Programs : Camp Christopher : Staff

John Litten
Director of Camp Christopher

John Litten has never outgrown his love of Camp Christopher. Beginning as a camper at age 5, John used to dream about spending his whole life at camp. Every year, John returned to camp with his family during Family Camp, a long standing tradition with his family that still continues today. Even when John left the area to pursue his BFA at Ohio University, he always returned to camp in the summer as a counselor or program director. Upon graduation from OU, John returned to Camp Christopher as a full time program coordinator from 2001 – 2005, and was promoted to Director in 2005. Most people that know John still see him as a big kid. You’ll frequently find John leading the “Shake Song” (hear him sing on our website under Downloads), jumping off the docks at 7:30 AM for the morning group swim, or running the 4th of July mile run with Family Campers.

John operates camp with intense passion because he wants every child that comes to Camp Christopher to leave with the same experience he has had for over 20 years! He also takes the responsibility of hiring the summer camp staff very seriously. “I bring my own family to Family Camp and I wouldn’t hire a staff member unless I trusted them with my own children. We treat our camp program as an essential part of the upbringing of every child. So a positive camp experience is more important than just one week.”

In his spare time, John enjoys art, hiking, and baseball, and is currently pursuing his Masters in Public Administration at Cleveland State University. He is a member of the American Camp Association and sits on the Ohio Section Board of Directors. John is married to his camp sweetheart, Carrie, a former camp nurse and has 3 children that attend camp every summer. “Collectively, Carrie and I have done nearly every job at camp. I hope that makes parents feel comfortable.”

Jud Hartman
Day Camp Director

Camp Christopher is pleased to welcome back Jud Hartman as the Day Camp Director. Everyone who has been to Day Camp in the last 7 years knows Jud. After serving 4 years as a camp counselor, Jud was promoted to Day Camp Director and is currently in his 3rd summer as director. Prior to working on the camp staff, Jud spent 6 summers as a camper himself!

Jud is one of the most popular counselors at Camp Christopher because of his enthusiasm, camp spirit and ability to interact with the kids. Throughout the summer, you'll find Jud climbing the high ropes course, hiking every trail at camp, dressing up as Winnie the Pooh, and lighting bonfires in the middle of the afternoon so every day camper gets a s'more! "Even though this is my 7th summer, I am as excited as the first," shares Jud.

Jud is a graduate of John Carroll University with a degree in Middle Childhood Education. He is a Junior High Science teacher at St. Paul Catholic School in Akron, and coaches Girls JV Soccer and Boys JV Lacrosse at Archbishop Hoban.

Roberta Bandfield
Waterfront Director

In 2008, Camp Christopher was thrilled to have Roberta Bandfield join the staff as Waterfront Director. This summer, Roberta is back again for a third summer and is ready for action! She states, “I can't wait for summer to begin. The addition of the blue mat and the changes in the waterfront last year make this year much more exciting.”

Roberta is trained as a Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Instructor and has over 30 years of camp experience as a camper, counselor and program director. As a kid, Roberta attended CYO Camp Isaac Jogues and previously ran the CYO Camp Christopher Environmental Education Program.

With degrees from Kent State University (BS Recreation) and Ursuline College (MA Education), Roberta currently teaches computers at St. Michael School in Independence. In her spare time, Roberta enjoys swimming (are you surprised?), canoeing, hiking, biking, and reading.

Adrienne Clinton
Program Director

Back for her 7th summer on the Camp Christopher staff is Adrienne Clinton. Adrienne started her career at camp as a camper for 3 years and worked her up the ladder from Junior Counselor to Counselor to Program Director. This upcoming summer is her second summer as Program Director and she states, “I am really excited for this summer. Now that this is my second summer as Program Director, I know what to expect and will be better than ever at my job! We also have a good amount of returning counselors who will also improve this summer too! It’s going to be a great summer!” Creek Stompin’ is Adrienne favorite camp activity to share with all the incoming campers this year.

Adrienne is on track to graduate from Mercyhurst College in May, 2009 with 2 teaching degrees: Elementary Education and Special Education. While in college, Adrienne was part of the Council for Exceptional Children and the Special Olympics. When not in school or working at camp, you can find Adrienne soakin’ up the sun, volunteering or calling BINGO.

Colleen McNeeley
Program Director

“There is no other place I would rather spend my summer than at Camp Christopher.” That’s what Colleen McNeeley thinks about camp and her record proves it. This will be Colleen’s 10th summer at Camp Christopher with the past 5 years as a member of the Camp Christopher counselor staff. “I am looking forward to my new leadership position at camp and am confident my excitement and past experiences will provide me with the skills needed to perform the best I can for our campers.”

Colleen is junior at Ohio University majoring in Special Education. She participates in Amnesty International, Student Council for Exceptional Children, and Spirit of Kairos. She enjoys running, being outside, and cooking. Her favorite camp activity has been and will always be swimming in Lake Marion.

Sarah Qua
Program Director

Sarah Qua's first experience with Camp Christopher was when her mom, a former CYO Camp Isaac Jogues camper, encouraged her and her sister to attend camp for week. That was the beginning of her camp resume that includes over 10 years of camping, plus 2 years as a counselor, 2 years as the Crafts Director, and her upcoming assignment of Program Director. “I’m very excited for the upcoming summer season and planning great programs for all the incoming campers. Camp has been an important part of my family for many years. My sister and I are both on staff now and we love every minute of it,” Sarah said. Watch out campers, Sarah’s favorite camp activity is hiking! She will make sure that every camper gets to see the many trails and unique landscapes that Camp Christopher has to offer.

Sarah currently attends Miami University and is majoring in Early Childhood Education. She is a member of Adopt-a-School, Kappa Delta Pi, and First Book. She enjoys reading, cooking, scrapbooking and of course, hiking!

Lisa Cox-Ayers
Stables Co-Director

Lisa returns to Camp Christopher for her second summer as Stables Co-Director. As an avid horse lover and owner of 3 horses, Lisa brings years of experience to share with campers. She is looking forward to providing a positive experience to every camper that visits the stables and is excited to pilot the new Horse Camp during the first two weeks of summer.

When not at Camp, Lisa works for the Revere Local School District. She has been a member of 4-H for 15 years and enjoys running marathons, camping and gardening in her spare time. Her favorite camp activity in the Turtle Race.

Kathy Winders
Camp Registrar
registrar@clevelandcatholiccharities.org

Dial 800-CYO-CAMP and most likely, you’ll be talking to Kathy Winders. Kathy is the voice of camp that processes thousands of phone calls, e-mails, and applications every year. In her 7th year as Camp Registrar, Kathy still enjoys working with parents and campers, and meeting the faces that go with the voices at Sunday registration.

Kathy’s advice to parents: get your applications in early. Last year, camp sold out every week and had waiting lists of over 50 kids. She jokes, “Camp Christopher is one of the most popular camps in Northeast Ohio. There are only so many beds at camp and while some parents have tried to bribe me for a spot, it doesn’t work. I process applications in the order that they are received.”

Kathy and her husband, Dave, live in Bath Township and have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. She enjoys reading, crocheting, cooking, traveling and holds the record for best Snickerdoodle in town.

Sherry Frisby
Foodservice Manager

One of the most important people at camp is Sherry Frisby. For 12 years, Sherry has been responsible for feeding thousands of hungry campers. Sherry puts in a full day preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, and keeps our campers full of energy for their busy days of activities. Prior to becoming the Foodservice Manager, Sherry was a camper and a Junior Counselor.

Sherry is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Special Education. She enjoys dancing tap, jazz and hip-hop. Her favorite camp activity is the Camp Dances.

CYO Camp Christopher Summer 2009 Staff
Did you know?

Counselors and other members of the CYO Camp Christopher staff either attend or have graduated from 32 different colleges and universities. We're proud to have such a high quality staff this season. Check out where they're from...

Ashland University
Bowling Green University
Cleveland State University
College of Wooster
Cuyahoga Community College
Emory University
Hocking College
John Carroll University
Kent State University
Loyola Chicago
Malone College
Mercyhurst College
Miami University
Mount Union College
Ohio Dominican University
Ohio State University
Ohio University
Saint Bonaventure
Saint Louis University
Thiel College
University of Akron
University of Cincinnati
University of Dayton
University of Kentucky
University of Notre Dame
University of Toledo
University of Vermont
Walsh University
Xavier University