, which may be a little bit harder to do here. In the summertime, you can likely find me by the waterfront on a paddleboard or canoe! Ask me about summer camp or our After-School Explorers program!
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
Emily, better known as Peace in the camp world, enjoys using a creative headspace to engage different audiences, whether with graphics, event planning, or collaborating to generate new ideas. She has 5+ years of event planning experience and sharing organizations’ stories on social media. Emily previously worked at a camp supporting kids throughout a loved one’s cancer diagnosis and saw firsthand how impactful the work that an organization, especially a camp, can provide. In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time with her cat Nalu, watching the sunset, and painting!
Ask me about: How Camp Fire Minnesota is the perfect venue for your wedding, baby shower, team-building retreat, or corporate meeting!
I earned my B.A in History and Anthropology at the University of Minnesota in Duluth, and my M.A. in Teaching Secondary Social Studies (grades 5-12) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (Birth-21) at University of St. Thomas in St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota. I have served students, staff, and families in multiple school districts in Minnesota in positions ranging from special education paraprofessional to licensed special education teacher. I have participated mostly in elementary schools; however, I also have experience in middle schools and junior highs, and transition programs serving students with special needs ages 18-22. I always feel like I am learning more from my students and communities than I am able to give back, so I make it a priority help out every chance I get. Thank you to those who have helped me become the educator I am today, and I look forward to those I get to share this collected knowledge with in the future.
Ask me about: my stories as a camper at Camp Fire Minnesota, ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman history, building computers, and working with students.
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.