Our Staff
A camp is only as strong as its leadership team. Camp Harrison is staffed by some of the best, most qualified, and experienced men and wo-
men in the camping field. Camp Harrison
A camp is only as strong as its leadership team. Camp Harrison is staffed by some of the best, most qualified, and experienced men and wo-
men in the camping field. Camp Harrison
cabin counselors are excellent role models who are focused on the needs of campers both in the cabins and activity areas. Counselors are individually selected and possess superb references and skills.
Eighty percent of Camp Harrison staff are senior counselors who must have completed a minimum of one year of college. Administrative Staff members direct counselors in providing successful camp experiences for our campers. All Administrative Staff have college degrees and/or exemplary camping backgrounds.
Employment Opportunities.
Eighty percent of Camp Harrison staff are senior counselors who must have completed a minimum of one year of college. Administrative Staff members direct counselors in providing successful camp experiences for our campers. All Administrative Staff have college degrees and/or exemplary camping backgrounds.
Employment Opportunities.
Dave Purcell
Executive Director
Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge
Dave Purcell accepted the position as Executive Director of Herring Ridge/Camp Harrison in the Fall of 2008. Dave, an Ohio Native, graduated from Miami University with a BS & MS in Education. Dave started in full time camping in 1987 as the Director of YMCA Camp Cosby in Birmingham, Al. Then in 1993, he began his involvement with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte as the Executive Director of Operations for Camp Thunderbird.
Dave has worked very close with Camp Harrison since its opening in 2004. He has been married to Margie for 18 years and has a daughter, Marlett who is 16 - a Camp Harrison Alumni. Dave and his family are “very excited to be part of the Camp Harrison family.”
Aimee Jones
Associate Resident Camp Director
Camp Harrison
Aimee first joined Camp Harrison in the summer of 2004 as a cabin counselor and member of the waterfront staff. In 2005, Aimee worked as the Head Female Counselor and General Program Director.
Aimee comes to Camp Harrison with a Bachelors degree in Education from Western Michigan University. She has worked in leadership roles with Sylvan Learning Center, taught 11th graders at a private boarding school and spent 6 months in Hawaii teaching environmental education at YMCA Camp Erdman.
Scott Prevatte
Associate Resident Camp Director
Camp Harrison
Scott was our 1st Head Male Counselor when our camp opened in 2004 and continued with us for another year working year round with our environmental education program and helping to develop several of our program areas at camp. After a brief two year stint with Enterprise Rent-A-Car Scott rejoined our staff in March of 2008.
Scott comes to us with a Bachelors degree in Recreation Management from Appalachian State University, and has been working in the camping industry since 17 when he was a counselor at Boy Scout camp, Camp Bob Hardin. Scott and his wife Allison are very excited about working and lving at beautiful Camp Harrison.
Lisa Eller
Administrative Assistant
Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge
Lisa began working with Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge in June of 2004. Lisa is local to Wilkes, having spent most of her life in this beautiful county. She has been instrumental in getting Camp Harrison off to a great start. As a volunteer in July of 2003 she gathered youth to participate in the production of Camp Harrison's first advertising video.
Lisa comes to us seeking to share God's love and make a difference in the lives of others. She is actively involved at church where she teaches Acteens, Girls in Action and 3-4 year olds. Since 1990 Lisa has dedicated her life to her family and working with children; motherhood is high on her list of priorities. She and her husband live on a family-owned farm where they raise their 3 camp-age children.
Lisa's professional experience is predominantly in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, including a K-2 Teacher Assistant, K-8 After-School and Summer Camp Director, Substitute Teacher, Owner/Operator of a Registered Home Day Care, and Lead Day Care Teacher. Lisa is a Hospice Volunteer and enjoys helping with Camp Evergreen, where children and youth learn to understand and cope with grief as a normal and ongoing process.
Jon Bontrager
Property Manager
Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge
Jon's camp experience includes various summer camps and a therapeutic wilderness program where he worked as a counselor and teacher for 4 years. Prior to that, he worked for various construction companies refining the skills he learned while working childhood summers on a dairy farm. He graduated from Goshen College in Indiana with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. His passions include outdoor adventure and gardening and chickens. He lives in Moravian Falls with his wife Betsy and son Kade.
Matt Faist
Conference Coordinator
Camp Harrison at Herring Ridge
Matt joined Herring Ridge in the Spring of 2007 as the Assistant Director of Environmental Education and Conferences. He has worked for the YMCA for over three years as a counselor, outdoor trip leader, and a group leader for an after school program.
Matt comes to us with an Associates degree in Ecotourism & Adventure Travel from Hocking College in Ohio. He has studied abroad in the Bahamas, and completed his Divemaster in the Bay Islands of Honduras. His love for the YMCA, environment, & great hikes brought him here all the way from Ohio to embrace all that northwest North Carolina has to offer.
