YouthCARE
Alumni News!
Contact Craig Luedemann at cluedemann@YouthCAREmn.org or Danelle Hubbard at dhubbard@YouthCAREmn.org
or call the YouthCARE office, 612/338-1233,
if you have news or announcements

December 2008

Alumni Board Member and current active volunteer, Doug Shoemaker was awarded the Solar Star from the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) for his outstanding volunteer service. Way to go Doug! Doug currently serves on the YouthCARE Fundraising Committee and was a vital member during YouthCARE's first Phone-A-Thon for our Annual Appeal. Doug is a great leader and spokesperson for YouthCARE, having served on the YouthCARE Board for 15 years including 3 years as Board Chair. Doug is currently serving on the MRES Board of Directors as the Vice Chair. Doug is very passionate about Renewable Energy he has been a volunteer for MRES since 2004. Doug represented MRES at more than 20 table-top exhibit events in 2008 alone! He helped coordinate several MRES events and is responsible for raising over half of the funds to cover expenses of the organization. To learn more about the work that Doug does for the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society visit their website at www.mnrenewables.org.

September 2008
	Congratulations to Simon and April Riordan, who got married on Saturday, September 20, 2008! Simon, who works at Xcel Energy, has been an active volunteer counselor at Camp Sunrise since 2006; he is also serves on the YouthCARE Board of Directors.
Announcing Logan Chemeng Chang!
	Proud parents, Doua Chang and Yeng Lor welcomed son Logan on September 27, 2008 at 12:10am. Logan weighed in at a healthy 8lbs. 1oz and 21 inches long. Both Doua and Yeng are long time YouthCARE volunteers and supporters. Doua was an Camper in 1992, a Junior Counselor in 1994, and several years as an adult staff including being the Assistant Camp Director in 2003. Yeng has taken photos for various YouthCARE events including the Open House and the 2nd Annual "Celebration of Urban Youth". Yeng also has a growing photography business and is launching her new website on November 1, 2008; www.yenglorphoto.com.

Amber Mensen (Camp Staff 2004) checked in recently. "It's a little more difficult to get away to volunteer on weekends now that our family has expanded. 2007 was a full year. My son, Alejandro Mauricio was born Oct. 17, and his father (Mauricio Barrios) and I were married Dec. 27. Yesterday we found out our offer on a house has been accepted, so we'll be moving up to Big Lake in April or May. I'll be sure to send you a forwarding address again :) I've attached a few pictures so you can see the two important guys in my life. I know you used to put updates on your website, but I haven't seen those lately. Please say hi to Brittany and Sou, Millie, Michel and everyone else for me!"

Congratulations to Sharon Radd (Alumni Board Member & Board Chair) on receiving her Doctorate in Educational Leadership! We also want to thank Sharon for all of the help she provided the YouthCARE staff in 2007 around designing a new and exciting program evaluation.

MK Nguyen (YWMP Group Leader & Camp Sunrise Staff) is pursuing her M.A. in Equity and Social Justice at San Francisco State University. She is a Campus Organizer for Youth Making a Change (YMAC), which is the youth arm of a San Francisco based organization called Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth. According to MK, "I build power with youth at a high school located in the Southeast region of San Francisco to fight for educational equity. I am still continuing my work with the League of Young Voters in San Francisco, on campaigns, voter education, and base-building. I can be reached at mklnguyen@gmail.com. I just wanted you to know that I am doing YouthCARE proud in the Bay Area, plus, to convince everyone that I'm not being a bum :)"

Gov. Pawlenty Reappoints YWMP Alumni Youth Mentor Amanda to JJAC!

On January 25, 2008, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety announced that Governor Tim Pawlenty has reappointed YWMP Alumni Youth Mentor Amanda Dionne to the State Wide Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee! Amanda is currently an undergraduate student in her first year at Augsburg College after graduating from Cooper High School in Crystal where she was a member of the National Junior Honor Society. "She has worked with YouthCARE and the Young Women's Mentoring Program in Minneapolis, and served as a tutor for at-risk youth. Dionne, who has been a member of the JJAC since 2006, is reappointed as a youth member to a four-year term that expires on January 12, 2012." To read the press release click here!

Interview with Shoua Lor & Linda Vang YWMP Alumni Girls Group & Youth Mentor
1995 photos of Shoua & Linda	Shoua Lor "When I was 7 years old, I was in Girls Group at the McDonough Community in the Young Women's Mentoring Program. I was very active in sports when I was young and I heard about YWMP through my friends when I would practice and play at the McDonough Community Center." "I especially loved the field trips we went on. My favorite activities were field trips to swimming pools and to Grand Slam, Easter Egg hunts, and to going to Camp Sunrise. I definitely feel that YWMP and YouthCARE were significant influences in my life. Girls Group was an important part of my childhood because my parents were really busy when I was young and they didn't have time to take my sister and me out and to go to fun or new places." "I still have a relationship with Linda Vang. Linda was my Youth Mentor when I was in group. Linda was very inspirational and such a positive role model for me; when I grew up I wanted to be like Linda! We still keep in touch." Shoua is now married and has a 2 year old daughter. She is currently attending Des Moines Area Community College and pursuing a degree in nursing.
Shoua with her husband and daughter 2007	Linda Vang "I was a YWMP Youth Mentor when I was 16-17 (1995-1996). Shoua was involved in Girls Group with her sister, Pa. I remember them fondly and because we all lived in the same neighborhood they would always find reasons to come over to my house to play (outside of Girls Group activities). I lost touch with many of the girls when I graduated and went off to college." "Many years later, while I was working at Project LEAD (an alternative high school program in St. Paul), I ran into Shoua again. I didn't recognize her at first since she had grown from 7 to 17... but she recognized me and helped me to remember why she looked so familiar. Long story short, she joined Project LEAD, which is an experiential-based learning program. Throughout the next 2 years, we got re-acquainted and became especially close because she attended week-long excursions to earn additional credits. For example, we took Shoua and several students mountain biking in North Dakota for a week." "We kept in touch after she moved to Iowa and got married. She periodically calls me to let me know how she's doing. Now she is taking classes towards her college degree, so I help her with proofreading papers/stories when she asks. These are pictures from when Shoua and I were in group together. Such fun memories!" In addition to being a Youth Mentor and camper, Linda went on to be the Assistant Director at Camp Sunrise and now works at the University of Minnesota.

September 2007 Joe Schmitt (Alumni Camper & Current Member of the Technology Task Force) started a new position - "Network Support Specialist" - at US Bank on September 24th. "I'll still be doing IT work, but I'll be moving from server support to network support which I enjoy more. I'm looking forward to continuing to work with YouthCARE. Erik Girvan (Alumni Board Member) is back in school at the University of Minnesota, working on a doctorate in Social Psychology.
	Erika Sass (2007 C.S. Stars Summer Program Director) is now the Learning Center teacher at Lighthouse Academy of Nations. She teaches technology to high school students from refugee and immigrant families.
	Sarah Ullmer (Alumni Camp Sunrise Director) has a new job as the Youth Initiatives Manager at the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC). You can reach Sullmer at sullmer@nylc.org
Kaying Thao (Alumni Camp Staff and Office Manager) has a new job as an Educational Assistant at the Nellie Stone Johnson K-8 School in North Minneapolis. "Basically I will be assisting new immigrants in their classrooms, as well as working with Hmong families so that they can be more involved with their kids educational journey and successes." Congratulations to Sharon Her (Alumni Camper, Youth Mentor, Camp Staff and Board Member) and Branan Edgens on their Saturday, August 18, 2007 Wedding. Our condolences to Stacey Bulera (Alumni Camp Staff and Office Manager) and the rest of the Bulera family on the passing of Stacey's father Tom Bulera. Tom, who was known for telling old jokes and wearing crazy hats, was also one of the hardest working volunteers ever to step foot on the grounds of Camp Sunrise. Tom spent many weeks at Camp Sunrise as a Volunteer Counselor during the 1980s and 1990s working directly with the camp staff and the campers. He also served on the Camp Sunrise Advisory Council and helped out with many camp projects including a key role in the restoration of the Log Cabin Nature Center. In 1990 Tom was presented the Bruce A. Palmer Distinguished Volunteer Service Award in recognition of his outstanding service to YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise. After a courageous fight with cancer, Tom died on April 18, 2007. He will be missed by his family and friends including all of the people he touched through his work at Camp Sunrise.

Congratulations to Chris Mortenson (Counselor 1996-1998) and Nathalie Salas on their July 20, 2006 wedding. Chris and Nathalie met in Venezuela and are currently living in Budapest where Chris is teaching sixth grade science at the American International of Budapest and Nathalie is working as a physical therapist. According to Chris "we are loving it, especially all the opportunities to explore other cultures and areas of the world. We just got back from Slovenia and Croatia - both very different and very beautiful countries."

Congratulations to Jennifer Lick(Alumni Camp Staff and YWMP Director) and Jason Whittemore on their July 14, 2007 wedding and exchange of vows! The celebration was attended by several YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise alumni staff and volunteers including Sarah Nurnberger, Kristin Johnson, Matt Lind, Petra Regino, Danelle and September Hubbard, Matt Lind, Pepe Wonosikou, Laura Grow and Craig Luedemann.

Petra Regino (Alumni Camper 1982-83 and Alumni Board Member) has two daughters who are active with YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise! Danelle Hubbard (Alumni Camper) is working at Camp Sunrise this summer as an Assistant Counselor. After camp, Danelle will be transferring to the University of Minnesota at Mankato to pursue a degree in Sports Medicine. September Hubbard (Alumni Camper and 2006 Junior Counselor) graduated from Burnsville High School in May 2007 and is planning to attend the University of Northern Michigan in Marquette, WI this fall where she will start working on a degree in Graphic & Design. Petra ("Mom") has been working at the St. Paul Foundation in St. Paul, MN as a Grants Administrator for the past three years.

Sarah Nurnberger (Alumni Camp Counselor and YouthLEAD Program Director) has a new job as a realtor and sent the following greeting to everyone at YouthCARE! "I am excited to share the news of my recently launched career as a REALTOR. I have joined the team at the Minneapolis South branch of Coldwell Banker Burnet and as I begin building my business I want to let you know that I would appreciate your support. If you or someone you know could benefit from my real estate services, please let me know. In return for your business and referrals, I am offering 5% of the resulting earnings as a contribution to YouthCARE through May 2008! Please keep this opportunity and my name in mind when the conversation turns to homes. Like all of you, I am committed to supporting YouthCARE and its programs and services. It would be great to hear from you at sarah@cbburnet.com - I promise to send you a personalized "official" announcement in response. I look forward to our paths crossing in the future." Respectfully, Sarah Nurnberger REALTOR Coldwell Banker Burnet sarah@cbburnet.com 612-728-2220

Shoua Lee has a new job at the Metropolitan Council as the Community Outreach Coordinator.

June 2007

Autumn Moon (Alumni Youth Mentor, 2002-03) is attending St. Paul College where she is working on a degree in Marketing. Autumn said she is hoping to transfer to St. Thomas University next year.
	Kayeng Lor (Alumni Camper, 1994 Junior Counselor and Camp & Office Staff) checked in recently. Kayeng is working as a chef on a ship called "The Pride of Hawaii". "I sleep on the ship and work on the ship seven days a week. I sometimes have a couple of hours to go and enjoy the beautiful islands. The ship travels through all the islands. We have overnights at Maui and Kauai. During those overnight ports, I can eventually get out after work and go enjoy myself. I will write you more details later in a letter or post card."
Andre Walker (1998-00 Alumni Camper, 2001 Junior Counselor and CIT 2002-03) is attending Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD where he is working on a degree in Business Administration. "I plan on staying in contact with everyone at YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise and hope to work at Camp Sunrise this summer." You can reach Andre at dre_763@yahoo.com.
	Congratulations to April (Schmidt) Strege on her August 5 wedding to Jamie Strege. April is an Alumni Camper (1996-2000) and Junior Counselor (2001) and a current Adult Volunteer. In addition, April and Jamie recently bought a new house in Waseca, MN.
Stacey Bulera (Alumni Camp Sunrise Staff 1986-87) checked in recently. "I just wanted to say hello, and say thanks for the email info. I know it has been quite a while since I've spoken with you or other folks, but know that I appreciate the news and think of Camp Sunrise and the fun we had there often! Exciting news, the new director and I hope this year goes well for you." Stacey and her partner Matt applied to the JET Program and were interviewed at the Japanese Embassy in Boston. They are hoping to teach English in Japan for at least one year. Stacey and Matt have a beautiful 16 months old daughter named Zephyr Aruna. "She just started walking and she looks more like her papa than me." I'm glad to hear YouthCARE is always doing great things and continuing on. What I gained from working there and developing friendships there continue to benefit me in life and I am forever grateful.
	Ione Linquist (1987-1990 Alumni Camp Staff) checked in recently. Ione, her husband Chris White and their three sons - Brisman, Nolan and Kutuk (see photo) are living on a farm near Ashland, WI. According to Ione there is "never a dull moment and we're loving it all."
Congratulations to Keisha Blackman on being selected to participate in the 10 month long Nonprofit Leadership Institute being directed by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. YouthCARE also wants to thank the St. Paul Foundation's Spectrum Trust for providing a $1,750 grant to YouthCARE to enable Keisha to participate in the Institute.
	Congratulations to Jnana Hand (Alumni Camp Staff) and her husband Bill Johnson on the birth of the March 5, 2007 birth of their daughter Ava Shalom Hand-Johnson. (Photo: Aadi, 8 years old & Ava, a week and a half shown)
Rikki Stenzel (Alumni Camper, 1994 Junior Counselor and 2000 Camp Staff) checked in recently. "Recently I just moved back to Osaka, Japan and began working at a Jr. High and a couple of elementary schools as an English instructor. It's okay but what I'm really looking forward to is going back to Hiroshima to start my new job. From April 1st, 2007 I'll be working at Hiroshima Technical High School. I'm very exited since I've been meaning to get back to Hiroshima for my elderly grandparents (grandpa 95, grandma 87) and work on the legal processes of inheriting my family's house that has been in the family for 4 generations. Since my mother is an only child and isn't planning on coming back to Japan and I'm also an only child I have taken it upon myself to "protect" the house. When I do it will skip a generation and become the 6th generation that the house has been in the family. Another thing that's exiting for me is that the job is one that I've been trying for since last year. The program is in its second year and is unique because I will NOT be teaching English, I will be teaching IN English. Things such as science, wood shop, gym, etc. will all be taught in English. It's a new approach and I'm just glad to be a part of it. On top of having family in Hiro I also have many friends and this will be like a homecoming since I worked there for a year about 2 years ago. I think that that's about it. My Japanese continues to get better because it can't get any worse....and I use it all the time. I'm still waiting for some "sunrisers" to come out and camp at my place... Come anytime, the sliding paper door is always open."
Linda Vang has a new job at the University of Minnesota, working in the Office of Equity and Diversity.
	Congratulations to Paul Mellblom (Current YouthCARE Board Member) on being selected by Twin Cities Business and MDA Leadership Consulting as a 2007 Emerging Leader. The award was presented to Paul on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at the second annual Emerging Leaders Awards luncheon at the Minneapolis Hilton. To learn more about the award visit www.tcbmag.com.
Congratulations to Lisa Turnham (Current YouthCARE Board Member) on her recent appointment as Adjunct Instructor at the University of Minnesota in the School of Public Health. Lisa is teaching a Sexuality Education class at the University this semester. Lisa also has a new job at Planned Parenthood as the Director of Education & Outreach. Patti Loso (Alumni Volunteer Camp Counselor) reports that "all is well with Rob & I and the kids. Bailey, our daughter, is going on 7 - and is a first grader at Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion. Jack, our son, is going on 3 and ALL boy! I'm now employed by Medtronic - a terrific organization!"

December 2006

The YouthCARE Family is Growing!

	Congratulations to Bondo and Raine Nyembwe on the recent birth of their son Rayme Bradford-Mbaya Nyembwe. Rayme was born on Monday, November 6, 2006 at 8:23 am. Rayme means "studious boy" in Congolese. Bondo has served on the YouthCARE Board of Directors since January of 2005.
	Best Wishes to Lajeana Iverson on the recent arrival of Jaicob Alejandro Huasco-Iverson. Jaicob was born on November 2, 2006 at 11:16 pm and was 8 lbs., 20.5 inches. Lajeana is an alumni Camp Sunrise camper, Junior Counselor, and Adult Staff member.
	Congratulations to Joanne Brosseau Coller and Matt Coller on the recent birth of twin boys! Thomas Richard Coller and Kevin Adam Coller were born on October 25, 2006 at 5:44 and 5:55 pm. Joanne is an alumni Camp Sunrise Camper, Junior Counselor, Adult Staff, Office Staff, and YouthCARE Board member.

November 2006

Theresa Mi-Hyun Song is currently living with her oldest sister and teaching English in Seoul, South Korea. She is avoiding nuclear weapons from the north and no-re-bang (aka karaoke). She worked as an Assistant and Head Counselor during the 2003 and 2004 summers and has continued her involvement with YouthCARE as a volunteer. She misses everyone and wishes she could attend the annual events. If you'd like to contact her, you can email her at: theresapple@yahoo.com. To read Theresa's sweet and thoughtful postcard, click on the images to the left.

MK Nguyen (YouthCARE staff member 2003-05) recently took Dan Ettinger (current YouthCARE staff member) on a tour of the bright lights of San Francisco, CA. While taking in the sights, smells, and flavors of the Tenderloin District, Chinatown, and the Mission, Dan and MK helped each other understand both life at and after YouthCARE. Interesting fact: One of MK's favorite hobbies since moving to San Francisco is hunting for photo booths. She and Dan hope you enjoy the photos to the left.

Congratulations to Carolyn & Tim Buzza on the recent birth of their son Tryg! Carolyn was the Director of the Young Women's Mentoring Program from 1994-95.
	Tim Bergman (Alumni Camp Sunrise Staff 2006) is studying in Bangalore, India this fall, taking classes related to Social Justice, Peace & Development. In December Tim will be back at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN where he is majoring in Philosophy and Pre-Law. You can contact Tim at Tbergman@gac.edu.
Congratulations to Tehout Selameab (Current YouthCARE Board Member and Alumni Camper and Camp Sunrise Staff) and her husband Michael Coenen on the October 26, 2006 birth of their son Mikael Selameab Coenen! Flora Melhouse (Camp Sunrise Staff 1996-97) moved back to the Twin Cities from San Francisco recently and is reconnecting with old YouthCARE/Camp Sunrise colleagues and friends. She is also setting up informational interviews with community leaders in the Twin Cities to get a sense of what is happening here and to gather information to guide her job search and transition. Flora grew up in Thief River Falls, MN and graduated from the University of Minnesota. Most recently Flora was working as a Program Manager for the Women's Foundation of California. We extend our condolences to the family of Claudelle Hannam Carruthers who passed on October 7, 2006 after a 5 year battle with scleroderma. Claudelle grew up in Plymouth, MN, attended Camp Sunrise from 1976-78 and was also a very active participant in the Camp Sunrise school year program. Claudelle will be missed by many family and friends including her husband Phillip and their three children.
Matt Lind and Noke Sivoravong (two alumni Camp Directors holding their baby boys - Bjorn and Zion)
Noke Sivoravong (Alumni Camper 1986, Junior Counselor 1987 and Camp Sunrise Staff 1988-2000) has started a new job at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College as the Director of the Power of You Program! Noke will be advising approximately 270 Minneapolis and St. Paul students. Congratulations to Ryan (Alumni Board Member 2005-06) & Beth Burggraff on their June 24, 2006 wedding! Ryan is on a leave of absence from his position at General Mills and has started working on an MBA at Northwestern University. We already miss Ryan's strong presence on the YouthCARE Board as well as his leadership on the Budget & Finance Committee. Victor Vang (Alumni Camper 1997 and Camp Sunrise Staff 1999) is working at the Minnesota Department of Human Services as a Case Worker and attending college at Metro State, majoring in Business, Marketing and Advertising. Victor was recently appointed to the City of St. Paul's Second Shift Commission to advise St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman on the design and implementation of effective programs for St. Paul youth. Aaron Izaksonsas-Smith (Alumni Camper and Camp Sunrise Staff 2005) recently finished his second year at the University of Minnesota Morris. In September Aaron left Minnesota for the University of Oregon Eugene to work on a degree in Studio Arts. Terrell Oliver (Alumni Camper and Junior Counselor 1999) graduated recently from Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) with a degree in Law Enforcement. Terrell is also leading a youth group at his church. Will Spann (Alumni Camper, JC 2004, CIT 2005) is in his first year at Metropolitan Community and Technical College (MCTC) working on a degree in Business & Management. In addition, Will is working part-time at Lifetime Fitness as a Youth Camp Counselor and Trainer. Rich Philippi (Alumni Camper, JC 1982 & Camp Sunrise Staff) and his wife Jo Starr were in the Twin Cities recently making it possible for Rich and Craig Luedemann to get together for breakfast and talk about the "good old days" at Camp Sunrise. Rich and Jo are living in Flagstaff, AZ where Rich is working as a driver for the Transit Bus System and Jo is working for the Create Flagstaff Forestry Partnership. Chue Xiong (Alumni Camper, Youth Mentor and YWMP Staff) started a new job with the YMCA of Minneapolis as Assistant Director of the Beacon's Program that is housed at Anne Sullivan Community School. Chue is working to provide K-6 graders with after school academic enrichment activities. Chue called in to say that one of her new co-workers at the YMCA is Barb Brenner (Alumni Camp Sunrise Staff 1983)! Congratulations to Erika Orsulak on being accepted into the Master of Government Administration Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Erika, Alumni Director of the Young Women's Mentoring Program and Camp Sunrise Program Director, started her studies at the University on September 9, 2006.
Congratulations to the following YouthCARE Alumni on their June 2006 High School Graduations:
Armin Habibovic Kou Xiong Ify Okolo Pa Der Vang Will Spann Houa Pha Michel Santos Sou Hang Giselle Santos Zone Vang Danelle Hubbard Darcellia Hill Joel Fries Xai Lee	Cooper Minneapolis South St. Paul Humboldt St. Paul Harding East View Minneapolis Patrick Henry Minneapolis Washburn St. Paul Johnson Minneapolis Washburn Community Learning Project Burnsville Minneapolis Roosevelt Minnesota Business Academy St. Paul Central
FYI….a nice poem from Aaron Izaksonas-Smith hey, its been a long time, i recently got in the mood of writing tankas (a poem consisting of alternating lines of 5-7 sylables with to end lines of 7 sylables each). And i came up with this one for [camp] sunrise, hope you enjoy. morning rivers wink, daytime rivers push and glare evenings wrapped in mist. canoes glide gently in unpracticed zig-zags down slideing gracefully into grass lined banks and rocks j-stroke! no, c-stroke! faster! harder! wait! full-stop, another river colision, how much farther? -we'll float for lunch, swim a bit. then the rapids hit! and wee! swoosh, smash, twist, rush, weee! and now, somehow, they are all pros with paddles, and so soon, they go home. and we're left to prepair camp for another sunrise week. warm thoughts for YouthCARE, give everyone one my regards, Aaron Izaksonas

July 2006

	Nathan Dungan (Current Board Member & Board Chair) was featured in an article that appeared in the Sunday, July 9, 2006 edition of the Star Tribune. Nathan is the President of Share, Save, Spend and the author of Prodigal Sons and Material Girls: How Not to be Your Child's ATM. On June 20, 2006 Nathan led a financial skills workshop at Camp Sunrise for this summer's 8 Junior Counselors.
(Above, Nathan working with the 2006 Junior Counselors at Camp Sunrise)
(page 1)	Click on the icons to download Nathan's article in pdf format.	(page 2)

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Charlie Yang (Alumni Camper 1981-83) who passed away recently. Charlie is survived by his wife Mee Xiong Yang (Alumni Camper 1981-83) and children including Chris Yang (Alumni Camper 2005). Charlie was a wonderful father and a good man. He will be missed by many.

Congratulations to Michelle Miller & Peter Hammond on the June 19, 2006 birth of their daughter Muriel Adelle. Michelle, a current YouthCARE Board Member and long-time volunteer, reports that "everyone is healthy, happy and sleep deprived."

Congratulations to Matt & Ann Lind on the Wednesday, June 14, 2006 birth of their son Bjorn Theodore! Matt, a 4th grade teacher at Edgerton Elementary in Roseville, MN, started his career with Camp Sunrise in 1993 as an Assistant Counselor and retired in 2002 after two very successful years as the Camp Sunrise Director. Matt and Ann live in Forest Lake, MN.

Congratulations to Heather (Sandness) Reed (Alumni Camper 1990-94) on her November 26, 2005 marriage to Charles Reed and on the birth of their first child Matthew Anthony Reed on April 13, 2006. Heather reports that she has been living in Rapid City, SD since 1998 and has great memories of her summers at Camp Sunrise.

June 2006

Congratulations to Erik Girvan (Current Board Member) and his wife Becky on the birth of their first child, Jonah James Girvan. Jonah was born on March 29, 2006. Erik is an attorney at Faegre & Benson and has served on the YouthCARE Board since January 2004. He is also the chair of YouthCARE's Personnel Committee.

Congratulations to Zone Vang (Alumni Youth Mentor 2003-05 and current YouthCARE Staff member) and Michael Yang on their Saturday, May 20, 2006 wedding in Coon Rapids, MN.

JR Robinson (Alumni Camper 1998-2000) is the new Camp Sunrise Assistant Director! In addition to participating in Camp Sunrise for three summers JR was also very involved in the Youth Advisory Council and many YouthLEAD and Camp Sunrise school year activities. This fall JR will start his third and final year at Minneapolis Community and Technical College where he is majoring in law enforcement. His short term goal is to become a Minneapolis Police Officer. JR's sister Brandyi Phillips, now a college student in New Hampshire, was also very active in YouthCARE and Camp Sunrise (alumni Junior Counselor 2002). When he's not working JR likes to play basketball, exercise and spend time with his two year old daughter Nyjah.

Tara Roberts (Alumni Camper 1999-2000, JC 2001, CIT 2002 and Assistant Counselor 2003) has accepted a Program Assistant at YouthCARE. She will be assisting Sarah Nurnberger, YouthLEAD Program Director, with the recruitment of youth to participate in the 2006 Camp Sunrise Summer Program.

Congratulations to Sharon Radd (Alumni Board member 2000-05) on being named a 2006 Bush Leadership Fellow! The Bush Leadership Fellowship program provides support for mid-career individuals with leadership experience to enhance their skills and knowledge in order to increase their impact in their communities. Combined with sabbatical support from the Eden Prairie Schools, the fellowship will allow Sharon to engage in 16 months of full-time study to complete her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, both at the University of St. Thomas. According to Sharon, "The support will also allow me to travel to conferences and to meet with experts in the field to hear their feedback on what I am learning in my research and the ideas I am developing. As a result of my fellowship studies, I hope to impact the practice and policy of public education toward more equitable and sustainable social, economic, and environmental systems." Sharon and her husband Jim Benick live in south Minneapolis with their three children - Max, 12 years old, Shelia, 3 years old, and Sam, 2 years old. Sharon is the Dean of Students for Central Middle School in Eden Prairie, MN and a current volunteer on the YouthCARE Planning & Evaluation Committee. Sharon served as the Chair of the YouthCARE Board of Directors from 2004-05.

Alex Harris (Alumni Camper 1992-93, Junior Counselor 1994, Assistant Counselor 1995 and Cook 1996) is living in Sioux Falls, SD working as a Head Chef at "Soul Affair" the only black owned business in Sioux Falls. In addition to his work Alex is helping a friend start a nonprofit summer camp/learning environment in Yankton, DS. Alex, who will be 30 years old in September, has two children - a 6 years old son Devonta and a 2 years old daughter Aliex.

Amina Harun (Alumni Office Staff 2004) called Sarah Nurnberger recently to say "hi" to everyone working in the YouthCARE office. Amina is back in Minnesota after spending 4 months in Africa. She also mentioned that she is planning her wedding to take place on June 24, 2006!

Chris Hoskins (Alumni Camp Staff 2003-04) has accepted a full-time summer position as an Assistant Instructor with Outward Bound. He will be based out of Ely, MN with plans to co-lead three 21-day BWCA trips for youth and young adults. Chris is currently enrolled in an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) class at Inver Hills Community College. He plans to attend Prescott College in Prescott, AZ this fall with an emphasis in experiential education.

Pepe Wonosikou (Alumni Camp Staff 1996-98) is working full-time at the Dunwoody Institute as an Admissions Representative, focusing on recruiting Minneapolis and St. Paul high school students to attend Dunwoody. She is also working part-time with the Minneapolis Foundation's Destination 2010 Program. Pepe just returned from a three week trip to Nigeria to visit family and friends!

Ron Christianson (Alumni Volunteer Camp Sunrise Counselor), an Assistant Plant Equipment Operator at Xcel Energy's Prairie Island plant, has been appointed to the Xcel Energy Diversity Council. According to Ron, Diversity Council members will define and create a mission, vision, and strategies to foster inclusion and respect, and then work to integrate diversity into Xcel's corporate structure and business strategies through various initiatives.

April 2006

Congratulations to Trudy Rebert (Alumni Staff 2005), a recent winner of a 2006 Truman Scholarship, a $30,000 graduate or professional school grant for her "achievement, leadership potential and interest in public service"! As reported in the Star Tribune on 3/31/06, Trudy is "from Pennsylvania, attends Macalester College in St. Paul. With majors in geography and political science, she is interested in social activism and has worked with nongovernmental groups in Tanzania, India and the United States."

"Kathy Mouacheupao, K.T. Vang & Craig Luedemann at recent fundraising event for the Neighborhood House"

Kathy Mouacheupao (Alumni Camper 1992-94) is the new Executive Director of the Center for Hmong Art and Talent (CHAT). CHAT was co-founded in 1998 by State Representative Cy Thao (Alumni Camp Staff 1993) to "nurture and develop Hmong artists to enhance the community". In addition to her work at CHAT, Kathy is also the Associate Editor of Hmong Today. You can reach Kathy at Kathy@aboutchat.org.

Amber Mensen (Alumni Camp Staff 2004) has been working at the Red Wing Republican Eagle for the past year and a half as Staff Writer, focusing on news and sports, interest stories, features and page lay-out. Amber's other interests include running, salsa dancing, going to the YMCA and singing in the church choir. "I had a great time at the YouthCARE Lock-In. It was really fun to see everyone again and even people I hadn't met before were very welcoming."