Hey! I'm Hunter! Since I can remember, I've always had a great love for nature. It began while I was in boy scouts and only became stronger as I grew older. I had the opportunity in college to make something more concrete out of that love, so I pursued a degree in Environmental Studies and graduated in 2020. While in college, I became an environmental docent for the university and it made me realize how much I love teaching others about the natural world. Along with my love for nature, in my free time I enjoy rock climbing, going to the gym, playing video games, and going to concerts. I'm excited to connect with so many like-minded people and learn more about the world around us! around us!

Sarah grew up way out west in Washington State, where she acquired her BA in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She’s been around the country using her degree in different ways, but she’s always come back to Camp McDowell. She strongly believes in the power of education and the power of the outdoors - put those two things together and BAM, what an impact Outdoor Ed can make! When it comes time to relax, you'll find Sarah tinkering with music, staring up at the stars, reading a good book, or enjoying her goofy friends.

Hello! My name is Benjamin, I am 24 and love tzatziki sauce. I love good food and I am passionate about staying alive. I like meeting new people, and I am always looking to cultivate new relationships and build/be a part of new communities that challenge me and give me the chance to experience life in new and interesting ways. I love mushrooms and plants. I am certainly no expert, but it has become a passion to continue learning about mycology and how Mycelium interacts with other plants and the world around us. I enjoy drawing, playing video games, paddleboarding and sharing my interest in the natural world, among other things. I also like Salamanders. Thank you for your time.

Callie grew up on a farm in rural southwestern Washington where she spent her childhood exploring its vast woods, rivers, and fields. From a young age she's had a love for the outdoors and environmental sciences. When she got to college, she knew she wanted to continue to pursue this passion. She moved to southeast Idaho where she studied Biology and Earth Science Education. Some of her favorite memories she made there were studying glaciation in Montana/Wyoming and working as a teaching assistant for the biology department. She lived very close to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and spent many months exploring and learning everything she could about them. She is the happiest when she is outside, sharing her love of nature and its sciences with others. In her downtime, she loves to play guitar, write, watercolor paint, and try out new recipes in her kitchen.

Hey! My name is Claire and I just graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South in May with a degree in Ecology and Biodiversity Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. Learning outdoors was the highlight of my education at Sewanee from labs that took place throughout Tennessee to a sustainability and global environmental change seminar that allowed me to explore and travel to New Zealand. These opportunities helped foster my appreciation for environmental education. Camp McDowell has been an important place for me growing up and spending two summers on summer staff! I am excited to explore camp with students through the Environmental Center this fall! In my free time I enjoy hiking, running, and spending time with family and friends.

Hello! My name is Emily, and I am from a small farming town in Illinois! I am a lifelong learner who loves traveling, adrenaline-filled adventures, and new experiences. My educational path was full of twists and turns, including certifications in Journalism and International Human Rights, before finding my passion in Outdoor Recreation. I will earn my Bachelor of Science from Illinois State University this December! Sitting in global classrooms changed my global perspective and inspired my love for nature and wildlife; I am excited to share that passion with Camp McDowell students! My hobbies include hiking, music, playing volleyball, surfing, and language learning. I look forward to making Alabama and the MEC my home this Fall!

Grace graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management in August of 2024. During her time at Auburn University, she worked on stream sampling projects, in a paleolimnology lab, and assisted with research on bird pigmentation. Grace has also spent a summer working in Yellowstone National Park and Big Sky Resort in Montana. Last summer, she lived at the Solon Dixon Center where she learned field techniques and conducted studies which included catching Southern flying squirrels, Pine Barrens tree frogs, and even a black bear! Grace has always had a great love for the outdoors and enjoys swimming and hiking. She is very excited to share this passion with students at Camp McDowell!

Greta graduated from Sewanee: the University of the South in 2024 with degrees in Environmental Arts and Humanities and Mathematics. During Greta’s time at Sewanee, she developed her outdoor and environmental leadership skills as a trip leader in the outing program. She also was the director of a sustainable living and environment organization, directed the university’s 3-day PRE-Orientation camping trip, and spent a semester in Kenya studying wildlife conservation and policy. Greta’s passion for learning about the environment through a variety of lenses is what led her to a career in environmental education, first working in Grand Teton National Park, and now at beautiful McDowell Environmental Center. In Greta’s free time, you will probably find her riding her bike, hanging out with friends, or trail running.

Hannah grew up in the small town of Ardmore, AL just on the Tennessee line. She graduated in May from New York University with a Bachelors in Environmental Studies. She loves traveling and exploring new places, and she even studied abroad for an adventure-filled year in Abu Dhabi where she hiked through hot deserts and mountains full of camels and goats! However, four years in the big city of NYC made her long for the woods and creeks and nature that she grew up with in Beautiful Alabama! She decided to take a gap year and move back home to surround herself in the beautiful greenery her homestate promises. In her free time, Hannah likes to crochet, collage, and read, as well as cuddle with her very odd cat Alfred. Eventually, Hannah hopes to pursue a Masters degree and later career in Wetland Ecology, but for now she loves sharing her love with the outdoors with all of her friends, family, and community.

Hi! My name is Kate, and I am from Birmingham, AL! I grew up going to Camp McDowell’s summer camps, and this place has always been a second home to me. My mom’s family is also from Winston County, so the Bankhead National Forest means so much to me, and I truly believe it is the most wonderful place on Earth. I just recently graduated from Birmingham-Southern College and decided to follow my dreams of working here at McDowell! I had the amazing opportunity in college to study environmental science abroad in New Zealand, and while I loved every second of it, it made me realize just how special the Alabama wilderness is, and I am beyond thrilled I get to share this love with others! You can find me reading, listening to Dolly Parton, or just enjoying the outdoors, rain or sun.

Nate grew up in the Birmingham area. I am a recent graduate from the University of Montevallo with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies. I have always loved the outdoors, hiking, and fishing. I spent many weeks attending, planning and coordinating activities for retreats at Living River Retreat on the Cahaba in Montevallo, Alabama and at Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, North Carolina. I also attended Camp McDowell in middle school and had a great time, of course! I look forward to exploring the outdoors and teaching students about our environment this Spring!

Hey everyone! My name is Robert, I'm an Alabama native with a deep love for everything outdoors and a long lasting connection to the forests of Bankhead. After graduating from The University of the South with a degree in Environmental Arts and Humanities I have traveled the country working in environmental education and I am so thankful to return to Alabama to continue to learn and teach in such a wonderful place. In my down time I love to read, write, canoe, and explore.

Hey y’all! My name is Sadie Bekurs (she/her), and I recently graduated from Birmingham- Southern College with a degree in B.S. in Biology and a minor in Religion! I am a big animal lover and, during my time in school, recognized my love for the environment as well. I am originally from Louisiana and, since moving here 5 years ago, have fallen in love with Alabama’s diverse landscape and wildlife! I am so excited to make new friends and explore the outdoors at MEC this fall!

In December 2023, Trey graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he studied Political Science with a concentration in Environmental Studies. It was during his freshman year that he found his passion for the outdoors and trip leading through the university’s outing club. Ever since, he loves spending time trail running, skiing, backpacking, climbing, canoeing, camping, and any other activity that allows him to explore nature. After many years working with kids, Trey has developed a deep interest in outdoor access and environmental education. His strong belief in the power of connectedness to nature has led him to working in outdoor ed, most recently at Teton Science Schools near Grand Teton National Park. Trey is very excited to spend his fall at the McDowell Environmental Center, and get to explore the beautiful nature in Alabama! When he's not outside, Trey loves to read, write poetry, bake, and play board games.