Camp Cedar Cliff Staff
Cedar Cliff staff consists of people who place primary importance on their relationship with Christ.
Hugh Wright, Chief Executive Officer, loves camp because God uses it to change lives through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As a former youth evangelist in Christian camping with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Hugh spent 17 years telling campers about Jesus. He says that, as well as influencing kids, is the best part about his job. Hugh describes himself as fun, visionary, passionate, and as a big kid! Rappelling is Hugh’s favorite camp activity, but he also plays soccer, basketball, and does woodworking in his spare time. Hugh’s best vacation was a recent trip to Italy, but he would also like to return to Australia, where his mother is from. Hugh and his wife Nicole have two children, Abigail, 10, and Caleb, 7.
Kent Ryburn, Summer Camp Director, spent many summers at Cove Camp—six as a camper, six as a staff member, and five as the Assistant Camp Director. He appreciates camp for the impact it had on his life and says the unity of the staff and the friendships formed are what make camp great. History fascinates Kent, and he is amazed by how the past shapes the world today. He wants to pass on what he learns to young people so they can think and ask questions about their world. He would also love to travel to Australia to see the night sky in the southern hemisphere. Kent and his wife Cathy have a two-year old son Zach.
Justin Brackett, Assistant Camp Director, grew up in Arumuchee, Georgia, and spent many weeks at summer camp. Justin worked at Cove Camp for two summers and met his wife Samantha there. They have one son, Gabriel, and another child on the way. If Justin could travel anywhere, he would go to New Zealand, but for now he just enjoys the morning view of Mt. Pisgah out his front door. Justin’s job focuses on retreat ministry, and he says the best thing about it is getting to know youth pastors from around the southeast. Justin cheers for the Red Sox and one day would like to hike all of the Appalachian Trail.
Jen Knorr, Assistant Camp Director, loves her job because she gets to see and experience life change in herself, the staff, and campers. She claims studying abroad in Australia as not only her best vacation, but as one of the best experiences in her life because it showed her that the world is at her fingertips and the possibilities in life are endless. Jen is a graduate of NC State, still cheers for the Wolfpack, and was once a mathlete. Jen spent her summers in college working at Cove Camp and was drawn to Camp Cedar Cliff because she can “do what she loves and love what she does.”
Abby Friend, Executive Assistant, grew up in Greenville, North Carolina, and graduated from NC State in 2005. Her first job was working at the Little League concession stand, but after working at Cove Camp for three summers in college, she fell in love with camp ministry. Her favorite camp activity is Pool Olympics, and she now looks forward to judging the belly flop contest each week. Abby loves camp because it is a place where people can have fun, be themselves, and grow. Camp is Abby’s dream job, but she aspires to one day be a contestant on The Amazing Race.
Davis Crain, Director of Outdoor Ministry, relocated to North Carolina from Houston, Texas, after many years of attending summer camp in the mountains. Davis graduated from Brevard College with a Bachelor of Arts in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education in 2005. He was the trip leader for Cove Camp’s Exodus for two summers and now heads Vertex and outdoor education. Davis’s life goals include kayaking in the Grand Canyon and circumnavigating North, Central, and South America in a truck, stopping along the way to learn about the different cultures. This summer will mark Davis’s 17th summer at summer camp.
Jay Barham, Maintenance Supervisor, grew up in Montreat, North Carolina, and earned his first paycheck as a camp ranger at Montreat Campground. Jay describes himself as fun, honest, and reliable. He is excited to work at camp because it is a place where Jesus is the focus. He also likes that there is variety in his day, that he can be outside, and that he can go off-road in the military trucks. Jay’s dream destination is Africa, but he would really like to travel anywhere new. Jay and his wife Beth have two daughters, Rachel, 14, and Sidney, 12.
Justin Parker, Program Director, describes himself as adventuresome, passionate, and determined, and desires to never be a boring person. As a graduate of Appalachian State University, Justin is very proud of his alma mater for being the three-time national champions. Because he enjoys playing outside, his favorite part of the day is when it is the sunniest and his favorite camp activity is Adventure Ball. Justin loves camp because he can have a positive affect on people, and people rarely leave camp the same as when they came. If Justin is not at camp, you may find him waterfall jumping, mountain biking, or sipping lemonade in a tropical paradise.
Keith Birchfield, Day Camp Director, loves camp because it is a place where he can develop genuine friendships with people who love Jesus. The best part of his day is watching day campers sing silly songs to the Lord. Keith hopes to visit all the major cities in the U.S. and would like to one day get a culinary degree. He is also an avid volleyball player and a big fan of UNC basketball. He is married to Angela and has an 11 year old daughter named Kyrsten.
