This year I am new to the Live Oak family but I am excited to see what is in store.

While I am at school I like to relax and hang out with friends while also relaxing watching movies and TV shows.

This is my first year at Camp Live Oak, however, I do like the environment and the warmth that comes with everyone that is involved with the program.

I have been with Live Oak since I was 11 years old: First as a camper, then as a CIT, and now as a Coach! During the school year, after classes, I work in a pre-school taking care of a class of 2-year-olds. My list of hobbies can best be described as endless and craft-involving.

Outside of Camp Live Oak, I am a student.

At camp, I love spending all of my time at the lake; whether its boating or going for a swim, I'll be there. I also love the strong sense of community at Live Oak!

Hi, my name is Klevione Brown and I am from New Orleans. Live Oak will be my first real camping experience, but it will not be my first time working with kids. I have worked with kids for a while starting my sophomore year of high school all the way to now. My favorite things to do are to sit outside and read a good book and cooking. I am so excited to be working with Live Oak this summer.

Outside of Camp Live Oak, I am a student.

I don't know much about Live Oak but from what I heard so far about Live Oak my favorite thing about Live Oak would be that it's actually a real camp that keeps kids away from their phones and more into outdoor activities.

Live Oak was introduced to me by a close friend of mine, who attended the camp growing up and later on in life she went back to become a camp counselor. Growing up I also attended summer camp and I believe that it is a very fun and productive way for kids to enjoy their summer.

My favorite thing about Camp Live Oak is the outdoor activities.

I’ve have been apart of the Live Oak community for ten years now starting as a camper and now a fourth year coach. Outside of camp I enjoy exploring the city of New Orleans.

During the school year, I am a graphic designer and photographer.

My favorite thing about camp is connecting with people who share similar backgrounds as myself while also challenging me to expand my experiences.

Hi I'm Kirsten! I've been able to connect to Live Oak through KIPP. This will be my first year with Live Oak and I will be a Coach, which I'm so excited for. My favorite things to do outside of camp is to explore my creative side, whether It's arts and craft or things like learning new cosmetic skills. I also love learning new things pertaining to nursing, I've already obtained my certification in CPR, EKG and Phlebotomy. I'm also working to obtain my certification as a CNA.

My favorite thing about Live Oak is the amazing community that there is. I have never felt out of place or left out while at Live Oak. It is just a big family and I love that.

As a first-year participant at Live Oak, I'm a passionate educator-to-be with dreams of becoming a history teacher. Outside of camp, you'll often find me immersed in the joy of playing the piano, devouring sports articles, watching games, and cherishing moments with friends.

During the school year, I’m mostly play the piano when I’m free from school.

My favorite thing about Live Oak is their unwavering commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow. This is truly inspiring to me.

This is my 9th summer at Live oak, and my second year as a staff member. I started as a camper in dogwood when I was just 10 years old and have worked through leadership seminar to my current position. Outside of camp frequently you'll find me with a makeup brush in my hand, makeup artistry being one of my passions, or hanging and traveling with friends and family.

During the school year I'm working hard towards my business management degree, where I plan on being an entrepreneur within the beauty industry.

My favorite thing about live oak is the opportunity I get to build meaningful relationships with campers and peers. It means a lot to be able to meet people with different experiences, and identities and play a part in learning from them, as well as influencing them.

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.

I began my journey at Live Oak nine years ago as a camper, where I learned the values of Bravery, Awareness, Kindness, and Honor. Today, I am a coach and do my best to instill these values in the next generation of campers.

Outside of Camp Live Oak, I am a student.

My favorite thing about Camp Live Oak is going to a place, whose sole purpose is to help you grow and learn.

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.

Jaz was born and raised in New Orleans, and currently serves her community as a teacher, where she discovered Live Oak. She joined the team in 2022 and never looked back; she feels closely aligned to camp’s mission and vision.

During the school year, she teaches 8th grade math.

Her favorite thing about Camp Live Oak is the community.

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 3rd year with LOWA and I return as a head guide! I can't imagine my life without it.

When I am not at work as a 6th grade English Language Arts teacher at Bricolage Academy, you'll see me on my bike or rock climbing at the New Orleans Boulder Lounge. I choose outside with joyful people above all else.

My favorite thing about LOWA 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 grow with LOWA each year.

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.

It’ll be my 3rd year at camp. I love to coach, game, and play softball outside of camp.

During the school year, I am a student but I work with this amazing youth organization called The 18th Ward!

My favorite thing about Camp Live Oak is making and strengthening connections with campers.

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!

Hassan brings his passion for education and finance to the Live Oak board, having joined in 2021. Prior to his board tenure, Hassan served as a Cabin Coach for "The Nest" in 2018, fostering a nurturing environment for campers.

When he's not at camp, he is a Financial Analyst at Collegiate Academies; helping support our public schools prepare our scholars for college success and lives of unlimited opportunities.

His fondest memories at Live Oak revolve around the spirited Green vs. Blue competitions, where camaraderie and friendly rivalry abound.

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.

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.