Meet the Staff

Summer 2026

Aaron - Kitchen Staff

"My name is Aaron. I’m a third generation camper; my grandma came to Camp CILCA right after it opened and my dad came too. I started coming to camp 9 years ago and I've enjoyed it ever since. I enjoy being outside in God’s creation, playing games on my PC, and drawing when I have inspiration. I play the guitar and baritone ukulele. I’m looking forward to seeing the campers grow in their faith. I spent last summer at camp on the grounds crew and as the dishwasher. This summer, you can find me in the kitchen."

Ethan - Maintenance

"My name is Ethan Theilen. I live in Seward, Nebraska with my wife, Laura. We are both students at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska and will be seniors this coming academic year. I am pursuing a degree in secondary mathematics education. We attend St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, NE during the school year. This will be my eighth year as a member of the summer staff. I have previously served Camp CILCA as a cabin counselor (4 years), groundskeeper/maintenance worker (2 years), kitchen assistant (1 year), and a junior counselor (1 year). This summer, I will be serving in the maintenance role, as well as helping to fill in for the cabin counselors when needed. My favorite parts of camp are getting to meet and interact with the campers, and helping them to grow in their faith."

Laura - Marketing Intern

"Hi! My name is Laura Theilen, and I am currently studying marketing at CUNE. The past two years I have worked as a counselor, where I have fallen in love with the mission of Camp CILCA. Now, I am thrilled to serve as a marketing intern and help share camp with others! On an ideal day, I might be found studying in a local coffee shop, baking a random Pinterest recipe, winning a sports/board game, or painting some new wall decor."

Luke - Day Camp Counselor

"Hey everyone! My names Luke and I’m currently a junior at Concordia University Texas, studying ministry. This’ll be my second summer as a counselor, but I’ve been involved with camp things on and off almost my whole life. I love exploring and hiking, swimming, and Bible studies. I’m super excited for this summer and can’t wait to see ya there!"

Grace - Overnight Counselor

"Hey!!! My name is Grace Drews, I will be a senior at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska next fall. I am a Theology major with intentions on going on to the St. Louis Seminary to become a deaconess. This will be my 3rd summer on staff at Camp CILCA, and I can't wait! My favorite parts of Camp CILCA are swimming at the lake, dancing, and singing at morning chapel, but also the beauty and peace that evening chapel brings. I enjoy working and teaching my campers about how Jesus loves them so, so much, and can't wait to be able to do it in an outdoor setting once again."

Mitchell - Overnight Counselor

"Hey, howdy, hey! My name is Mitchell Watts. I am from Athens, Illinois. I will be a junior at UIS in the fall working on my degree in Exercise Science. After UIS, I plan to attend Palmer University to obtain my doctorate in chiropractic. This will be my second year as a camp counselor. I am so hyped about this summer and can’t wait for all the funny moments and great memories that await! I am so blessed to be able to work at camp and show kids that it is ok to show their silly side. My favorite things at camp are swimming at the lake, dancing and singing to all the songs, playing games, and hanging out with campers during arts and crafts. Can’t wait to see you this summer!"

Alyssa - Day Camp Counselor

"Hey! My name is Alyssa H.! I’m from New Athens, IL and my home church is Christ Our Savior Lutheran in Freeburg, IL. I go to school at Concordia University, Nebraska, where I’m majoring in psychology and am in the Pre-Deaconess program. I’m really excited to be a day camp counselor this summer! This will be my first summer at Camp CILCA, but definitely not my first rodeo as a camp counselor. I worked at another summer camp for the past two summers, where I earned the nickname Baja. Still, my love for the outdoors and the Lord stay the same no matter where I serve! My story with camp starts when I fell in love with summer camp when I was a camper for the first time at age 15, and I’ve spent my summers in the woods ever since! I love arts and crafts and archery! I’m excited for the new adventures I’ll have here at CILCA and being able to spread the love of Christ to the kiddos while exploring His beautiful creation!"

Michael - Overnight Counselor

"My name is Michael Moldenhauer. I will be attending Concordia University Nebraska this fall where I will be studying Business Administration and Pre-Seminary. This is my first summer as a counselor at CILCA. I was also a junior counselor for three years and a camper for many years before that. My favorite camp activities are chapel, water polo, and creek walking. I am very excited to be a counselor this summer and be able to spread the love of Jesus with many campers at CILCA."

Gavin - Day Camp Counselor

"Hey, I’m Gavin Fasig. I attend Hope Church in Springfield, IL. I’ll be enlisting into the air-force this fall. I’m so excited to start this summer as day camp staff! I love all of our outdoor activities, morning chapel, and making new friends. I can’t wait… see y'all this summer!"

Ava P. - Overnight Counselor

"Hi, my name is Ava Pritchard, and I’m from Louisville, Illinois. I’ll be a sophomore at Lake Land College this fall, and I’m currently studying Early Childhood Education. When I complete my sophomore year there, I plan to transfer to Eastern Illinois University to finish my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education. After that, I plan to attend Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, to become a deaconess. I then hope to serve in a Lutheran school or church in Illinois. I attend St. John’s Lutheran Church in Louisville, Illinois, and am active in our youth group. This will be my first time as a camp counselor, and I’m so excited to make connections with counselors and campers over the summer!"

Sicily - Day Camp Counselor

"Hey guys! I’m Sicily Dinardo from Trinity Lutheran church in Auburn, IL. I will be a sophomore, starting the occupational therapy assisting program at LLCC this fall. During the school year, I work as an EMT! I am very excited to be the day camp coordinator for this summer! I love creek walking, singing songs, and campfire times! I’m excited for all the fun, and can’t wait to see ya!"

Ava L. - Overnight Counselor

"My name is Ava Langston from St. John’s Lutheran church in Decatur IL. I will be a freshman in college at Concordia Nebraska in the DCE program with a double major in psychology. I have loved spending my time at camp over the years and am so excited for my first year as a counselor! I love everything about camp but some of my favorite activities are mud volleyball, singing and dancing, hikes, and campfire chapel! I can’t wait for all the adventures this summer and I hope to see you there!"

Matt - Overnight Counselor

"My name is Matthew Moldenhauer. I am currently attending Concordia University Wisconsin where I am studying Secondary Mathematics Education. This will be my 3rd summer at CILCA as a counselor! Before I was a counselor, I served as a junior counselor for several years and was a camper at CILCA from a young age. My favorite thing about camp is every opportunity we get to share the love of Christ with everyone around and glorify Him in all we do!"

Maddy - Overnight Counselor

"Hey! My name is Maddy Perkins, and I am so excited for camp this summer! I am from Springfield, IL! My home church is St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham, IL. I attend Concordia University Nebraska and my majors are Director of Christian Education and Elementary Education. My favorite camp activities are boating, stargazing, and creek walking! I can’t wait to see you there!"