2025 Summer Staff
2024 Summer Staff
2023 Summer Staff
2022 Summer Staff
2021 Summer Staff
2019 Summer Staff
Meet Our Leadership Team
Brad Cripe -Executive Director
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lived and worked in 3 states and 4 different countries!- Degree or experience:
Bachelors in Recreation Management-Emphasis on Children and Adult programs
22 years in the industry - Favorite past experience working with young people:
Over the course of 20+ years I have found that each year is its own experience with laughter, smiles, and learning opportunities. When you see the sparkle in a camper’s eye because they discovered something new about themselves or nature–I feel accomplished knowing that I helped provide the opportunity that allowed such a discovery. - What you like about working for LGFAA:
The Campers!! The staff!! The culture that we have created of being an inclusive, understanding program that is able to help all of our participants no matter where they are in life. I appreciate the autonomy to be able to do what is RIGHT for our campers and staff. This models the attitude that we want our campers to adhere to throughout the entire agency. - Future Plans:
My plans for the future include growing the LGFAA! Id like to be able to serve more amazing kids, while having programs and a facility that our campers can be proud of. Keep watching… there are big things to come. - Random facts:
I love Rock Climbing, Hiking, Camping, and having adventures! Hobbies also include building cars and Starwars. When I was a counselor my Camp name was “TOAD” and I still have Toad decorations all over my office!
Cierrae Caver-Chouhan – Camp Director / Associate Executive LGFAA
- Hometown: Chicago,IL | Downers Grove,IL
- Degree or experience: Bachelors in Recreation Parks and Tourism Administration | Emphasis – Youth Development | Minor – Nonprofit Management. Master’s in Applied Anthropology – Youth and Community Development
- Favorite past experience working with young people: I find it difficult to answer this question because working with youth brings countless sunshine moments! However, to name a few, it’s amazing to witness a camper conquer a fear in just a 6-day Camp Session, see the growth of a camper over the years and become an ELITE teen, or witness the bonds created amongst all the campers and staff at the end of each session. These moments warm my heart, knowing that I had an impact on these young people and helped them to have an experience that they will remember for a lifetime.
- What you like about working for LGFAA: Where do I begin, and most importantly, what’s not to like? Have you met our summer staff, full-time team and most importantly OUR CAMPERS? Being on the LGFAA team is not only fun but also rewarding work, and our mission is something I am proud to say I’m a part of. Also, I love working for a camp community that values diversity, inclusivity, and growth (educational, mental and personal). LGFAA’s work culture provides opportunities for everyone to feel empowered to share their unique perspectives and ideas. When you love what you do, it doesn’t even feel like work – and I can definitely say that’s true for me at Holiday Home Camp!
- Future Plans:
- Random fact: While I played Rugby during all four years of my Undergrad. During my time completing my master’s degree in London, I had the opportunity to play in a competitive Women’s Basketball League that hosted players from various countries. It was an amazing experience to build connections and friendships with women from all corners of the world who were ambitious and driven. It was loads of fun!
Britlyn Greenlee – HHC Assistant Camp Director / Community Outreach
- Hometown: Rockford, Illinois
- Degree or experience:
- Favorite past experience working with young people:
- What you like about working for LGFAA:
- Future Plans:
- Random facts:
Elle Woods – Program Director – Rentals, Weddings and Events
- Hometown: Gurnee, IL
- Degree or experience: Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise & Sports Science
- Favorite past experience working with young people: One of the most rewarding parts of my work has been watching children grow and learn at every age. A moment that never gets old for me is seeing a child learn how to swim for the first time. As a water lover myself, being part of that milestone again and again each summer is incredibly special and meaningful to me while I have been part of the camp community.
- What you like about working for LGFAA: What I love most about LGFAA is the strong sense of community. It’s a place that gives back and truly feels like a family, bringing together people from all over the world to grow, connect, and support one another.
- Future Plans: My future plans are always evolving. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities LGFAA has given me to grow and step into new roles. Through this work, I’ve learned the importance of growth and learning in every situation. I hope to continue developing within the field of youth education and see where that journey leads me next
- Random facts: I pretty much only wear Crocs — even in the winter. They’re definitely one of my favorite things!
Mark Feldman – O.W.L.S. Director – Associate Director LGFAA
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Hometown: Buffalo Grove, Illinois - Degree or experience: I have a Bachelors in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Management from George Williams College of Aurora University. I have had 7 years in the industry. I am also a certified Challenge Course Manager as well as a Red Cross Life Guard.
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Favorite past experience working with young people: I absolutely LOVE seeing people do something for their first time. Whether it is learning to throw a ball, getting to ride a boat, catch a fish, or fly down the zipline. The look on their face and the feeling of joy that they have is infectious and facilitates the same reaction in myself.
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What you like about working for LGFAA: Creating connections with people from all walks of life is incredible. Interacting with staff, participants, donors, volunteers, and community members keep things exciting and fun. When I go home at the end of the day and ask myself “Did you have fun today?” 99 out of 100 days the answer is “YES.”
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Future Plans: I am hard at work improving my leadership and management skills so I can set my self up to become a well rounded executive director in the future.
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Random fact: I am a rabid fisherman! In the past I spent 4 years working at Bass Pro Shops as the de facto Master-Guru of Marine Electronics. If you need anything fishing or boating related I am the man to go to!
Gary “Big Dog” Cwidak -Keeper of the Flame & Guest Appearance Facilitator
- Hometown: South Bend, Indiana
- Degree or experience:
Undergraduate Degree Indiana University – BA in Psychology
Graduate Degree: University of Wisconsin Whitewater – MS in Counselor Education - Favorite past experience working with young people:
Working with ten 8th grade boys who had every difficult label the school could put on them. We co-created an amazing, heartfelt experience that left the school counselor and me in tears of joy by the end. - What you like about working for OWLS:
Professional staff, high quality programming, and diverse clientele. - Future Plans (post-OWLS):
What? Big Dog leave OWLS? Shame on you! ½ way there semi-retired - Random fact:
The nickname “Big Dog” not only reflects my nature, but after a day of bicycling, I really smell like a big dog.
2025 Facilitators
2019 Facilitators
2018 Facilitators
OWLS Staff ACCT Certifications
Mark Feldman Level II Challenge Course Manager (CCM)
Big Dog Level II; Challenge Course Manager (CCM)
Deb Fritz Level II; Challenge Course Manager (CCM)
