Meet the team!

helping campers to find joy and purpose in god's creation
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Britt Swanson

Executive Director

Britt is a South Dakota native who graduated from Northern State University in 2011. After graduating, Britt was a counselor at Lakeside and fell in love!  Britt met  Zach Swanson, now husband, that summer and married him at Lakeside in 2012.  Lakeside was the first place Britt experienced a loving, caring, accepting God. Since then Britt has dedicated their life to sharing that loving, caring, accepting God with as many people as possible.  Britt and Zach now have 3 children – Zaiden, Braxley, and Tayva – as well as a loving dog named Stella.  Zach grew up going to family camp at Lakeside and has a special love for Lakeside. The whole Swanson family is a “Camp” family and excited to be serving such a powerful ministry. 

2491 170th St, Spirit Lake, IA 51360

Kyle Rydell

Camp Director

My name is Kyle Rydell. I am humbled to be the Camp Director at Lutheran Lakeside coming in with over 6 years of experience working in outdoor ministries. I grew up in East Tennessee around the base of the Smokey Mountains. That’s where my love for God’s beautiful creation, the great outdoors, first rooted. I went to Maryville College to study music education, but when I was presented with the opportunity to work in outdoor ministries I knew that I had to follow this new path. I worked as the Hospitality Intern, then Activities and Retreat Coordinator at Briarwood Retreat Center. After 4 amazing and challenging years I moved to North Dakota February, of 2020 to work as the Associate Director at Park River Bible Camp. Learning how to run operations and programmatic aspects of camp during the past two years of Covid-19, fear, and uncertainty. Through it all God provides, and pointed me to Lutheran Lakeside Camp. In my off time you can find me outdoors, reading books, rock climbing, or cooking for my friends and family. I can’t wait to start and be a part of this amazing ministry at LLC!

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Maggie Domek

Program Director

Hello Lakeside Family! My name is Maggie Domek and I am the new Program Director here at Lakeside. I was a camper for many years and this will be my fourth summer working at Lakeside. I am currently a sophomore at Dordt University and my major is Elementary Education and a minor in Physical Education.  I have met some of the most important and special people in my life here. I continue to come back because of the amazing people that work here and the awesome campers that come every year! Lakeside has helped me grow not only in my faith but also in my leadership and confidence. There are many opportunities to make new friends, go on new adventures, learn about yourself, and most importantly build a better relationship with the Lord. I am excited to get to know everyone who comes to Lakeside and to help everyone both staff, and campers about the love God has for everyone. I can’t wait for the summer of 2023!

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Gary Zeman "Ranger Z"

Property Manager

Gary Lynn Zeman, affectionately known as ‘Z’, was born in 1955 to parents Ray and Marlys Zeman. He is the oldest of four, Gaylen, Glenda, and Greg. He met and married Sarah Lynn Peterson at Lutheran Lakeside Camp. Sarah is currently working at Lakes Plumbing and Heating, in Spirit Lake. The Zeman’s have a dog named Pepper, she is a puggle.

‘Z’ enjoys camping and the outdoors. Sarah is a sewing, camping, reading, and interior design enthusiast! ‘Z’ has been a Boy Scout for the past 42 years. Gary and Sarah both have a passion for this place called “Lakeside!”

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Crystal Enderson

Office Manager

My name is Crystal Enderson.  I am the Office Manager here at Lutheran Lakeside Camp.  

I am a “local” gal.  I grew up in Milford, Iowa and after many years of living away, I have moved back to my home and plan to live here the rest of my life.  The Iowa Great Lakes is a beautiful and wonderful place to enjoy.  As my uncle used to say “This is God’s country!”

As you can see in my picture, I have 2 dogs; Jazzi and Benji.  I am a lover of animals and nature.  I have been a foster for rescue animals and volunteered for many other organizations where I can help people and animals in need.  I am a caretaker.  This is my reason for being – to help others.  That is why being part of the ministry and family here at Lutheran Lakeside Camp is a perfect fit for me.  I am very excited to be part of Lutheran Lakeside Camp.  It is a fabulous place with a lot to offer campers, families, those getting married, and retreats.  Did you know we offer nature trails and disc golf for all to use? 

I recommend you visit us soon and take advantage of all we have to offer.

Autum Villebro

Autumn Villebro

Camp Intern

My name is Autumn Villebro, and I am the Camp Intern at Lakeside. I was first introduced to Lakeside through Campus Ministry, and have fallen in love throughout my two summers working here. The camps I went to when I was younger were always so important to me, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that experience for others. My first summer, I had the great opportunity to be a counselor, and my second, I decided to apply as leadership staff. Lakeside has been a place of belonging, where I have been able to grow as a person and in my faith. Growing up in Scranton, Iowa, I never expected to want to work in ministry, but seeing God work in others’ lives has been so impactful. Everyone I have met at Lakeside has been accepting and understanding, and I wouldn’t want to be part of a different community. Some of my best memories at Lakeside have been at the climbing tower and zipline, around campfires, and experiencing the nature around camp. In my free time I like to paint, watch movies, and be around friends and family. I can’t wait to experience new opportunities at Lakeside!

 
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Nichole Hollowell

House Keeper

Nichole has worked as a House Keeper at Lakeside for many years.  She often brings her family out to help her as she works.

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Amanda Chindlun

House Keeper

Amanda has been with Lakeside since 2021 joining her friend Nichole.  She is an amazing member of our team keeping Lakeside beautiful.

 
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Brittne Kile

House Keeper

Brittne began working at Lakeside this past summer(23) and we cant wait to see her grow in this position.