James joined the Camp Tekoa Staff in January 1997. James and his wife Jerrilyn have four children,  Baden, AJ, Lewis, and Kayla. They also have tow dogs dogs,  Samson and Bella. James first served at Tekoa during the summers of 1989 and 1990. He holds an undergraduate degree from Pfeiffer University in Religion and Christian education. He also has a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke University. James is an ordained Elder in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church. He served as associate minister at Jamestown UMC in Jamestown, NC before being appointed to serve at Tekoa. James is an active member in the Christian Camp and Conference Center Association and the American Camp Association.

When he is not having fun at camp, James enjoys day hikes with his family, running, playing with the dogs, reading, and playing on the Little Rascals volleyball team. James loves his job at Tekoa, "I remember the first time I drove into camp and thinking to myself, Wow! What a beautiful place to serve God and enjoy the beauty of God's creation".

John joined the Camp Tekoa staff in 2013. He has spent over ten years in youth ministry at Bethlehem UMC in Waxhaw and First UMC in Hendersonville. He also ran a camp for Livada Orphan Care in Romania. He served on summer camp staff in 1999 and 2000 where he worked as a resource for backpacking and rock-climbing. He met his beautiful wife Carrie at Camp Tekoa (in front of the rocking chairs to be exact) and also proposed to her at camp. They have two children, Elizabeth and Tucker. He also has two dogs (Bo and Luke) and a cat (Macey). John graduated from Campbell University with a BA in Graphic Design and Studio Art. He also has an MDiv from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He is a Commissioned Deacon in the Western North Carolina Conference of the UMC.

When not at camp, John enjoys hiking with the family, backpacking (without the family), climbing, mountain biking and pretty much anything else in the woods. He also brings a needed balance to the staff as a faithful Carolina fan!

Hello! My name is Brandie Burleson and I am super excited to be the new After School Director for Let's Grow Outdoors! I have worked at Camp Tekoa's Summer Camp for 6 years as an Adventure Team Leader and an Office Assistant. I love the mission Camp Tekoa aspires to fulfill, "Touching Hearts, Changing Lives, and Sharing the Light of Christ." I have worked with children my entire career. I graduated from Pfeiffer University in 2003 with a degree in Elementary Education. I have taught first grade, second grade, third grade, and fifth grade. I love teaching children new things and seeing the pride and joy of learning grow in them. I am currently a graduate student at Liberty University Online seeking a degree in Christian Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy. I enjoy missions and ministering to others and hope to incorporate this into my future counseling career. I love hiking, photography, painting, and teaching. I am excited to help encourage children to discover new ideas in the greatness of God's creation through Camp Tekoa's after-school program.

Having graduated from Appalachian State University this past spring with a degree in Recreation Management, William brings both the passion of a young professional and the knowledge of how a camp runs. He has been with Camp Tekoa for the past three summers, and in the fall, started working full-time as camp's Adventure Director. He is excited for the opportunity to serve at Camp Tekoa, and looks forward to sharing his passion for adventure!

Karen joined the Camp Tekoa staff in May, 2001. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Duke University. She has also completed some graduate work in business & accounting at Xavier University & WCU. Karen has been married to her husband Jim since 1978 (a child bride!). She is also Mom to Joseph, and Becca. The family also includes 2 dogs (Comet & Pluto), a cat (Jasmine).

Karen is a member at the Skyland United Methodist Church where she is active in Strategic Planning, and Evangelism. She also volunteers as usher, greeter, & nursery worker. Karen's hobbies include: hiking (the easy kind!); walking; reading; and cheering Duke Men's & Women's basketball teams.

Melisa joined the camp staff in January 2007.  Since her start, she has helped Tekoa transition to a fully "live" summer registration system and has implemented a proactive communication plan between Tekoa and its registrants, donors, board members and conference churches.

She is a full-time student, working toward her bachelors degree.  Her long term goal is a Masters Degree in Counseling.

In Melisa's free time, when she isn't answering phones or registering campers, she actively volunteers in the local Emmaus/Chrysalis Community.. Melisa also enjoys hiking, running, camping and spending time with her family and friends.

Greg Trollinger has been Tekoa's Maintenance Director since 1995 and is responsible for keeping the buildings and grounds beautiful and efficient. Greg is always working on projects that continually upgrade the facilities and infrastructure. In the summertime, Greg is often seen transporting campers to their off-site activities in Tekoa's activity bus, or hosting wagon rides for the day camp program.

Much of Greg's free time is spent with his wife Eleanor, daughters Caroline and Julia, and son Charlie. As a family they enjoy activities such as camping and swimming. Greg also enjoys playing the banjo, riding his road bike, and doing auto mechanic work.