Our Staff

We know the key to a great camp experience is a great staff. Camp Woodcraft hires intentionally from the communities we serve so that counselors understand the unique needs of every camper. Many of our counselors are also year round youth workers through our Woodcraft Rangers programs and have extensive training and experience in youth development. We’re also thrilled to welcome back many former campers who come back to serve as counselors and activity instructors each year!

Camp Leadership

Helen “Curly” Santos

DIRECTOR OF CAMP WOODCRAFT & OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Helen joined the Woodcraft team more than 14 years ago and continues to create and run transformative outdoor experiences with Woodcraft afterschool youth and summer campers.

During the summer of 2021, Helen was named to the National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advisory Committee for the American Camp Association (ACA). In this critical role, Helen provides guidance on how the field of outdoor education can create more inclusive spaces by sharing best practices from her long tenure at Camp Woodcraft. We are so thrilled that Helen is being recognized as a leader in this important work!

A graduate of CSU Long Beach, Helen also holds a camp director certificate from the American Camp Association. A life-long learner, Helen enjoys spending her free time with her family exploring Long Beach and reading books over and over with her toddler. You might even meet Camp Woodcraft’s youngest Ranger, Helen’s son, “Little Bear” at camp.

Natalie “Selfie” Pinedo

Camp Manager

Natalie joined Woodcraft Rangers 14 years ago. Starting as a member of the afterschool staff, Natalie realized she could use her creativity and her leadership skills to help build lifelong memories, experiences and friendships that will stay with campers forever and later joined the camp team. She served as counselor for three years and then began serving as part of the leadership team.

Natalie takes pride in creating a safe environment where campers can freely express themselves. Known for her creative, fun activities and ability to keep campers on their toes, she aims to make camp a magical experience. A graduate of University of Phoenix, Natalie earned a BA in Human Services. Natalie enjoys spending her free time with her three nieces.

Jesse “Lemonade” Esquivel

Camp Coordinator

Jesse joined the Woodcraft team out of high school in 2015 as a Club Leader for Skate Club. With his love for the outdoors, he joined the camp team in 2016 as a Camp Counselor, where he earned the name “Lemonade.” This year, Jesse is thrilled to continue growing with the Camp Woodcraft family as a Camp Coordinator. 

As a graduate from Rio Hondo College with an A.S. in Child Development & Early Childhood Education, Jesse believes it is important for children to explore the wilderness through educational, fun, and memorable experiences. With his mind aimed towards getting his B.S. in Child Development, he hopes to bring more outdoor education, leadership opportunities for young rangers, and advocate the Four-Fold Way in Woodcraft.

With his magnetic personality, Jesse is quickly a camp favorite. He brings joy to camp and the campers, and loves to share his passion for star gazing.

Camp Counselors

GABRIEL
Health Care Supervisor

I’m a jack-of-all-trades, and master of all!

Stickers
Health Care Assistant

How can I help?

WOW
Rock Wall Instructor

WOowie wOowZah!

BUMBLE BEE
Rock Wall Instructor

Always BEE yourself,
and mind ya’ BZZZness.

CHEESERS
Low Ropes Instructor

Cheesy Cheeto Fingers.

CHAOS
Archery Instructor

I thrive in all the confusion.
Let’s go!

Yaxeni
Counselor

Excited for the

Best. Summer. Ever. 

MOCKINGBIRD
Counselor

I like to repeat things.
I like to repeat things. 

LETTY
Photographer

Smile for the camera!

Forky
Counselor

A fork is better than a spork. Yea, I said it.

MIRACLE
Counselor

Love all the outdoorsing!

Cleveland
Counselor

What?
This is how I smile.

HOPS
Counselor

Hop hop, hippity. Hop!
I like dogs.

Zaven
Counselor

Eight. Nine. 

Matthew
Counselor

Hi. I’m Matthew.

Flamin'
Counselor

I like hot cheetos.

BLOSSOM
Counselor

Exctied to grow with all the campers this summer!

Nathan
Counselor

Hi. I’m Nathan.

Zaira
Counselor

Ask me about my hobbies!

MVP
Counselor

Who’s the real MVP?
YOU!

MAX
Counselor

My advice? MAXimize the time you have in nature!

Josie
Counselor

I like trees.

Jonathan
Counselor

Hi. I’m Jonathan.

Jeamy
Counselor

Like dreamy or genie, but not.

Woodcraft Rangers Leadership

Julee Brooks
Chief Executive Officer

Celina Salinas
Chief Operations Officer

Darlington Ahaiwe
Chief Finance Officer

ANDRES DE LA PEZA
Chief Strategy Officer