Meet our Deans!

The role of "Dean" at camp is unique. Camp Deans are volunteers, often youth ministers, who lead a specific week of camp. Our deans build lessons, design games, write small group questions, and more! Deans are, in essence, in "charge" of the week. While every week of camp follows the same basic schedule, each dean has a unique flair that makes their week special - think daily themes, mail call, morning shows, and more! The work they do is absolutely essential - they provide the bridge between faculty and Camp staff to ensure the week runs smoothly and every camper has a great time.

Below, take a moment to learn more about our deans this summer!

High School

Evan Meyer

Evan serves as Dean for our Senior High week. Originally from Brooksville, Kentucky, Evan graduated in '01 from Kentucky Christian University. Now, he serves as the senior minister at Antioch Mills Christian Church.

Evan's self-admitted hobbies include watching the Andy Griffith show and taking naps). When asked his favorite part about a week at Camp Northward, he responded, "Campfire has always been my favorite thing about Camp. It's the perfect way to end the day!"

4th & 5th Grade

Hayden Gregory

Introducing... Hayden Gregory!

Hayden serves as the dean for our 4th & 5th grade session. Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Hayden graduated from Trinity Christian Academy before studying at Cincinnati Christian University. Currently, Hayden serves as the Family Pastor at CenterPointe Christian Church.

Hayden's hobbies are, in his own words, "Kentucky Basketball...that's about it." And we can't blame him! His favorite part about camp is seeing kids immersed in the presence of God. He says that "there is something special about being at Camp Northward and disconnecting from life for a few days. It brings me so much joy to watch young people truly experience God's presence!"

Junior High

Noah Spencer

Noah serves as the Student & Outreach Minister at Williamstown Christian Church in Williamstown, KY, where he lives with his wife, Grace, and Goldendoodle, Murphy. His favorite hobby is eating good food (hear, hear!). Ask him about Dr. Pepper or the best spots to get smoked BBQ if you want to have a great caffeine-fueled conversation!

Noah’s favorite part about camp is the special moments where memories are made. Specifically, he loves campfire, “when we tune out the noise and tune into God!”.

BeCre (Be Creative)

Caleb Derico

Caleb is our newest dean, serving with our Be Creative camp.

Caleb is from Plum Creek Christian Church, and he has been involved in Camp in a variety of ways - volunteer, faculty, summer staff, and dean! He is a junior at Johnson University studying Preaching & Student Ministry. This summer, he'll be doing a youth ministry internship at Bridgetown Christian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Caleb's hobbies involve anything creative (that's why he's a great fit for BeCre!). He dabbles in blacksmithing, leatherworking, woodcarving, 3D printing, and just about anything else he can get his hands on.

Caleb's favorite part about Camp Northward is that it offers an escape from the rest of the world, rarely found elsewhere. And on a less serious note, he loves the teambuilding and confidence course!

Day Camp

Lauren Elliot

Hello Campers and Families! My name is Lauren Elliott and I'll be leading Day Camp this summer! I worship at Fairview Christian Church in Bracken County, where I serve on staff as the Children's Director and also sing with the praise band. I teach middle school visual art at a local school and enjoy leading art club and coaching girls basketball. Outside of teaching, church, and camp, I enjoy camping with my family and experiencing God's natural beauty in new places!

Surrounding myself with amazing kids in all these avenues helps me stay young and connected! I've loved Camp Northward as a camper, junior counselor, camp cook, faculty member and I'm now looking forward to adding Day Camp Dean to the list! Fun fact- I met my husband at Camp Northward!

My all-time favorite part of camp is worship time, especially at campfire, because it’s outdoors and I get to sing- who doesn't love to worship outdoors?! Worship time at camp is a core memory for me and a spiritual experience unlike any other!

I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of camp and to help create a safe, encouraging, and joy-filled first experience for our youngest kiddos this summer! A verse that guides my heart for camp is: “Encourage one another and build one another up.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11. I’m truly looking forward to this special day of camp! See you this summer!

Senior High Treehouse Adventure

Brad Milner

Brad is a long time dean here at Camp Northward – this summer, he’s dean for Senior High Treehouse Adventure. Brad is a born-and-raised Pendleton County resident. Currently, he worships at Unity Christian Church where he serves as a Deacon. He attended Kentucky Christian University and Wheaton college for degrees in Bible, Intercultural Studies, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

In his down time, he enjoys hiking, reading, and science fiction. Brad has so many favorite parts about camp, it’s hard to name them all! He enjoys seeing campers conquer fears as a Zipline Facilitator, leading Treehouse Adventure campers on off-campus hiking trips, and campfire – a time to focus totally on the Lord while out in His creation!

Register for Camp!

Registration for Summer 2026 opens on Sunday, March 1st. Mark your calendars and choose what session you'll join us for - we'll see you this summer!