Our seasonal summer camp staff is a highly trained and professional team of college-aged individuals who are passionate about creating a fun and enriching experience for our campers. Our staff members come from a variety of backgrounds, including philosophy, education, conservation, recreation, and ministry. They are all eager to share their love of Jesus and adventure with our campers.
Our staff members are trained in CPR, first aid, and child safety. They are also trained in a variety of activities, including swimming, hiking, canoeing, and arts and crafts. We are committed to providing a safe and fun environment for our campers, and our staff members are essential to making that happen.
We are proud of our staff members and the work they do each summer. They are the heart of our camp, and we are grateful for their dedication to our campers.
Site Director
Sean Gundersen is an experienced Camp Director with an extensive background in risk management and camp operations. He is passionate about the camp experience and the transformations seen through summer camp. Sean has both a B.S and M.S in Recreation Management and Administration from Northwest Missouri State University. Sean has 15 years of professional camp experience in the Des Moines Metro and most recently at the Des Moines YMCA Camp, and previously, University of Nebraska – Lincoln. In addition to his professional experience, Sean got his start as a summer camp counselor in adventure programming and waterfront at a private boy’s camp in New Hampshire. When not at camp, Sean enjoys family time with his wife and children, camping, creek stomping, and enjoying a nice campfire.
Camp Program Manager
Mikaela has been involved with Wesley Woods Camp for over 16 years through her time as a camper, Junior Staff and Summer Staff. She has a passion for youth and looks forward to helping them develop a relationship with God while having fun at camp! In her free time, Mikaela enjoys biking, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her fiancé.
Group Camping Manager
Asic is from western Nebraska, and attended the University of Nebraska Kearney, where he spent his summers working at the Nebraska 4-H Camps. After college Asic moved to Iowa to pursue a career in camp. In his free time Asic enjoys being outdoors, cooking with friends, or reading a good book.
Property Manager
John has been full time staff at Wesley Woods for more than 30 years. He has served on Summer Staff, Volunteer Ministry Assistant and Ranch Manager before taking over as Building and Grounds Manager. John is originally from northeast Missouri and is married to Lora Appenzeller. John and Lora are blessed with four children: Andreas, Annaliese, Angelika and Anson.
Food Services Manager
After 30 plus years managing in the foodservice industry Rick felt called to return to his roots in the camp kitchen. With experience at three previous camps and several other foodservice operations, Rick brings a passion for tasty food and superior service. He enjoys working with the camp staff team to make Wesley Woods the number one choice for camping and retreats in Central Iowa.
Barn and Creation Education Coordinator
Sierra brings extensive experience from UM camping, having served at UMC Camps in Louisiana and North Carolina. She has a deep passion for horses and has held several leadership roles in equine programs, most recently coordinating a large summer camp riding program. Sierra was also a Golden Valley Camper!