CAMPER APPLICATIONS OPEN MAY 1ST 2026

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meghan Erickson

Board President and Camp Director

Meghan has been a part of the Camp New Day U.P. family since 2015. Her first two years she was a counselor, and after being a counselor she realized she wanted to be behind the scenes of camp. Making it happen for some amazing kids! Meghan was born and raised in Marquette, MI. Her and her family now reside in the small town of Bark River, MI. Meghan works at Bark River-Harris School as a Paraprofessional. Meghan is currently attending The University of Olivet to obtain her teaching degree in lower elementary. She really enjoys being around children and watching who they become. In her spare time she loves camping, fishing, hunting, four wheeling and spending time with her family. One of her favorite things about summer is attending Camp New Day UP. She enjoys meeting new campers and seeing returning campers.

Savana Driesenga

Board Vice President and Camp Dean

Savana has been with Camp New Day U.P since 2022. She started as a counselor, then became a dean, and now is super excited to be involved as a board member. Savana graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2023 where she studied Special Education with a concentration in Emotional Impairments. She is currently a special education teacher at Negaunee High School and also working on her Masters in Education with a focus in Trauma and Resiliency. She is passionate about advocating for all children, regardless of background or ability. Camp New Day U.P. is such a unique and important mission and Savana considers herself so lucky to be able to work alongside so many awesome people who share the same fire and passion for this organization!

Rachel Placeway

Board Treasurer and Program Coordinator

Rachel joined the Camp New Day family in 2021 and was a camp counselor for 2 years before joining the board following camp in 2022. She graduated from Northern Michigan in 2023 with a bachelors degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Rachel works as a team coordinator at Radias Health, a mental health and substance use service organization in the Twin Cities, MN. She enjoys hiking, camping, snowboarding, and reading. Rachel hopes to bring a new perspective to the board and continue to serve the youth of the U.P.

Sydney Garlitz, LLMSW

Board Secretary and Social Media Coordinator

Sydney, better known as Squidney, has been a dedicated part of Camp New Day since 2022. As a camp counselor and now a board member, her favorite part of working with the camp is watching the campers grow and change each year they return. She says it’s a privilege not only to watch them grow up but also to be a part of their growth. Outside of camp, Squidney works as a therapist at Teaching Family Homes in Marquette, a mental health and behavioral stabilization program for youth. During her time there, she has developed a passion for working in the child welfare system. She is also an active board member for STAR Children’s Bereavement Services, where she volunteers at CAMP STAR—a grief camp that supports children who have lost a loved one. Squidney’s ultimate goal in her roles is to foster healthy, positive, and meaningful relationships and experiences that will leave a lasting impact on the lives of those she works with.Outside of her professional life, Squidney enjoys crafting of all kinds, geocaching, and spending time with her two cats, Chicken and Looney.

Anjelica Thorne, LLMSW

Assistant Director/Behavior Support Specialist and Board Member

Anjelica (Jelly) is a dedicated board member and the Assistant Director and Behavioral Support Specialist at Camp New Day. She has been with the organization since 2017, showcasing exceptional leadership. Her unwavering commitment to serving at-risk youth is evident in her current role as a Case Manager at Lutheran Social Services for Welcome Home Marquette and Superior Futures for Youth. Jelly brings valuable experience working in many multifaceted human service environments. We are excited to announce that Jelly has recently graduated from Walden University with a Master’s degree in Social Work, concentrating in trauma. Her expertise and compassion continue to make a positive impact on vulnerable individuals in her community. We eagerly anticipate Jelly’s return for the upcoming year. Her exceptional leadership, dedication, and genuine care for campers make her an invaluable asset, and we look forward to her continued positive influence on the lives of the youth we serve.

Kyle Gerych

Board Member and Camp Staff

Kyle has been part of the Camp New Day UP family since 2022, beginning his journey as a counselor and stepping into a board member role in 2025. Kyle graduated from Northern Michigan University with his Bachelor's degree in Anthropology and Sociology in 2022, and relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he currently resides, working in homelessness advocacy and youth development. He is currently pursuing his Master's degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Emergency Management, with aspirations of working in victim advocacy, and supporting refugee/immigrant populations. Kyle holds the relationships and memories made at Camp New Day UP close to his heart at all times, believing that all kids deserve a safe, positive space to learn, explore, and play in. In his free time, Kyle enjoys traveling, learning about different places and cultures, watching movies, reading, journaling, and spending time with friends and family.

Dana Selin

Board Member and Camp Staff

Dana has been a counselor at Camp New Day for the past four years and just recently joined the board, an opportunity she is ecstatic about. She is a 2024 graduate from Northern Michigan University where she earned a Master of Social Work degree. She currently works at the Marquette County Office of the Public Defender on the social work team, working to provide equitable outcomes for people impacted by the criminal justice system. Dana feels deeply and fiercely about providing children with a safe space to just be themselves, and foster lasting relationships. Dana has loved being able to share memories with, get to know, and have fun with each and every camper, counselor, and staff member alike!

Lewis Goff

Board Member and Sports & Rec Coordinator

Lewis has been involved with Camp New Day since 2021 and has been a counselor for 3 years before joining the Board in 2023. Camp New Day had an immediate impact on Lewis and he was passionate about joining the Board to get more involved with camp. Lewis was born and raised in Marquette, Mi, and is currently studying Sustainable Business and Enterprise Creation at Northern Michigan University. In relation to his degree, Lewis works at Invent@NMU and Innovate Marquette in an entrepreneurial support role. In the summers, Lewis has enjoyed spending his time coaching for the Superior Soccer Association.

Jarroed Pierce

Board Member and Camp Staff

Update coming soon...

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