Meet Our Team
Christopher Fruehauf
Role: Camp Director
Age: 30
Hobbies: Mycology, music making, cooking, running, traveling and spending time in nature
Education: University of Oregon. BA in International Studies and Mandarin
Passionate about immersing himself in the outdoors and learning from the natural world, Chris is thrilled to be able to share his love for Nellie Creek with the next generation of campers! Currently studying permaculture and regenerative soil science, Chris is looking forward to teaching campers how we can work with nature in creating simple, regenerative systems that benefit all of life.. With the help of his family, friends and community members, Chris aims to continue fostering a fun, safe and inspiring space for families and their children.
“Furry”
Lilian Kurkinen
Role: Head Counselor
Age: 23
Hobbies: Painting, cooking, camping, and yoga
Education: Lewis & Clark College BA in Biology
Wren identifies as an old soul with a child’s heart!
Having worked with kids in a myriad of environments, Wren’s favorites have been coaching kids soccer, running theatre outreach programs in underserved schools, and teaching English and art in Italy.
As much as she loves teaching, Wren also loves learning and is so grateful for a job that allows her to learn from and alongside her colleagues, the land, and your child!
Wren prioritizes creating individual connections with each camper and fostering an environment that allows for your child’s greatest expression, compassion, and excitement.
“Wren”
Cyrus Kurkinen
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 17
Hobbies: Track & Field, XC, Piano and Hiking
Education: Student at Corbett HS and MHCC
Avid nature enthusiast and athlete, Cyrus has been working at Nellie Creek for the past two years. Always curious and a lover of adventures, Cyrus is grateful for his time at Nellie Creek Camp. Eagerly anticipating his work in summer 2024, Cyrus can’t wait to meet everybody at camp and have a good time.
“Cy”
Tylie Binford
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 21
Hobbies: Reading, crocheting, hiking, and painting
Education: AS, ASG, and ASLA from MHCC
Tylie has been working with kids for almost 9 years and has loved every moment! She is a lover of all things nature and is always ready to learn more about the world (environment and people!) around her. So, naturally, Nellie Creek is the perfect place to be. She is excited for her first year here to get to know the campers as we all have fun playing and learning more about our little corner of the ecosystem here in Oregon. When Tylie isn't at Nellie Creek, you might find her on a hike with her husband or curled up on the couch with a good book and cup of tea.
“Willow”
Arraggon Yang
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 21
Hobbies: weight training, cooking and golfing
Education: Student at OSU majoring ECE
Arri believes camp is the perfect place to unplug from tech and connect with nature, and he's all about encouraging kids to discover new strengths, both on the field and in the kitchen. His secret recipe for a memorable summer? A dash of adventure, a sprinkle of learning, and a whole lot of fun!
“Arri”
Lillian Chung
Role: Camp Counselor
Age: 16
Hobbies: music, swing dancing, drawing, reading, and writing
Education: Classical Conversations homeschool student.
Lillian loves to be outdoors and to seek the goodness, truth, and beauty in nature. She is looking forward to learning more with the kids, about the things that live around us, and how we can be good stewards of the environment.