Meet the Team!

Jim has served on staff since 1996 and as Executive Director since 1998. In addition to his position at camp, he serves as treasurer on the board of directors for the Autism Society NEPA. He also serves on the board of directors for the Back Mountain Chamber of Commerce. He enjoys sports and coached in the Back Mountain baseball and soccer programs.

Prior to joining the team at Camp Orchard Hill in 1996, Jim worked in management for a Fortune 500 company. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration from Misericordia University.

He is committed to continually striving for organizational excellence. “Camp Orchard Hill continues to improve its facilities, programs, activities and staff so that we can meet the physical, emotional, relational and spiritual needs of our guests.” Jim and his wife Sarah reside in Dallas.

Derek’s long history and love of Camp Orchard Hill began at birth. He lived on grounds for the first two years of his life while his dad served as Director. Derek then spent 8 summers working in seasonal positions as Counselor, Assistant Program Director and Program Director.

Derek graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University in 2002 with a degree in Biblical Studies and Elementary Education and thought he would have a long career in teaching. But in 2006, after 4 fun years teaching 6th grade in Somerset, NJ, God clearly called him back to Camp Orchard Hill to serve in the full-time Program Director position.

Derek now uses the soda Moxie, his Norwegian heritage, his love of the Red Sox and his amazing kazoo playing ability to build relationships with campers and staff. “I love to see the same kids year after year experience God in new ways. Camp is all about relationships – campers with campers, campers with the counselors and most importantly, campers with our Savior Jesus Christ.”

Derek lives on the camp grounds with his wife Lauren, daughter Gabby and his son Ben.

Lauren met Jesus at Camp Orchard Hill in 4th grade when she was invited to attend a week of Overnight Camp. She served on summer staff for many years and then moved to camp in 2006 when her husband Derek was called to become the full-time Program Director. Lauren has been busy raising her two awesome kids, Gabby and Ben and contributing to the camp mission in any way possible. She considered it a privilege to join the full-time staff team in June 2019.

Lauren graduated from Eastern University in 2002 with a degree in Biblical Studies and Youth Ministry. She loves teaching and serving in her local church youth group, reading, designing fun graphics, going on family bike rides and drinking an unhurried cup of coffee.

Steve Bassett is a native of London, England who always had a love for the culinary arts. His passion for cooking delighted foodies throughout Louisiana and now he has relocated to Dallas, PA to bring his chef’s expertise to Camp Orchard Hill. Steve is excited to be part of a Christian team where he can incorporate his passion for cooking with his love for the Lord!

Leisa’s life story took a fantastic turn when she came to know Christ as her Savior the day before her 29th birthday, which happened to fall on Easter Sunday 2000. (She humbly requests that you do not do the math to figure out her age.)

After a ten-year career as one of the top Century 21 agents in Luzerne County, Leisa resigned in 2004 to stay home with her two small boys and spent the next several years as a Pampered Chef consultant. Eventually, the Lord called her to homeschool her boys, who are currently finishing up their high school years.

Leisa loves the mission of Camp Orchard Hill and the beautiful setting and outstanding service at Lakeview Terrace and is honored and excited to represent our facilities. Leisa and her husband John reside in the Back Mountain with their two teen boys, Ethan and Aidan. In her free time, Leisa likes to read (especially historical fiction and non-fiction), try new recipes, and spend time with her family.

Liz has been a lifelong camper (literally). Growing up attending family camp and summer camp, and now fulfilling a lifelong dream of working on staff. Liz works to make camp’s programs as fun, safe, and honoring to God as possible. Sometimes that is scheduling and other times that is hiding rubber ducks. At camp, Liz has the honor of leading the Day Camp program as well as playing a role in the other fun programs that camp has to offer: Respite, PNO, Birthday Parties, WinterBlast, and other retreats.

Liz graduated from Hofstra University with a Masters in Social Studies Education with a concentration in special education. After a year of teaching on Staten Island, that was all she could take before running, or rather skipping merrily back to camp.

A few of Liz’s favorites include (in no specific order): Coffee, reading, games, silly songs, coffee, laughter, worship, coffee, rainy days, fellowship with friends and family, and also coffee.

Matt works tirelessly to maintain and improve the buildings, grounds and equipment at camp. He worked previously as a mechanic at Mahle’s automotive shop and then at Shaver and Sons, also as a mechanic. Matt has his CDL and enjoys driving tractor trailers when he has the opportunity.

But Matt’s heart has always been at Camp Orchard Hill. He began attending as a camper in middle school and, as soon as it was possible, joined the summer staff. He worked every summer on the maintenance team from 1991 until 1994 and he dreamed of working on the team in a full time role. Matt was thrilled when the opportunity arose in 2015. He is now able to work hard with his hands, serve a ministry that he loves and still spend more time with his family than in his previous positions.

A little known fact – Matt is the baker in his family and makes amazing pumpkin roll and chocolate chip cookies. He enjoys Nascar and, when he’s not working, also enjoys a well deserved nap on the couch!