meet our leadership team!

My name is David, and I am a Co-Founder & Member of the Leadership Team at Camp: Destination! I have been involved with camp for 12 summers, and I could not be more excited or proud to see where we are today. 

I have been a camp counselor for every group from the youngest, all the way to the L.I.T. Program, and many of my former campers are now counselors and leaders here at camp. My wife and I have three little boys, ages 6, 5, and 3, who have all been raised in the Camp: Destination Spirit and Program. They love camp more than I do, and that is saying a lot!

You can reach me at david@campdestination.org with any questions or concerns you have to support your camper. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be in this role, and I cannot think of a better way to spend my summers! 

 Hello! My name is Sam, and I could not be more excited to be a part of the Camp: Destination Team this summer! I have been at camp since the day our doors opened - as a camper, L.I.T., & counselor, and am thrilled to be returning for my third summer on the Leadership Team! Camp is truly my favorite place on Earth, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share all of the reasons as to why with our campers this summer!

For a little bit about me, I am a native Arizonan, and currently attend Arizona State University, where I am studying Secondary Education: English, to be a Middle or High School English Teacher! When not working, busy with school, or getting excited for camp (which is my favorite thing to do!), I am often found spending time with friends & family, working out, listening to music, or trying new food spots all across the East Valley!

Camp: Destination was built upon the belief that every child is deserving of a summer filled with fun - created through fostering a culture of enthusiasm, seeking & taking part in high-octane programs, and building a community where every camper feels seen, valued, & celebrated for who they are. It is my hope that the impact that I make upon each & every camper who comes through our gates this summer echoes this camp spirit - and that we have 8 weeks filled with memories, laughs, & connections to look back on for Summer 2026!

If there is anything that I can do to support the creation of an incredible summer experience for your camper, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via email at sam@campdestination.org! I look forward to welcoming back so many campers, as well as introducing so many campers, to our Camp: D Family. 2026 is going to be the best summer ever!

Hi! My name is Paige, and I am so excited to be back for another summer at Camp: Destination! This is my 8th Summer, and each year is a new adventure. Camp is always something I look forward to throughout the school year!

When not at camp, I am a 1st Grade Teacher. This was my 6th Year of Teaching! Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, watching movies and shows, and playing with my Goldendoodle, Maverick, and Golden Retriever, Addie (ask me about them, I love to talk about them!).

I hope to make this summer awesome for all campers and see so many returning faces. It will be a great summer full of laughter, memories, and playing!

Hi! I'm Zachary, and I'm excited to be back at Camp: Destination this summer as a K-2 Counselor! I've been a part of Camp: Destination since Opening Day - as a camper, L.I.T., and counselor - and this will be my 4th summer working on staff, which truly means a lot to me.

In past summers, I've worked as Camp: Destination's Administrative Assistant, and I'm excited to bring my organization, experiences working with a wide age range, program development, & behind-the-scenes support into my work with our K-2 Campers this year.

During the year, I serve as a Religious School Assistant Director and Youth Group Advisor, where I focus on Operations, Community Engagement, & Creating Meaningful Youth Programming. I study Business with a focus on Non-Profit Management at Scottsdale Community College, and I love building experiences that help kids feel supported, confident, and connected.

I am an Arizona Native & know how important it is for kids to have a place to stay active, make friends, & be themselves during the summer - and I truly can't imagine spending my summers anywhere other than Camp: Destination. I can't wait to help make this a fun, safe, and memorable summer for all of our campers!

Howdy! My name is Emma, and I am so thrilled to be returning to Camp: Destination this summer! I was born and raised in Chandler, AZ, and grew up attending camp, so getting to be a counselor truly feels full circle.

I'm a proud graduate of Arizona State University, and am finishing up my first year teaching in first grade! I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to watch kids grow and build strong, meaningful relationships with them. I'm really looking forward to bringing that same energy into our camp days!

In my free time, you can find me cooking up new recipes, attending live sporting events & concerts, or planning for my next trip. I can't wait for Sprout Games, reminiscing on lore, and of course, the Palooza!

Hi! My name is Eli, and I am beyond excited for my 12th Summer at the best place on Earth! This will be my 4th Summer as a Counselor, and I couldn't be more grateful to be at the camp I love so much. I'm especially excited to be working with the 3rd - 5th Grade Group this summer; I know we're going to have an absolutely amazing time!

Currently, I attend Northern Arizona University where I am pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Biology with a minor in Mathematics Secondary Education. Right now, I imagine myself becoming a High School Math Educator, specifically teaching Calculus. Outside of my love for learning and mentorship, I enjoy indoor bouldering, listening to music, and practicing hot yoga!

I cannot wait for another amazing summer and for the opportunity to connect with campers, both new and returning. I'm so excited to create a space where everyone can truly be themselves and have the time of our lives. Ready for another epic summer!

Hello! My name is Shea, and I am so excited to be the Middles Counselor this year! I have been going to camp since it first opened, and it has truly been my happy place throughout my whole childhood.

Growing up, some of my biggest role models were involved in camp, and they truly made a lasting impact on my life, shaping me into who I am today. I have taken all the lessons they taught me and still apply them to my life today. I hope that for every camper that walks through the door, I am able to do the same for them! Being able to walk into a welcoming place is extremely important - and at Camp: D, we will welcome anyone!

I can't wait to meet all of your kids and get to know them through this amazing, upcoming summer!

Hello! I'm Jaxon. I'll be one of the Oldest Group Counselors! I've been coming to camp since I was young enough to be in the littles.

I love the outdoors, bouldering, hiking, backpacking, and just generally going and getting lost in the wild!

I am so excited to be back at camp for 2026. I know I had a crazy year, and I can only imagine how crazy everyone else's has been. I'm looking forward to catching up with returning campers and making new connections with first time campers. Excited to see/meet you in May!

Hey Everyone! I'm so excited to be back for my second year at Camp: Destination! I've honestly been thinking about camp all year - dreaming up new games to play, activities to try, and all the fun we're going to have together!

If we didn't get the chance to meet last summer, my name is Kalia, and I am one of the counselors for the Oldest Group! By the time we head to camp, I will have just graduated from ASU with my degree in Special Education. I absolutely love working with older campers, because there are so many high expectations at school, and it can be hard for students to feel successful. Camp is a place where you just get to be yourself, feel confident, laugh a lot, and reconnect with what makes life fun and exciting.

I love helping campers tap back into their natural curiosity and seeing how community, laughter, and connection make such a big difference. When I'm not at camp, you can usually find me at Hot Yoga, spending time outside, journaling/junk journaling, or traveling whenever I get the chance!

I can't wait to meet you if we haven't met yet, and if we have, I'm so excited to see you again and hear all about your year!