Leadership
Meet The Directors
Executive Directors Steve “Cujo” and Sara “Salsa” Kuljis have been at the helm of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp since 1998. They are second generation directors of this well-loved and respected program which was founded in 1973 by Sara’s parents, Jim and Manya Slevcove. With three kids of their own, they know the value of having heroes and role models who help shape their children in positive ways.
Sara has served on the board of the American Camp Association for the Southern California/Hawaii Section, and is one of their frequent speakers and trainers. Additionally, she conducts a variety of parenting workshops and podcasts.
Steve brings extensive experience in building and facility management, business administration, and wilderness camping. Steve served as legislative chair for Western Association of Independent Camps, and as a board member of the California Coalition for Youth.
Meet the Directors
Executive Directors Steve “Cujo” and Sara “Salsa” Kuljis have been at the helm of Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp since 1998. They are second generation directors of this well-loved and respected program which was founded in 1973 by Sara’s parents, Jim and Manya Slevcove. With three kids of their own, they know the value of having heroes and role models who help shape their children in positive ways.
Sara has served on the board of the American Camp Association for the Southern California/Hawaii Section, and is one of their frequent speakers and trainers. Additionally, she conducts a variety of parenting workshops and podcasts.
Steve brings extensive experience in building and facility management, business administration, and wilderness camping. Steve served as legislative chair for Western Association of Independent Camps, and as a board member of the California Coalition for Youth.
Associate Director, Reverend Ron “Skeeter” Eckert, has served with YSSC for over twenty years. As a long time director, Ron honed skills essential for effectively leading programs and shaping the lives of children and youth. He also serves as the onsite Director of YSSC’s sister program Emerald Cove Day Camp in San Juan Capistrano.
Jessica “Sprinkles” Peterson is the Associate Director for Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp. Jessica joined the camp directors full-time in 2019 after serving on staff in a myriad of ways for 8 summer seasons. She has a Masters in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently working toward a Masters in Spiritual Formation from Talbot Seminary. With her background in church ministry and youth development, she is enthusiastic in shaping and serving campers and staff alike. Jessica shares her love for camp ministry with her husband Brandon – also called “Snaps” – whom she met while working at YSSC. He’ll be seen around camp participating in campfire songs and eating monster cookies!
Savannah “Popcorn” Lawrence is the Administrative Director for Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp. She started her camp journey at seven years old at our resident program, Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp! Her love for camp led her to become a counselor in 2017, as well as a YoungLife leader for four years while at Azusa Pacific University. She has a B.A. in Journalism with a Media Studies emphasis and background in marketing, writing, graphic design, and social media management. Her passion for child development and camp has led her to our team!
Michael “Apex” Jones is the Operations Director for Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp. Michael has been part of the YSSC family since childhood and plays an essential role in the YSSC experience. A past camper, summer staffer and camper parent, Michael also has 16 years of experience as a digital fine art print maker, professional photographer, and manager. For over 10 years, he has overseen all aspects of YSSC’s operations, facilities, fleet, and adventure programming. He is a gifted teacher and mentor to staff, and devoted husband and family man. Along with his wife Denise – also called “Shasta” – Michael enjoys working year-round with young adults, encouraging them in their faith and personal growth.
Hannah “Roo” Helwege is the Program Director for Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp. After serving with YSSC as a counselor and guest speaker for 5 of the last 10 summers, Hannah joined the camp directors full-time in early 2024. With a Masters of Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and a decade-long background in church ministry, Hannah is passionate about creating environments wherein the next generation can grow, learn, and flourish. Along with her husband Tim – also called “Teapot” – Hannah is eager to spend the summer in the mountains with the world’s greatest campers.
Emerald Cove Day Camp
Get to know the leadership of our sister program, Emerald Cove Day Camp!
Dylan “Levi” Wade is the Program Director for Emerald Cove Day Camp. His first experience with YSSC dates back to 20 years ago! With over 12 years of experience in camp ministries, and recently serving as the Director of JOY Summer Camp in Jackson Hole, WY, Dylan shares a love of old-fashioned fun, is passionate about shaping young adults, and has a desire to see both campers and staff grow. Along with his knowledge of leadership as a director of several children’s programs, Dylan lives out camp’s mission to help children grow in character, skills, relationships, and faith. A teacher by trade, Dylan enjoys being in nature and has a habit of singing silly camp songs!
Camryn “Camo” Ostrander is the Assistant Program Director of Emerald Cove Day Camp. She first joined our staff in the kitchen at YSSC in 2019! After working in various positions (activity specialist, counselor, ops) at YSSC, she is sharing her love for camp on a new adventure with ECDC. She has a B.A. in Literature with an emphasis in English Education from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in digital marketing, project management, and event planning. She is excited to work alongside the team to bring her love for camp to Orange County.
Emerald Cove Day Camp
Get to know the leadership of our sister program, Emerald Cove Day Camp!
Dylan Wade is the Program Director for Emerald Cove Day Camp. His first experience with YSSC dates back to 20 years ago! With over 12 years of experience in camp ministries, and recently serving as the Director of JOY Summer Camp in Jackson Hole, WY, Dylan shares a love of old-fashioned fun, is passionate about shaping young adults, and has a desire to see both campers and staff grow. Along with his knowledge of leadership as a director of several children’s programs, Dylan lives out camp’s mission to help children grow in character, skills, relationships, and faith. A teacher by trade, Dylan enjoys being in nature and has a habit of singing silly camp songs!
Camryn Ostrander is the Assistant Program Director of Emerald Cove Day Camp. She first joined our staff in the kitchen at YSSC in 2019! After working in various positions (activity specialist, counselor, ops) at YSSC, she is sharing her love for camp on a new adventure with ECDC. She has a B.A. in Literature with an emphasis in English Education from Point Loma Nazarene University, and has a background in digital marketing, project management, and event planning. She is excited to work alongside the team to bring her love for camp to Orange County.