Staff
Michael Thames
Executive Director
Michael has nearly 20 years of combined experience in youth & camp ministry. While some might say his official capacity for Camp of the Hills is as our Executive Director, he also goes by the name of Range-master Hawk-eye and aids in anything archery, fishing, & ropes course related!
Drew Bowen
Program Director
Currently serving as Program Director, Drew has volunteered/been employed at Camp of the Hills since 2000. His extensive experience serving at-risk and low-income youth helps him lead large group activities and teach our OE curriculum. He is especially fond of the critters at Camp of the Hills, with a special place in his heart for reptiles and amphibians.
Alicen Bessire
Outdoor Education Director
As Outdoor Education Director, Alicen creates our curriculum and lessons and meets personally with each group to customize their activity plans. She has 5 years experience as a classroom teacher in both public and private school settings and is familiar with TEKS, NGSS, and Project Aero. She is also very passionate about cross-curriculum integration, nurturing kids’ creativity, and supporting English language learners as they learn new ways of expressing themselves.
Vicki Davis
Office Manager
Vicki has been with us full-time since 2010. As Office Manager, she processes payments and other official paperwork for Outdoor Ed, but she is also gifted in a number of other creative areas including gardening and jewelry making. She feels very passionately about our Outdoor Ed program and is excited join us in a number of projects over the course of the year.