Steph Cotherman

I was raised in Lake Forest, IL, but when asked, I’ll likely admit that I “grew up” during summers in Minocqua, WI. After many summers of watching the campers at Clearwater from my family’s home in the bay, I finally had my turn on the Harbor in 1997. I never missed a summer after that; a camper until 2003, then a leadership, counselor, and unit head.

I received my undergraduate degree from Colby College and after fitting in one more summer at camp, I was fortunate to grow a 12-year career in Advertising as a Creative Producer.  A fulfilling career it has been, but as a lifelong learner and creator, I found myself wanting more.  In 2020, I reclaimed my courage and trust in change, and moved to Denver, Colorado to pursue a Masters Certificate in Interior Design.  I now support my clients across a variety of creative projects, and I could not have done this without relying on the skills I learned during my summers at Clearwater: resourcefulness, resilience, an ability to navigate ambiguity, and the desire to listen to and connect with others.  And I get to do this while exploring the beautiful trails, mountains, and waterways here in the Rocky Mountains.

I was one of the founding members of Clearwater’s Junior Advisory Committee (now known as the AAT) before joining the Board in 2016. As the board’s secretary and Campership Committee chair, I work closely with our year-round team to identify ways to ensure every child has the opportunity to experience the benefits of a summer at Clearwater. I am forever and always grateful for the opportunity to give back to Clearwater, a community that has truly been transformative in my life.