Camp Counselors aka Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Lead Birds of Prey Educator Vanessa Hellestad and I have known each other since we were infants. We grew up 20 minutes from each other in Wisconsin and did a ton of cool things like going camping, county fairs, 4th of July parties, New Years Eve parties and Dave Steffen concerts are just a few to note. I later followed Vanessa to the University of Minnesota...totally unintentionally...and we continued to be great friends. We were fortunate to live together one year too! Now, Vanessa lives in Virginia (which is closer than Texas) and we look forward to doing some of the things we did as kids only now with "adult beverages." Vanessa is a former Dallas Zoo bird show presenter. Lead Fashion/ Apparel Designer Emily Richardson and I met in college through the hockey cheer team. Emily was a much better skater, but I had an edge on her in cheering...we made a good team! We got close on and off the ice, going to parties, studying, and talking about our families. Our lives took us to different corners of the US over the past couple years, but we have still found time to visit each other in WI, MA, and GA. PS: Emily is the reason I love Lululemon. Lead Nature Walk Guide Laura Alt I met this girl on the ice, literally. It was open skate at Mariucci and I thought she could skate well, so I tried to recruit her for the hockey cheer team. She couldn't take no for an answer. Like me, we were both very energetic, but our friends found it surprising we were cheerleaders. I think Laura's so energetic because of all the freakin' tea she drinks. Laura and I spent afternoons and nights at the library, mixing cookie dough in our apartment, playing Bananagrams, and getting up early together for practice. Like with many friends that live apart, we don't get to see or talk much, but every time we connect we don't skip a beat. Laura often travels to National Parks to hike with family and friends. Lead Photography Educator Kate Wadman is my good friend from high school. We met before school in the English department pod. Kate always laughed at my jokes even if they were dumb. We went through high school playing sports, taking AP classes (Kate more than me), watching movies and eating peanut butter M&M's. Our love for sport continued into college where we played intramural volleyball. Not only did we live together later in college; we graduated sitting next to each other. It's been awesome having her support and friendship through so many life changes like moving, job changes, different relationships, and sporting adventures. This girl has come to cheer me on and photograph all my endurance 1st...half marathon, marathon, half IRONMAN and IRONMAN. We've also traveled for fun together to Las Vegas, NV and Orlando, FL. It was on those trips she learned how excited I get when I see palm trees! GO GOPHERS!! Lead Event Logistics Coordinator Lowell Ladd is the grooms older brother. We have bonded over a passion for running, as he owns a race management and timing company 2L race services that puts on a marathon event in Gettysburg PA. He has been a constant role model and guidance. We look forward to having a chip time 5k for a camp wedding, and his overall camp support. Lead Rock Educator Ben Meade college roommate of the groom at St. Lawrence. The two have been cross country and track teammates, hiking partners, college sport watching buddies and general friends for over 10 years. Meade is a geologist and fascinated with rocks and will be sure to educate camp visitors on local geology and rock features. Lead Infirmary Attendant Dillon Dryja brother of the bride has gotten to know Aaron over the past couple of years. He currently attends Georgetown University to be a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and living in Washington DC. Dillon is a former HS track and cross country runner from Wisconsin so will fit in great with the Ladd running brothers. |