JOHNSONBURG CAMP - Key Persons


Anne Gordon

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Trustees
  • Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Cranbury

Daniel Kiessling

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Trustees

Elise Bates Russell

Job Titles:
  • Executive Director
Elise enjoys all aspects of God's ministry in the outdoors, but her passions include leadership development, nature exploration, wilderness trips and sustainable architectural design. This has grown out of a lifetime (almost!) of living and working at Presbyterian camps in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Michigan and Minnesota. One of her favorite quotes shared by a camper is: "I just like to hike in the woods to be near God." Elise couldn't agree more, affirming the power of outdoor ministry as a vital part of Christian education and faith formation for all ages. She is a proud alumna of The College of Wooster and has a Masters in Architecture from the University of Michigan. She is part of the consultant team for Run River Enterprises and recently served as president of the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association (PCCCA), an organization serving camps and conference centers across the United States and Canada. Along with her husband and 3 daughters, Elise likes to travel, be outside, read, visit museums and historical sites, create and try new things. Ask Elise how you can remember Johnsonburg in your will or volunteer at Jburg soon!

Glendon Carper

Job Titles:
  • Associate Director of Operations
Glendon joined the team in late 2022 and is new to Johnsonburg but very familiar with Christian camping having served at camps in three different states. Most of his experience is with programming, specifically the activity and adventure areas, but he is also very familiar with all the areas of a camp facility. He is excited to bring his experience to Johnsonburg and to be part of the team who creates a place where all are welcomed. He grew up in central Pennsylvania and received a degree in Business Administration from Messiah University. Growing up, he attended Camp Hebron where his love for camp ministry started. He also met his wife Katie there several years later. They shared an office (it's an interesting story) and both worked as program staff. They also spent time in Michigan doing outdoor education, lived briefly in Florida, then lived in the Poconos for six years. Most recently he served at Sandy Cove Ministries in Maryland overseeing all-things activity related. Glendon enjoys spending time with his wife and four children, from jumping on the trampoline, to walks / hikes, and laughing together. He also likes running, mountain biking, and playing a variety of sports. He is known for eating an apple a day and having his precisely formulated iced coffee each morning.

Joseph Young

Job Titles:
  • Board President, Family Promise, Sussex County Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Sparta Treasurer

Kelly Hostler

Job Titles:
  • Guest Services Coordinator
Kelly joined the team in late 2022 however she has been a part of the Johnsonburg community for almost her whole life! She started attending Johnsonburg as a camper when she was six years old and has been coming back every year since. She participated in our Leadership Training Program and Crew program before joining our summer staff 2017-2019 as well as helping out with retreats in our off-season. Kelly has lived in New Jersey her entire life. She studied Early Childhood Education at Penn State University and used to work as a Preschool Teaching Assistant. Kelly enjoys spending her time doing arts and crafts, making friendship bracelets, being in nature, listening to music, playing the ukulele, and wearing her iconic beanie. Neat, dude!

Linda Schober

Job Titles:
  • Elder, Presbyterian Church of Morristown

Linda Thorstenson

Job Titles:
  • Assistant to the Executive Director
  • Office Manager
My favorite part of camp is gathering in the dining hall! I love when everyone comes together to share a meal and fellowship! Who isn't happy when eating delicious food? When I'm not at camp I enjoy time volunteering with various youth organizations within the community and at my church. I love spending time with my family and my little dog, Grace!

Marilyn Kitchell - VP

Job Titles:
  • Vice - President

Pete Miller

Job Titles:
  • Retired, Regional School Superintendent

Rev. Anne Russ - President

Job Titles:
  • President

Rev. Dr. Keion Jackson

Job Titles:
  • Pastor, Redeemer Church of Jersey City

Rev. Joseph Chu

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Trustees
  • Pastor, Fellowship Church of New Milford / Secretary

Rev. Peter Surgenor

Job Titles:
  • Retired, Executive Director Camp & Retreat Ministry

Rev. Wes Allen

Job Titles:
  • Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown

Steve Grish

Job Titles:
  • Facilities Manager
Steve ran his own home improvement business for 20 years before using his skillset at camp & retreat centers. When he's not at work, Steve loves to spend time with his kids doing anything and everything that's outdoors. He also loves to cook and volunteers as a games instructor for his church's youth group. Steve was drawn to Johnbsonburg because it enables him to combine his spiritual and work life all in one place!

Vania Stevenson

Job Titles:
  • Marketing Assistant
  • Youth Director
Vania fell in love with Johnsonburg years ago when she brought her youth group for a retreat. Her son has since become a JBurg Camper and working here has scored her MAJOR 'cool mom' brownie points. Her favorite part of camp is the community that JBurg represents- one where ALL walks of life belong. Vania also serves as the Youth Director at a local church and is deeply passionate about young people. In her spare time she loves to knit, cook, and hang out with her family and adorable pets.