Meet Silver Lake’s Admin and Director Team!
Alissa Bender
Executive Director
After many years of visiting SLMC as a volunteer, retreat participant, and camp pastor, I joined the team in 2024 in this role that lets me enjoy and support the full year of camp seasons. I deeply believe in the power of camp experiences to nurture community and strengthen growing gifts. I divide my time between camp in the summer (and other times) and our Kitchener office during much of the school year. I love singing at campfires, watching young leaders develop, having conversations on the dock, and hearing what other people love about camp!
Rebekah Caldwell
Outdoor Education Director and Site Manager
I have been at SLMC since 2012 in a full-time role, developing and running the school programs and retreats. My first introduction to Silver Lake was as an AD for the summers of 2005-2007 as well as some work during the year. I have been working in the outdoor ed industry since the early 2000’s, at various camps and outdoor schools in Kentucky, Ohio and Ontario.
I love being a part of the Silver Lake community and helping camp grow with everyone. I enjoy sharing this special place with school and community groups from Ontario and across Canada. When I am not at Silver Lake you will find me walking my dog Aspen in Oliphant!
Karen Buschert
Program Director
I am a Silver Lake alumni (summer 86) and have many fond memories of camp and of being outdoors in general. My experience at Silver Lake inspired me to pursue a career teaching people about nature through outdoor education, a long stint working for the Grand River Conservation Authority and several years on the west coast. Now I come full circle, back to the place where it all began for me! I am looking forward to running day camps and bringing the mission of Silver Lake to a wider audience, teaching kids and adults the importance of being in and experiencing our natural world.
Tim Shantz
Assistant Director Overnight Camps
Hello everybody! I’m Tim Shantz, and I’ll be an Assistant Director of Overnight Camps at Silver Lake for the summer of 2026! Silver Lake is and has always been a special place for me, so I’m thrilled to have been granted yet another opportunity to serve this wonderful community after so many years as a camper, CILT, and staff member. I’m looking forward to another great summer at camp in 2026!
Maya Kaekiza
Assistant Director Overnight Camps
Hello everyone! My name is Maya Kaekiza, and I am excited to be working as one of the Assistant Directors of Overnight Camps for the summer of 2026. I am so grateful to have been welcomed into the camp community both as a CILT and a staff member over the years. I look forward to stepping into this new leadership role to help create a positive and meaningful summer for everybody.
Rebecca Heide
Administrator
As a second generation Silver Laker, camp has been a part of my life since I was born. I have many fond memories from my years as a camper, CILT and summer staff counsellor (1990-93). My husband Duane and I even met at camp! Fun-fact: I have the distinction of being the very first female head of maintenance back in the early 1990’s – driving the old stick-shift tractor every day to complete my tasks! In 2018, I started working as SLMC Camp Administrator, looking after all of the behind the scenes details. It’s been amazing to see Silver Lake grow and the impressive facility upgrades have allowed more people of all ages to experience this beautiful property year-round. And what a joy to watch my three boys thrive as summer staff these past few years – the next generation caring for this special camp and community.
