The Firs Camps & Retreats
EXECUTIVE
Lem Usita
Executive Director
Lem was born in the Philippines and moved to Hawaii when he was 4, where he grew up on the island of Oahu. As a pastor’s kid, he grew up involved in ministry, and has worked as a youth pastor and worship pastor in multiple churches. Lem has a BA in Bible with an emphasis in Christian Education, Youth Ministry, from Cedarville College (Ohio), an MA from Biola, as well as a Doctorate in Education, with a focus on Adolescent Identity Formation.
For over 18 years, Lem has been a professor and Vice President of Student Life, teaching at multiple universities. He is passionate about the Next Generation of leaders in the church and our world, mentoring and training pastors and leaders for the church and the marketplace. The life change and impact that happens as people interact with Jesus at The Firs is the main reason Lem is excited to be involved in the ministry here.
Phone: 360-733-6840
Email: Send Email
ADMINISTRATIVE
KRISTA KOK
Finance Manager
Krista joined The Firs staff in 2018 and is currently responsible for the financial side of the ministry. She migrated from Minnesota in 1995, after falling in love with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Krista enjoys serving at her church and volunteering at the local Christian school, where she coached archery and math club.
Phone: 360-733-6840 ext.230
Email: Send Email
Jen Ryan
Human Resources Manager
Jen joined the staff in 2007. She and her husband, Miguel, have raised two handsome young men, and she enjoys leading worship at her church. Her passion is to serve well and to train and equip others to serve in the capacity that God calls them to.
Phone: 360-733-6840 ext.232
Email: Send Email
GUEST SERVICES
TBD
Accommodations Supervisor
Kim Galoia
Director of Guest Services
Kim joined The Firs staff in 2013, but was initially introduced to The Firs as a camper parent (her three boys have attended Fircreek Day Camp and Camp Firwood). In her free time, Kim also started and runs another non-profit, “The Foster Closet”, serving Whatcom County foster families.
Phone: 360-733-6840 ext.221
Email: Send Email
CAMP FIRWOOD & THE CHALET
Kyle Kerchner
Firwood Director
When I was 16, I met Jesus at summer camp. I think it’s fair to say that my passion for camp started then. Over the next decade, I spent every summer (and many other seasons) on staff at Hume Lake Christian Camps in California. I attended The Joshua Wilderness institute on their campus and finished my education with studies in Bible and Philosophy at San Diego Christian College. Spending the next 10 years in youth and college church ministry, I’m so excited to return to my first love in camp. I enjoy trees, coffee and my two pups, Gunther and Daisy Mae.
Phone: 360-733-6840
Email: Send Email
FIRCREEK & AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURE (ASA)
Ellie Fowler
Fircreek Day Camp Director
Phone: 360-733-6840
Email: Send Email
Stacy Smith
After School Adventure Director
Stacy has been on staff since 1985 in many different roles. Stacy and her husband, Darell, have three grown children. She’s involved with local agencies and non-profits who are committed to the welfare of children, working to ensure they have a hope and a future.
Phone: 360-733-6840
Email: Send Email
Hannah Halstead
ASA Registrar
Hannah joined The Firs staff in August 2021. She came up to Bellingham to go to Western where she studied Cell & Molecular Biology. After participating in a one-year ministry internship with Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF), she decided she wanted to stay in Bellingham and find a way to use her detail-oriented skills. She’s excited about working with kids and serving families as the ASA Registrar.
Phone: 360-306-3101
Email: Send Email
FOOD SERVICE
TBD
Retreat Center Food Service Manager
Phone: 360-733-6840
Val Vos
Chalet & Firwood Food Service Manager
Phone: 360-733-6840
Email: Send Email
MAINTENANCE & FACILITIES
Brian Lingbloom
Facilities Manager - Retreat Center
Brian and his wife, Julie, have been volunteers at The Firs for many years before joining our staff. In his free time, Brian enjoys working on house projects and playing card games with Julie (Julie is also on our Scrapbooking and housekeeping team). They have three grown children; one son and two daughters.
Phone: 360-733-6840
Email: Send Email
Keith Kranich
Maintenance Assistan
My time at The Firs began with Firwood’s CIT program. I fell in love with the organization. Subsequent summers, I worked multiple staff positions, eventually landing in maintenance. I met my beautiful wife Adeline at camp and we have had the opportunity to share The Firs with our two children, Zion and Yovel (Hebrew for “jubilee”). I feel very blessed to be a part of what The Firs is doing to serve God’s kingdom.
Phone: 360-733-6840
Email: Send Email
Doug Walker
Head of Maintenance
Doug had been on staff previously and again joined our staff in 2000. He heads up maintenance at Camp Firwood and the Chalet, and fills in at the Retreat Center as needed. His wife, Marie, also helps with our Scrapbooking events. They have a grown son and daughter.
Phone: 360-733-6840
Email: Send Email
The Firs Camps & Retreats : 4605 Cable Street, Bellingham, WA 98229 • Phone: 360‑733‑6840 Email The Firs