Our Staff

Penn Henthorn- Camp Director

This will be Penn’s fourth summer as Camp Director for Camp DaKaNi. Penn attended Camp DaKaNi as a camper and volunteered as a camp counselor as a teenager and adult. He has an extensive background in Child Development and Camp Management. During the camp off-season, Penn works as Camp Fire’s Program Director and runs Outdoor Education Programs. In his free time, Penn enjoys kayaking and spending time outdoors with his three children.

Penn is a certified Challenge Course and Ropes Instructor and Archery Instructor. Penn is also certified in First Aid/CPR/AED.

 “To me working at camp is all about assisting others to grow, dream, and learn who they are as individuals. At camp we have a great opportunity to create memories that last a life time.  Every year as the camp season approaches, I start getting excited and pumped up for a summer that will make a difference in the lives of every camper, staff member, and parent I work with. As a parent, past camper, and counselor, camp has become a deep part of who I am.“

 

 

Elizabeth Logan- Assistant Director

This will be Elizabeth’s fourth summer as Assistant Camp Director at Camp DaKaNi. She graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Human Development and Family Services. Growing up, Elizabeth attended day and resident camps throughout Oklahoma, including Camp DaKaNi. During the off-season, Elizabeth is the Director of Outreach and runs afterschool and teen leadership programs. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading and painting.

Elizabeth is a certified Lifeguard and is certified in Mental Health First Aid for Youth, Wilderness First Aid and First Aid/CPR/AED.

“I feel extremely fortunate to work at Camp DaKaNi and have the opportunity to impact the youth in my community. Seeing young people explore nature, build friendships and gain independence during their time at camp is an extremely rewarding experience."

 

 

Terry Stilwell-Facilities Manager/Camp DaKaNi Ranger

Terry has worked for Camp Fire for 7 years and is very knowledgeable about the outdoors and camping. Terry lives on the property and takes care of the grounds year round. Terry spends his time working with Camp Fire’s Teen Leadership Program, Holiday Break Camp and Outdoor School. In his free time, Terry enjoys camping, hunting and reading.

Terry is a certified Challenge Course and Ropes Instructor, CLEET certified, Level 2 Archery Instructor, Class D Water Operator, Certified Food Service Operator, and First Aid/CPR/AED and Wilderness and Remote First Aid certified.

“My favorite thing about camp is when I have time to have interaction with the children, and the smiles on their faces when they yell ‘Hi Ranger Terry’ it pretty much makes my day!”

  

 

Brian Reid- Outdoor School Director

Brian has been with Camp Fire Heart of Oklahoma since 2012, serving as an AmeriCorps Member from 2012-2014. He has enjoyed developing curriculum and lesson plans for the Outdoor School program and working as a group leader during Summer Camp at Camp DaKaNi, G.O.T.C.H.A., Outdoor School sessions, and Camp Fire Afterschool programs.  Brian graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in English (Teaching English as a Second Language) from the University of Central Oklahoma. He has teaching experience in both the United States and South Korea developing lesson plans, teaching in group settings, and tutoring individuals. In his free time, he enjoys getting new stamps in his passport, reading, and volunteering with local organizations.

Brian is certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED as well as Wilderness and Remote First Aid.

"The best thing about camp is helping youth gain confidence and achieve their goals.  Whether it is climbing the rock wall or hitting the target in slingshots and archery, being a part of this success is my favorite part of camp."

 

  

Abbie Dedmon- Camp Office Manager

Abbie has been with Camp Fire for one year, and this will be her second summer at Camp DaKaNi. Abbie completed a double degree in Outdoor and Community Recreation and Exercise Fitness Management at the University of Central Oklahoma. She is the volunteer coordinator for Camp Fire and teaches at Camp DaKaNi's Outdoor School, as well as the Celebrations Preschool and Positive Tomorrows after school programs. In her free time, she enjoys doing hot yoga, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family (including her Australian Shepherds, Sophie and Izzie). 

Abbie is Wilderness and Remote First Aid certified through the American Red Cross, and certified in Pediatric and Adult First Aid/CPR/AED through the American Heart Association. 

"It is so rewarding to hear children having fun and appreciating nature. I strongly believe that instilling a respect for nature at a young age will help develop their character and encourage them to be humble human beings. Hearing campers say things like 'It is so beautiful here' or seeing a camper pick up trash without being asked is one of my favorite parts of camp."