2025 has been a major year for Camptown, and none of it would have been possible with our incredible community! Throughout the year, dedicated champions have helped us expand our reach and deepen our impact on every child we serve.
To celebrate this year of change and growth, let us introduce you to three inspiring Camptown champions: Michele Wilson, Christian Bowling, and Katie Lockhart-Byrnes.
Volunteer Spotlight: Michele Wilson
Michele, Youth Leader mom and volunteer, posing for the camera at Camptown’s Annual Golf Tournament.
1. What interests you most about Camptown?
The impact. I have always believed that the outdoors, interacting with nature was healing emotionally — and Camptown is proof! The other aspects of their programs build on what’s given by physical movement, fresh air, and the beauty of God’s creation.
2. What is your Camptown story? Your “why”?
My sons became interested in Camptown’s afterschool program while at Indian Creek Middle School in Lawrence Township. Once they started going on weekend trips, it got my attention.
I had to commit a little time out of my weekends to trek them to the westside, but as I learned more about what they did while on these weekend field trips, I was completely sold. When I went on a trip with them, I was compelled to do more. I saw my sons take on leadership roles. I saw them making friends. I saw them relaxing and reviving as we hiked through new parks.
I am grateful that even though my sons aged out, I can still be a part of this mission!
3. What has your best Camptown adventure been so far?
The ten-mile challenge was my favorite.
As we got closer to the date, I was feeling apprehensive. Then, as we walked, our guide made it feel easy. He took us through a park, then in a beautiful historic neighborhood. We passed creeks and a lake. That was the best hike I have been on. Yes, I was tired at the end but felt so good.
What do you hope for Camptown in 2026, or what do you hope to accomplish with Camptown in 2026?
I hope to go on hikes again and maybe even a camping trip. I hope to connect Camptown with other non-profit organizations so they can work together to reach more kids and parents.
Finally, what’s your favorite:
- Trail snack? Mixed nuts with dried cranberries
- View? Any water view!
- Story with a Camptown kid?
On a hike, one of the children was assigned the role of the person who is last — the one who makes sure no one is being left behind. This particular kid really took his role seriously. My mom instinct would kick in every once and a while, trying to help him, but he was dedicated and took bringing up the rear literally! I saw a maturing young man taking responsibility that day.
Board of Directors Spotlight: Christian Bowling
Christian posing for a picture with his favorite view!
1. What interests you most about Camptown?
The way Camptown uses the outdoors as a vehicle for growth in young people.
I was born and raised in the outdoors, and care deeply about programs that give kids confidence, perspective, and opportunities they may not otherwise have. Camptown does this in a way that is both practical and transformative.
2. What is your Camptown story?
I moved from St. Louis to Indianapolis in 2018, and the law firm I was working for at the time “suggested” I get involved in the community. Not long after, I attended a “Get on Board” event and Camptown immediately stood out. I connected right away with the Executive Director and a board member in attendance. I left that event with only one nonprofit on my wish list, and thankfully, it worked out.
Even though my beginning with Camptown was a bit forced, the connection became real almost instantly. Now, nearly eight years later, I can’t walk away. The mission, the people, and the impact have all become an important part of my life, and I’m grateful that a simple nudge to get involved led me exactly where I needed to be.
3. What is your “why”?
I stay involved because I believe deeply in the power of early intervention and in giving kids safe places to explore who they are — for me, that exploration happened outdoors.
Growing up, my dad and I spent as much time as possible in the woods, on the water, or somewhere under the open sky. Those experiences shaped me. They taught me confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a sense of belonging in the world. Not every child gets that opportunity.
Camptown creates those moments for kids who might never otherwise have the chance to experience the outdoors in a meaningful way. It gives them a space to discover their own strengths, to feel supported by caring adults, and to see a bigger vision for their lives. My “why” is helping open that window for the next generation. If my time or skills can help even one child feel the way I felt growing up in nature, then it’s more than worth it.
4. What has your best Camptown adventure been so far?
My favorite adventure has been the journey of helping Camptown expand their horizons and find their new home (more details soon!). It has been an adventure in the truest sense of the word.
There were challenges, victories, learning moments, and a team of people working together toward something meaningful. Watching the vision for the space come into focus and knowing how many kids will benefit from it has been incredibly energizing. It feels like the start of an even bigger story for Camptown!
5. What do you hope for Camptown in 2026, or what do you hope to accomplish with Camptown in 2026?
In 2026, I hope to see Camptown fully settled into their new home and use that space to reach more youth than ever before (again, more info coming soon!). My hope is that the new home becomes a hub for programming, leadership development, and outdoor exploration.
Finally, what’s your favorite:
- Trail snack? Beef jerky. Always teriyaki.
- View?
My favorite view is from a recent salmon fishing trip on an unnamed river in Alaska. I had the ocean on my right and a mountain range on my left. The mountains were so massive that I felt impossibly small standing between them and the water. It was the most breathtaking view of Creation I have ever seen.
- Story with a Camptown kid?
A few years ago, I was working the fishing station at a Natural Wonders Day Camp with a group from work. A group of boisterous six and seven year old girls came through. They were hooting and hollering and running around as a pack, except for one girl who was clearly new to the group. She stood quietly off to the side, timid and unsure.
We hadn’t caught many fish that day, but she was the first one to bring one in. That little four inch bluegill changed everything. The whole dynamic of the group shifted in an instant. For the rest of their time with me, that once shy girl was marching up and down the dock with her chin held high, proudly giving the other girls fishing lessons.
It was a perfect snapshot of what Camptown does: it creates moments where a child discovers something in themselves they didn’t know was there.
Program Staff Spotlight: Katie Lockhart-Byrnes
A photo of Katie from her first Camptown trip!
1. What interests you most about Camptown?
I love being able to teach kids about nature and outdoor recreation activities!
With the increased amount of time kids spend looking at screens today, it is more important than ever that we get kids exploring outside. Getting to watch Camptown kids gain confidence as they paddle down the river, or feel pride when they conquer a large hill, is unlike anything I have ever experienced before!
2. What is your Camptown story?
After graduating with my Master’s degree in Environmental Science, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do but I knew I wanted a job that would allow me to be outdoors often. I had been leading all sorts of outdoor trips part-time as an Outdoor Instructor at Miami University but I was searching for a full time position.
I came across Camptown’s job posting on LinkedIn and, despite being nervous because I previously mostly worked with adults, I applied. After my first interview, and learning more about Camptown’s Mission, I knew I wanted to join the team!
3. What is your “why”?
I have always spent a lot of time outdoors but my first ever backpacking trip really sealed the deal on my passion of sharing outdoor activities with people.
On that first trip, I was highly unprepared — my borrowed hiking boots literally fell apart in the first 30 minutes on the trail, I didn’t recognize how rugged the trail was going to be, and my backpack was probably almost double the weight it should have been (now it’s only one and a half times the weight it should be)! But, despite all the hardships, it was the most peaceful I had felt in a long time.
Don’t get me wrong, I was exhausted, and sometimes grumpy, but I was also really proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and doing a hard thing. I left that trip with a new confidence and a deeper love for nature.
Everything I felt on that trip, are the same feelings I see in Camptown kids when they are pushing themselves to do hard things and it can be life changing. On our longer form trips (my personal favorites), like backpacking or overnight canoeing, I really get to create deeper connections and see how it changes kids and helps them grow — those moments make everything worth it!
4. What has your best Camptown adventure been so far?
My best Camptown adventure so far has been taking a group of high school students camping and climbing in Red River Gorge, Kentucky.
The group started off a little hesitant as they didn’t know one another, by the end of the trip they were laughing, cheering for each other, working as a team to make meals, and lending a helping hand when their friend was struggling. That adventure had its challenges but was overall a really fun and exciting trip!
5. What do you hope for Camptown in 2026, or what do you hope to accomplish with Camptown in 2026?
In 2026, I hope to lead even more impactful programs! I would love to lead more long trips with groups to show even more kids how amazing our world is! I am also looking forward to our continued partnership with schools and the impact we can make with our after school programs!
Finally, what’s your favorite:
- Trail snack? Fruit snacks.
- View? Queens Viewpoint in Pitlochry, Scotland.
- Story with a Camptown kid?
On an overnight paddling trip we had uneven numbers, so I paddled the first day in a canoe by myself. The second day, one of the kids wanted to paddle with me, but we had to find someone to paddle a boat by themselves. A child named Kendrick excitedly volunteered, so we gave it a try and he did a great job!
I was very impressed, as I don’t think he had too much prior paddling experience — but he paddled the second half of the trip solo and was often at the front of the group. I loved that he had the confidence to try it and was so successful!
Become a Camptown Changemaker
As we ring in the New Year, we’re so thankful for Changemakers like Michele, Christian, and Katie!
Like our dedicated champions, you can make a difference in the lives of the youth we serve. By volunteering your time, becoming a mentor, or joining a committee, you’ll help create life-changing outdoor experiences that build confidence, character, and hope.
To learn more about how you can get involved and become a Changemaker, visit: https://camptown.org/get-involved/.