MEET OUR TEAM
THE KPT TEAM
I remember the exact moment the camp bug bit me. I was nine years old, sitting on a damp log at Campfire on my very first night at camp. I looked across the circle at a group of girls and counselors I barely knew, and I felt it—this was something special. This was something I wanted to experience over and over again.
In the decades since, I’ve been lucky to have camp as a constant in my life. As a lifelong camper and staff member, I’ve held dozens of roles, partnered with hundreds of families, mentored scores of staff, met friends from around the globe, and attended countless campfires.
Take a minute to learn more about me and the rest of our team. We look forward to getting to know your daughter—and being there for the moment the camp bug bites her, too!
Warmly,
Jackie Brethel
Owner/Director, Camp Kippewa Point
Camp has been a part of my life since childhood! I grew up on Long Island as the oldest of three sisters—who love camp just as much as I do.
I studied Childhood Education at SUNY Cortland and spent a few years teaching in New York City before jumping into a full-time camp career in 2010. Over the years, I’ve held nearly every camp position imaginable, deepening my love for the community and its impact on both campers and staff.
At camp, I oversee daily life, making sure every day is filled with fun, growth, and connection. One of my favorite parts of my role is partnering with families to help create magical experiences for our girls.
Beyond the summer, I’m an active volunteer with the American Camp Association, New York and New Jersey, serving on the Board of Directors as the Tri State Camp Conference Chair and various other roles to support and strengthen the camp community. I love how camp brings people together—not just in the summer, but all year long. When I’m not at camp, you can usually find me spending time with my nieces (who are now KPT girls, too!) and nephews, by the water, or perfecting new recipes in the kitchen!
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Assistant Director
Hey y’all! My camp journey started in 2011 when, on a whim, I took a job at our brother camp, Camp Cobbossee—never imagining just how much I’d fall in love with camp life!
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and later headed to Mayville State in North Dakota to earn my teaching degree and continue my education. I have a passion for travel—you might catch me hopping on a flight to a city I’ve never been to before, just for the adventure!
At camp, I oversee programming and operations, managing schedules for the girls, creating our magical special events, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Don’t let my silly costumes and campfire songs fool you—during the off-season, I’m a Professor of Practice at Sam Houston State University’s College of Education. I spend my time traveling across Houston and its surrounding areas, working with first-year teachers to help them refine their craft—everything from lesson planning and classroom management to engagement strategies, assessments, and data literacy!
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Staffing Coordinator and Head Counselor
In 2018, I finally gave in to my best friend’s advice to spend a summer at camp. She couldn't stop raving about how incredible the experience was and how much I’d love it. Skeptical at first, I took a leap of faith—and within seconds of arriving, I knew I had found something special. That one summer job completely changed the game for me, and now I’m lucky enough to be living my dream, working for camp full-time.
Originally from Canada, I made the move to the UK in 2021 and love getting to help hire and support our amazing team of staff. With years of camp experience, a deep love for Fairy Forest, and a background in Psychology, I like to think of myself as everyone's big sister at camp. I oversee Bunk Life, coach our counselors, and spend tons of time with our amazing campers. Whether you're trying something new for the first time, need a listening ear, or just want a little encouragement, I'll be your biggest cheerleader and the voice of reason when you need it.
My favorite day at camp? Definitely Beach Day—you’ll always find me splashing in the waves with our girls!
