Josh and Jean

Houston native Joshua Arroyave joined Ferncliff as a counselor in 2019 during his sophomore year at the University of the Ozarks looking for a new challenge. Jean Dodds, from Oklahoma, also joined Ferncliff that year after her previous camp declined. Initially nervous, they found fulfillment and formed a close bond. Their friendship blossomed into a lasting relationship, and their camp experiences inspired their careers in education. They credit Ferncliff for their personal and professional growth.

Rachel Parker

Benjamin Hoffmann

Molly DeWitt

Thomas Franks

Thomas Franks grew up attending Ferncliff, starting overnight camp at six and spending summers exploring nature. As a teen, he became a Counselor-In-Training, valuing connections with others. A Sewanee graduate, he credits Ferncliff for inspiring his career in the Forest Carbon market and pursuing a master’s in environmental resiliency. He built a disc golf course for his Eagle Scout project. Thomas believes supporting Ferncliff allows kids to be themselves and connect with nature and peers.

Phoebe and Titan

Phoebe, raised by her grandparents, found stability and love through them and her church, Trinity Presbyterian. She discovered Ferncliff, where she felt accepted and free to explore her faith. At fourteen, severe anxiety and blood pressure issues led her to get a service dog, Titan, who was welcomed at camp. Over three summers, Phoebe and Titan attended camp, educating others about service dogs. Ferncliff profoundly impacted her, helping her grow confident and dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Jim Manville

Cameron Highsmith

Cameron Highsmith, once a shy child, thrived at Ferncliff, which shaped his character. The Anytown program inspired him to become a camp counselor, fostering empathy and leadership. After serving in the Peace Corps, he pursued ministry, now working as an industrial chaplain at Tyson Foods, supporting coworkers in crisis. Cameron embodies Ferncliff’s inclusive values, creating a ripple effect of care. His nieces and nephews now attend Ferncliff, continuing the legacy of empathy and self-discovery.

Shalon, Kristofer, Kartier and Kassidy Bogard

On March 31, 2023, Shalon Bogard and her children sheltered during a storm in Little Rock. Their home had minimal damage, but the neighborhood was destroyed, affecting the kids deeply. Shalon enrolled them in Camp Noah, a free day camp for disaster recovery, where Kassidy thrived socially, Kartier enjoyed activities, and Kristofer found a break from responsibilities. They also attended a summer camp at Ferncliff, aiding their recovery. This fall, they returned to school successfully.

Hannah Lahodny

Hannah Lahodny, a curious but shy child, gained confidence at Ferncliff day camp starting at age eight, inspired by her mother's experience. She grew to love the outdoors and the camp community, becoming a lifeguard at fifteen. Ferncliff enhanced her social skills and cultural exposure, leading to international travel and a career with the UN World Food Program in Rwanda. She credits Ferncliff for broadening her worldview and continues to return for renewal and connection with nature.

Christine Dove

As a teen, Christine Dove was active in her church and school’s performing arts. Her life changed on April 20, 1999, when she survived a mass school shooting. Struggling with complex emotions, Christine found solace at healing camps in Ferncliff, introduced by survivors of another school shooting. Ferncliff provided her a safe space to heal and connect with others who understood her experience, and she has attended every healing camp since.