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TEAM BIOGRAPHIES
The summer camp season at Legendary Lodge will begin Sunday, June 13. Thus far, 680 campers have registered to attend this summer’s camps. During a week at the Lodge, campers experience many faith-forming opportunities that include daily Mass, morning sessions with counselors, small groups, time for prayer in the morning and evening, reconciliation and Mass on the top of the mountain. Campers also participate in activities such as canoeing, swimming, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, skit nights and dances.
This year’s theme is “Start Here. Start Now. Be Real.” The theme is the focus for prayer and education sessions, small group activities and many other events for the summer. A team of 20 young adults will serve the campers and are excited for what the summer holds.
For more information on sessions or spaces still available, please contact the diocesan office at 406-442-5820.
These are the team members self-penned biographies.
Matt Sewell – Counselor
My name is Matthew Sewell and I'm going to be a senior at Carroll College in Helena this fall. I am from Deer Lodge, Mont., and I like golfing, playing guitar, being outside, and hanging out with fun people! I have had a lot of positive experiences at Legendary, so I hope that by working there, I can help kids have the great time that I had!
Alyse Zimmer
My name is Alyse Zimmer but some might call me "Roomie," I'm 22 years old, and I'm from the great state of Washington! I attend Washington State University in Spokane where I study interior design and I absolutely love it! My favorite activities include smiling, laughing at myself and listening to music. This will be my second summer at Legendary and I'm so excited to be going back! There is no other place on earth where God's love is so permeable for me and I cannot wait to share that experience with the campers.
Tiffany Paull – Counselor
Hi I am Tiffany Paull, I am originally from Helena, Mont, where I went to Helena High, I now attend Montana State University—Go Cats!—, and am majoring in psychology with a minor in teaching. The reason I want to work at the Lodge this summer is to help out younger peers in recognizing God in everyone and everything, and spreading the word of the Lord. Also to show them an awesome time, meeting new friends, and experiencing God with other people their age!
Alex Pfannenstiel - Counselor
Hey guys! This will be my first summer at the Lodge and I could not be happier to get to spend my summer in such a special place and with so many special people. I was born and raised in Portland, Ore., but Helena is my home. After spending five years at Carroll College as a student and member of the football team, I graduated this May with a degree in education, and plan to pursue a career in teaching. I absolutely love sports, music, trivia, the outdoors, and talking about God! I cannot describe how excited I am for this summer! I can’t wait to build new relationships and have a great time growing as people and, most importantly, growing in our faith! See you this summer! God Bless!
Laura Campbell – Secretary
Hi, my name is Laura Campbell and I am a senior at Montana Tech, majoring in civil engineering. I am so happy and excited to be coming back to the Lodge this summer. Some of my best memories are times at the Lodge. I have been to Legendary as a camper for many years, and also as a volunteer and a counselor. I can’t wait to see all the returning campers and meet all the newcomers. I am so anxious for another summer filled with fun, great friendships and the opportunity for everyone to grow in our faith.
Elise Kilmer – Counselor/Lifeguard
Hello all! I am so excited to be back at the Lodge and feel so blessed to get to spend a second summer at such a wonderful place! I come from beautiful Butte, America and I am proud to call it my home. Helena is now my current residence and next fall I will begin my junior year at Carroll College studying nursing. I look forward to seeing all the new and old faces this summer and I can't wait for us all to grow and share in our faith together ~ Peace and blessings!
Bradly Maddock – Counselor/Lifeguard
My full name is Bradly Curtis Maddock Jr. I am from Denver, Colo. I love GOD above all things, my favorite cereal is Lucky Charms, color is blue, I am deathly scared of needles and bees, I have blond hair, and I am really weird (just like everyone else!). I attend Carroll College and I love to ski, mountain bike, climb, hike, water ski, hang out with friends, play board games or circle games (signs and mafia) but don't take my sign! I am a real believer in the fact that whatever you are doing is fun no matter what as long as you are around good people!
John Butts – Counselor
Grüße von Salzburg, Österreich!
Hallo und Gruss Gott alles! My name is John Butts and I am most excited to return for my second summer at Legendary Lodge as a counselor! Originally from Bigfork, Mont., I am a student of Carroll College in Helena, Mont. However, was just recently living in Salzburg, Austria where I studied at the University of Salzburg for the 2010 spring semester. I am pursuing a degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) with a double minor in international relations and English. In my opinion, working at Legendary Lodge is one of the best ways to serve the young people of the Diocese of Helena. Furthermore, the Lodge is a wonderful place to connect with people on many levels. I am extremely grateful to have another opportunity to spend time with your sons and daughters this summer at Legendary Lodge on beautiful Salmon Lake!
Stephanie Peryam – Counselor/Lifeguard
I was born and raised in Missoula, Mont. but currently I'm living in Helena, Mont., where I will be a junior this fall at Carroll College. I love hiking, fishing, camping -- pretty much anything outside. I am excited to work at the Lodge to share what I love most with the campers and staff, which is like I said, anything outside and my faith. For me those two are directly connected and that is why the Lodge is a powerful place.
Sierra Olszewski - Counselor
Hello! My name is Sierra Olszewski, and I am entering my junior year at Carroll College. Elementary education is my major because I love working with kids! After college I plan on continuing my education to become a speech pathologist. Kalispell, Mont., is my hometown, which encourages a few of my hobbies like outdoor activities and photography. I am blessed to be the oldest of five children. Legendary Lodge had a significant impact in my faith formation since I first attended my senior year of high school. It provided me many faith-based, lasting relationships. What I learned at camp and from my counselors gave me the confidence I needed to take a more active leadership role in my faith. Camp got me excited about my relationship with God! As a counselor, I am excited to give back and pass on to campers what my counselors gave and passed on to me… enlivening the faith in youth.
Katie Oberweiser - Counselor
Hey hey! My name is Katie Oberweiser, more commonly referred to at the Lodge as Obie. I am from Drummond, Mont. I will be a senior next fall at Carroll College, where I am majoring in health science to join the field of public health. I love spending time with friends and family, playing and watching sports, and working on art projects. I am very fortunate to be returning for my second summer across the lake. Legendary Lodge has a very special place in my heart and was the highlight of every summer growing up. I am so blessed to now have the opportunity to be there as all of you campers create your own Lodge experiences and memories. I am most excited for playing and praying in the great outdoors, telling stories, wearing random costumes, painting nails, lightning (both on the bball court and on those summer nights), good conversations and growing closer to all you campers and counselors. See you soon!
Danny Volesky – Assistant Cook
Hey, everybody! My name is Danny Volesky. I was born and raised in Helena, Mont., but currently live in Omaha, Neb., where I am attending school. I am entering my sophomore year at Creighton University and planning to major in biology. Legendary Lodge played a huge role in my own faith journey. My faith grew and developed into what it is today because of the Legendary experience. This summer I look forward to being a witness as every camper develops and travels on their own journey. I will be there to guide and share my experiences as every camper’s faith in God grows stronger! I cannot wait to meet, grow, and create amazing, unforgettable memories with all of you!
Katie Murray – Assistant Director
Hi, my name is Katie Murray, and I am excited to be returning for another summer at the Lodge. I came to Carroll from Pullman, WA, graduated in 2008, and since then I have found Helena my home. When I am not at Seeley Lake, I work as an associate minister with Father Marc and Colleen for Carroll Campus Ministry. The youth of this diocese are truly a gift to work with. For the Lodge team, it is always a joy to share in their growth from year to year and to be moved ourselves by their excitement to know and share the faith. See you at the lake!
George Lund - Cook
Hey, all! My name is George Lund. I hail from South Bend, Ind., the great home of Notre Dame. Currently I attend Carroll College where I will be a senior next year. In my free time I love to hang out with family and friends, play my guitar, and play ultimate Frisbee. I am so excited to have the opportunity to work up at the Lodge this year. Since coming out to Montana I have fallen in love with the youth ministry here and the way the Spirit of the Lord moves through the youth. It seems every youth had their start at Legendary Lodge and I am excited to be part of that. I will be the head cook this summer and can't wait for the challenge of cooking for everyone all summer. I can't wait to see you and pray and glorify the Lord with you. Love, George
Colleen Dunne - Director
This will be my sixth summer as camp director. I am originally from Anaconda. I graduated from Carroll in 1994 with a degree in communications and from Notre Dame in 2003 with a master of divinity. Legendary Lodge has been a part of my life since I was 11 years old and it has been a great privilege for me to be able to serve there as counselor, assistant director, and camp director for what is now my 11th summer spent on Salmon Lake.
Jimmer Natwick - Counselor
Hey everybody!!! I am looking forward to my second camp season up at Legendary Lodge. Seeing God work through all the campers is such a grace and to be a part of this ministry is a blessing. I look forward to a plethora of activities, from Mass on the mountain, to skit night (which is always a memorable evening). Every week at Legendary is filled with energy that cannot be contained on the peninsula. This summer the Lodge will be set ablaze, with the Holy Spirit (I know some of you were concerned) but let us start to pray now that the forest fires will be minimal in this area. The ministry at the Lodge is a blessing to be a part of, for campers come to experience the love and mercy of God in a real way. The calling that God has for each person is ignited within every heart of each person that crosses over the lake.
Jacob Harrison – Counselor/Lifeguard
Hi, my name is Jacob Harrison and I am going into my senior year at Carroll College. I am a biology major with a chemistry minor, in the pre-medicine program. I grew up in Missoula, Mont., and have two great parents and two younger brothers. I love the outdoors and playing sports, especially basketball and soccer which I played in high school. This will be my second year as a counselor up at the Lodge. I had the most amazing experience last year and I am stoked for this summer. One of the greatest things about the Lodge is watching the campers grow in their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. That is for me the most rewarding thing ever. The Lodge is truly blessed by the Holy Spirit. I look forward to all the activities from dances, to polar bearing, to sessions, to hiking the mountain, prayer and Mass, epic capture the flag, representing Moose cabin and everything else Christ puts in our path this summer. I pray that every kid that comes across the lake will be touched by Christ's love and that we as counselors can be open fully to Christ so that he can use us as instruments for the campers. It's going to be another unforgettable summer!!
Carly Toepfer - Counselor
Hey there I’m Carly! I am a second year nursing student at Carroll College in Helena, originally from Billings. I recently turned 20, but I would rather act my shoe size instead of my age. I love being out in God’s beautiful creation. My skills include extreme rock skipping, dancing in a leotard, and showering as little as possible (hello deodorant!). You can probably bribe me with chocolate chip cookies. I am looking forward to walking with you in your faith…and of course throwing you in the lake – think I’m kidding? Camp is going to be a blast and I can’t wait to get to know each one of you!
Fr. Marc Lenneman – Chaplain
This will be my fourth summer at Legendary Lodge. I am originally from Billings, Mont., and now am a priest for the Diocese of Helena. While not at Legendary, I am a campus minister at Carroll College. I look forward to the awesome ways campers and counselors will meet Christ this summer.
Ned Scheidecker
Hey everyone! I'm Ned, a senior in college and a long-time Legendary goer (ever since 2002, the summer after seventh grade). Like a lot of people (I'm sure), I'm very excited for camp activities, which include (but are not limited to) : frisbee (obviously), Mass (even more obviously), swimming (also known as lake-showering), workshops (I have some really great ideas for new workshops: grammar workshops, sentence-diagramming workshops, and middle-English dialect workshops. I'm an English major, what can I say?), friendship bracelets (I have to make friends somehow), free time, hiking (which culminates with Mass on the mountain!), ping-pong (I'm bringing my own paddle), eating the food (it's just so good), doing dishes (which goes right along with eating the food it seems, but there's nothing quite like dishes), praying in the chapel (when it's nice and quiet :) ), counselor hunt (you can just forget about finding me), hearing legends (it seems that everyone tells them a little different), the dance (everybody loves a good dance), canoeing (and right along with that – kayaking [and right along with that – paddle-boating]), getting mail (I'm ready to see some (new, improved) Extreme Squirr'ley), talking with Father Marc (and learning ever-more about the contents of his elusive and mysterious backpack), and of course, eating!! (Oh, did I already say that?). If you are a camper reading this, be very excited, because I (and of course all the rest of the staff) cannot wait to meet you (or see you again) so that we can share the light of Christ with each other (and play games with each other, and skip rocks with each other, and pray with each other). If you are a parent reading this (campers, just skip ahead a bit), thank you for giving your child(ren) the opportunity to experience the blessings that can be found at the Lodge. I can honestly say that this place and the people I met here changed my life forever (and they continue to change my life every day). Keep being real, everyone, and have a great summer!
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