OUR STAFF
Our enthusiastic, caring and skilled staff members, help facilitate and guide the development of each camper in their pursuit of strengthening social & life skills, fostering friendships and developing their Christian faith. Many of our staff "grew up" at Camp Whitman, having spent many summers as campers before joining the staff team. We also recruit staff from area colleges and universities who are studying human services such as education or social work. Additionally, we are proud to host international staff from countries like England, Ireland, and Mexico. Our camp counselors all undergo a thorough interview and reference process, are background checked and successfully complete a week-long training before working with our campers.
Bryan Muecke - (pronounced “Mickey”)
Executive Director (he/him/his)
Bryan grew up in northern Minnesota and from an early age, attended Covenant Park Bible Camp near his home. As a long-time camper, he developed deep friendships which are still special to this day. In his late teens, Bryan also served on the summer staff as a lifeguard and camp counselor.
During his college years, Bryan served as the summer waterfront director at Camp Mission Meadows in Chautauqua County, NY while earning his B.A. in Writing from North Park University in Chicago. He later went on to earn an M.S. in Hospitality Administration from the University of New Haven in Connecticut - fully intending to launch into a career directing faith-based summer camp and retreat ministries.
As Bryan’s career grew, he was fortunate to have the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director of Covenant Park (’04 -’11) and Camp Mission Meadows (’11- ’21). Both camps had been significant in his faith formation as a youth, and later, they benefited from his leadership as he guided them through seasons of expansion, growth and a renewed vision for the future.
In addition to being a seasoned non-profit leader, Bryan holds the distinction of being a Licensed Staff Minister specializing in camping ministry through the Evangelical Covenant Church of America. He has also served on several local boards including Habitat for Humanity, the Christian Camp and Conference Association, the Association of Covenant Camps and Conference Centers, and the Chautauqua-Mayville (NY) Chamber of Commerce.
Outside of camp, Bryan has experience in parish children's ministry, youth sports coaching and peer mentoring. In their spare time, he & his wife Chrissie enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and snowshoeing, spending time at their family cabin on Tug Hill and hanging out with their five boys.
Samantha Mashewske - (pronounced “Ma-shoe-ski”)
Office Manager (she/her/hers)
Samantha grew up in Penn Yan, NY, and after spending a year in Nashville, found her way back home to the Finger Lakes. Sports were a big part of her childhood, especially lacrosse, which kept her busy on both school and travel teams. Over the years, Samantha has worked in a variety of roles that all centered around caring for people and making them feel welcome.
At a local hotel on Seneca Lake, she helped guests feel at home by guiding them through their stay and sharing the best of what the area has to offer. At an outpatient substance abuse and mental health clinic, she worked with children, teens, adults, and families—answering crisis calls, connecting clients to the right counselors, and making sure every person felt safe and supported.
As a mom of two young children, Samantha knows how important it is to feel confident that your family members are in good hands. She is excited to bring both her personal and professional experience into her role as Office Manager and to be part of Camp Whitman’s mission of creating a safe, welcoming, and joyful space for every camper!
Raymond Crosby-Willis - (Pronounced “Ray”)
Operations Director (he/him/his)
Ray was born and raised in Dundee, and now lives with his wife Barb and four children in nearby Barrington.
Ray is no stranger to Camp Whitman beginning in 2005 as a seasonal maintenance worker before transitioning to the Assistant Property Manager until 2011.
He enjoys working with his hands building and fixing things. Having great mentors growing up, such as his late father, he developed a strong background in electrical, plumbing and construction.
When not building or repairing things Ray can usually be found setting up and operating audio for bands, concerts or theatrical performances. Although a full time job in itself, his kids are his world and he loves spending every moment possible with them.
Ray is excited to be returning to the Camp Whitman family and continue making the property a safe and welcoming environment for all to enjoy.