I am so excited to be back at Camp Live Oak this summer! The first summer I got to experience camp with this amazing crew was in 2016 while I was in nursing school. I fell in love with everything about it and proceeded to be the camp nurse for two summers in a row once I graduated at LSUHSC in 2017. I began travel nursing but recently moved back home. When Jack reached out about a camp nurse this summer, I was ecstatic!! I enjoy being outdoors and hanging out with my family and friends when I'm at camp as well as when I'm not at camp.

I am a NICU travel nurse, but I am currently working in New Orleans until Summer is over.

What I love about camp are the people. So welcoming and some of the most genuine/amazing people I've ever met!

I’m a fun loving, goofy nerd that enjoys everything from the quiet calm of nature to the raucous fun of competition! I’ve known so many people I respect that had only amazing things to say about Camp Live Oak (including my partner) so I had to come see what all the fuss was about this summer. This will actually be my first experience with true summer camp as well! Outside of camp I’m a woodworker and avid reader.

During the school year I am a math teacher! I also am a creative, mostly making wooden things in my workshop.

I love the joy and community Camp Live Oak constantly strives to create. School isn’t always about fun or growing as a person so I value a space where kids and adults are solely working toward that.

When I first came to Live Oak, I was a shy, insecure, and awkward kid. I barely had the courage to talk to someone new, let alone make new friends, so out of all of Live Oak's values I knew that Bravery would be the most challenging, and it sure was. But with Live Oak as my guide I would gain confidence in my abilities, my ability to make a campfire, my ability to create, and eventually my ability to lead. And now, as a coach, I hope to guide the next generation of campers on their journey towards confidence and leadership

My favorite thing about Live Oak is the fact that Live Oak is a space to learn and grow as person become the best most noble version of yourself.

I have been a camper and CIT for camp live oak. I have been a member for multiple years I know what camp is about and the feeling of a strong relationship between a coach and camper.

My favorite thing about camp is the the family.

I have been going to camp since camp since the beginning. Live Oak has been with me through thick and thin and I would never want that to be torn away from me. I love playing video games and Dungeons and Dragons with my friends.

My favorite thing about camp the community that is created within its culture.

I have been with Live Oak since the very first summer. I was in the greatest cabin ever, year two session one nest, and I was in the original briar patch with the greatest coach ever Greg. My favorite things to do outside of camp are hang out with friends and watch movies.

My favorite thing about Live Oak the people.

I've spent the last decade climbing, camping, and giggling maniacally! I'm passionate about sharing my love for climbing and bringing folks outdoors to experience new adventures. When I'm not climbing or camping, you can find me playing D&D and other board games, taking care of my small farm of animals, and working on various DIY projects.

My favorite thing about Live Oak is having an entire community take a deep breath, and slow down for a time. stepping away from the screens and the pavement and the constant hurrying of our day to day lives.

After completing the YouthForce Nola program I graduated from Frederick A. Douglass High School. YFN sends alumni emails and that where I got connected with Live Oak. I was a Young Marine for about 3 years. Outside of camp I love hanging out with my friends and trying new things!

My favorite thing about camp is the culture and inclusion.

I am extremely excited as this is my first time attending a camp, let alone coaching at one. This is also my first year with Live Oak. Outside of camp I love to draw/paint, cook, dance, sing, and try new things!

During the school year I am a math and science teacher.

My favorite thing about camp is the feeling of family and belonging.

I was a Youthforce Nola intern my senior year of high school. As I graduated to an alumni I still received opportunities through Youthforce. I saw this opportunity and went for it since I am an Elementary Education major. This will actually be my first camp experience so I’m excited to dive right in.

The thing I like about camp is the hands on camp experience.

This is my first year as a Live Oak Wilderness Adventure coach and I couldn't be more excited! I am usually on my bike or rock climbing at the New Orleans Boulder Lounge when I am not at work or in a tent. I choose being outside with joyful people above all else.

During the school year I am a 6th grade social studies teacher at Bricolage Academy.

My favorite thing about camp are the values and traditions! Live Oak always puts these things first and it drives the intentionality of the program. It's an honor to be a part of it.

I am very excited to get the chance to work with Live Oak. I heard about the camp through a student of mine and was recommended to apply for a position by my coworker Mo Cunningham. Growing up I would attend small local camps during the summer, but I've never had a chance to experience a sleep-away camp out of state! I'm very excited! In my free time, I've picked up roller skating and I try to visit Parisite Skatepark to practice. I love going to concerts, watching anime, thrifting or attending art classes ( most recent being ceramics).

Outside of camp I am a 3rd grade social studies teacher.

What I love about camp is the diversity of the campers and how enthusiastic and welcoming the staff are towards campers. I can tell that everyone is excited to be with the kids and ensure that they have great experiences.

I have been a part of Live Oak for about 8 years now, growing as a camper, CIT, and coach. I love spending time in the creek and at the sporting range. Outside of camp I enjoy studying through visual arts and literature.

My favorite thing the opportunity to build friendships and community that is based on love.

Now this is a story all about how my life…..became my own. Hello! My name is Rachael! I’m a 90’s baby if you can’t tell by the intro. I have been apart of Live Oak for 3 years and I was introduced to Live Oak through the other camp that owns the property! I’m a secondary science teacher by trade but believe in the motto of “never stop learning” so, in 2020 I started my Ph.D. Some of my favorite things are running, watching professional sports, traveling, swimming, and hanging out with family. Live Oak has been a huge part of my life and I can’t wait for the next summer!

Outside of camp I am a Secondary Science Teacher and PhD Student

My favorite thing about camp is watching campers grow through experiences in such a short time frame.

5 years ago I moved to New Orleans to get my masters in teaching and absolutely fell in love with the city. One day during City Year professional development, D and Kat came to talk about Live Oak and I was hooked! I went to the same summer camp from the age of 8 until he age of 20 and camp is a huge part of my life, but what I didn't know is how much Live Oak would change my life.

When I'm not at camp I am a Special Education Teacher at KIPP East Primary school.

What I love about Live Oak is that it's much more than a camp its a community of some of the best people I have ever met. It isn't just the few weeks in the summer, but Live Oak people are now in every aspect of my life here.

This year will be my first year attending Live Oak. I am really excited about this upcoming summer. I am ready to have fun with different people throughout New Orleans. I went to camp but not in nature so I will say this will be my first official camping adventure! My favorite things to do outside would be playing sports and sitting outside to enjoy nature.

My favorite things about Live oak so far is their values and the fact that Live Oak welcomes everyone with open arms!

I found Live Oak through my cousin working there and I haven't looked back. I love being on the water in boats and so getting to have the lake and be able to be head of boating is one of the most amazing things for me to get to do at camp. My favorite thing is hunting for mushrooms in the trees and sitting at the sanctuary and writing poetry.

When I'm not at camp I work with TREE as a outdoor earth education educator with 4th graders.

My favorite thing about Live Oak is the community that is built and built on to every single session.

I cried every morning my first year as a camper (I hated their breakfast). I fell in love with camp while working as a counselor at Coppercreek Camp in Greenville, CA; I led arts and crafts, drove the boat for water sports, and built a lot of dams in the creek. I love making things, reading fiction, hugs, and solving problems.

I have held a wide range of jobs, from being a magicians's assistant in New York, to doing theatre in San Francisco, to building popup stores for Apple and Nike in Los Angeles, and lately teaching design and engineering to preK-4th graders at Bricolage Academy here in New Orleans.

I am very excited to join the Live Oak staff for the first time this summer.

I grew up in southeastern Louisiana and proudly graduated from the University of New Orleans where I studied Biological Sciences. As a kid, I spent my summers either at day camp or at the Young Actors Theatre where I honed my acting skills. Currently, I am a law student at Loyola University New Orleans, College of Law, focusing my studies on the end of incarceration. When I'm not dissecting cases or attending class, I enjoy reading speculative fiction and sewing my own clothes. I am looking forward to crafting, romping around in the sun, and exploring with bright, imaginative campers.

During the school year I take law classes, but outside of that I sew clothes and participate in a local mutual aid project.

My favorite thing about Camp Live Oak is its inclusivity and the opportunity to explore!

Gardner has been with Live Oak for the past 8 years, since the beginning. He started as a camper, became a Junior Coach in Training, and is very excited to be a Coach this summer. He loves hanging out with his friends/camp family outside of summer camp. He also really love cooking, the outdoors, and taking photos. Gardner attends The University of St. Andrews.

This year will be my 6th summer with Live Oak and my 2nd summer on the Wilderness Adventure! I absolutely love all things camp and this incredible community! Outside of camp, I am a current graduate student in Austin, Texas, working towards getting my M.S. and becoming a certified Child Life Specialist. My favorite things to do are hanging out with kiddos, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

When I am not in school, I spend my time volunteering, hiking, and adventuring with my dog.

My favorite thing about Camp Live Oak is the campers! Seeing our campers grow throughout the years and meeting new campers each summer has been the highlight of time with Live Oak. We have an incredible community and the most amazing people I have ever met!

Rachael is in her third year at Live Oak. Her favorite thing about Live Oak is how we are all a family and are there for each other outside of camp as well! When she's not at camp she is a 1st grade Special Education teacher at KIPP East. She enjoys taking pictures of all the fun at camp!

Diaphanie "DeeDee" Cole Fabian is starting her third year at Live Oak: she was a CIT for one year and a coach for the next one. Her favorite thing is the energetic atmosphere at camp and how welcoming Live Oak is.  When she's not at camp she loves reading, painting, watching documentaries and hanging out with friends and participating in community events.

Tommy was the Chairman of the Board from Live Oak's inception until January, 2021. He greatly values the opportunity that camp provides for kids to have fun outdoors in a group environment. However, he feels that Live Oak is unique among camps in its strong focus on personal growth and building relationships among individuals from all parts of New Orleans. Tommy is extremely proud that, in a few short years, the camp team has taken Live Oak from a fledgling concept to such an impactful part of so many kids' lives.

Ilsa joined the Live Oak board in 2019 and has provided key medical insight to our camp community. She is drawn to the mission to bring the future leaders of New Orleans together from a young age, cementing relationships through all-year programming that fosters friendship and builds community. She attended lacrosse and soccer sports camps as a young person. Now, as a mother of three young boys, her kids keep her on her toes. She enjoy yoga, cooking, and many different art projects.

Wendy joined the Live Oak board in 2017 and draws upon 6 years of past experience as a camper, CIT and Counselor at Camp Merrie Woode. Wendy appreciated the ways in which campers, CITs, coaches, staff, and directors all coming together to make an amazing, unique, and powerful family! Wendy serves as the VP & Chief Compliance Officer at Entergy. In her spare time Wendy enjoys reading, baking pies, keeping up with her five kids! 

Michelle has been a part of the Live Oak Board of Directors since 2017. She has had three of her four children participate in Live Oak as campers, though she had no camp experience (sadly) with the exception of a small 4H camp one summer as an elementary school student and debate camp in high school! Her favorite part of Live Oak is the core values (bravery, kindness and awareness) and the appreciation of campers' differences! Michelle enjoys reading, coaching soccer, and volunteering.

Jill Pipes has enjoyed watching the continued growth of Live Oak through her service on the Board. Growing up, she spent 2 years at Girls Scouts Camp and 2 years at Strong River Camp. Her favorite thing about camp is the genuine care and dedication shown by camp staff to campers and their families. During the year, she volunteers for non-profits and works as a paralegal. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching movies, and playing cards.

Jeanette Davis-Loeb was fortunate to have multiple camp experiences as a youth. Her favorite thing about Live Oak is the AWESOME campers! Her camaraderie and commitment to embracing the uniqueness of each other is inspiring. Aside from camp, she is the Founder & CEO of the Rising Oak Foundation, a national 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation committed to the holistic development of black boys. Over the past 25 years she has maintained her commitment and passion to improving the quality of life in her community. Currently she serves on the Boards of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, Live Oak Wilderness Camp, New Orleans Arts & Cultural Host Committee/Louis Armstrong Summer Jazz Camp, and Youth Run NOLA. She is also on the Education Committee Member of Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the “Impact 100” 2018 and 2019 Advisory Committee at the Greater New Orleans Foundation. In addition, she serves as a corporate member of the Association of Black Foundation Executives and The Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color.

CJ El-Dahr joined the Live Oak board in 2019 and is happy to be a part of the Live Oak team. Though he never went to away camp as a child - a major life regret -- he did work as a camp counselor several summers in high school at various camps around New Orleans. His favorite thing about Live Oak is the opportunity for kids from all over New Orleans to get outside, express themselves for who they are, and learn meaningful life skills. When he's not at camp, he works at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in New Orleans. In his spare time he enjoys basketball, biking, reading, being an exceptionally mediocre cook, and exploring new places.