Meet Our Leadership Team
Meet the Team who helps behind the scenes and on-site to make camp run safe and smooth!
Executive Director
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.
Administrator
Our Administration Manager, Joeanne joined the Camp Warwa team in 2019. Retiring from a career in the banking industry, she brought with her the knowledge of finance and customer relations. Joeanne handles all the financial needs of camp and our staff.
She and her husband Gary, moved to Lac Ste. Anne County in 1978. Built their home, raised 4 children, enjoy their grandchildren, and have continued to appreciate the lifestyle of country living.
Operations Manager
Rubie Shatford, a.k.a Opal, is thrilled to be coming back this year as the new Operation Manager. Opal’s been part of the community since she was a wee little explorer camper and she’s been absorbed ever since. When she’s not at camp, you’ll find her working toward degrees in physics and secondary education at Campus Saint-Jean. Opal loves to craft, unicycle, canoe, and spend time outside with her tortoises, Tortellini and Rigatoni. She is very excited to connect with the community, staff, and campers alike, and help others grow alongside her. See you around the campfire!
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
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!occupancy or use as their purpose.
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
Zac “Lumen” Hibbins is thrilled to be here at Camp Warwa since 2024, planning programs and having silly fun times with the Warwa community when he can. He has done several winters of ski instructing in both his homeland of Victoria, Australia and in Canada. He comes from working at a camp in North Vancouver for several seasons. The energy of campfires and a good camp dance party are what he likes the most at camp! He lives on-site at Warwa and is an avid photographer in his spare time. He’s always excited to help bond and create connections within the camp community
Program Coordinator
My name is Zetta Anderson or “Kidd” and I am thrilled to be a Program Coordinator with Camp Warwa this upcoming season. I am from a small Northern community called Gift Lake Metis Settlement and have completed a combined degree in Native Studies and Secondary Education. I enjoy podcasts, journaling, reading and long road trips. Building community has always been a value of mine, and what better place is there to explore that than at a summer camp full of youthful and charismatic folks? I am someone who is passionate about personal growth, overcoming fears and diving into new experiences. I hope to inspire this in the young folks who join us this summer, and help in creating a positive experience for anyone who finds themselves at camp this season!
Program Coordinator
Brooke “Broq” Snider had an amazing experience as a Program Staff member last spring and summer, and she’s excited to make an even bigger impact as a Program Coordinator this year. When she’s not at camp, she’s pursuing a degree in Secondary Education at UBC, coaching her brother’s hockey, beading, or getting lost in one of the many books on her shelf.
Broq is passionate about camp life and its ability to build both social and physical confidence in everyone, from campers to staff. While she firmly maintains that canoeing is the best activity at Warwa, she’s equally excited to see others discover and connect with the activities they love most—and she can’t wait to help make that happen.
Program Coordinator
Thimble (Hailey Brown). Stay tuned for more information about this returning camp staff!
Food Service Coordinator
Sparky is thrilled to return to Camp Warwa for her third year in the kitchen and as Food Service Coordinator in 2025. With her passion and experience, she is excited to make an impact at Camp Warwa.
Sparky and her husband enjoy living in this Community. They have continued to appreciate the nature like lifestyle and peaceful living. They have 2 adult children, and staying connected with them brings so much joy and fulfillment.
She started her food connection in high school food science, and combining that with years of experience at the Links Golf Course has greatly enhanced her food service expertise.
She then graduated from Interior design and has been in design, planning, and managing for 23 years in the furniture industry which brings a unique perspective to everything she does.
Sparky has always had a passion for health, fitness and nutrition which brings so much value to cooking at Camp Warwa.
She enjoys the connection with all members of the Camp Warwa Community and is looking forward to creating a memorable experience for everyone at camp.
Wellness Coordinator
This year Soup has been working on their Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology and minor in sociology. When they aren’t at school, they can be found bouldering or swimming between classes. Soups favourite things about summer at Warwa are the connections they make with campers and time with their co workers!