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!
Caroline Bowen
School Programs Manager
carolineb@campfiremn.org
612.238.1053
Pronouns: she/her
Molly Bredemus
Administrative 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
Director of Development & Communications
saral@campfiremn.org
612.540.3043
Pronouns: she/her
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.
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 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
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.
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 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
As the Director 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.
Camp Fire’s mission of inspiring youth to appreciate nature inspired me to move here from Florida to be a summer camp counselor in 2022. The stunning scenery and wonderful coworkers have kept me here since! My favorite camp activities are paddle boarding and leading Northwoods trips because I love to see young people experience moments of awe while outdoors. In my free time, you can find me at local parks, permaculture gatherings, and farmer’s markets!
I have been with Camp Fire Minnesota since 2020! As a member of the Development and Communications team, I lead the Annual Fund efforts including fundraising events, donations processing, and more. My passion for getting youth in nature stems from my childhood experiences at summer camp where I felt most confident and like my authentic self. After moving from Sioux Falls, SD with my husband I am glad to call the Twin Cities my home – when I’m not at work you can find me checking out a new brewery, walking around the lakes, and spending time with my family!
Ask me about: donating, sponsorships, and fundraising events
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.
I joined the team in 2020 have been telling Camp Fire’s story through social media and other communications, as well as managing our website and graphic design projects. As an environmental studies graduate, I love Camp Fire’s mission to connect more young people to nature – and I get to use my creativity to help lead these efforts! When I’m not at work, you can find me gardening, cooking/baking, and spending time with my husband and Golden Retriever.
Ask me about: Sharing your Camp Fire story, advertising, and upcoming events
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: Youth Advisory Council and Summer Camp scheduling, program, and curriculum
Ask me about: Outdoor living skills, Challenge Course/High Ropes, Canoeing, and Team Building Activities
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.