Programs : Camp Christopher : Staff
John Litten
Director of Camp Christopher
John Litten has never outgrown his love of Camp Christopher. Beginning as a camper at age 5, John used to dream about spending his whole life at camp. Every year, John returned to camp with his family during Family Camp, a long standing tradition with his family that still continues today. Even when John left the area to pursue his BFA at Ohio University, he always returned to camp in the summer as a counselor or program director. Upon graduation from OU, John returned to Camp Christopher as a full time program coordinator from 2001 – 2005, and was promoted to Director in 2005. Most people that know John still see him as a big kid. You’ll frequently find John leading the “Shake Song” (hear him sing on our website under Downloads), jumping off the docks at 7:30 AM for the morning group swim, or running the 4th of July mile run with Family Campers.
John operates camp with intense passion because he wants every child that comes to Camp Christopher to leave with the same experience he has had for over 20 years! He also takes the responsibility of hiring the summer camp staff very seriously. “I bring my own family to Family Camp and I wouldn’t hire a staff member unless I trusted them with my own children. We treat our camp program as an essential part of the upbringing of every child. So a positive camp experience is more important than just one week.”
In his spare time, John enjoys art, hiking, and baseball, and is currently pursuing his Masters in Public Administration at Cleveland State University. He is a member of the American Camp Association and sits on the Ohio Section Board of Directors. John is married to his camp sweetheart, Carrie, a former camp nurse and has 3 children that attend camp every summer. “Collectively, Carrie and I have done nearly every job at camp. I hope that makes parents feel comfortable.”
Roberta Bandfield
Waterfront Director
In 2008, Camp Christopher was thrilled to have Roberta Bandfield join the staff as Waterfront Director. This summer, Roberta is back again for a third summer and is ready for action! She states, “I can't wait for summer to begin. The addition of the blue mat and the changes in the waterfront last year make this year much more exciting.”
Roberta is trained as a Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Instructor and has over 30 years of camp experience as a camper, counselor and program director. As a kid, Roberta attended CYO Camp Isaac Jogues and previously ran the CYO Camp Christopher Environmental Education Program.
With degrees from Kent State University (BS Recreation) and Ursuline College (MA Education), Roberta currently teaches computers at St. Michael School in Independence. In her spare time, Roberta enjoys swimming (are you surprised?), canoeing, hiking, biking, and reading.
Sarah Qua
Program Director
Sarah Qua's first experience with Camp Christopher was when her mom, a former CYO Camp Isaac Jogues camper, encouraged her and her sister to attend camp for week. That was the beginning of her camp resume that includes over 10 years of camping, plus 2 years as a counselor, 2 years as the Crafts Director, and her upcoming assignment of Program Director. “I’m very excited for the upcoming summer season and planning great programs for all the incoming campers. Camp has been an important part of my family for many years. My sister and I are both on staff now and we love every minute of it,” Sarah said. Watch out campers, Sarah’s favorite camp activity is hiking! She will make sure that every camper gets to see the many trails and unique landscapes that Camp Christopher has to offer.
Sarah currently attends Miami University and is majoring in Early Childhood Education. She is a member of Adopt-a-School, Kappa Delta Pi, and First Book. She enjoys reading, cooking, scrapbooking and of course, hiking!
Jason Wessel
Program Director
“Camp is the one of the greatest places on earth,” says Jason Wessel, Program Director for the 2010 camping season. “I started coming to Camp when I entered the 8th grade and wish I had done it sooner.” This summer will be Jason’s 9th summer at Camp Christopher having spent 3 summers as a camper and 5 summers as a counselor. Jason is looking forward to his new role as program director and sharing his love of camp with every camper that walks through the gates this summer. His favorite camp activity is hiking while sharing stories and teaching campers about nature.
Camp is extra special to Jason because he shares his summers with his two younger brothers. One brother will be a counselor this year and the other will be camping for the 5th time. “Camp is a great place for families to come together,” says Jason. “I know my brothers and I wouldn’t have the relationship we have if it wasn’t for camp.”
Jason is a junior at Ashland University majoring in middle grade education. He is a member of Collegiate Middle Learners Association, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and Club Lacrosse. He also works as a Resident Assistant, Intramural Official and DJ on WRDL Radio.
Kristen Stipek
Program Director
Back for her 11th summer at Camp Christopher is Kristen Stipek. Kristen started her career at camp in the 5th grade and spent 6 years as a camper before becoming a counselor. She worked as a counselor for the last four summers and is beyond excited to serve as Program Director this summer. “I am thrilled to be in a new leadership position this year and look forward to making it a very special summer for our campers,” says Kristen. “The Christopher Spirit is contagious!”
Kristen attends Miami University and is working on a major in Speech Communication and a minor in Child Studies. She is a member of Alpha Omicron Pi and Best Buddies. In her spare time, Kristen enjoys the outdoors, running, cooking and the Cleveland Cavaliers. She has a hard time picking her favorite camp activity but ranks hiking, swimming in Lake Marion and song time as her top 3.
Kara Tomaszewski
Day Camp Co-Director
Kara Tomaszewski thinks of Camp Christopher as her home away from home. "It is not just a place but, a staple of my past and now growing future." Kara spent the past 8 summers at Camp Christpher: 7 years as a camper and 1 year as the Arts & Crafts Director. This summer, Kara is stepping into a new role as Day Camp Co-Director and cannot wait to share her love of camp with hundreds of day campers this summer.
Kara is very creative and outgoing. Her enthusiasm for camp is reflected in everything she says and does. "You can't help but pass through the gates and feel like you are in a different world and I believe that is why I have fallen in love with Camp Christoher," says Kara. "It's a different incredible world!" Last summer, Kara received the distinguished "Joe Department" camp staff award.
Kara received a BA in Communication Studies and a Minor in Art History from Mount Union College. She will return to school this fall to pursue her Masters Degree in Visual Arts Education. While at Mount Union, she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, USAC Study Abroad, Mount Union Varsity Cheerleading, American Women's Society, GAMMA, Greek Judicial Board and Relay for Life. She is certified in CPR and First Aid.
Jessica Sullivan
Day Camp Co-Director
Camp Christopher welcomes Jessica Sullivan as the new Day Camp Co-Director. Jessica brings 4 years of camping and counselor experience, plus an energetic attitude to the Day Camp program. “Camp Christopher is a loving, happy community of good people who just want to have a good time together, enjoy the outdoors, and make memories,” says Jessica. “I look forward to meeting all the Day Campers this summer!” Jessica can’t wait to share her love of hiking and the outdoors with this year’s campers.
Jessica attends the University of Dayton and is majoring in Middle Childhood Education with a focus on Math and Science. She is a member of Epsilon Delta Upsilon and enjoys being outside, running, reading, listening to music and cake decorating.
Lisa Cox-Ayers
Stables Co-Director
Lisa returns to Camp Christopher for her second summer as Stables Co-Director. As an avid horse lover and owner of 3 horses, Lisa brings years of experience to share with campers. She is looking forward to providing a positive experience to every camper that visits the stables and is excited to offer Horse Camp for 6 weeks this summer.
When not at Camp, Lisa works for the Revere Local School District. She has been a member of 4-H for 15 years and enjoys running marathons, camping and gardening in her spare time. Her favorite camp activity in the Turtle Race.
Ashley Boiano
Stables Co-Director
Camp Christopher is pleased to have Ashley Boiano for a third summer as Stables Co-Director. “I love teaching campers about horses and look forward to 6 weeks of our new horse camp.” Ashley’s favorite activity at camp is night rides with horse campers. She enjoys the peaceful and beautiful atmosphere of camp.
Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Ohio University. In her spare time, she enjoys riding her two horses, Willie and Harlee, walking her dog Lily, and playing video games with her husband Rob.
Kathy Winders
Camp Registrar
registrar@clevelandcatholiccharities.org
Dial 800-CYO-CAMP and most likely, you’ll be talking to Kathy Winders. Kathy is the voice of camp that processes thousands of phone calls, e-mails, and applications every year. In her 7th year as Camp Registrar, Kathy still enjoys working with parents and campers, and meeting the faces that go with the voices at Sunday registration.
Kathy’s advice to parents: get your applications in early. Last year, camp sold out every week and had waiting lists of over 50 kids. She jokes, “Camp Christopher is one of the most popular camps in Northeast Ohio. There are only so many beds at camp and while some parents have tried to bribe me for a spot, it doesn’t work. I process applications in the order that they are received.”
Kathy and her husband, Dave, live in Bath Township and have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. She enjoys reading, crocheting, cooking, traveling and holds the record for best Snickerdoodle in town.
Sherry Frisby
Foodservice Manager
One of the most important people at camp is Sherry Frisby. For 12 years, Sherry has been responsible for feeding thousands of hungry campers. Sherry puts in a full day preparing breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, and keeps our campers full of energy for their busy days of activities. Prior to becoming the Foodservice Manager, Sherry was a camper and a Junior Counselor.
Sherry is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in Special Education. She enjoys dancing tap, jazz and hip-hop. Her favorite camp activity is the Camp Dances.
CYO Camp Christopher Summer 2009 Staff
Did you know?
Counselors and other members of the CYO Camp Christopher staff either attend or have graduated from 32 different colleges and universities. We're proud to have such a high quality staff this season. Check out where they're from...
Ashland University
Bowling Green University
Cleveland State University
College of Wooster
Cuyahoga Community College
Emory University
Hocking College
John Carroll University
Kent State University
Loyola Chicago
Malone College
Mercyhurst College
Miami University
Mount Union College
Ohio Dominican University
Ohio State University
Ohio University
Saint Bonaventure
Saint Louis University
Thiel College
University of Akron
University of Cincinnati
University of Dayton
University of Kentucky
University of Notre Dame
University of Toledo
University of Vermont
Walsh University
Xavier University