Get to Know the Founder

Hi Folks!

My name is Kiana and I am the founder/executive of Camp ELI! It has been a dream of mine for a couple years to start a ministry that meets children with complicated health backgrounds where they are, and I finally get to share it with you!!

A little about my background: I was a summer camp counselor and then the Program’s Director out at Triangle Y Camp in Garrison, ND for 5 years. In college, I had the opportunity to serve on the board of the University of Minnesota’s Dance Marathon, which raises funds and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals before I made a transition to Colorado, where I finished school while working as the Children’s Program Manager at C Lazy U Ranch. Before returning home to ND, I had the opportunity to serve youth at Eagle Lake, an outdoor ministry as an excursions counselor. All of that being said, I think you can see where my heart lies: with the Lord, in the sunshine, surrounded by young minds who just want a little adventure and encouragement.

Ultimately, I felt led to return home to Bismarck, ND and launch Camp ELI. God has prepared and equipped me in a unique way to serve children with pediatric illnesses. It is my goal to help EVERY child who walks through our doors experience the love and hope of Christ while giving them memories that last a lifetime. So often, these children become defined by what they are walking through and can lose sight of who God says they are.

I am beyond excited to see what the Lord has planned for these children and the light He will spark in their hearts again!