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 summer 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 (11), Jack (8), and Martha (4).

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 community. Wendell, Russell's dog, is currently learning how to play ultimate frisbee.

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.  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.  Kelli and her two daughters; Kamri, age 15, Karli, age 12 and Diamond their wonderful dog came to Oxford in 2002 and opted to reside in Oxford after graduating in May 2005 with a degree in marketing. 

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 a six-year-old daughter, Embry Ellen.

Email Joel: joel@camplakestephens.com

Laura Parkinson

After 60 years of successful camping ministry, Camp Lake Stephens is embracing an ambitious vision for the future of the camp. The “Keeping the Vision Alive, New Foundations for Another 60 Years” campaign has a goal of raising $3.5 million over the next two years. Laura will be coordinating this effort, as the camp focuses on making much needed improvements and renovations. Laura Moore Parkinson has been working in arts development, education, and advocacy for over fourteen years. A native of Fulton and graduate of Mississippi State University, Laura has held staff positions in nonprofit, state agency and higher education settings, for whom she has also consulted in the areas of fundraising and organizational/board development.

A fifth-generation Mississippian, lifelong United Methodist and CLS alumna (where she also received her lifeguard training, and many flipped canoes), her commitment to ensuring quality Christian camp experiences for all children at Camp Lake Stephens runs deep.

Laura and her husband Ken have two past-and-future CLS campers: Virginia, 8 and Reed, 6.  They make their home downhill from CLS in Oxford.

Email Laura: laura@camplakestephens.com