Darrell Whitaker

Darrell became Executive Director in 2003 after a long history with Camp Lake Stephens. He attended camp as a camper for six summers, worked as a summer camp Counselor for three summers during college, and served as summer Program Director for three summers during seminary. Darrell graduated from Tupelo High School in 1983, received a Business Administration degree from Mississippi College in 1987, and earned his Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary in 1993.  Darrell met his wife Paula Bailey of Tupelo while working at camp and they have been married for almost 15 years. They live on the camp grounds with their three children, Joseph (12), Jack (9), and Martha (5).

Email Darrell: darrell@camplakestephens.com

Russell Casteel

Russell became Program Director in May 2007, after graduating from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Russell had been summer camp Program Director 2005-2006, as well as a counselor in 2004.

He is a 2000 graduate of Kosciusko High School and a proud Whippet. Russell is a 2004 graduate of Mississippi State University, and loves the Bullies. Russell is passionate about Christian outdoor education, and sees the importance of teaching others the importance of caring for creation within Christian community; he is also passionate about connectionalism in the UMC. Wendell, Russell's dog, is currently perfecting the art of being a Labrador.  Russell recently is married to the beautiful Callie Flowers, longtime Camp Lake Stephens staff member and University of the South graduate.

Email Russell: russell@camplakestephens.com

Kelli Long-Gaillard

Kelli has been employed with Camp Lake Stephens since August 2006.  She was especially drawn to CLS because of the unique opportunity it afforded her to utilize and expand her youth ministry skills.  She uses her skills to build the Kingdom of God as our  Director of Development. Kelli has a long history of working with youth both in her local church as youth leader/program coordinator and director of the youth choir, as well as tenure with the Oxford Boys and Girls Club.  She came to Oxford in 2002 with her two daughters, Kamri(17) and Karli (14).  They have two dogs, Diamond & Leah.  Kelli graduated from Tupelo High School in 1990, and has a degree in marketing and English from The University of Mississippi.

Email Kelli: kelli@camplakestephens.com

Joel Fox

Our maintenance director, Joel has worked at Camp Lake Stephens full time since 1995, when he took on his current position. He began his years at CLS as a camp counselor, and now, Joel’s days are busy as he makes repairs and attends to the seemingly never-ending maintenance needs at the camp. Also, you might know Joel by the tables he made in our newly remodeled dining hall; Joel is quite the carpenter. Joel is married to his wife, Lori, and they have an nine-year-old daughter, Embry Ellen.

Email Joel: joel@camplakestephens.com

Christmas at Camp