Meet our Leadership Team

Our Executive Director Gerrit "Wind" Leewes, sets the vision and direction for our organization while supporting and mentoring our leadership community.  He has over 20 years of professional camp experience and is an industry leader in outdoor education.  Gerrit is local to the Onoway area and grew up in the boreal forests west of Edmonton.  He did his BA in Recreation and Leisure Studies at the University of Alberta before moving to Vancouver Island to mentor in nature awareness and the 8 Directions teachings.  During his time at the U of A and on the Island, Gerrit began working at summer camps and was drawn to their ability to foster growth in children.  After working with two other Alberta camps, Gerrit joined Camp Warwa as a Facilitator before eventually being promoted to Executive Director.  He is a Past President of the Alberta Camping Association and a tremendous resource to the entire camping community.  He lives at Camp Warwa with his wife Faith and kiddos Erik, Connor and Jack.

Operations Manager 

Doug "Mud" Kelly began working at Camp Warwa in 2021. He enjoyed supporting the counsellors as a Village Leader and took every chance he could to join in on spin jam and canoeing sessions with campers. Before joining the Warwa Community, Doug had 8 years of experience as a volunteer counsellor and a program staff at Camp Encounter. Doug loves to ride his bike, craft, and rock climb with his wife, Claire. He is eager to get to work as the new Operations Manager overseeing programs and supporting staff. 

Social Media Coordinator 

Miranda began began working with youth at Camp Warwa as an instructor in 2011, which was the starting point for focusing on working with kids in recreation. Throughout and upon completion of her BA in English from the U of A: Augustana, she worked in Camrose as an instructor, administrator, and director for a youth musical theatre company. Along with working as a communications coordinator for multiple clients, Hoot enjoys time with her husband and littles! Miranda is looking forward to connecting with alumni, parents and future campers!

Community Relations Manager 

Karina Tetrault, or "Squirrel," is so excited to work for Camp Warwa and put her 20 years of outdoor programming administration experience and love of nature to work. Karina worked for the City of Edmonton for over 17 years, starting as an outdoor program leader and camp leader, then working her way up to a program manager of River Valley Programs and other excellent facilities until she left to spend more time with her daughter. She works from her home in Edmonton near the river valley. Her family loves to spend time outside skiing, biking, camping, or going for a walk. Karina is keen to help you with your camp needs and connect with all members of the Camp Warwa Community.

Caretaking Coordinator 

Michael "Keeper" has been with Camp Warwa since 2021.  He is a skilled carpenter and landscaper, among many other areas of expertise. While he keeps camp looking great, he always looks for ways to improve the site.  Keeper is also a beekeeper and geology enthusiast. He and his partner Ambre (aka Nanook - a longtime camp staff alumni) live nearby on Lac Ste. Anne.

Program Coordinator

Joshua Cole, or Boone to friends and campers alike, is eager to step into his new role of Program coordinator this year. Boone is a 2022 University of Alberta Graduate, earning an Honours Psychology degree. He hopes to use both his degree and previous experience as a councillor to make Camp Warwa the best it can be for both campers and staff. He is excited to be back at camp this year, finding that nothing else really compares to the fun and enjoyment he gets out of work at Warwa. Boone loves being in nature and is hoping to spend the most amount of time possible, out at camp experiencing it. He is a little disappointed that he won’t be able to hang out with all of the awesome campers due to his role but does look forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new connections with this year’s staff team. 

Program Coordinator

Sarah Smeltz, or Worm to her Warwa family, is excited to be returning again this year as Program Coordinator. Outside of camp, Worm has earned a degree in Honors Psychology from the University of Alberta, where she has spent the past off-season working as a lab manager for the Songbird Neuroethology Lab. There she spends much of her time learning everything she can about Alberta's chickadees. Looking toward the future, Worm hopes to integrate everything she has learned and continues to learn from Camp Warwa to develop an intergenerational, camp-based program for children and seniors to learn, grow, and make memories together. Worm strongly believes that Camp Warwa is a place for gathering, friendship, growth, and community. Everyone can find a home at camp, which makes our community such a wonderful family to be a part of. Another season of adventure awaits!

Wellness Coordinator

Isabel Wynn, a.k.a “Signal,” is thrilled to be coming back to Camp this season as Wellness Coordinator. They started as a voyageur camper years ago and have worked at Warwa since their Junior Counsellor years. Signal is currently pursuing a bachelor of psychological and biological sciences and works at the Centre For Research on Cognitive Development at Campus Saint-Jean during the off-season. At Camp, you’ll most likely find them in the archery range, out canoeing, or eating s’mores by the campfire! Signal is excited to help guide staff and campers alike on their journey to connect with the natural world (and themselves) during their time at Camp.

Stay tuned for the 2023 Hiring Season

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