This summer, we’re launching our Staff Spotlight series to introduce you to a few of our incredible summer staff members. Stay tuned to learn more about who they are, what motivates them to serve, and what they are most looking forward to this season.
As August arrives and the end of summer draws near, our summer staffers are packing up their things and heading back to college campuses or starting new jobs. To wrap up the summer season, welcome to the final edition of our Staff Spotlight series!
Cousins Jack and Kate May have known Camp Arcadia all their lives, counting down the years until they could join the summer staff. From nursery days and tot treats to tournaments and Teen Weeks, Camp has been woven into every chapter of their lives. Now, after a transformative summer serving at Camp, Jack and Kate reflect on how this experience has shaped them and prepared them for what’s next.
Meet Jack May
Jack May grew up in Shelby Township, MI, and is heading back to Michigan State University this fall as a sophomore studying Criminal Justice and Military Science. Driven by a deep respect for service, Jack participates in the Army ROTC program and plans to pursue a career in law enforcement—aiming for a local police department or the FBI. He thrives on early-morning workouts, the camaraderie of ROTC, and the opportunity to earn his degree while preparing to serve. This summer, Jack brought that same energetic spirit to Camp Arcadia’s Kitchen and Program departments.
Outside of school and ROTC, Jack loves spending time outdoors. He enjoys fishing any time of year—even in the winter. In addition to fishing, he has a passion for archery and even brought his own bow to Camp this summer.
As a lifelong camper, Jack’s favorite early memories center around playing hours of box hockey. He always competed in the weekly tournament, proudly taking home several blue ribbons over the years. Seeing his passion for the game, his dad even built a custom set at home so Jack and his brother could play year-round.
Teen Weeks were always the highlight of Jack’s year, and he attended every summer without fail. He loved rooming with close friends Drew Alexander and Kyle Gates—a tradition they’ve kept alive this year as all three share a staff room during their first summer on staff together.
Service runs deep in Jack’s family. His father, Chris (twin brother to Chip), previously served as the very first Caretaker Assistant, while his older sister, Anne, was on staff two summers ago. Following in their footsteps, Jack was inspired to keep the family tradition alive.
“I had always looked up to the staffers and appreciated how their energy and enthusiasm made my camp experience so meaningful and fun,” Jack shared. “I wanted to share that same joy with guests this summer.”
Program staff greeting guests during check in: Mahi Blake, Gideon Clark, and Jack May (from left to right).
In the kitchen, Jack has rotated between serving and working dish crew. A highlight from his summer was entertaining the Ark kids during their Tuesday morning kitchen tour. While on dish duty, Jack and fellow “dish dog” Jed Rufner delighted the children by turning the sink sprayers into “squirt guns” and playfully spraying each other. The next day, Ark assistant Lolerai Gallo reported back that one Ark kid declared, “When I grow up, I want to be a dish dog at Camp Arcadia!”
On Program, Jack has enjoyed leading a wide range of activities. Playing Bunco—a fun dice game for all ages—became a fast favorite, alongside his responsibilities leading mountain biking, archery, Trivia Night, and Square Dancing. He also loved stepping onto the court as a referee for the intense 3-on-3 basketball games.
If you caught a Staff Talent Show this summer, you certainly remember Jack’s memorable performance in the “Weekend Update” skit. With a bald cap firmly in place, he had everyone laughing with his spot-on impersonation of his uncle, Camp Director Chip May—capturing everything from his distinctive walk to his constant gum chewing.
Jack May and Lorelai Gallo impersonating Chip May and Shelly Gallo in the “Weekend Update” skit at the Staff Talent Show.
Beyond bringing laughter to Camp, Jack found some of his most rewarding moments leading the high schoolers in the Morning Youth Program. This experience strengthened his faith as he challenged the teens to dig deeper into Jesus’ parables. The conversations that followed also helped Jack gain new insights into God’s Word.
For Jack, his experience on staff this summer feels surreal. While the work was more physically demanding than he anticipated, the close-knit community and sheer fun of staff life far exceeded his expectations. From memorable staff events and day-off adventures to late-night conversations with fellow staffers, the memories are ones he will never forget.
Ultimately, Jack sees Camp as a community defined by service and connection. “Camp is a place of radical hospitality,” Jack shares. “Our work doesn’t go unnoticed. The guests show their heartfelt appreciation for us, which inspires us to go above and beyond in everything we do.”
Meet Kate May
Raised in Arcadia, MI, Kate May will return to Hope College as a sophomore accounting major with plans to become a Certified Public Accountant. In addition to her studies, Kate competes as a pole vaulter on the track and field team. This summer marks her first season on staff, serving in both the Program and Kitchen departments.
Kate brought a unique perspective to staff this year, having spent her first 15 summers living right in Staff Quarters. Since her dad, Chip May, has served as Executive Director her whole life, her family spent every summer in “VIPS”—the director’s apartment located just above the Trading Post.
Though the apartment was a bit cramped for a family of five, Kate cherished those unplugged summers spent running around Camp, playing in the sand, and creating in the Craft Shop.
One of Kate’s earliest memories is attending the Ark program with Ms. Janice, where she loved the animal stories and tasty snacks. At first, she was too afraid to join the Friday walks in the woods, choosing to stay behind with her mom instead. But once she found out the other kids had actually seen Rocky the Raccoon, she made sure never to miss another walk in the woods.
Spending full summers at Camp gave Kate plenty of freedom to get creative. By age 9, she was volunteering with the Ark program, mastering the art of finding budget-friendly crafts to stretch her Craft Shop tab, honing her archery skills, and spending every spare moment at the beach.
Beyond the activities, Kate deeply valued her interactions with the staff, who generously spent time during their breaks to hang out with her. She fondly remembers former staffer Lydia Brighton Carlson taking time during afternoon breaks to chat and teach her Spanish.
Later on, Teen Weeks proved to be just as formative—giving her a chance to build lifelong friendships, disconnect from her phone, and grow in her faith.
Having grown up around Camp, Kate was eager to join the staff she had looked up to for years. “As a kid, I saw how much fun the staff had and wanted to experience that for myself,” she reflects. “Now that the summer is almost over, I can honestly say it was better than I even imagined it would be.”
For Kate, describing the unique staff environment is hard to put into words. After all, where else can you live and work with your best friends, spend afternoon breaks on the beach, and find something to laugh about every single day?
Whether serving families in the dining room or caring for babies in the nursery, Kate has loved connecting with guests this summer. She knows she’s making a real difference when kids run up just to chat—like the camper who asked her to sign his hat, or the sweet family whose daughters gave her hand-written thank-you cards at the end of the week.
Remembering how much those small interactions meant to her growing up, Kate makes a point to reach out to campers and cottagers. For her, it’s all about learning names and offering intentional, individual attention. As Kate explains, “I know how much it means to them—and it’s just as much fun for me.”
In addition to connecting with guests, Kate has loved every part of life on staff. The memories began right away during training week—starting with a huge storm that caused a power outage on their very first night. Even a rainy, buggy camping trip ended up being a highlight, along with evening euchre and pickleball games, an all-staff float trip, and so much more.
Another major highlight for Kate was working in the same departments as Jack. Leading mountain biking trips together most weeks gave them a chance to bond, discover their similar tastes in music, and quickly become close friends—not just cousins.
For Kate, Camp Arcadia will always feel like home—a sanctuary to return to summer after summer. It is a haven of friendship and fun, a shelter from a noisy world, and a place of peace, wonder, and faith.
Gratitude for the Summer Staff 2026
We are deeply grateful to the incredible group of 40 staffers who served Camp Arcadia so faithfully this past season. Their enthusiasm was truly contagious. Whether washing dishes, watering flowers, leading tournaments, or scooping ice cream, they poured their hearts into every task.
Throughout the summer, they learned to depend on and encourage one another, persevering through early mornings and growing in leadership, confidence, and patience. In serving others, they discovered genuine joy and were united by a shared purpose: to give our guests the best possible experience.
Along the way, this staff became a tight-knit community. They prayed and worshipped together, sang and danced, shared endless laughter, and found a true sense of belonging.
As they leave Camp Arcadia, we pray that the lessons learned, faith deepened, and friendships formed this summer will remain with them for years to come.
Go my children, leave the lakeshore- Follow the Son
Here, in starlight, I will hold you and make you one
Here in hopes and dreams the weaving
Here your truest self retrieving
Go, my children, to the next shore- Follow the Son
One Response
Love to read these spotlight stories of the staff. It was a most amazing group of fun , loving, serving young people I have ever experienced!