leadership

Meet the Heart of Camp Horizons: Our Staff

At Camp Horizons, our counselors do more than guide campers through the day; they help create the moments that spark confidence, curiosity, and lifelong memories. Many are former Horizons campers themselves, returning year after year to give back to a place that helped shape who they are. We’re also proud to welcome international staff who bring fresh perspectives and global friendships to our camp community.

Committed to Every Camper

We know how much trust families place in us, and we don’t take that lightly. Keeping campers safe, supported, and smiling is at the core of everything we do.

Every member of our staff is carefully selected for their energy, compassion, integrity, and leadership potential. Through detailed interviews, background checks, and reference screenings, we build a team that reflects the values of Camp Horizons.

Before campers even arrive, our staff goes through comprehensive pre-season training designed to build team unity, sharpen leadership skills, and prepare them to create an environment where every camper feels welcome, valued, and ready to thrive.

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John Hall

Camp Owner

Hello! I’m John Hall, and I’ve been on this incredible camp journey since founding Camp Horizons in 1983. What began as a dream to create a place for learning, growth, and friendship has blossomed into the vibrant community we share today.
As Executive Director, my focus is on keeping camp a safe, welcoming environment where every camper can thrive. Whether I’m walking through camp, cheering at an evening program, or sitting by the campfire, I’m reminded of the magic that happens here each summer.
I’m grateful to the amazing staff, campers, and families who make Horizons what it is—and I can’t wait to welcome you to another unforgettable summer.
We are many, we are one!

jake hall

Director of Camp Operations

Hey y’all! My name is Jake Hall, and I am the Director of Summer Camp Operations for Camp Horizons. I have been fortunate enough to call Camp my home for many years—my entire life in fact. After being a camper, counselor, activity lead, village lead, leadership camp coordinator, and Associate Director, I am excited to bring my energy into this new role, helping kids have an amazing camp experience. My favorite camp activities are all things outdoors—high ropes, climbing elements, or a trip to traverse our Via Ferrata in the mountains of West Virginia. I also enjoy hosting the talent show and hanging out on the lake trampoline during free swim. I am very excited to see everybody this summer!

mark Rainey

Director of Summer camp

Greetings! As the Camp Director for Camp Horizons in Harrisonburg, VA, I am dedicated to ensuring the best possible camp experience for every member of the Horizons community. Working with a wonderful team, I have the privilege of hiring, training, coaching, and supervising our summer staff team as well as being involved with the year-round planning and improvements that go into making an awesome camp program for all our campers and staff! Originally from North Carolina, I have spent much of my life involved in the summer camp world and have been a member of the Horizons family since 2018. I am proud of the passion and energy I bring to the table and I’m excited to share the camp experience with everyone this summer. See you soon!

Chris Conger

Program Director

Add text for staffHey gang! My name is Christopher Conger, the Adventure Camp Director for Camp Horizons. I’ve spent the last seven years working in outdoor recreation and at camps all over the US, and I especially enjoy working with teens and connecting them with the outdoors. I ran a program similar to Adventure Camp at my previous camp in Hawaii, and am really excited to be bringing this program back for 2025! In the off-season, I work at NROCKS Outdoor Adventures, guiding on our Via Ferrata and Canopy Zipline Tour. You’ll often find me climbing at Seneca or exploring other crags in the North Fork Valley. I hope to see everyone this summer for an unforgettable week filled with adventure!

beckah Thornbury

Program Director

Hey there! I’m Bekah, the Program Director for Camp Horizons in Harrisonburg, and I’m bubbling with excitement for my fourth year at camp! Previously, I’ve bounced around as an Activity Lead, Program Coordinator, and Activity Director. I can’t wait to leap into all the summer shenanigans. As a true outdoor enthusiast, you can often find me hiking up mountains, paddling through streams, or swinging in a hammock under the stars. On weekends, I guide the Via Ferrata at our sister company, NRocks! Some of my favorite camp activities include Horizons Games, Stormtroopers, campfires, and the talent show! I can’t wait to share all these adventures with you!

Jenny nichols

Camp Admin

Hello there! I’m Jenny, and I’m the Camp Administrator! After 8 summers as the Equestrian Director, I have shifted to the admin position, and I have truly enjoyed the change of pace. Most of the time, I am the first person you speak to when you contact camp via phone, email, or instant chat! I was born and raised in the Shenandoah Valley, and love that I get to call this beautiful place home. When I am not at camp, I love spending time with my son Noah and our dog Atlas going hiking, fishing, or attending a sporting event. I also love to grill and cook! I enjoy the opportunity for growth camp offers to all who attend and look forward to welcoming your children back year after year. See you this summer!