On a rainy, August afternoon on the SAM lodge porch,
In 2008, Jeff made the long trip from Bend, Oregon to Lake Ninevah to direct a camp he now describes as “Outward Bound meets Glee.” Now, many campers can’t imagine SAM without Jeff. “When I think of coming to Farm & Wilderness,” says Rebecca Grossman (IB ’09-’10, SAM ’11-’12, Questers ’13, Office staff ’17), “the first thing that comes to mind is that I will always be welcomed back with a big warm hug from Jeff.”
Jeff had a turning point in his own life when he “established trust in nature.” At SAM, he enjoys watching campers find that same trust. “SAM gives campers an opportunity to be seen and loved for who they are which gives them a strong sense of self going into their adolescence.”
Olivia Ramirez (IB ’07-’08, SAM ’09-’10, BDC staff ’17) recounts, “Jeff has this ability to fill all campers, past and present, with such warmth and love. SAM would not be the place it is without Jeff.”
Ten summers have offered numerous highlights: In 2016, watching Ben Finley (SAM ’03-’06, staff SAM ’14-’16) and Adrian Singleton (SAM ’06-’08, Questers ’09-’11, BDC staff ’12, SAM staff ’16 & Questers ’17) find the time capsule. And this year, welcoming back 22 SAM alumni as F&W staff.
“Every time I’ve come to Jeff with an idea his answer is, ‘Yes! How can I sup- port you?’” says Murphy Robinson (SAM staff ’05, Questers staff ’06-’11,’17, RSG staff ’16). “Jeff has so much wisdom about the way that people grow through challenging themselves.”
For Jeff, directing SAM Camp feels like he is “care-taking something really beautiful that was passed on.” What keeps him coming back? “Knowing that I’ll never have to hire a cook, thanks to longtime SAM cook, Sam Arfer. And knowing I’m going to be creating so many wonderful connections. Opening day feels like having family over.”
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