Rick Mathena
Rick Mathena has been the Camp Manager and Promotional Director at Christian Acres since Oct. 1, 1980. With over 40 years of experience in the role, he has checked in and helped create life-changing experiences for almost 19,000 young people. During his tenure, he has seen over 2,000 public decisions for Christ.
Rick's wife, Joanna (pictured above), is an integral part of the Christian Acres team. She serves as a lifeguard instructor, first aid instructor, and head cook during the camping season. Together, they have been married for over 45 years and have three children and four grandchildren.
Under Rick's leadership, Christian Aces has become a highly regarded Christian summer camp, attracting youth from across the country. Rick's passion for creating a safe, fun, and spiritual environment for young people is unmatched, and his dedication to the camp's mission has inspired generations of campers and staff.
Robert Harvey—Caretaker
Since 2005, Robert has served as the dedicated caretaker of the C/A campus. With a meticulous eye for detail, he ensures that the well-groomed grounds remain in top condition year-round. Robert's responsibilities are extensive and include maintaining the 40-acre grass area, overseeing pool maintenance, and managing electrical and plumbing systems, among other essential duties.
Robert is pictured with his wife, Jami, and their two children, Ethan and Laken. Together, they are a devoted family who take great pride in their work at C/A. Robert's commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment has helped to make C/A a popular destination for visitors from all over. His tireless efforts and attention to detail ensure that guests have an enjoyable experience during their stay.
MISTY CARPENTER
Misty Carpenter is the Activities Director at Christian Acres. With her passion for planning fun and engaging activities for both youth and adults, Misty plays a crucial role in ensuring that visitors to the camp have a memorable experience. During the summer season, she also serves as the head lifeguard, overseeing the safety of all swimmers, and as a lifeguard instructor, training new lifeguards. Additionally, she serves as a part-time secretary, handling a variety of administrative tasks for the camp.
Misty has been a part of the Christian Acres community her entire life and takes great pride in her work at the camp. Her dedication to creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment is evident in all that she does. Misty is pictured with her husband, Scott, and their two children, Kyler and Brynley.
Zack Thompson
As the Assistant to the Camp Manager at Christian Aces, Zack Thompson plays a vital role in supporting Camp Manager Rick Mathena in all aspects of camp operations. Zack's responsibilities include overseeing staff training and development, managing camper registration, and assisting with programming and activity planning.
With a passion for working with young people and a deep commitment to the camp's mission, Zack brings a wealth of experience to his role. Prior to joining the Christian Aces team, he worked as a camp counselor and program coordinator at several other camps throughout the region.
Zack is dedicated to ensuring that every camper has a safe and enjoyable experience at Christian Aces. He takes pride in working closely with staff to create a welcoming and supportive environment that fosters personal growth and development.
Ethan Harvey
Ethan serves as the Assistant Caretaker at Christian Acres, where he plays a crucial role in maintaining the grounds and facilities. With a keen eye for detail and a strong work ethic, Ethan helps to ensure that the camp is always clean, safe, and welcoming for visitors.
Prior to joining the Christian Acres team, Ethan worked as a maintenance technician for a local park district, where he gained valuable experience in groundskeeping, landscaping, and equipment maintenance. He also holds certifications in CPR and first aid, which are essential skills for his role at the camp.
Ethan takes great pride in his work at Christian Acres and is committed to ensuring that the camp remains a beautiful and inviting place for all who visit.