The Firs Camps & Retreats
EXECUTIVE
Jon Epps
Director of Operations & Interim Executive Director
Jon was introduced to Bellingham in 1991 as a CIT (camp name “Shamu”), where he quickly fell in love with Firwood and the Pacific Northwest. Transferring to WWU in ’95, he completed a degree in business and psychology, while spending summers at Firwood, where he met his wife Shannon (“Bufont”). A seminary graduate of Regent College, Jon’s ministry focus has been with college students and young professionals, with a particular heart for discipleship, leadership development and connecting faith to all of life. Jon and Shannon have two boys, Noah and Caleb.
Phone: 360-733-6840 ext.232
Email: Send Email
ADMINISTRATIVE
Jenny Greenleaf
Office Manager & Receptionist
Jenny joined the staff in December 2000. She has a Fine Arts degree from SPU & attended Torchbearer’s Bible Schools in England (Capenwray) and Sweden (Holsbybrunn). In her free time, Jenny enjoys decorating with refurbished thriftstore finds, painting, & gardening.
Phone: 360-733-6840 ext.200
Email: Send Email
Krista Kok
Head Bookkeeper
Krista joined The Firs staff in 2018 as a bookkeeper who assists the Director of Business Services. She migrated from Minnesota in 1995, after falling in love with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Since then she has supported churches and Christian ministries with her love and knack for numbers. Krista has three children, two dogs, and one cat.
Phone: 360-733-6840 ext.223
Email: Send Email
Marc Watson
Director of Business Services
Phone: 360-733-6840 ext.215
Email: Send Email
GUEST SERVICES
Barb Vander Meulen
Accommodations Supervisor
Barb has been a staff member since 1985 and is currently in charge of Retreat Center housekeeping and is the rental coordinator. She also heads up our popular Scrapbooking events. Barb was born and raised at The Firs (she’s Helen and Doug Anderson’s daughter). She and her husband Bruce have two grown sons and six grandchildren; three granddaughters and three grandsons.
Phone: 360-733-6840 ext.213
Email: Send Email
Kim Hendrickson
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.226
Email: Send Email
CAMP FIRWOOD & THE CHALET
Jen Ryan
Registrar & Admin Assistant
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.210
Email: Send Email
Steve Jagich
Camp Firwood Director
Steve has been on staff at The Firs since 2009; most recently as the Assistant Director of Camp Firwood and now as Camp Firwood Director. Steve and his wife, Whitney, also met at camp, and they now have a son and two daughters.
Phone: 360-733-6840 ext.217
Email: Send Email
FIRCREEK & AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURE (ASA)
Evan Bryant
Fircreek Day Camp Director
Evan (a.k.a. “Kikkoman”) has been part of the Fircreek & ASA team both on summer staff and as a volunteer since 2008 and has now returned as the Director of Fircreek Day Camp. He met his wife, Meg (a.k.a. “Defibrillator”), in 2011 at Fircreek and they have a dog named Rudy. Evan’s desire to serve families and young adults has been seen and felt by many across Whatcom County and we believe he’s just getting started.
Phone: 360-733-6840, x225
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
Dana Chauvin
After School Adventure Program Coordinator
Dana “Burkey McBurkBurk” Chauvin graduated from Youngstown State University in Ohio in 2009, with a degree in theater. During college, she also worked at Camp Burton. Two months after graduation, Dana moved to Bellingham to be an intern at the ASA program. After the second year, she chose to stay on full-time. Dana loves her time at ASA, getting to know the kids and families, as well as the extra fun that comes with her job!
Phone: 360-733-6840
Email: Send Email
FOOD SERVICE
Jim McClure
Food Service Director
Jim manages Food Service operations for Camp Firwood in the summertime and The Firs Chalet at Mount Baker during the winter season. Jim and his wife, Tina, raised 3 children in Whatcom County. They have 5 grandchildren.
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
Bruce Vander Meulen
Maintenance & Project Director
Bruce met his wife, Barb, on a mission trip in Guatemala, then joined The Firs staff in 1985 after their marriage. He splits his time at all three sites, but oversees the maintenance and projects at the Retreat Center. Bruce and Barb have two sons and six grandchildren. He also enjoys house renovation projects and tinkering with old cars.
Phone: 360-733-6840 ext.213
Email: Send Email
Doug Walker
Facilities Manager - Firwood & The Chalet
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