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.
For decades, our Teen Weeks have served as a stepping stone for joining the Camp staff. Inspired by their own transformative experiences as campers, many teens are eager to serve on staff and provide those same unforgettable moments for others. This was definitely true for Executive Director Chip May and Assistant Director Shelly Gallo. Both credit their time at Teen Week with inspiring them to join the summer staff during college—a path that ultimately led to their full-time roles on the Management Team, where they now mentor a new generation of staffers.
Among this new generation are Noah Toath and Eli Williamson. From high school friends to Teen Week campers to summer staffers, Eli and Noah are excited to share this staff experience together and discover more about Camp Arcadia beyond its Teen Week ministry.
Meet Noah Toath
Noah Toath is from Oxford, Michigan, and will be returning to Grand Valley State University as a sophomore this fall to study business and marketing. Outside of his studies, Noah loves listening to music and collecting all kinds of vinyl records, ranging from hip-hop to alternative rock to jazz, with a favorite being a jazz album by Gerry Mulligan. He is also developing his own musical skills by learning to play the guitar. This summer, he will be serving in both the Housekeeping and Program departments.
His connection to Camp Arcadia began in 7th grade when he attended a Fall Confirmation Retreat with his church. Though family vacation conflicts kept him from attending Teen Week during his early high school years, his friends—including Eli—never stopped encouraging him to go. Finally, after his junior year, Noah made it to Omega Week and instantly fell in love with Camp. By Wednesday of that week, he knew he wanted to work on staff someday.
For Noah, Teen Week was a one-of-a-kind experience he couldn’t find anywhere else. He especially loved the atmosphere at Camp Arcadia, describing it as a rare place where you can completely be yourself and embrace your goofy side.
“I’m free to be as wacky or silly as I want here,” Noah reflects. “There’s never any judgment. People just join along. It’s the best!”
As a Teen Camper, he enjoyed all the program activities, especially the Challenge Course and Aquapalooza. Noah also found value in the spiritual core of Camp through the Christ-centered messages shared at Vespers and in the Bible study sessions. He remembers a helpful metaphor shared by Pastor Matt Popovits, who compared repressing your doubts to pushing a beach ball underwater—eventually, it will pop back up and spray you in the face.
Serving on the Program staff for Omega Week this year gave Noah the perfect opportunity to give campers the same amazing experience he had enjoyed just a year prior. He enjoyed connecting with campers and making the experience fun for all.
One of his favorite memories came when he stepped in to help a counselor whose campers were acting “too cool” to participate. By enthusiastically throwing himself into the group activities, Noah demonstrated just how much fun it is to be engaged, helping shift the group dynamic by getting everyone involved.
Noah loves sharing his infectious joy with others. This summer, he looks forward to meeting new guests and engaging in great conversations. You can even experience his energy by attending the Staff Talent Show to watch him perform as the “Head Raisin” in the “Raisin Bran” skit.
Beyond the fun, Noah appreciates all the skills he is gaining this summer—ranging from practical housekeeping habits that will come in handy when he moves into his apartment this fall to essential leadership and communication skills developed while running activities and working as part of a team. Noah is excited for everything the rest of the summer holds and can’t wait to see how God uses his time on staff to serve others.
Meet Eli Williamson
Eli Williamson grew up in Shelby Township, Michigan, and will return to Concordia University St. Paul this fall as a sophomore. Aspiring to enter pastoral ministry, he is studying music and theology. For his first summer on staff, Eli is bringing his talents to both the Kitchen and Program departments.
Coming from a deeply musical family, Eli has a genuine passion for the arts. He especially looks up to his grandmother, who showcases her talents by serving as a church music director, playing the organ and flute, and, in her spare time, singing in a classic rock band. Similarly, Eli loves to sing and performs in three choirs and two bands at college. He is also part of the Songwriter Initiative, where he enjoys composing and writing his own music.
This summer, you will see him sharing his musical talents by playing piano at the Staff Talent Show and worship services. Remarkably, Eli doesn’t read sheet music—he plays entirely from chord charts, filling in the rest by ear.
When he isn’t focused on music, Eli loves sports. He is an avid fan of the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Pistons, and the University of Michigan. He also roots for the LA Clippers to cheer on his favorite player, Kawhi Leonard.
One of Eli’s favorite high school memories was coaching an eighth-grade basketball team and guiding them through an incredible turnaround—from a 0-15 record to 9-6. Because of this experience, he definitely plans to coach in the future.
Eli’s love of sports also carried over to his time at Camp during Teen Weeks. The 3-on-3 basketball tournaments were some of his favorite memories. He will never forget the time that Tanner Olson coached his 3-on-3 team to win the tournament and defeat the Staff team.
For Eli, his time spent at Camp Arcadia was always the best week of his year. Because of his love for Camp, he was motivated to join the staff and spend the entire summer in such a beautiful setting, surrounded by a faith-filled community.
That dream became a reality this summer, bringing with it a full-circle moment during Alpha Week. Remembering how much he had looked up to his own program staffers as a camper, Eli was thrilled to step into the exact same role—leading activities, sharing meals, and building meaningful connections with a new group of teens.
When thinking about what this place means to him, Eli shares, “Camp Arcadia is uplifting through the people you meet, the focus on Christ, and the fun that’s here. Even with the long workdays, I feel uplifted in spirit, mind, and body.”
Serving Together
Noah and Eli’s journeys to Staff capture what makes the Camp community so special. It’s a place where the Teen Week ministry fills them up, motivating them to want to be part of providing that amazing experience to others. We are grateful for all the staff this summer who, like Eli and Noah, pour into the guests so that they can be renewed in spirit, mind, and body.
One Response
I’m the counselor Noah helped during Omega this year!! AND Eli’s sister was in our group!! Both Noah and Eli are forever honorary members of Group H and such great staffers 🙂 Love this series!