Friends of Camp Colton is fortunate to have an outstanding board of directors; we benefit tremendously from its wide variety of professional experience and passion for our mission. Six new members recently joined this team, each bringing invaluable perspective — along with personal ties to Camp.
Clare Aslan, Co-Director of Northern Arizona University’s Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes and Associate Director of NAU’s School of Earth and Sustainability, will not only strengthen the relationship between NAU and Camp Colton, but her involvement with a network of state-wide leaders will open doors to inclusion in state-wide initiatives. Clare, who has two children who attended Camp, is dedicated to providing youth with early exposure to nature.
“Passion for conservation and sustainability is almost always rooted in positive childhood experiences with nature. Connecting children to the environment bolsters their physical and mental health and expands their ability to learn about and analyze the world around them,” she said. “The experiences offered by Camp Colton are critical for fostering young people who will grow up with those connections and integrate them into their lives.”
Dolores Biggerstaff, who taught science for 25 years within Flagstaff Unified School District, brings deep knowledge of science curriculum mapping that will help FoCC bolster STEM initiatives. Additionally, experience gained as a former member of the FUSD Governing Board will provide FoCC with invaluable budgeting insight. With four children who attended Camp, Dolores has seen firsthand the impact Camp has on young lives.
“Many people have lost the connection to the natural world; there seems to be a great deal of ignorance about how everything is interconnected and how easily the system can be disrupted by human activity,” she said. “Camp is an experience that strips away the trappings of the human environment and places students closer to the outdoors. It affords the students a chance to be away from their routines that allows them to adapt to this experience and learn from it.”
Alan Francis, Architect and Building Scientist at Studio RE as well as Associate Professor of Practice at Northern Arizona University’s Department of Construction Management, integrates building science best practices into the design and construction of climate-responsive architecture. His passion for producing net zero-energy buildings stems from a deep commitment to sustainability, which he hopes to instill in the next generation of Camp alumni. He also has a child who attended Camp.
“We live at a unique time, where humanity’s relationship with nature and understanding of science is critical to achieving a sustainable future. Camp Colton connects young people to the natural world through learning experiences that are rooted in art, science, social interaction and play. Many who visit return home with a new appreciation of the natural world and their place in it,” he said. “While the day-to-day activities of modern existence increasingly isolate us from nature, Camp Colton reminds us of what we may be missing. It gently encourages our kids to be confident in nature and to begin to think of themselves as stewards of the natural system on which we all depend.”
Aisling King, a Speech Language Pathologist specializing in autism spectrum disorders, offers professional knowledge on how to make Camp more accessible and inclusive for students with a variety of learning challenges. In addition to having a son who attended Camp this year, Aisling is able to draw on her own experience — she attended when she was in 6th grade.
“When I got to go it was with another class from a different school. I loved being able to make friends and then get to see them a year later in middle school, making the transition to a new environment easier,” she said. “I love the mission, and I want to make sure the youth of Flagstaff and the surrounding areas have the opportunity to experience outdoor learning experiences.”
Karen Malis-Clark is no stranger to the FoCC board, having served as the U.S. Forest Service’s representative when FoCC was first established. During her 30-year USFS career, she was a weekly guest teacher at Camp for 16 years. Her background in outdoor and environmental education, combined with her connection to Coconino National Forest, is a tremendous asset to FoCC. With a daughter who attended Camp, Karen appreciates the variety of ways it impacts lives.
“Camp not only immerses students for learning in and about the environment, but it also fortifies their self-image,” she said. “Sustaining Camp Colton into its next chapter is important to me and to our community.”
Jim Wine served as Deputy City Manager for the City of Flagstaff and currently serves in interim management positions throughout Arizona. With 40 years of experience in human resources, public finance, risk management, negotiation and leadership, he is primed to meet a wide variety of FoCC needs. Having chaired Goodwill of Northern Arizona’s board in the past, he provides new ideas and approaches, and also draws on what his three daughters learned from their time at Camp.
“Camp Colton gives every Flagstaff child the chance to experience the outdoors, learn important educational concepts in a hands-on environment and build social relationships with their fellow students,” he said. “The fact that Camp Colton is so inclusive is very important to me, and I’m committed to helping FoCC’s mission, staff and board make it even better.”
The six new members join eight other members, including President Neil Chapman, Vice President John Giovale, Secretary Heidi Wolford, Treasurer Kathy Oliver and Kerry Bennett, Samantha Field, Soonie Wilson McDavid and Thom O’Hara.
