Camp Highlands For Boys

We are family owned and operated and have been for over 50 years. This consistency in leadership is special in the camping world. We can't help it, it's just in our blood.

After meeting each other at Camp, Mike (started coming to Camp as a 10 year old camper) and Sharon (started coming at the age of three as the daughter of one of the then-owners) were married and raised their three children, Tim, Laura and Andy at Camp. Andy and Mike have been co-directors of Highlands since 2003. Andy and Tracy were married at Camp and the family tradition continues!

Even in the off-season our leadership staff has a special interest in affecting the lives of young people. Mike Bachmann retired in 1999 after a career in education as a teacher, administrator and then college professor. Sharon Bachmann taught first grade and then was the executive director for the First Congregational Church of Western Springs’ pre-school for more than 20 years. Andy Bachmann has been involved with youth-based ministry for more than 20 years. Our program director, Craig Ericksen, is a middle school math teacher and Ross Freeland our Senior Head Counselor and Facilities manager is a high school math teacher and baseball coach. We love to be around kids!

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  Andy Bachmann

  • Job at Camp: Director. I oversee the day-to-day operations of camp; starting before breakfast and ending after taps. Whether it is encouraging campers to give it another go at a challenging activity, or praising a counselor-in-training for a job well done, I get to do it all. I've been known to pull skiers on sunny days and play "Knock Out" on the basketball court. Two summers ago, I got to play carpenter when we built a new cabin in Senior Row. I work to maintain the Highlands spirit in everything that we do. And I am often the first line of communication to the parents about how their sons are doing at Camp. I love it all!
  • First summer at Camp: I've been coming to camp since I was 4 months old, so my first memories are a bit foggy. I think I literally have a great memory from just about every square foot of camp. I remember my counselor waking me up when I was 8 years old to bring me out to the Row to see the Northern Lights. I remember the first time I got up on water-skis. I remember dropping my tray when I was the waiter in the dining hall, and how nobody made fun of me and everyone swooped in to help clean it up. I remember how my counselor who had just returned from the Peace Corps in Costa Rica used to speak Spanish in his sleep! I remember how proud I was to complete every trip I've ever been on. I remember my counselor reading us the book, "The Cay" at night. I have WAY too many memories to share in this little space!
  • Best thing about Camp: I love watching our campers try something new. I love hearing our staff encourage and support them as they try it. I love hearing the frustration ALMOST take over, and then the huge celebration as the goal is accomplished, the deed is done and the victory is achieved. There is nothing better than watching breakthroughs happen. It is a momentous occasion, not just for the campers, but for the staff men and women who help usher them through as well. And that happens all the time at camp. It's contagious, and inspiring.
  • Favorite meal at Camp: For breakfast, I love muffin and sausage morning. For dinner (lunch), I love the chicken tenders with the wild rice and brocolli. And for supper, taco night is hard to beat. But to be honest, I can't think of a single meal that I don't get excited for at Camp. Chef Lois is amazing.
  • Favorite Sunday Night Sing song: It's hard to beat the Highlands Hymn. "Here we gain strength to meet each future hour, with courage, joy, and love through thy great power." With words written by Mable Monilaw back in the 1930's, the yellowed slides and the lantern slide projector make Sing a timeless event; and the connection with our history gives me pause every time we sing that song. Set to the tune of "Finlandia," it is a beautiful song to sing. And we sing it at the end of every Sunday night Sing. I have to say that "Camp Highlands, We're True to You" never ceases to get my heart rate pumping and spirits raised. That's always the first song we sing! So I love the "bookends." Although...I love all the songs we do in-between, too!
  • Not everyone knows... I am also the videographer at Camp. I love to shoot and edit video, and camp allows me the opportunity to pursue that hobby. And it gives me inspiration to get out of the Office!

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  Mike Bachmann

  • Job at Camp: If you are trying to find me at camp, just look for the guy with the camera. As Andy has taken on the day-to-day leadership role, I enjoy being out of the office taking pictures for our daily blog and gallery updates. The camera is my front row ticket to all of the action and activities. It is also a great way to get to know the campers and observe the counselors at work. I also team with the bookkeeper to watch over various financial matters. That is not nearly as much fun as interacting with the campers and staff! I enjoy greeting visitors and taking them around to see the fun. It is a special treat when the visitors are former campers. They always are delighted to say, "Camp hasn't changed."
  • First summer at Camp: 1950. I was 10. I remember being impressed with how nice the counselors were. They were great role models. I also remember my first camping trip to the South Shore campsite on Star Lake. We had fun catching minnows in our cups, cooking over a campfire, seeing shooting stars, and thinking how great it was to be on a real wilderness camping trip.
  • Best thing about Camp: I love how easily everyone catches on to the idea of our motto – I'm Third. It sets such a positive tone when all of us are trying to do what we know is right from our value system: God or our values first, others second and the simple, I'm Third, comes naturally. It creates a real caring atmosphere where being kind is not something you have to TRY to be – you just are.
  • Favorite meal at Camp: It has to be Sunday Dinner. How do you top turkey, mashed potatoes, and dressing? You top it with that special gravy! Add yeast rolls and ice cream sundaes and you are ready for rest hour
  • Favorite Sunday Night Sing song: The Highlands Hymn. Possibly because the music is from Finlandia by Jean Sibelius and the words from Mable Monilaw fit camp. You hear the tune often in different settings away from camp and it always brings my mind back to Plum Lake.
  • Not everyone knows... I did a magic act in high school and know a good assortment of card tricks.

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  Sharon Bachmann

  • Job at Camp: Director. Director. I've had many jobs though the years! Starting with Lodge girl, office worker, helper to Mike with camp business during the school year. Today, I purchase all the food, plan the meals, talk and plan daily with the cooks at Boys Camp and the Lodge. I coordinate Lodge reservations and run the Lodge during the summer with the help of my sisters, Jani and Jill. I do the mailings for the Lodge and Friends and Family Camp during the school year.
  • First summer at Camp: In 1943, my dad Orville Nothdurft was hired to be a counselor of the youngest boys and to teach tennis. That year, my mom and I stayed in the Lodge area of camp. When my sisters were born they also grew up in the Lodge. Girls or women were not allowed in Boys camp in those early days. It was not until Mike and I took over the leadership of camp (60's) that women were allowed past the Infirmary.
  • Best thing about Camp: Seeing young boys and staff members having so much fun while learning or teaching the many activities we have available at camp. I love watching our campers come as young 8-9 year olds, and grow each year into what we call Worthwhile Highlands men. I remember many staff members as little boys! With our hand-picked staff our lucky campers are surrounded by people that care greatly about them and help them to become the best they can be.
  • Favorite meal at Camp: So many, my head is always full of menu ideas that the people gathered at Camp Highlands will love. Lois, Jill and I, and our other cooks have for years tried to find recipes that will taste great to everyone. I don't purchase pre-made items, we make our own dishes and desserts. Years ago I purchased much of our bread, but today the frozen bread items you bake yourself are wonderful – big hit with everyone. The good smells that come from the Highlands kitchens make everyone hungry for what's being served.
  • Favorite Sunday Night Sing song: I love all of our camp songs. What could be more fun than having so many boys, men and guests having such a ball singing and jumping around? But if I had to pick one, I really love “Now the day is Over.” It used to be the last song sung at Sing. All the men and boys would stand to sing. Because of the men and adult women the harmony would be so beautiful. Those old sunset lantern slides followed while Taps was being blown.
  • Not everyone knows... As a girl, I always wished that I were a boy so I could do all those great things that the boys were getting to do.

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  Tracy Bachmann

  • Job at Camp: Communications Director. I keep parents connected by updating the website and social media. I also spend lots of time on the phone with parents, fielding questions and checking up on how kids are doing. Mike and I team up in the winter months to handle enrollment and all that winter-time mail you get!
  • First summer at Camp: 1997, I came to visit Andy on a road trip when I was in college. 1998, I was the babysitter for Family Camp. 1999, Andy and I were married in the Clubhouse. The rest is history!
  • Best thing about Camp: The change of pace. We work extra hard at Camp (24 hours a day, really!), but I walk to my office, notice when the wind changes direction on the lake and spend an inordinate amount of time on a wooden swing overlooking Plum. I love being unplugged from the real world and seeing how much my kids grow and change after a summer of lake swimming, berry foraging, dirt digging and running to each destination! There is nothing like a summer outside!
  • Favorite meal at Camp: Turkey Tetrezzine from scratch. Made with Sunday dinner turkey leftovers. YUM.
  • Favorite Sunday Night Sing song: Fast: “Make New Friends” (Highlands style), this includes a wild “settle in your chair and stay there” and the word “foodle.” It’s kind of one of those weird camp-things that’s hard to describe! Slow: “Highlands Hymn” and then “Taps.” It puts tears in my eye each time I hear it.
  • Not everyone knows... When I have a hard time falling to sleep, I imagine the drive from the Corner Store to my driveway at Highlands.

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  Craig Ericksen

  • Job at Camp: Program Director. I assign each boy to their day's activities, whether it's playing soccer in camp or coordinating their trip to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota!
  • First summer at Camp: My first summer at camp was 1972. During the summer of 1972 I first met some of the people who would be among the most important in my life such as Shaun Trenholm, Kent Overbey, Dave and Helen Baker, Mike and Sharon Bachmann.
  • Best thing about Camp: The best thing about camp is the amazing variety of people, of all ages, that I have the opportunity to spend time with and the fantastic, supportive environment where each person is appreciated for what they are. I love the natural environment. Camp has a wonderful feel especially in the evening when campers begin to return to their cabins and everyone has the chance to quietly interact with their cabin mates.
  • Favorite meal at Camp: Every meal is the best!
  • Favorite Sunday Night Sing song: My favorite song at camp is the best song at camp – "Anchors Aweigh"!
  • Not everyone knows... During the past 28 years I have only missed one camp season. During that summer my family and I retraced the route of Lewis and Clark.

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  Ross Freeland

  • Job at Camp: Facilities manager and Senior head counselor. As the facilities manager, I am in charge of making sure all of our equipment is in great shape. As the senior head counselor I am responsible for setting the tone down in Senior Row, scheduling the cabin counselor's days off and heading up the Division Day activities (among other things!).
  • First summer at Camp: My grandfather was Orville "Snow" Nothdurft and my mom Jan (and her sisters Sharon (Bachmann) and Jill (Wright)) grew up at camp. I spent parts of summers at Highlands since I was a baby and began as a camper in 1983.
  • Best thing about Camp: The people and their attitudes.
  • Favorite meal at Camp: Chicken Fajitas.
  • Favorite Sunday Night Sing song: "Highlands Loyalty" (aka "Camp Highlands We're True to You!"
  • Not everyone knows... I was never a CIT (was busy playing baseball those summers) but I love working in the kitchen at family camp. Kent Sr. and I usually team up on the pots and pans.

Safety is our number one concern at Camp Highlands. Trained lifeguards supervise all waterfront activities and we send a lifeguard and First Aid certified staff member on every trip. On site we have a full-time registered nurse, as well as our caretaker, Kevin Rassmussen, who is the local fire chief and a paramedic. We take safety seriously.

Year after year, Camp Highlands is privileged to have the best staff out there. Year after year we host a staff that has, more-often-than-not, been here before. There is a unique sense of family at Highlands. Our intergenerational staff – men and women from their 20s to their 80s – help to maintain special traditions, stories and values.

Almost everyone on the Highlands staff has attended Camp as a camper themselves. We like to say we grow our own! This consistency in counseling leadership allows us to focus on what’s most important…your son. And we have the luxury of really knowing who we hire – often we know their parents and siblings – and we've seen them grow up here at Camp!

We place a great emphasis on creating an environment where personal growth for each camper is paramount. Our low counselor-to-camper ratio of 4 campers to 1 counselor makes that possible. Your camper, with Highlands staffers by his side, will grow in skill and confidence all while having a blast.

Counselors’ varied backgrounds contribute to the well-rounded environment of Highlands. With so many different points-of-view and personalities on our staff, your son will learn new ways to approach problems and to communicate with others.

Training and Certification

Our counselors are taken through a week of special training before camp starts. There they learn the most effective ways to teach an activity, how to redirect behavior and team building skills. They are given the tools needed to nurture and encourage a cabin full of boys – and are given the secrets on how to give your son the best summer of his life! Our leadership team regularly attends conferences and workshops to ensure we are implementing the BEST techniques and ideas out there. But none of that is a substitution for experience – of which we have lots!

Who's Who at Camp?

At Camp Highlands we have a terrific system of mentoring and oversight established. Starting with our Head Counselors, who oversee the counseling staff in each division. They facilitate team-building in the cabins and within the division itself. Head Counselors have had many, many years of experience at Camp and are often teachers or older staffers. They play an important role in setting the tone among the division's counselors and around Camp in general.

Cabin counselors are men who have completed at least a year of college and are in charge of the day-to-day leadership of the campers. For the younger cabins, they are role models, but they are also making sure that boys have brushed their teeth and gotten their clothes and sheets into the laundry! As the divisions get older, the counselor/camper relationship changes. Counselors of the older cabins are there to encourage boys to step outside of their comfort zones, find leadership opportunities around camp – and to just be a friend.

Counselors-in-Training (CITs) are young men who are going into their senior year in high school, and Assistant Counselors (ACs) are young men who have not yet completed their first year of college. These young men live in the cabins with the counselors and the campers and assist the Cabin Counselors in the cabin and activities.

To round out our counseling staff, we also have Activity Counselors who do not live in a cabin, but simply teach an activity. Often these are our most senior staffers.

It is our great pleasure to share with you the counseling staff of 2012!

Some folks are first term, some are second, but all will be staff this coming season. Once again we have an amazing return rate for our counseling staff, with only one fellow never having been to Highlands before. I am very excited for the summer to get here, and with guys like this leading the way, it is bound to be another magical season at Camp Highlands.

Our Counselors-in-Training are:

Tom Kuntz, Cooper Kupferberg, Alex Martinson, Alec Winter, Ed Linquist, Tom Frankenthal, Marshall Sheetz, Mario Velazquez, Pablo Oria, Austin Sennott, Alonso Cano, Santiago Castro, Tom Lubenow, Logan Means and Kevin Miner.

Our Assistant Counselors are:

David Dean, Joshua Ericksen, Colin O’Brien, Ben Conrad, Chris Dahlman, Nate Henderson, Sam Escamilla, Andrew Barber and Drew Halverstadt.

And our stellar counseling staff are:

Ross Freeland, Ian Astle, Kent Overbey, Matt Schaible, RJ Bruce, Evan O’Brien, John Gallagher, Pat Gallagher, Alec Grassi, Don Kuntz, Tommy Popalisky, Teddy Popalisky, George Swartz, Dan Cleveland, Chris Nyweide, YoQuarius Tucker, Will Faber, Nick Katzmarek, Shaun Trenholm, Jim Ott, Loren Shinn, Shane Hoerbert, Jim DiDominico, Gordy Rahr and Noah Thacker.

And how lucky are we that we also have returning this summer:

Lois Craig, Steve Ronkowski, Kayla Stelzel, Jill Ragsdale, Kent and Peggy Taylor, Jill Wright, Jani Freeland, Dana Barton, Byron and Nanette Shinn and Craig Ericksen.

Joining us for the first time this summer, we have:

Jackie Nettles (babysitter), Becky DiDomenico (crafts!) and Kathleen O’Donnell (lodge).

What a great staff! As campers continue to enroll, don't be surprised to find new names added to the list. In the meantime, I am so thrilled that these great people will be joining us for our upcoming season at Camp Highlands.