Camp Arnold Year Around Staff

Lots of Camp...

Camp Director – Jeff Potts:  I’ve been serving full-time at Salvation Army camps since 1989.  I love the life change that I see happen at camp, every year, in staff, in campers and in volunteers.  Camp, with all of it’s property, buildings and programs, can sometimes abound in challenges – creating opportunities to grow and to be creative in problem solving – I love that.  One of my biggest joys at Camp Arnold is serving with (and solving challenges with) the amazing staff that you see on this page.  Things I’m really passionate about include:  My relationship with Jesus; loving my family well; writing, creating and recording music (jeffstunes.com); and worshipping with others.  I’d be happy to answer your general questions about camp.  For specific needs you might want to contact one of the staff member related to your question.  Not sure?  Start with me:  Jeff.Potts@usw.salvationarmy.org

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Loving Others

Tyler Benson – Foodservice Director: When Tyler was 18, he started volunteering with a resource center to provide a free meal for the community. He kept that commitment for several years, eventually managing the kitchen and crew of volunteers. This started his culinary journey that has led him to awesome places, but back to working with volunteers and the community. Tyler started working for The Salvation Army in 2012 and has been in camp ministry ever since. He loves serving his guests and their needs the best he can.  Questions about food and foodservice:  Tyler.Benson@usw.salvationarmy.org 

Loves Seeing Change

Claire Gott – Leadership Development Manager:  I love connecting people with creation, community, and most importantly Christ. Some of my favorite things about working at camp are seeing people challenge themselves, discover new things, and grow; there’s nothing better. A few things I find joy in: fishing, chocolate covered pretzels, spending time with friends and family, and dad jokes. Questions about Outdoor Education, our Challenge Course, or working with us at Camp Arnold:  Claire.Covert@usw.salvationarmy.org

Building Relationships

Shawn Ostrom – Guest Services Manager/Day Camp Registrar:  A friend of a friend connected me with Camp Arnold in 2011. I have grown to love camp’s mission and core values of, “Spiritual and Emotional Growth” – “Self Esteem” – “Skill Development”- “Friendship and Fun” The fact that camp plants a seed of learning about Jesus to our summer campers is awesome.

Seeing the Day Campers come every summer is one of my favorite things about our summer programs.

I also like building relationships with our guest groups, to make their stay with us a relaxing and memorable one. I enjoy working with our great staff, because together we accomplish that.

My favorite things to do are gardening, crafting, creating new recipes, and doing all these things with my 5 grandkids. I am an animal lover and I love spending time with my family (the grownups too).  Questions about booking with us or Day Camp Registration:  Shawn.Ostrom@usw.salvationarmy.org

Loves the Outdoors

Dave Tobin – Operations Director: I’ve been working at Salvation Army Camps since before you were born.  I enjoy working and playing in God’s great outdoors.  My favorite things to do are fishing, golfing, camping and watching movies.  I love God, my family and my friends.  Camp Arnold is a little slice of heaven!   Questions about property or projects:  Dave.Tobin@usw.salvationarmy.org 

Broad Interests

Steve Kastama – Office Manager:  Considering my broad interests and limited innate abilities, I find myself in the position of being a life-long learner without ever reaching more than average levels of proficiency.` Relaxation is found in walking/jogging forest trails, beekeeping, gardening, caring for my flock of hens, enjoying companionship with our dog, and reading (deeply inspired by the works of Henry Longfellow, Emily Dickinson, and Homer). Married to my best friend, Sheila, I am most happy when with family and especially so with my grandchildren! Comfortable in solitude, I am challenged to be embraced by the grand mysteries of Faith.  Learning to ‘live one day at a time’ and embracing the three principles of The Serenity Prayer assist me in developing clear perspective as each moment unfolds. I am still deciding what I want to be when I grow up.  Questions about invoices, HR, and payroll: Steve.Kastama@usw.salvationarmy.org

20 Years!

Caretaker – Jim Tobin:  I grew up in The Salvation Army, going to camp as a youth, then working at summer camp as a teen. And now I’ve been here nearly 20 years as the Caretaker, seeing all the growth and changes thru the years, in myself, and in camp, has been such a blessing.  In my downtime I enjoy playing golf, watching sports, and being with family.

Loves Animals

Vicki Bertram-Tobin – Sous-Chef: Cooking and baking has always been a huge part of my life and having the chance to be part of The Salvation Army Camp Arnold, serving others in various ways, makes my job such a joy!  I enjoy spending time with family, gardening and playing with my four legged fur babies.

COFFEE!

Lisa Potts – Housekeeping Supervisor/Kitchen Team Member – My favorite verse is Philipians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  I love Jesus, family friends, coffee and Dole Whip Floats – and I try to keep it in that order.  My favorite color is orange, like the sunshine.  I feel honored to be able to say that I have had the opportunity to work at three Salvation Army Camps:  Camp Mt. Crags and Gilmore in Souther California (1990-1995); Camp Gifford in EasternWashington (1995-2015) and Camp Arnold since 2018.

Loves Camp

Courtney Sargent – Camp Arnold Intern:  I have worked at camp for 4 summers now and to be able to be here for the year is a dream. I love to read and be with family and friends as much as possible. Favorite part of the day is naptime.