Russel Fogg, Junior Boys Practitioner: Jon asked me to introduce myself to you and I thought of the things I do in my free time, but these days I am finding myself with less and less free time! However, previously in my life, I climbed mountains, traveled the world, played many sports, communed with God in nature, investigated democracy and other international systems, and experienced competition at a national level. While all of these have been interesting and beneficial, nothing can compare to the challenge and freedom of knowing God and striving to live in a way that demonstrates our true being. In all my searching for satisfaction, fulfillment, and purpose, a life devoted to God hits the mark.
For precisely this reason, I love camp. A lot. In fact, I haven’t missed a summer at camp since I was old enough to go. It was as a camper that I learned that what I was learning in Sunday School has a practical application, and it was as a counselor that I consciously decided that I wanted my life to be more pure and free of distractions. Eventually, the desire to share with others the benefit and practical application of knowing God, combined with my desire for a more uplifting life, led me to pursue practicing Christian Science full-time. Clearly, there is much more to the practice of Christian Science than just the opportunities at camp, but there are few environments that support and engender a desire to know God the way that camp does. It’s a place where we live in a way that demonstrates Christ. My experience has shown me that along with true Christian living comes quick healing when the situation demands it. Camp is a wonderful place to demonstrate this fact, and I’m really looking forward to sharing a couple of weeks with your son at Bow-Isle!
James Shepherd, Senior Boys Practitioner: I live with my family in Eugene, Oregon. I love youthful thinking and acting, Christian Science, the outdoors, and spiritual growth. Camp Bow-Isle is a perfect setting for all of these. I’ve been able to be the prac at Camp for quite a few years. I love seeing us all grow through the session… and from year to year as well.
I can’t wait to see your son for Senior Boys–whether he’s been to Bow-Isle before or if this is his first time. I can’t wait for a good game of 3 Sticks, for Bible Lesson study in the Quiet House, and for each moment that provides the opportunity for spiritual growth.
Warren Curkendall, Counselor: This summer is full of change for me as I am graduating from college, getting married, moving to a new city and entering the work force. Amidst this crazy summer I can’t think of a better place to spend five weeks. Camp Bow-Isle is the most refreshing place I have ever been and I continue to come back for the commitment to Christian Science, growth, and the opportunity to give back. My favorite activities at camp are camp-wide games, sailing, and outtrips. Outside of camp I love ultimate Frisbee, cycling, and taking apart computers.
Ben Frederick, Counselor: I am a double major in theatre and English literature at Principia College, and recently got accepted to go on an abroad program to England. I don’t win many awards, but when I do, they are usually along the lines of “Best in Show” or blue ribbons for cookies. I run cross country and enjoy playing guitar and reading books in my spare time. I also play bass in a band and when I am not in productions I have something resembling a social life.
Ben Glass, Counselor: Howdy Y’all! I am one of the few counselors this year that is not or has not recently been a professional student. I am a house parent and athletics coach at the Principia Upper School in St. Louis Missouri. This means I work with children year round … and I LOVE it. I am really looking forward to coming back to camp this summer and working with the Skills week and Senior Boys. Sadly I won’t be around for Junior Boys, one of my three favorite sessions 
but in the words of Jack Nicholson 2 out of 3 ‘aint bad 
When I am not working with young people, I enjoy running, archery, getting food from the wild, spending time with my wife and two Greyhounds, Frisbee, reading about history and economics, wood working projects, and board games. Christianity is the most important way of living in the world, and I believe that all of my above listed activities are extensions of my love of God, the Christ and our Leader. Our activities represent the Love that God puts in our heart, our expression of Life. As it says in the Bible, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” In the end the most important thing that you and your son need to know is that I love camp, I love the Christ, and I love your son.
AJ Kiser, Counselor: I have just graduated from Principia College with a major in religion, and I am looking forward to serving society by serving the cause of Christian Science. I have spent the last four summers working as a counselor at Camp Bow-Isle and I feel that this work is in large part responsible for the fact that I am already a successful young adult today. There is no greater joy than going on adventures, working through challenges, and learning about the world with a group of Christian Scientists at a place such as camp. When I am not at camp, I enjoy playing disc golf, riding bikes, hanging out with my two younger brothers, working in the sun, running, and learning to play the piano. There are so many reasons that I am looking forward to being on staff again this summer, but the main one is the joy of learning and growing with all the amazing campers. The kids have a way of challenging their counselors, but they also give them the privilege of experiencing, in part, one of the most rewarding responsibilities known to humanking, that of an older brother, or parent. Working at Camp Bow-Isle has never failed to impart a fresh, new perspective on life that brings purer motives and higher demonstration in Christian Science. Thanks to all of the parents for making this important work possible. I look forward to meeting each one of you someday!
Casey Towle, Counselor: I’m from Oregon, which is a great state, partially because it’s always raining but mostly because I live there. I’m an Eagle Scout, a swimmer, a pianist, and currently, a student at Principia College. I love everything about life at camp and I always have a smile on my face when I’m there. I am looking forward to being on staff at Camp Bow-Isle because it is the best job ever. Camp gave me character, friends, and good life lessons as a camper, and now I can give those things back. This is my third year on staff and so far, each year has brought new challenges and experiences from which I enjoy learning. The schedule is so fluid and can change at a moment’s notice because there are so many different combinations of activities. I love this fluidity and spontaneity because it makes Camp Bow-Isle a place I want to come back to.
Ben Vaughan, Counselor: I love camp. Really, that’s one of the first things people should know about me. I love working on Bow-Isle’s property, working with Bow-Isle’s programme, and especially working with the kids who come to camp. I’m also apt to be found working on some music-related project (probably setting some Bible verse to music or preparing to record or perform it) or reading about God. Sometimes I tour with friends as “The Blessing Tree” to inspire people through song. I also like to find and make paths through the woods and make up games and jokes. I will love being (and work hard to be) a positive part of campers’ lives this summer. It’s an opportunity I look forward to every year.
Richard Vaughan, Counselor: I visited Camp Bow-Isle for the first time three years ago at the end of a road trip across Canada. I was there briefly during the weekend to visit my brother but after seeing the camp, meeting the Heath family, talking with camp alumni and playing three sticks, I didn’t want to leave. I love to sing songs, climb mountains, express gratitude and share joy. This will be my second summer at Camp Bow-Isle and I look forward to being in the perfect little place to learn, together, how to live better.
Scott Conover, CIT: I am from Portland, Oregon and enjoy every sport with a board: wakeboarding, snowboarding, skateboarding, and long boarding, just to name a few. I usually find myself doing photography, graphic design, or doing an art project in my free time. Growing up and going to Camp Bow-Isle, I loved my counselors and the qualities they exuded. To be a good example for kids and teens is something that attracted me to being a counselor this year. I want to give the things I received as a camper. To be surrounded by Christian Scientists in one of the greatest environments on earth, I feel blessed to be working at Camp Bow-Isle. I wouldn’t call it work, actually, because it’s not ~ it is simply expressing God with friends. I can’t wait to teach, and learn from everyone. I’m really looking forward to making new friends this summer with my campers! Here is a quote from Mary Baker Eddy that I want to leave you with: “If God, All-in-all, be the creator of the spiritual universe, including man, then everything entitled to a classification as truth, or Science, must be comprised in a knowledge or understanding of God, for there can be nothing beyond illimitable divinity.”
Jesse Dehnert, CIT: I first came to Camp Bow-Isle when I was eight years old. I was fortunate enough to have my big brother as one of my counselors. It is my hope that I will be able to give the campers the same brotherly love and support that my brother gave me that year. I have been a camper for eight years, some years staying as long as five weeks. When I’m not at camp, I enjoy springboard diving and playing the violin, and I am a member of the 2012 class in DiscoveryBound’s NLC program. Camp is going to be GREAT!!!
