Camp Illahee is not just a special place for its campers, but also for its staff. It takes every one of these unique, talented and devoted individuals to make Camp Illahee the extraordinary place that it is.
The Strayhorns
Camp Illahee’s current owners were brought together by a shared love for camps, camping and the happy challenge of giving young campers the very best of summer experiences. Laurie and Gordon met many summers ago in North Carolina, where both worked as counselors. They have 23 years of experience running summer camps and have devoted their lives to making each summer the best ever. Laurie spends much of her days talking to parents and is the camp's director while Gordon makes sure that the business end of camp is running smoothly, including Illahee's top-notch facilities.
Gretchen Greene
The Associate Director of Camp Illahee remembers 11 summers spent at summer camp (eight as a camper, three as a counselor). Along with her own memories of making new friends and singing spirited campfire songs, Gretchen also brings a decade of teaching experience to Illahee. Since joining the year-round staff in 2004, Gretchen has lived at the camp with her husband, Gary, and son, Ezra.
Kris Campbell
Assistant Director Kris Campbell has spent 22 seasons at Camp Illahee as a camper, counselor and year-round staff member. She brings a deep knowledge of camp and the Illahee traditions. Known for her great sense of humor and enthusiasm throughout camp, Kris oversees camper schedules, travel, the Pineview Hill and the CIT program. During the year, she helps with the behind-the-scenes operations and is in charge of camper applications and enrollment. Kris lives in Brevard with her husband Jeremy “Soup” Campbell who works in the outdoor adventure industry.
Dave Hartsock
Camp Illahee’s tennis director since 2004, Dave Hartsock joined the year-round team in January, 2011 as program director. A former teacher and high school tennis coach, Dave has grown Illahee’s excellent program over the years so that almost every girl takes tennis as one of her activities. If you come into camp, you can hear him on the courts encouraging girls with “That’s what I’m Talking About”! Dave continues to develop all of our programs in the off-season and to assist with staff hiring as well as taking care of the details needed to make each activity the best we can offer.
Each summer welcomes an extraordinary group of young women who come to Illahee to nurture, inspire and lead its young campers. These smart and energetic counselors bring new life to old traditions and make every camper’s experience one that is memorable and unique.