Laurie Browne

While not a Clearwater camper, I am blessed by a fulfilling career and amazing family, all because of my time at camp. I found my way to the Northwoods as a Point counselor in 1997 and worked several summers after that, spending most of my time in the Packout Room and on trips.  Then two incredible things happened:  I met the man who would become my husband (he was a trip leader at Camp Timberlane), and I had the opportunity to lead a Super Trip.  Those two things came together in the summer of 2002.  The Super Trip was modeled after an extended trip that went out a generation prior when a group of campers requested a longer and more challenging trip.  Our trip consisted of 10 days on Isle Royale and 10 days in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, with a layover in Grand Marais where we rappelled in Tettagoughe State Park.  Perhaps the best part was returning to camp and three days later marrying the love of my life—at camp, of course!

Chris and I are now 20-year residents of Salt Lake City, where we live with our three teenage children, two dogs, three cats, and nine chickens.  Quite literally, a zoo.  Our eldest is headed to Colorado College in fall 2022.  I work from home for the American Camp Association as the Senior Director of Research and Education.  My journey to this position started around 2000 when Sunny asked me to help with an ACA research study Clearwater had randomly been selected for. That led to a master’s degree and then a doctoral degree, both from the University of Utah, that I now use to increase the value, visibility, and accessibility of summer camp experiences for youth.  When I’m not working, I’m working out.  After years of marathons and triathlons, I completed my first Ironman triathlon in summer 2021.  It didn’t kill me, so I promptly signed up for several more.

I am delighted by the opportunity to serve Clearwater!