Staff

Meet the full time staff! Click on their name to email them or call the VLM office at 800-331-5148.

Joel Abenth, Executive Director

Joel started with VLM in February of 2008. His chief responsibilities are being a visionary for the ministry and maintaining a sound financial organization which provides for VLM’s numerous programs. He meets with pastors and congregations, friends and supporters, and reports to the Board of Directors.

Joy Halstead, Program Director

Joy has a wide variety of experience with VLM. As a past seasonal staff member and youth director who brought youth to VLM programs, she is now serving as the Program Director. Joy started in February of 2009 and is in charge of hiring, training and supporting summer staff, developing and implementing all of VLM’s programs.

Julie Scheuring, Administrative Assistant

Julie began her employment at VLM in February of 1986 as the office manager. She has been the Acting Executive Director and now is the Administrative Assistant. Her days are kept busy handling publicity, managing our database and camp stores, producing the annual report, and arranging the golf tournament.

Patti Alt, Office Manager

Patti started in April of 1996 and manages both the office and the finances of VLM. She organizes our camps, retreats, handles camper registrations, assists with food purchases, does all the printing and mailing as well as payroll and bookkeeping.

Marie Kirschstein, Adventure Coordinator

Marie joined the full time team in February 2010. She is responsible for overseeing the Voyageurs Canoe Country program, working with retreats, and assisting with marketing.

Jan Soltis, Hospitality Coordinator

Jan started as our Camp Hiawatha Lead Cook for the 2001 Summer Camp Season and has worked at many retreats since then. As of January 2010 joined the Full-Time Staff as VLM’s Hospitality Coordinator. Many of you have already had the pleasure of tasting Jan’s tasty food / sweet rolls, etc. and we hope you have a chance to meet her at Camp.

Rick Scheuring, Camp Vermilion Site Director

Rick served as our Seasonal Site Director in 2002-2004. In 2007, he started as our Full Time Site Director. April though October he works full time preparing and maintaining Camp Vermilion and switches to part time for our winter season. He has worked on many special projects and led us though many upgrades on the site. (pictured: back row, right)

Jim Olson, Camp Hiawatha Interim Site Director

Jim started part time with Voyageurs Lutheran in September of 2009 and is sharing his expertise with maintenance and improvements at Camp Hiawatha. Jim has been a wonderful addition to camp. (pictured in front row)