Meet the 2025 Farm Camp Crew! š¾šš»
At Farm Camp, summer is more than just sunshine and outdoor funāitās a hands-on learning experience rooted in nature, curiosity, and community. From planting seeds to caring for animals, every moment at camp is designed to connect children with the land, teach responsibility, and spark a lifelong love of learning.
Behind every garden bed, barn chore, and group activity is a dedicated team of educators, farmers, and camp professionals who make it all happen. Our 2025 Farm Camp staff brings a unique blend of agricultural knowledge, teaching experience, and a genuine passion for helping kids growāboth in the garden and beyond.
Weāre excited to introduce the inspiring individuals who will guide, teach, and support your camper this season. Get to know the people who will be leading science-in-the-soil lessons, storytelling in the bunny circle, and joyful, educational adventures every single day.
Letās meet the 2025, boots on the ground farm team, thatās ready to cultivate a summer full of learning, laughter, and growth! š±šš
š Ms. Lou ā Camp Director.
Rooted in Joy, Driven by Purpose: Why I Love What I Do!
Hi! Iām Ms. Lou, your friendly neighborhood Camp Coordinator, and I honestly feel like this job was made for me. Iām an early childhood teacher by trade, a natural educator at heart, and someone whoās had hay in my boots and horsehair on my clothes for as long as I can remember. I was born in Basildon, England, and now I spend my days with my family on a horse farm in Rose Township. I love coming to work everyday!āblending outdoor education, animal care, and pure camp magic.
This is my second year as Camp Coordinator at Bowers. With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, along with many years of hands-on experience working with ponies and managing campers at MSU Tollgate Horse Camp, I have developed a deep understanding of both educational practices and the unique challenges of working in a camp environment. These experiences have honed my ability to lead, teach, and adapt in dynamic settings, making me well-prepared to thrive in this role. Through it all, I've learned one simple truth: the best learning happens when kids are having so much fun, they donāt even realize theyāre learning. This job lets me bring together my passions for education, agriculture, resilience, and being a positive role model. I come in each day with a smile, ready to welcome campers and families, and excited to create a safe, positive space where kids can grow, learn, and make lasting memories.
What do I love most about working with kids? Itās the unpredictable brilliance. One minute theyāre asking me deep questions about the universe, and the next theyāre sticking googly eyes on a pinecone and naming it āSir Wiggleface.ā They keep me laughing, learning, and on my toes in the very best way. Their joy is contagious, and I feel lucky to be in the middle of it all.
This summer, Iām especially excited to see that mix of old and newāreturning campers stepping up as leaders, new ones finding their place, and all of us building a community together.
One of the things I truly treasure is sharing what Iāve learned over the years and finding joy in helping grow other passionate educators. Whether itās mentoring new staff or supporting someone in finding their rhythm, I see it as a privilege to help others lead with confidence and heart.
My goal? To keep making a real differenceāfor staff, campers, and families. I want camp to be a place where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired, whether itās their very first day or their fifth summer here. Long-term goals? Iād love to help grow programs like this throughout Oakland County, so more kids can experience the kind of connection, nature, and confidence that camp offers.
Working at camp is the ultimate win-win for me. I get to live out my passion for teaching and the outdoors, and my own kids get to be part of the magic too. One of them is returning this year as a teen Steward and the other is already packed and ready for Creating & Climbing Camp, plus I'm sure you will see them sharing their knowledge at horse camp.
If I were a farm animal, Iād be a horseāno question. calm, steady, and full of heart. Horses have a quiet strength and a way of helping people find confidence in themselvesāand thatās what I strive to do every day at camp. Like a trusted trail partner, I walk alongside campers and staff as they try new things, encouraging them to believe in themselves and showing them that they are capable of doing amazing things.
My favorite camp moment? Watching a camper ride a horse for the very first time.
Secret talent? I donāt know if itās a secret, but teaching comes naturally to meāwhether Iām guiding a nervous camper, training a green horse, or helping a new staff member find their rhythm. I love turning uncertainty into confidenceā¦ and having a total blast while doing it.
š¾ Meet Coach Smitty ā Assistant Camp Coordinator & All-Around Outdoor Enthusiast
New to Farm Camp this year but a familiar face in the Bloomfield Hills Schools, Coach Smith (aka āCoach Smittyā) is stepping into summer as our Assistant Camp Coordinator, ready to bring his passion for fitness, fresh air, and fun to every camperās experience.
Originally from Midland, Michigan, Smitty is a Physical Education teacher during the school year, and now heās trading the gym for the great outdoors! With a love for exercise, golf, gardening, yard work, and just about anything that gets him outside, Farm Camp is a natural fit.
āIām really looking forward to helping campers have an amazing summerābeing outside, learning about nature, and getting excited about new experiences,ā he says. Whether it's trying something unfamiliar or just exploring the farm, Coach Smitty is all about creating those āaha!ā moments.
His favorite part of camp?
āSpending the day in nature, being around gardens and animalsāit doesnāt get much better than that.ā
Smittyās long-term goal is simple and powerful: continue inspiring youth through teaching Physical Education in Bloomfield Hills Schools, giving kids opportunities to grow physically, mentally, and emotionally through active, hands-on learning.
If he were a farm animal? Heād be an Australian Shepherdāfocused, energetic, and keeping things moving smoothly. And when it comes to favorite camp activities, Smittyās all about the ropes course, where campers get to challenge themselves and build confidence up in the trees. š§āāļøš³
Ohāand fun fact: Coach Smitty can juggle! So donāt be surprised if you see him showing off a few tricks during lunch or in the garden.
With his enthusiasm for the outdoors, dedication to helping kids grow, and natural leadership, Coach Smitty is ready to make his markāon an unforgettable summer.
š Meet Farmer Amy ā Barnyard Buddies Assistant Coordinator/ Group Leader & Farm Firsts Enthusiast
Say hello to Farmer Amy, our beloved Barnyard Buddies leader and longtime Bowers Farm educator! With nearly 15 years of experience at Bowers sharing the wonders of agriculture and nature with young children, Farmer Amy brings heart, humor, and a whole lot of love to everything she does.
Originally from Illinois, she spent years in Dallas before planting roots here in Michigan, where sheās lived for the past 30 years. Outside of camp, sheās a voracious reader, a crafting wizard, and a proud Mimi to two amazing granddaughtersāa role she cherishes just as much as leading curious little campers through the barnyard.
Working with our youngest campers means Farmer Amy gets to witness some of the most magical camp moments:
āI love seeing campersā faces light up when they try something new, meet an animal for the first time, or make a new friend.ā These special farm firsts are what keep her inspired year after year.
When asked what sheās looking forward to most this summer, her answer is simple and heartfelt: āJust being with all the campers!ā
And if she were a farm animal? Farmer Amy would be a baby goatāuniversally loved, playful, and full of personality. šš
Weāre so lucky to have Farmer Amyās experience, kindness, and infectious enthusiasm leading the way for our youngest campers this summer. She truly makes the barnyard feel like home!
š Meet Casey ā Barnyard Buddies Group Leader & Future Pediatric Dentist
Say hello to Casey, one of our bright and bubbliest Barnyard Buddies group leaders, who brings big smiles, gentle care, and a deep love for the outdoors to every corner of camp. Originally from Birmingham, Michigan, Casey says this job is a dream come true:
āI love working with young people and being outside as much as possibleācamp combines both!ā
Currently studying Public Health at the University of Michigan, Casey is on a path toward pediatric dentistry, with plans to serve as a military pediatric dentist and even conduct research in the dental field one day. But right now, sheās all about soaking up the sunshine, sharing laughs with campers, and caring for animals on the farm.
Camp has already made a big impact on her.
āItās taught me so much about natural living, natural eating, animals, and people,ā she says. āEvery day, I leave camp inspired by the kids. Theyāre full of fun facts, contagious optimism, and the courage to just be themselves.ā
This summer, Casey is most excited to see all the animals again, take more wagon rides, and spend quality time with her campers during pony grooming and picnic lunchesātwo of her all-time favorite camp activities. š“š§ŗ
If she were a farm animal, Casey says sheād be a cow, hands downāābecause I love to lay down,ā she laughs.
When sheās not at camp, Casey enjoys going for walks, weightlifting, and watching moviesāespecially after a long day of farm adventures.
With her kind heart, future-focused mindset, and deep appreciation for everything camp has to offer, Casey is making this summer a special one for her Barnyard Buddiesāand learning just as much from them in return.
š Meet Tabitha ā Barnyard Buddies Counselor! š„
Say hello to Tabitha, from Livonia Michigan, one of our amazing counselors with the Barnyard Buddies crew! Tabitha has been a part of our Barnyard Buddies crew for several years now. With a big heart for animals and a natural talent for connecting with little ones, Tabitha brings joy, patience, and tons of enthusiasm to every day at camp.
Tabitha enjoys spending her free time reading, camping, watching movies, diving into photography, and hanging out with her friends and family. Her calm and creative energy makes her a wonderful presence for our youngest campers.
Why is Bowers the perfect fit for her? As Tabitha puts it, "I love animals and I love working with kids, so working at Bowers was a perfect match!" She especially loves how curious and imaginative the little ones areāit makes every day unique, exciting, and full of surprises.
This summer, sheās most looking forward to Adventure Time with the campers! From exploring nature to helping kids interact with animals for the very first time, Tabitha is all about creating fun, confidence-building experiences. One of her favorite moments? Watching the littles meet new animals and slowly gain the confidence to pet or even hold themāthose are the magical milestones she loves to support.
Tabitha holds a degree in Secondary Education and plans to teach high school in the near future. But every summer, she returns to camp because working with 3ā5-year-olds helps her continue to build key skills like leadership, patience, adaptability, problem-solving, and confidenceāall of which she brings into the classroom.
When we asked Tabitha which farm animal she relates to most, she chose a goatābecause theyāre playful, curious, and a bit mischievous, just like her (in the best way, of course)!
š¶ Her favorite camp song? Old MacDonaldāa classic that always brings smiles, especially to our youngest campers!
Weāre so lucky to have Tabitha on the team again this yearāyour little camper is in great hands this summer in Barnyard Buddies!
š± Meet Christie ā Barnyard Buddies Teacher, Nature Enthusiast & Resident Farm Friend
A familiar face to anyone who visits Bowers Farm throughout the year, Christie brings calm curiosity, gentle humor, and a love for nature to her role as a Barnyard Buddies group leader. Hailing from Troy, Michigan, Christie works as an Educational Guide during the school year, so stepping into camp each summer is a natural (and joyful) transition.
With nearly 20 years as a high school English teacher behind her, Christie has shifted gears to something a little slower-pacedābut no less meaningful.
āIāve studied a lotā¦ now I just want to drive a tractor and bird watch,ā she jokes. And honestly, we support it.
At camp, sheās found her sweet spotāleading our youngest campers through their first farm experiences with patience, insight, and a great sense of humor.
āI love being outside, working with animals, and sharing those passions with kids,ā she says. āTheir bluntness and enthusiasm make every day an adventure.ā
Her favorite camp traditions? Wagon rides and picnic lunchesāa simple, joyful combo that never fails to delight the little ones.
When sheās not guiding campers, Christie enjoys hiking, sipping tea, reading, and spending time outdoors with her son and husbandānot to mention a few beloved cats. And if she were a farm animal? Definitely a barn cat: independent, observant, and always finding the coziest spot to perch and ponder.
Christie also appreciates a good joke, a slow afternoon on the farm, and every opportunity to help kids build confidence and curiosity in the great outdoors.
š“āāļøš From Triathlons to Tractor Rides: Meet Madi! šš, Barnyard Buddies Teacher
A familiar face to our Barnyard buddies crew for the past several years.
š Hometown: Chandler, AZ (now blooming in Bloomfield Hills!)
š Major: Communicative Sciences and Disorders at MSU
š Fun Fact: She has a very convincing fake sneeze. Achoo! š¤§
Say hi to Madi, your go-to leader for all things fuzzy, friendly, and farm-tastic in Barnyard Buddies! A nature lover through and through, Madi spends her free time hiking, camping, backpacking, and training with the MSU triathlon teamāyes, she runs šāāļø, bikes š“āāļø, and swims šāāļø!
Madi isnāt new to the Bowers camp familyāshe was a Barnyard Buddies Steward for a few summers, and she knew right away this was a place she wanted to come back to. āI love showing kids all the animals on the farm šš and watching their faces light upāespecially when they pet the animals or hop on the tractor rides!ā š
š Sheās currently studying communicative sciences and disorders at Michigan State, with plans to attend grad school and become a pediatric speech therapist in private practice. Camp has given her awesome experience building connections with kids and learning how to communicate with patience, creativity, and kindness. š¬ā¤ļø
š If she were an animal? āDefinitely a baby goatāIām super friendly, social, and always ready to have fun!ā
Madiās most excited to spend her summer soaking up the sunshine āļø, leading nature walks š², and singing The Hippopotamus Song š¶ at full volume. Her favorite camp activity? Mixing up some trail mix with campers and munching it on woodland adventures! š„š°šæ
With her boundless energy, genuine warmth, and love for both animals and kids, Madi is ready to make this summer unforgettable for every little Barnyard Buddy she meets. š
š»Meet Dominique - Rising Ranchers Group Leader, Early Childhood Teacherš·
Domā¦
Hometown: Walled Lake, MI
Background: Bachelorās in Early Childhood Education, working toward PK-3 teaching certification
Fun Fact: Sheās a vintage treasure hunter and record collector! š¶
Say hello to Dom, our calm, curious, and compassionate Rising Ranchers Camp Group Leader! With a deep love for gardening, music, and hands-on learning, Dom brings a thoughtful and creative energy to the barnyard.
Sheās passionate about child development and is currently working toward her teaching certification, aiming to one day become a lead teacher in a classroomāor wherever her love of working with children takes her. š±
Dom is most excited to explore and learn alongside her campers. She loves watching kids embrace curiosity, bounce back from mistakes, and discover new things about themselves and the natural world. āTheir wonder is inspiring,ā she says. āAnd learning new songs and games with them is the best!ā
Whether sheās leading a nature walk, joining in a sing-along, or digging into a garden project, Dom brings patience, positivity, and an educatorās heart to everything she does. She believes camp is a great place to growāfor kids and staffāand is excited to strengthen her knowledge of the environment in a space that keeps sustainability front and center.
š½ If Dom were an animal? āIād be a pigātheyāre my favorite! Theyāre curious, affectionate, and love to exploreājust like me!ā
With her experience, creativity, and love of all things hands-on, Dom is ready to make this a summer of learning, laughter, and growthāfor every camper and every critter, too. šµš¾
š Meet Madie ā Green Pepper Group Leader! š
Weāre so excited to introduce one of our incredible camp staff members, Madie, the Green Pepper group leader! Madie and her family have grown up around the farm. Madie has been a camper, a teen steward and now will be serving her first year as a group leader. Madie brings tons of energy, kindness, and enthusiasm to everything she does at campāand we know your campers are going to love getting to know her!
Madie is a big fan of all things activeāshe loves playing soccer and runs both cross country and track. When sheās not out on the field or running trails, sheās probably hanging out with animals (which she adores) or making campers laugh with her great sense of humor.
What makes Madie such a great leader is her genuine love for working with kids and getting to know all their different personalities. She says that one of her favorite parts of camp is meeting new people and spending quality time with the campers each day. Whether itās leading an exciting activity or just chatting during lunch, Madie is always ready to make connections.
Madie is also super passionate about science and is studying Human Biology with big dreams aheadāshe hopes to be an orthopedic surgeon and plans to be in medical school within the next five years. She says that working at camp helps her practice talking to people of all ages, a skill that will definitely come in handy in her future career!
Madie said if she was a farm animal she would beā¦ A goatābecause theyāre adventurous, just like her!
Some of Madieās camp favorites:
š¶ Favorite Camp Song: Banana Pancakes
šØ Favorite Camp Activity: Tie-Dye (expect some colorful creations in Green Peppers!)
Weāre lucky to have Madie on our team this summer, and we canāt wait for your camper to spend time with her. Get ready for a summer filled with smiles, adventure, and a whole lot of fun in Green Pepper!
š Meet Greg ā Yellow Pepper Group Leader & Future Business Leader with a Big Heart
Say hello to Greg, our spirited Yellow Pepper Group Leader whoās back for his third summer at campāthough heās been around Bowers Farm for what feels like forever! Whether heās leading a game, helping campers build confidence, or showing off his secret talent (yes, he can wiggle his ears and it looks like his whole head is moving!), Greg brings laughter, leadership, and a whole lot of heart to every day at camp.
Originally from Troy, Michigan, Greg is heading into his sophomore year at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU), where heās studying General Business and working toward an MBA. His future goal? To play an influential role in a company that helps people grow and thriveāsomething heās already practicing right here at camp.
āWhat inspired me to join the Farm Camp team was the opportunity to enrich kidsā summer experiences. It fills me with purpose,ā he says. For Greg, the best part of camp is watching kids light up as they learn something new and have fun doing it.
āEach day is never the same,ā he says. āThatās what makes working with kids so exciting.ā
This summer, Greg is most looking forward to teaching campers lessons theyāll take with them beyond camp, all while jumping into fun activities like his favoriteāinflatable archery. You might also catch him leading his favorite camp songs: āThe Hay Songā and the āCampfire Song Songā from SpongeBob šµ
If Greg were a farm animal? No questionāheād be a goat, because theyāre always having the time of their lives.
Camp is more than just a summer job for Gregāitās a space where he continues to grow, connect, and make a lasting impact. Weāre lucky to have him back for another amazing summer with the Yellow Peppers!
š§” Meet Adam ā Orange Pepper Group Leader & Future Builder of Big Things
Back for his second summer leading the Orange Peppers, Adam is bringing his calm energy, sense of humor, and thoughtful leadership back to the farmāalong with a mean bowl of mashed potatoes (seriously, itās his specialty š½ļø).
Born in Chicago and raised in Bloomfield Hills, Adam grew up loving camp, and now heās on a mission to give kids the same unforgettable experiences he had.
āI went to camp as a kid and had a great time. I want to help make sure other kids can have that same kind of summerāfull of fun, learning, and connection.ā
Adam loves watching campers learn and discover the world around them, whether itās through a first-time encounter with a farm animal or a quiet picnic under the mulberry treeāhis favorite camp tradition.
Currently studying Construction Management at Michigan State University, Adam is also working toward his Michigan Builders License. His ultimate goal? To start his own construction company and work on renovating homes and restoring historic buildings across the Midwest.
Turns out, working at camp is perfect training for that:
āAs a construction manager, Iāll be coordinating with contractors, investors, and engineersāand working with kids has definitely taught me patience and how to manage a group. Honestly, campers are easier than some contractors I know!ā
This summer, Adamās excited to reconnect with his fellow staff, welcome returning campers, and build on everything he learned last year to make this the best summer yet.
If Adam were a farm animal, heād be a horse out exploring the pasturesāa little adventurous, a little independent, and always observing. His go-to camp song is the āCampfire Song Songā from SpongeBob, and his favorite activities are hikes around the farm and laid-back picnics in the shade.
With his easy going nature, growing leadership skills, and dedication to giving kids a meaningful summer, Adam is a strong (and humble) cornerstone of the Orange Pepper team.
š Meet Caroline ā Red Pepper Group Leader & Outdoor Education Enthusiast
Back for her third summer with us, Caroline is leading the Red Pepper group with her signature energy, warmth, and a deep love for both the environment and the campers she works with. Hailing from Rochester Hills, she recently graduated from Butler University, where she studied Environmental Studies and Educationāthe perfect combination for someone who believes deeply in the power of connecting kids to the natural world.
āI love the farm!ā Caroline says. āI learned so much about food systems in college, and I believe itās so important to help children understand where their food comes from and how it connects to the environment.ā And of course, spending her summer surrounded by animals is just the cherry on top šš».
Carolineās favorite thing about working with kids? Their curiosity, imagination, and boundless joy. āI learn so much from campers every day. Building connections with them is incredibly special.ā
When sheās not leading outdoor adventures or rocking her camp chores (yesāshe LOVES chores, especially animal care!), you might find Caroline reading, running, doing yoga, or sipping coffee and soaking up sunshine with friends. Her favorite camp moments are the ones spent in the woods, collaborating with other groups and exploring nature hands-on.
This summer, sheās especially excited to reunite with returning campers, the steward team, and fellow staff. āItās so fun to see how much everyone has grown over the past year. I canāt wait to get outside and have some fun!ā
If she were a farm animal, Caroline would choose to be a cowāāsweet, peaceful, and munching grass in a sunny field all dayā sounds just right to her. While she insists she doesnāt have a secret talent (yet!), sheās always game to lead a camp song as long as the campers sing with her.
Caroline brings a beautiful blend of passion, purpose, and play to Bowers, and weāre so lucky to have her growing with us again this summer!
š Meet Riss ā Purple Pepper Group Leader! š»
Say hi to Marissa, who goes by Riss, our adventurous and kind-hearted Purple Pepper group leader! Riss brings a love for the outdoors, a passion for learning, and a heart for kids to everything she does here at camp.
When sheās not leading campers through exciting activities, Riss enjoys backpacking, cross-country camping, traveling, and being involved in ministry. Her love for the outdoors and for connecting with others makes her a natural fit for summer camp life!
Riss says she loves working with kids because of their creative spirits and pure joy. What excites her most about the summer is spending time in the sunshine, watching campers grow in courage, independence, and confidenceāall while having a blast.
Currently, Riss is pursuing a Bachelorās degree in Elementary Education, with a focus on middle-level math and science. Her dream is to become a public school teacher after graduation. She sees her time at camp as an amazing opportunity to develop skills that will carry into her future classroom.
āCamp stretches me to learn how to best serve children both relationally and academically,ā she shares. āThere are so many ways to learn, and the skills kids gain through summer camp are something I aspire to build on as an educator.ā
We asked Riss what farm animal sheād beāher answer? A bunny, of course! gentle, curious, and full of energy, just like her.
Her favorite camp song is "Bear Hunt", a high-energy classic that gets everyone up, moving, and having fun. When it comes to activities, shelter building tops her listāitās the perfect mix of creativity, teamwork, and outdoor adventure, giving campers the chance to problem-solve and work together while connecting with nature.
š“š¶ From Show Ring to Camp Trails: Meet Ella, taking the reins this summer āļøš¾
Say howdy to Ella, one of our amazing Horse Camp group leaders whoās bringing sunshine, a love for animals, and lots of contagious energy to the horse barn this summer! Hailing from Grosse Pointe, Ella is all about fresh air, four-legged friends, and country music playing in the background.
Ella isnāt just a fan of horsesāshe used to own and show them, and knows exactly what it means to build trust, care, and connection with these amazing animals. Whether it's teaching campers to groom, lead, or enjoy a trail ride, she brings the perfect mix of expertise and enthusiasm.
When Ellaās not with the horses š, youāll find her walking her dog, hanging with friends, or soaking in the outdoorsāexactly where she feels most at home.
Ella is currently studying Psychology at the University of Western Ontario, with dreams of one day working with troubled youth. Camp is the perfect place for her to build those skills:
āIt supports my personal goals of being outside and working with animals and kids, and it helps me grow professionally by learning to connect with different types of children.ā
What does Ella love most about working with campers?
š āTheir energy is contagious! I love teaching them new things and seeing how excited they get being around the horses.ā
This summer, sheās especially excited to dive into all the fun activities, meet new people, andāmaybe most importantlyālearn all the camp songs she doesnāt know yet. š¤
And if Ella could be any animal? No surprise here:
āA horseābecause they have a very free spirit.ā
Weāre lucky to have Ellaās calm confidence and horse knowledge leading the way in Horse Camp. With her in the saddle, it's going to be a summer to remember! š“š
š“ Meet Sophia ā Horse Riding Instructor & Lifelong Lover of All Things Equine
Say hello to Sophia, our skilled and passionate Camp Horse Riding Instructor, who brings a lifelong love for horsesāand a deep appreciation for agricultureāto every ride and barnyard moment at camp. Born and raised in Bloomfield Hills, Sophiaās journey with horses started right here at Bowers Farm, where she first fell in love with these incredible animals as a young camper.
āGrowing up, I came to Bowers on field tripsāand thatās really where my passion for horses and agriculture began,ā she says. Now, years later, sheās come full circleāteaching the next generation of campers in the very same barn where it all started.
Currently an Animal Science major at Michigan State University, with a concentration in the Equine Industry and a minor in Agribusiness Management, Sophia is preparing for a future in equine nutrition or a career in the agribusiness field. Her work at camp not only fills her summer with joyāit also supports her professional goals, giving her real-world experience in teaching, communication, and leadership.
āIt improves my confidence and helps me grow as an educator,ā she shares. āAnd itās directly connected to my field of study, which makes it even more meaningful.ā
Sophiaās favorite part of camp? The peopleācampers and staff alike.
āI love my farm friends, and I especially enjoy watching campers grow throughout the week, learning new things, and building confidence around animals.ā
Her favorite activities (besides riding, of course)? Teaching campers how to milk goats and showing our youngest groups, the Barnyard Buddies, how to gently carry chickens. šš
Outside of camp, Sophia loves playing polo, driving draft horses, gardening, reading, and baking. Her go-to camp song is āThe Hippo Songā And if she were a farm animal? Definitely a barn catācurious, calm, and always exactly where she wants to be.
Sophiaās journey started in our pastures, and now sheās giving back to the place that sparked her passionāone camper, one horse, and one joyful ride at a time.
šæ Meet Mica ā Farmer In Training Camp Group Leader š
Hometown: Southfield, MI
Major: Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resource Education at MSU (Go Green!)
Fun Fact: She can tap dance! š
Say hey to Mica, our high-energy, goat-loving group leader for Farmer In Training Camp! A proud Spartan and future agriculture educator, Mica is passionate about sustainability, food systems, andāof courseāhaving all the fun at camp.
When sheās not busy leading her crew of future farmers, youāll probably find Mica experimenting with new recipes, making art, camping with friends, or chasing her dog around the yard. Sheās a huge fan of pickleball, biking, and the occasional archery round too!
Mica grew up going to sleepaway camp for seven years, and sheās on a mission to help every camper have the kind of magical, meaningful summer experience that she still cherishes. āEvery kid deserves to feel the connection to agriculture, food, and animals,ā she says. āAnd I LOVE the energy and silliness! Iām a total kid at heart.ā
šÆ What sheās most excited about this summer?
āBecoming BFFs with a goat, learning hands-on skills I canāt get in a classroom, and bonding with the amazing staff team!ā
Whether sheās leading a garden harvest, crafting up a storm, or swapping life lessons with campers, Mica is always ready to listen, laugh, and lead. She's got big dreams of managing an urban farm to help nourish marginalized communitiesāand sees camp as the perfect launch pad for learning, connection, and lots of muddy fun.
Oh, and if you hear someone singing Best Day of My Life at full volume? Thatās probably Micaāliving her camp dream one goat cuddle at a time. šš
š± Meet Brett ā Garden Kitchen Leader & Future Holistic Health Coach
Back for his second summer at camp, Brett is stepping into a new role as our Garden Kitchen Leader, after leading the Purple Pepper group last year! Whether heās teaching kids about composting, harvesting fresh produce, or leading a spirited singalong, Brett brings passion, purpose, and positivity to everything he does.
Born in West Bloomfield, Michigan, Brett is all about the outdoorsāhe loves hiking, yoga, hitting the gym, and even unwinding with video games. But his biggest passion? Helping people reconnect with the planet through food, nutrition, and self-awareness.
āTeaching kids the significance of food is so important,ā he says. āItās a huge part of helping people become more in tune with the Earth and with themselves.ā
This summer, Brett is excited to use the Garden Kitchen as a space to help campers form a meaningful relationship with what they eatāand where it comes from. It also gives him the perfect opportunity to develop his own skills as he pursues a future in nutrition, holistic health, and life coaching. One day, he hopes to start his own wellness brand and travel the world to broaden his perspective and inspire others.
Camp is also just plain fun for Brett. He loves a music-filled lunch under the mulberry tree, jamming to āThere Was a Moose,ā and joining campers in a joyful singalong. And if he could be any farm animal? A horse, of courseāso he could run like the wind. š
With his heart for helping others, his passion for sustainable living, and his experience from last summer, Brett is ready to make this season in the Garden Kitchen even more enrichingāfor campers and himself!
š§āāļøšØ Meet Megan ā Creating & Climbing Camp Leader & Outdoor Learning Enthusiast
If youāre looking for someone who can help you paint a masterpiece and cheer you on as you soar down the zipline, look no further than Megan, our incredible Creating & Climbing Camp Leader! A Michigan native, Megan brings her love of hiking, reading, gardening, and all things outdoorsāalong with her adventurous spiritāto camp.
With a strong background in place-based and adventure-based education, Megan was drawn to Farm Camp because it brings together everything sheās passionate about. As both a farm-based education leader and ropes course manager here at Bowers, she knows just how powerful hands-on experiences in nature can be.
āIāve seen how outdoor learning builds confidence, connection, and creativity,ā she says. āIām so excited to help campers grow through both art and adventure this summer.ā
Meganās favorite part of working with kids is watching them grow and discover their own strengthāwhether thatās through mastering the high ropes course or expressing themselves through art.
āTheir curiosity and energy make every day rewarding,ā she says. āI love seeing their confidence build as they take on challenges and explore the world around them.ā
This summer, Megan canāt wait to share the joy of creating, support campers in team-building, and, of course, cheer them on as they fly down the ziplineāher favorite camp activity! š§āāļøšØ
And if she were a farm animal? Definitely a goatābecause who wouldnāt want to climb everything, snack all day, and hang out with their herd? š
Meganās favorite camp song is āJellyfish!,ā and her favorite part of each day is seeing kids step outside their comfort zones and realize just how capable they really are. With her calm encouragement and adventurous heart, Megan helps campers make memoriesāand build confidenceāthat will last long after summer ends.
š“š Meet Nicki ā Our Horse-Loving, Fun-Making Camp Superstar! ššæ
If youāve ever heard laughter echoing from the pony paddock or spotted a smiling face cheering on a camper from the climbing wall, thereās a good chance it was Nickiāour bright, bubbly, and endlessly encouraging Horse Camp, Pony Camp, and Climbing Camp support rockstar!
Nicki brings her love of horses, passion for education, and signature sunshine-y smile to everything she does on the farm. Whether sheās helping little ones find their confidence in the saddle š, guiding campers through a climbing adventure š§āāļø, or just spreading joy with a joke and a high-five, Nicki makes every day feel like the best day ever.
š± A year-round member of our team, Nicki also works as an instructional guide for educational programming at the farm and Nature Center. Sheās a natural educator who knows how to connect with kids of all ages and learning stylesāalways making nature, animals, and hands-on learning feel approachable and fun.
From horse grooming lessons to goat giggles and everything in between, Nicki helps bring the heart to camp. Her love for animals, infectious energy, and genuine joy in helping campers learn and grow make her a beloved presence on the farm year after year.
Whether youāre tying your first halter or tackling your fear of heights, Nickiās the one cheering you on with a big grin and just the right words of encouragement.
š“š Thank you, Nicki, for making the farm such a fun, welcoming, and empowering place to beāfor campers and critters alike!
š·š Meet Sam ā The Farmās Youngest Animal Whisperer & Showman Extraordinaire! šš¤
If itās got hooves, feathers, fur, or floppy ears, Sam knows how to care for itāand probably has a ribbon or two to prove it! As our Animal Care Specialist and Handler Extraordinaire, Sam is the go-to expert on all things livestock at Bowers School Farm.
A proud Freshman at Bloomfield Hills High School, Sam may be one of the youngest farmers around these parts, but donāt let that fool youāheās shown every single species of animal at the farm.
Whether itās washing cows, walking sheep š, feeding pigs š, or calming chickens š before a big day in the ring, Sam brings patience, skill, and confidence to every part of animal care. Heās got the calm hands of a pro handler and the passion of someone who genuinely loves what he does.
š "Samās the kind of person who can tell you each animalās name, their favorite snack, and what time they like their bedtime hay,ā says Kate (Our operations leader, and most importantly Samās mom). āHeās basically the animalās favorite person.ā
And while he may be elbows-deep in feed buckets or adjusting halters most days after school, Sam also loves to share his knowledge with campersāteaching them the right way to hold a rabbit, or how to approach a curious cow with confidence. Heās kind, approachable, and always happy to help (with a joke or a fun fact thrown in for good measure).
šļø Fun Fact: Sam has experience showing animals competitively and is already making a name for himself in the world of youth showmanship. Heās got his eyes on the prizeāand a barn full of friends backing him up!
From mucking stalls to mentoring campers, Sam keeps the barnyard running like a well-oiled (and well-fed) machine. Heās the kind of team member every farm dreams of: skilled, funny, endlessly dedicated, and always ready to lend a handāor hoof.
