Heather Bender, Co-Executive Director
Heather has a committed love for the ministry of Crooked Creek. She has many fond memories of growing up as a camper at Crooked Creek and has volunteered and assisted with a number of programs in the past several years since moving back to Iowa. Heather served with Mennonite Mission Network in St. Louis and lived in San Antonio for six years after graduating from Hesston College in 2004 and Eastern Mennonite University in 2006. Heather has been serving at Crooked Creek since 2019
Heather has a committed love for the ministry of Crooked Creek. She has many fond memories of growing up as a camper at Crooked Creek and has volunteered and assisted with a number of programs in the past several years since moving back to Iowa. Heather served with Mennonite Mission Network in St. Louis and lived in San Antonio for six years after graduating from Hesston College in 2004 and Eastern Mennonite University in 2006. Heather has been serving at Crooked Creek since 2019
Amanda Bleichty, Co-Executive Director
Amanda has deep connections to Crooked Creek. She grew up coming here to camp, did a summer internship here, and has volunteered often over the years. Amanda served as Conference Minister and local congregational pastor before beginning her role at Crooked Creek in 2023. Amanda graduated from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in 2011 and Goshen College in 2008.
Amanda has deep connections to Crooked Creek. She grew up coming here to camp, did a summer internship here, and has volunteered often over the years. Amanda served as Conference Minister and local congregational pastor before beginning her role at Crooked Creek in 2023. Amanda graduated from Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in 2011 and Goshen College in 2008.
Gay Widmer, Maintenance Director
Most folks notice right away how well the grounds and buildings are maintained. That is because Gay is a very meticulous grounds keeper! You might find him mowing, maintaining the lane, fixing the occasional break or building something in his shop. He's our "go-to-guy"; if you need it--he can build it! Gay has been sharing his wealth of knowledge and gifts with the camp since 1999.
Most folks notice right away how well the grounds and buildings are maintained. That is because Gay is a very meticulous grounds keeper! You might find him mowing, maintaining the lane, fixing the occasional break or building something in his shop. He's our "go-to-guy"; if you need it--he can build it! Gay has been sharing his wealth of knowledge and gifts with the camp since 1999.
Rene Patterson, Head Housekeeper
Rene joined the housekeeping staff in the summer of 2024 and moved into the head housekeeping role in December of 2024. Rene works hard behind the scenes to make our facilities look their best! When asked about working at Crooked Creek, Rene says "I look forward to work everyday. This is a beautiful place to be!"
Rene joined the housekeeping staff in the summer of 2024 and moved into the head housekeeping role in December of 2024. Rene works hard behind the scenes to make our facilities look their best! When asked about working at Crooked Creek, Rene says "I look forward to work everyday. This is a beautiful place to be!"
Jill Hartzler, Guest Services & Office Manager
No stranger to camp, Jill remembers coming to this space to go sledding before Crooked Creek came into being. Now she's the friendly voice and welcoming presence you'll greet upon calling or visiting the welcome center. Jill's organizational skills mean you'll get your camp contract in a timely fashion and can answer almost any question you may have. Jill began her camp ministry in the fall of 2017.
No stranger to camp, Jill remembers coming to this space to go sledding before Crooked Creek came into being. Now she's the friendly voice and welcoming presence you'll greet upon calling or visiting the welcome center. Jill's organizational skills mean you'll get your camp contract in a timely fashion and can answer almost any question you may have. Jill began her camp ministry in the fall of 2017.
About our staff:
There is not a more refined nor steadfast group of people than the staff at Crooked Creek Christian Camp. This is a group of people that take their jobs very seriously. The focus, dedication and determination of these fine folks is second to none. None of them would ever consider hiding a rubber snake to surprise one of their co-workers...Seriously, these folks are committed to making sure that all guests have a wonderful time enjoying the beautiful setting of camp.
We work hard, but we like to goof around, too.
We work hard, but we like to goof around, too.