Meet Our Team

  • Denis (he/him/his)

    VOLUNTEER CAMP DIRECTOR

    "I was almost 40 when I came out.  I lived with the struggle to feel good about myself and to feel valued in who I was.  I never want any youth to feel like that.  I want them to know how special and wonderful they are and to feel loved.  That truly is the reason I wanted to start Camp Haven and eliminate the fear and insecurities one queer youth at a time.”

  • Jeremy (he/him/his)

    VOLUNTEER CAMP CO-DIRECTOR

    “As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a summer camp coordinator for over 20 years, it is an honor to help create a safe and meaningful summer camp experience for our LGBTQ+ youth in North Texas.  I’ve witnessed group therapy in a summer camp setting change the lives of hundreds of kids in my time volunteering at El Tesoro De La Vida and I’m so excited to see Camp Haven do the same for our queer youth!”

  • Amanda (she/her/hers)

    CLINICAL DIRECTOR

    “As a counselor who welcomes LGBTQIA clients, I know intimately the struggles that the community faces in the harsh world we live in. Camp Haven is a place where queer youth will be heard and seen for who they are, children first, with identities they are exploring and stepping into. Therapy in this setting, without pretense, will allow a sense of connection and knowing that cannot be paralleled.”

  • Toni

    PROGRAM COORDINATOR

    “Over the 25+ years as a counselor, and Camp Director 11 of those years, I’ve seen thousands of youth walk across the swinging bridge at camp and my first hope is that every camper would find a sense of belonging.

    Today, as we navigate through this difficult and sometimes “not so accepting” society, my hope is for all LGBTQ+ youth to find a sense of belonging within themselves and their everyday lives.

    We make strides when we work together, connect, listen, understand and support each other and that’s what is so exciting about Camp Haven. This camp experience will hopefully give you all the tools you need to conquer the world, make long lasting friendships, and succeed as your true, valued, wonderful, authentic self! And, we will have a ton of fun!”

  • Celia (she/her)

    UNIT COORDINATOR

    “Growing up queer in Texas isn’t the easiest and I know what a place like Camp Haven would have meant to a kid like me- and I am so excited to be able to help offer that safe space to our kids at camp.

    My aunt, Patricia Vaughan, was heavily involved with camp her whole life, and was also a member of the LGBTQ+ community and I know that she would absolutely love what we are doing with Camp Haven. “

  • Sam

    UNIT COORDINATOR

    "Having the privilege to go to camp as a child gave me access to a chosen family and a safe place to be myself. In some way or another I have always found myself back at a camp ever since I was thirteen years old. The friends and positive memories I've made at camp helped grow my confidence in myself and in what I can do for others. I can't wait to be a part of Camp Haven."

  • AJ (he/him)

    UNIT COORDINAOR

    “I’m super excited to share this amazing place with our LBGTQ+ Community in Camp Haven. As an ally I want to help create a safe place. An environment where individuals can thrive and feel like they can just be themselves. I look forward to meeting everyone and having an awesome week at camp.”

  • Katie (she/her)

    COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

    “I spent every summer of my childhood in the outdoors at camp. I believe spending time in nature can be so powerful for personal growth and building confidence.

    As a social media manager, I know how much pressure it is to look and present yourself a certain way. I am reminded every day how difficult it is to be a person growing up in the age of technology. Camp is a safe place where acceptance is the norm, individuality is celebrated, and nature is healing.”

Get involved!

Camp Haven relies on the dedication of volunteers, mentors, and supporters to make a lasting difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. Whether you can spare your time, skills, or resources, your involvement is valued. Discover how you can make a difference and get involved today.

For Inquiries please email info@camphaventexas.org