Hello! My name is Ben, and I love tzatziki sauce. I quite enjoy a good meal and I am passionate about staying alive. 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. It has become a lifelong passion to continue learning about the biodiversity of our planet, about mycology and how Mycelium interacts with the world around us, and bugs because I think they’re neat. I enjoy drawing, cooking, reading, playing video games, paddleboarding, digging around in the mud, and general lollygaggin’. Cheers.

Charlie Hey Y’all! My name is Charlie, and I am from Philadelphia, Mississippi. I graduated from Ole Miss in 2022 and have been doing outdoor jobs ever since. I got my degree in psychology, and hope to apply the skills I’ve learned and will to continue to learn to provide the best experience for the students at Camp McDowell. During free time you can find me being social, reading, or just lollygagging in the woods. Can’t wait to meet everyone and have a great season!

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.

Elliot is originally from Georgia, but has spent the last several years living in New England. She graduated from Bowdoin (a small school in Maine) with a BA in Education and Mathematics and a teaching license. After teaching mathematics in a traditional classroom, she decided to pursue outdoor education full time. Elliot has spent several seasons working as the ropes director at a camp in New Hampshire, where she continued her growth as a facilitator. During her free time, Elliot loves to try new crafts and has dabbled in just about everything (though fiber arts are her favorites). She also loves cooking and photography. Elliot is excited to bring her enthusiasm for learning new things to McDowell, and hopes to inspire others to do the same!

Howdy! My name is Eric, a native Alabamian who recently graduated from The University of Alabama (roll tide) where I focused my studies in Green Criminology. This will be my 2nd season here at the MEC, where I hope to continue developing my knowledge of the environment and the ever-changing world around us while honing my leadership and education skills. Looking towards the future, I hope to marry my passions for criminal justice and the environment by working in the national park systems in a ranger capacity. A fun fact about me is that I have never in my life lost a game of Mario Kart and I never will.

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!

Hey! My name is Heather, and I’m from a small town in Pennsylvania. I graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Field Ecology and have a passion for all things plants! While in school, I was a trip leader for Outdoor Pursuits and facilitated a variety of outdoor adventures. I’ve also spent my past 7 summers doing trail work out west and am very excited to return east and explore Alabama’s biodiversity. When I’m not working, you can find me biking, climbing rocks, or cooking with friends.

Jesse hails from the vibrant landscape of New York City, which fostered her deep respect for all types of environments. While studying Environmental Conservation and Sustainability at the University of New Hampshire, she discovered the importance of hands-on learning. Foraging wild mushrooms and wading through streams became the most meaningful aspects of her education. Now, she’s excited to help others with their chance to engage with nature. In her downtime, Jesse enjoys cooking, knitting, and thrifting with friends.

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.

Hey y’all! My name is Matt, and I am from Tallahassee, FL. I recently graduated in December 2024 from the University of South Alabama in Mobile with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Marine Science. As a Marine Science minor, I was able to spend 2 summers at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab where all my classes were hands-on from the Gulf Coast. Last summer I worked a seasonal job with the Alabama Marine Resource Office. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hiking, mountain biking and just being outdoors! Fun fact: I was part of the Mascot team at South and represented the university as “Southpaw!”

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!