Leadership

Corie Himstedt is James’ wife and is known as “Wrangler” at camp. She uses her day-to-day life experiences with raising and homeschooling the four Himstedt children to connect with parents and campers, and to pour guidance and direction into Strong Rock’s summer staff. Her start in summer camping began at a summer camp running the horseback riding program while she majored in Animal Science at Berry College. Corie loves camp and camper families, time with her own family, and just about any outdoor activity. In her free time she can usually be found at the barn.

James & Corie Himstedt

Executive Directors

James Himstedt, known as “Rambo” at camp, has served as Camp Owner & Director since 2005. With a degree in Outdoor Recreation from Baylor University, James is in his element running camp. He provides leadership in every area from leading all morning Lifeline messages to training staff to encouraging campers to do hard things! In 2020, along with his father-in-law and brother-in-law, he started Mountain Craft Homes and supervises the building of houses in the local area. James also enjoys coaching the local middle and high school mountain biking team, hunting, helping to lead worship at church, and spending time with his family.

Do you have questions about sending your child to summer camp? We know it’s a big step for your child and your family.

There are many things to consider, especially if this will be your child’s first time away from home. Please call or email any one of our Directors — we would love to answer your questions. We’re parents too!

Rebecca Smith

Administrative Director

If you call the camp office, there is a 99% chance you will talk to Rebecca, a.k.a. “Sprinkles.” Rebecca keeps all of our paperwork and forms in order, manages camp-to-parent communications, and helps ensure that we have the necessary information to provide outstanding service to each child. Rebecca’s experience as a camper and staffer at other camps has proven invaluable as she fields parent calls throughout the summer. Camp changed her life and she loves seeing lives changed at Strong Rock. Away from camp, Rebecca loves spending time with her husband, Steve, and boys, Jacob and Eli, as well as serving at her church, and quilting.

Levi Fangmann

Program Director

Levi, whose camp name is “Stride,” has been part of the Strong Rock family since 2014. Over the years he has played the role of Counselor, Head Counselor, Program Specialist, and now Program Director. Levi has a creative mind and passion for continuing to improve the program at camp as he creates new evening games and plans for the summer. Levi graduated from Truett-McConnell University and enjoys reading, outdoor activities and spending time with his wife, Holly, and their children.

Daniel Brannon

Director of Facilities

Daniel Brannon, whose camp name is “Scoot,” serves as the Director of Facilities. However, his camp story began in the summer of 2006, where he served as a camp counselor at Strong Rock. Now he is busy making sure camp looks its best, performing minor carpentry, plumbing and lawn maintenance, and repairing fixtures and equipment. He’s the ‘handyman’ of Strong Rock Camp, and is also a firefighter. Daniel enjoys spending time with his wife, Daira, and their kids Maddux, Isabel, Alex, and Gabby, as well as hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and cheering on the Braves and the Dawgs.

Patrick Chamberlain

Guest Services Director

Patrick, whose camp name is “Recon,” is in charge of everything that happens at Strong Rock during non-summer months. He connects with retreat group leaders and guests to provide quality experiences for church, school, business, sports team, or ministry retreats. Patrick loves time with his family, Emily, Rush, and Mac, and enjoys cycling, running, hunting and fishing, serving at his church, and coaching a local youth mountain bike team.

Tate and Lexi Pearson

Retreat Manager

Tate, whose camp name is “Spigot,” has been with Strong Rock since 2017. He has been in the role of a Counselor, Skill Specialist, SALT Coordinator, Intern and is now Retreat Manager. He enjoys getting to be a part of the camp family and hopes to help improve the experience of all of our guests. In his free time he enjoys hanging out with his wife Lexi and with friends, and traveling.

Lexi “Turbo” Pearson has been with Strong Rock since 2019 and has had a variety of roles at camp as well, including Counselor, Skill Specialist, Head Counselor, and Intern, and is now heading up the kitchen as Food Service Director. Lexi enjoys newlywed life with Tate, and in her spare time she works on her photography skills.

Larry & Norma Adams

Owners

Larry and Norma Adams, Corie’s parents, played a major role in helping make the dream of Strong Rock a reality. Their generosity and willingness to follow God’s leadership allowed James and Corie to pursue this venture. Larry is usually found lending a helpful hand with anything that’s needed around camp. His servant’s heart and humble leadership sets a positive tone for all those he comes in contact with. Norma, or “Mama Norma” as campers know her, spends many days during the summer helping out with many tasks including sorting the mail or running errands. She LOVES to spoil our staff with care packages and encouraging notes to let them know just how much they are appreciated.