YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps
JC has loved working with various Michigan YMCA’s and camp operations over the past 25 years. He recently served as the Vice President of Youth Development for the Ann Arbor YMCA and spent 12 years as the Executive Director for YMCA Camp Copneconic in Fenton. He was also the Camp Director of YMCA Camp Ohiyesa in Holly. As the former CEO of the Howell Nature Center in Howell, JC adopted the philosophy of helping children grow and thrive through building a greater connection with nature. With five amazing kids who grew up and were all profoundly impacted by camp, JC is looking forward to his role as CEO at Hayo-Went-Ha Camps to help so many more kids experience the joys and growth of a summer camp experience!
In 2026 Amanda Macaluso will start her second year in her new role as Director of Development and Alumni Experience after 27 years as the Arbutus Lake Camp Director. Amanda’s 34-year journey with YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps began in 1993 when she joined as an international counselor from Australia. Over the years, she has held staff positions, including Counselor, Outdoor Education Naturalist, Waterfront Director, and Program Director. Amanda enjoys this new role, where she will continue to assist campers, staff, and alumni while fostering the enduring connections that make HWH Camps so special.
Amanda is an active member of the local community through her involvement with Rotary and the Green Elk Rapids environmental awareness community committee. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Joe, and their two adult daughters, who share her love for Hayo-Went Ha-Camps and are proud to be part of the HWH Camps family.
Gina was born in the UK, grew up in Cyprus, and came to the US to serve as the Waterfront Director at Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha in 2012. She then returned every year after and led many of our wilderness adventure trips, including Alaska in 2015. She was then promoted to a Division Leader position in 2015, and 2026 will be her 15th year at HWH Camps. Gina’s degree is in Sport & Exercise Science, and she has worked in schools in England as a teacher’s assistant for students with disabilities. She is also passionate about watching, playing, and coaching soccer (COYG)
Scott started his work life in 1993, working as a shovel for a family-owned excavating company that primarily dug basements and installed septic. That job gave him a lifelong sense of what a hard day’s work really felt like. Over the past 30 years, he has spent most of his time pouring concrete, laying stones, and installing various hardscape materials. Scott also had a long stint running restaurants and kitchens in the area for a couple of local companies. These two careers have really given him a full life experience along with the joy of raising his 3 boys with his wife, Alica. The pair are lucky enough to be grandparents now, too, which is a complete joy. Scott is thankful for the chance to work at the camps, “this area has brought a lot of joy to my life, and it’s exciting to be in a position to now share it with the up-and-coming youth.”
Erin Steffen has been the Director of Finance at the State YMCA of Michigan since 2017. She came to the State Y after a decade of working in a similar role within the credit union movement. While she was never a camper, her Hayo-Went-Ha roots are strong. Erin’s grandmother was HWH Hall of Fame Camp Nurse Grace Otte, and Erin’s parents spent part of their honeymoon at family camp! Erin lives in Rapid City with her husband and two young children, Caleb and Grace, and their dog Luna. Their favorite family activities include adventures hiking, swimming, fishing, and exploring.
We are thrilled to welcome Cat Zimmerman as the newest member of the YMCA Hayo-Went-Ha Camps team! She will be joining us as Director of Employee Experience and Business Services, bringing her passion for supporting both staff & campers in all the “behind-the-scenes” ways that help camp run smoothly and effectively.
A strong advocate for the educational and developmental value of Camp, Cat believes every child should have the opportunity to grow through outdoor experiences and meaningful connections. Her dedication and enthusiasm make her a wonderful addition to our camp family.
Liz first discovered her love for camp in 2007 as a camper at Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha. She later spent five seasons on staff as a counselor. In 2025 she returned and stepped into the role of seasonal Assistant Director at Arbutus. A proud graduate of Eastern Michigan University (Go Eagles!), Liz brings energy, heart, and a love of community to everything she does. When she’s not at camp, you can find her spending time with her dog, Roog, or belting out whatever catchy tune is stuck in her head.
Renee has been working for Hayo-Went-Ha Camps for many years and joined us in 2025 in a full-time capacity. She brings experience from working with school districts and other large-scale child-friendly kitchens.
YMCA Camp Arbutus Hayo-Went-Ha
MackMo began her journey as a Hayo-Went-Ha camper in the summer of 2007 and progressed through the program to become a camp counselor, outdoor education instructor, and Administrative Staff member before taking on the role of Arbutus Camp director in 2025!
Hayo-Went-Ha Camps ignited her love for camping and the outdoors, a passion she pursued at Central Michigan University, where she earned a degree in Recreational Therapy and a minor in Outdoor and Environmental Education. MackMo has worked at camps throughout Michigan and the East Coast and is thrilled to return home! When she's not working, MackMo enjoys exploring the camp’s natural surroundings with her two black labs, Monty and Bodie!
Ryan Lautner is a proud Michigander with nearly 15 years of experience in Northern Michigan. Ryan brings forth a diverse background, including four years of military service, along with roles in construction, trades, electrical work, and landscaping.
Beyond his professional experiences, Ryan is a dedicated family man who shares life’s adventures with his wife and three wonderful children. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Ryan loves exploring nature and is a passionate nature hobbyist.
Bronwen “Dink” Dingeman first joined camp in 2012 as a Trailblazer camper. In 2021, she joined our seasonal staff team as a counselor and has since served as Happy Hollow Division Leader and Program Director before stepping into a full-time role in 2025. She earned her degree in English and Anthropology from Wayne State University, concentrating in Gender and Environment studies. With a background in Environmental Communications and Creative Writing Education, Dink brings both creativity and passion to her work at camp! As an avid outdoor lover when she is not working, Dink can be found enjoying the natural beauty of Northern Michigan or reading a good book!
YMCA Camp Torch Hayo-Went-Ha
As a former camper from Florida in 2010 to 2014, Jack experienced firsthand the transformational power of camp. He saw his confidence grow as counselors encouraged him to try new things, challenged him on wilderness trips, and helped him build strong bonds with his cabin mates. Returning as a counselor in 2019, Jack was reintroduced to a community where he formed lifelong friendships and once again witnessed the profound impact camp has on children of all ages. He looks forward to strengthening these experiences for all who come to camp.
Jack brings broad and well-rounded experience in YMCA camping and outdoor education, with a proven record of leadership in staff development, program excellence, and day-to-day camp operations. His previous roles at YMCA Camp Hayo-Went-Ha, YMCA Camp Ralph S Mason, and, most recently, as Summer Camp Director at Pali Institute and Pali Adventures reflect a deep commitment to youth development and to the mission and values of the YMCA.
Joshua Moody is a northern Michigan local; he first came to camp as an Outdoor Education participant through Gaylord Community School's 6th-grade Camp. He has been a member of the staff for three years, serving as Cabin Counselor and Pioneer Division Leader.
He studied International Relations and Cultural and Global Studies at Central Michigan University. His background is in Behavior Management for Elementary Education. When he is not working, Joshua enjoys reading, watching films, and discovering new musical artists to enjoy.
Jake started as a camper in 2005 and became a staff member in 2013. Since then, he has spent considerable time at both camps, working maintenance and volunteering in the off-season. In 2021, he joined the team as the year-round Maintenance Supervisor at Hayo-Went-Ha. He loves working outside and is looking forward to taking care of the property.
Tristan was born and grew up in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He came for his first year in 2019, took a short break and has been with us since 2022. He has worked all over camp and loves a new challenge. Other than being a seasoned counselor he has worked as the ropes course instructor and just finished his second year of being a Division Leader. Tristan found his love of camp through our wilderness expeditions and can’t wait to help improve our already amazing tripping programs.
About Hayo-Went-Ha Camps
Latest Posts
- 2026 Camp Rally Schedule is Coming Soon
We are currently scheduling rallies and excited to bring back some familiar locations - Registration Opens On October 19 at 2 pm!Mark your calendars, registration for next summer opens October 19 at 2pm
- 50 Miles. 5 Days. One Big Campership Goal.Each fall, a group of determined alumni and staff lace ...
