Meet Our Camp Staff
President and CEO
Steve is our President and Chief Executive Officer here at Texas Elks Camp on Texoma. Steve keeps all areas of the camp in harmony with each other. Running a camp has many aspects from maintenance, food services, housekeeping, calendars, human resources, and budgeting! Steve is a graduate of West Texas A & M Univ of Canyon and holds a Masters Degree in Accounting. He has held multiple positions as CEO and CFO during his years in the business world with a concentration in Non-Profit Organizations. Steve is a proud member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for more than 26 years. He has held all offices at lodge level, multiple State Positions with the Texas Elks State Assoc. including State President, and multiple Grand Lodge positions including that as Past Grand Esquire and one of 8 people in the nation that serve as Grand Lodge Committeeman for Auditing and Accounting with over 238 lodges under his review. Steve is passionate about the Elks and their core charities, Veterans and Children. He is proud of heading up the changes to the camp to make it more conducive to hosting veterans and any person with special needs. When he's not at the camp or an Elk event, Steve spends his time with his wife Kerri, and their 6 grandchildren at various sporting events, concerts, and other activities.
"So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them."
Steve Weatherly
Executive Director
Sandi Creswell
Sandi is our Executive Director here at Texas Elks Camp on Texoma. Boy, what can we say about a lady who works so hard! She graduated from Brookhaven College. Sandi began working at Texas Elks Camp on Texoma as a JOLT instructor in 2008 and later became the Program Director of JOLT. She then moved to the Main Office as Operations Director. Sandi is the wheels to the operation here at Texas Elks Camp on Texoma. However, her first love has always been the kids and the JOLT program. Sandi lives here on Lake Texoma and spends her free time with her growing family. With 3 kids, and now grandchildren Sandi stays busy with her family, fishing, boating, camping, and swapping stories here at Lake Texoma.
“I love seeing the students, campers, and adults enjoying life out in nature!” – Sandi
903-786-3148 Ext.1
Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Josh Velten
When the state enacted new laws regulating youth camps in Texas, TECOT didn't need to look very far to fill the newly established role of Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. Josh has been on staff since TECOT began and easily transitioned into the role from his Facilities Director position. Josh holds a degree in Emergency Management, and has worked or volunteered in emergency services for over 30 years. In addition to his staff function, he has a personal tie to the property.
Josh first visited the camp under former management in 1986 as a camper. He was hooked as soon as he set foot on site and over the last 35 years has worked in just about every role possible at camp. His knowledge of the history and operational needs of the property have proven very helpful. He is excited for his new role at camp and looks forward to what TECOT will become in the future.
"Camps are unique opportunities to build relationships and grow personally. I love being able to help offer that to out guest." -Josh
Hospitality Director
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Dina Marthinsen
I am the Director of Hospitality at Texas Elks Camp on Texoma. I enjoy bringing life to the indoor spaces at camp for groups to enjoy. I thrive on positive feedback and try to do better when receiving a negative feedback. One of the best thing about working at camp is being outdoors, by the lake, and interacting with the kiddos. It gives me a very heartwarming feeling to see kids enjoy camp. I enjoy interior designing and gardening.
“Faith and Family!” -Dina
Program Director
Charli Morgan
I love Camp JOLT! I have been lucky enough to live on Lake Texoma for the past few years, so the water has become my second home. Having the opportunity to meet teachers, new friends, and work with youth in an outdoor learning environment is one of the most rewarding ways I've been able to live my life. I share my love for the outdoors with my family. We love nature and everything it has to offer.
Outdoor Science Education is an extremely beneficial way to help kids see science in action! From observing bugs, plants and symbiotic relationships in an ecosystem. Whether it's team building at out low ropes courses, or checking the water quality in our wetlands, Camp JOLT is a space to experience hands-on style that makes big ideas easy to grasp.
"Teaching children about the natural world is not just about passing on facts; it is about planting a seed of wonder that will grow into a lifelong love for the earth."
Coordinator
Jake Carlson
In my spare time, I love to read books that inspire me and challenge my thinking. I also enjoy exploring new places and cultures, whether it’s hiking in the mountains, canoeing down the rivers, or visiting museums and historical sites, I believe that life is a journey of discovery and growth, and I always seek to learn something new.
“The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible” – Jake Carlson
Facilities
Brian Lutge
Bio pending...
Food Services
Phil Lea'e
When I was a kid, one of the first things my Dad taught me was that feeding someone is how you show them you care. I would spend hours watching celebrity chefs in their natural habitats talking so passionately about their craft. My first job was in a kitchen. And so was my second. And third. Now, as the Food Service Director here at camp, I'm able to help feed thousands of people a year and pass on the same skills I learned from my Dad and those chefs to dozens of new cooks.
"People confuse me. Food doesn't." -Anthony Bourdain
903-786-3148 Ext. 3
Program Staff
Karley Bennett
I love putting in hard work, spreading joy wherever I go, and saying yes to new adventures. Whether it’s trying something new, helping others, or jumping into camp fun, I bring lots of energy and heart to everything I do. I can’t wait to work hard, have fun, and make great memories together at camp!
“Work hard, spread joy, and never stop adventuring.”
Shannon Jessup
Hi, at Camp JOLT everyone knows me as Bug. I love leading campfire songs, spreading positivity, and making every moment a little more fun for the campers around me.
“Joy grows fastest when you share it.”
Cory Taylor
Bio pending...
Tim Malek
Simplicity, naturalness, and flowing... these are words that can offer you a glimpse into who I am. I have been a lifelong outdoorsman, the wilderness has always been my home. Throughout my life I have walked many paths, both personally and professionally, with each offering invaluable lessons. Outdoor education and environmental science holds a special place in my heart and I am truly honored to be able to guide and share knowledge and experiences with the students who visit Camp JOLT.
"Surrender yourself humbly; then you can be trusted to care for all things.
Love the world as your own self; then you can truly care for all things."- Lao Tsu
Priscila Chacon
Bio Pending...