Leadership

Name: Michelle Narang
Hometown: Merritt, BC
Position: Executive Director
Years Working at Camps: Rookie Year!

I am passionate about supporting an organization that champions meaningful inclusion and diversity while nurturing a deep love and connection to the land and all it offers us while focusing on kindness to self, kindness to others and kindness to the environment around us. I truly believe that the camping experience gives children the opportunity to ‘find’ themselves in nature, be celebrated for who they choose to be and build community with others – this is the transformational nature of camp!

An accomplished Executive Director with over 20 years of progressive non-profit management experience and a deep commitment to Reconciliation through social and recreational programming in Alberta and in the establishment of meaningfully inclusive spaces, she will be most welcome to the Camp as we encourage a program that is varied, and all-encompassing to everyone. She is highly organized, detail-oriented as a leader, and skilled in directing high performing teams to develop solutions and solve operational and technical problems. Successfully implementing systems across multiple operations with superior organizational and communication skills, Michelle offers strategic planning abilities, change management and a forward-thinking mindset.

Michelle holds a BA in Women’s Studies with a focus on Native North America from the University of Calgary (first two years completed at University of Northern BC) and is working towards the Indigenous Community and Industry Relations certificate with Yellowhead Tribal College and University of Alberta.

Name: Alyssa Cameron
Hometown: Pincher Creek, Alberta
Position: Camp Director
Years Working at Camps: 18 (3 Years @ Cadicasu)

Prior to Cadicasu, Alyssa was the Executive Director at Mill Creek, another camp in Southern Alberta. To say that summer camp was formative to who she is today would be an understatement. She is dedicated to creating a safe space for people to experience belonging, encouragement, and growth.

As a shy eleven year old, Alyssa had no desire to be dropped off in the woods with a bunch of strangers at summer camp. Fortunately, her parents knew it would be life-changing and encouraged her to stick out her first week as a camper. She returned each summer in every capacity she could from camp counsellor to program director – she’s done it all.

Alyssa has a diploma in Disability and Community Rehabilitation from Lethbridge College and is finishing up her final few courses towards a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree with a Major in Human Services from Athabasca University. She had the privilege of completing the International Camp Director Course taught by John Jorgensen, past president of the International Camping Fellowship.

Name: Samantha Morris
Hometown: Owen Sound, Ontario
Position: Assistant Operations Manager
Years Working at Camps: 4 (2 Years @ Cadicasu)

Sam came to Cadicasu after working as a nurse in Ontario for several years. She was originally our Medic for a couple of summers before joining our full-time leadership team. Sam graduated from St. Lawrence College and completed a handful of courses at Queen’s University during her degree.

Going to camp since she was eight years old, Sam has a long history with the camping world. Her love for the industry developed when she took part of a 5-year Youth Leadership Program and became even stronger when she worked at Tim Hortons Camps while going to college.

Sam values that camp creates a space that is fun, challenging, and rewarding for everyone. She enjoys spending her free time outside hiking, canoeing, and sitting around campfires. If you ask her nicely, she might show you her incredible baton twirling abilities.

Name: Tanisha Maclaren
Hometown: Red Deer, Alberta
Position: Office Manager
Years Working at Camps: 7 (7 Years @ Cadicasu)

Tanisha’s camp journey began with our Leader-in-Training program at Cadicasu where she fell in love with the happy community and wonder of exploring nature. Prior to joining our our full-time leadership team, she worked as a cabin leader and senior staff member. Her camp experiences inspire her to help provide the same opportunities to many children.

After completing the third year of her Bachelor of Science degree at Mount Royal University, Tanisha is taking some time away from her studies to work at camp full-time before returning to her classes. Her goal is to study medicine in the future and continue working with children in a different capacity.

Tanisha is passionate about fostering a space where every person feels valued, safe, and free to have fun. Her favourite part of camp is welcoming new people, seeing so many friendly faces, and singing at our evening campfires.

Name: Mike Nelson
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Position: Director Emeritus
Years Working at Camps: 30

After successfully running Camp Cadicasu for 25 years, Mike’s retirement in 2013 marked the end of an era for us. He first came to camp as a camper and then worked his way through the system of being everything from a counsellor, to a member of the maintenance staff and finally accepted the role of Managing Director in 1989.

Mike’s positive energy and commitment led to the creation of a “home away from home” for everyone. He focused the culture of camp on providing an opportunity to live together with a sense of community and spiritual support while delivering a high level of wonder. His vision for camp and legacy continues to be the platform in which we move forward.

As past president of the Alberta Camping Association and the Canadian Camping Association, in addition to being the Western Canadian representative at the World Camping Congress, Mike’s wisdom is invaluable. He spent many years in the Yukon as the Task Force for Government developing integral child care legislation. Mike is a graduate of Alberta University of the Arts (formerly Alberta College of Art & Design) and remains a keen artist.