Leadership

James & Corie Himstedt

Executive Directors

James Himstedt, known as “Rambo” at camp, has served as Camp Owner & Director since 2005. With a degree in Outdoor Recreation from Baylor University, James is in his element running camp. He provides leadership in every area from leading all morning Lifeline messages to training staff to encouraging campers to do hard things! In 2020, along with his father-in-law and brother-in-law, he started Mountain Craft Homes and supervises the building of houses in the local area. James also enjoys coaching the local middle and high school mountain biking team, hunting, helping to lead worship at church, and spending time with his family.

Corie Himstedt is James’ wife and is known as “Wrangler” at camp. She uses her day-to-day life experiences with raising and homeschooling the four Himstedt children to pour guidance and direction into Strong Rock’s summer staff. Her start in summer camping began at a summer camp running the horseback riding program while she majored in Animal Science at Berry Collge. Corie loves camp, time with family, helping to coach the local interscholastic mountain bike team, and assisting with the youth group at church. As a fellow mom, Corie is available to all camp parents when they have questions about Strong Rock. In her free time she can usually be found at the barn.

Do you have questions about sending your child to summer camp? We know it’s a big step for your child and your family.

There are lots of different considerations, especially if this will be your child’s first time away from home. Please call or email any one of our Directors — we would love to answer your questions. We’re parents too!

Rebecca Smith

Administrative Director

If you call the camp office, there is a 99% chance you will talk to Rebecca, a.k.a. “Sprinkles”. Rebecca keeps all of our paperwork and forms in order, manages camp-to-parent communications, and helps ensure that we have the necessary information to provide outstanding service to each child. Rebecca’s experience as a camper and staffer at other camps has proven invaluable as she fields parent calls throughout the summer. Camp changed her life and she loves seeing lives changed at Strong Rock. Away from camp, Rebecca loves mentoring college students, cheering for Georgia Tech, playing with her backyard chickens, helping lead worship at her church, and hanging out with her husband, Steve.

Daniel Brannon

Director of Facilities

Daniel Brannon, who’s camp name is “Scoot,” serves as the Director of Facilities part-time. However, his camp story began in the summer of 2006, where he served as a camp counselor at Strong Rock. Now he is busy making sure camp looks its best, performing minor carpentry, plumbing and lawn maintenance, and repairing fixtures and equipment. He’s the ‘handyman’ of Strong Rock Camp. During Daniel’s off days he uses his gifts of service by saving lives and serving in Athens-Clarke County as a firefighter. Daniel enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, bike riding, horseback riding, and cheering on the Braves and the Dawgs.

Patrick Chamberlain

Guest Services Director

Reid Fleming

Retreat Manager

Reid, whose camp name is Yogi, has been working at Strong Rock since 2017. He has been a Counselor, Tribal Leader, Program Specialist, Assistant Program Director, Head Counselor, Intern, and now Retreat Manager. Reid is fun going and loves pretty much every aspect of camp, especially camp out. Reid enjoys movies, reading, camping and greeting the various guests that enter our gate.

Tate Pearson

Retreat Manager

Tate, whose camp name is “Spigot,” has been with Strong Rock since 2017. He has been in the role of a Counselor, Skill Specialist, SALT Coordinator, Intern and now Retreat Manager. He enjoys getting to be a part of the camp family and hopes to help improve the experience of all of our guests. In his free time he enjoys hanging out with friends and getting to travel.

Levi Fangmann

Program Director

Levi, whose camp name is “Stride,” has been part of the Strong Rock family since 2014. Over the years he has played the role of Counselor, Head Counselor, Program Specialist, and now Program Director. Levi has a creative mind and passion for continuing to improve the program at camp as he creates new evening games and plans for the summer. Levi graduated from Truett-McConnell University and enjoys reading, outdoor activities and spending time with his wife, Holly, and their children.

Larry & Norma Adams

Owners

Larry and Norma Adams, parents of Corie, played a major role in helping make the dream of Strong Rock a reality. Their generosity and willingness to follow God’s leadership allowed James and Corie to pursue this venture. Larry is usually found lending a helpful hand with anything that’s needed around camp. His servant’s heart and humble leadership sets a positive tone for all those he comes in contact with. Norma, or “Mama Norma” as campers know her, spends many days during the summer helping out with many tasks including sorting the mail or running errands. She LOVES to spoil our staff with care packages and encouraging notes to let them know just how much they are appreciated.