Directors
712-337-3306 (ext.103)
Rod Quanbeck, Executive Director
Rod Quanbeck came to serve as our Executive Director in the Summer of 2007. He hails from eastern North Dakota, where he attended Bible Camp every chance possible as a youth. During his college years he was a camp counselor, and then he served as the Director of Ministries 19 years at Park River Bible Camp. His education includes a Bachelor’s degree from Moorhead State University, two years of Bible School, and a sabbatical period studying at Luther Seminary. He also studied with the American Camp Association to become a Certified Camp Director. Rod and his wife, Cryss, are the proud parents of two young girls. They live at camp and enjoy being a part of the camp community. Rod considers it a privilege to lead a ministry partnering with congregations and families committed to lifting up Jesus Christ in a way that will draw others to faith, worship, repentance, renewal and service in Christ.
712-867-4170
Jim and Allison Sunde, Ingham Directors
Jim and Allison have served Ingham Lake Bible Camp since the Fall of 1997; Jim as the Ingham Director and Allison as the assistant. Their love for outdoor ministry was kindled when their family was young, managing Camp Patmos in northern Minnesota for 11 years. They have three daughters who grew up surrounded by camping ministry, and two grandchildren who add joy to their lives. Together they work to direct and develop Ingham as a place to draw campers unto a walk of Faith in our Lord Jesus. To contact them at Ingham call 712-867-4170 or email ingham@rvtc.net.
Administrative & Support
712-337-3306 (ext. 120)
Steve “Mitsu” Bishey, Art Services
Steve first started working at camp the summer of 1983, when he was a counselor. He earned an art degree with illustration emphasis and a drama minor from Weaver State in Utah. After the summer of 1985, Steve came on staff full time at the camp and has served in various capacities since then. He’s worked in the kitchen, done maintenance, housekeeping, and currently does large-scale banner work, photography, videography, and is the in-house computer technician. His life verse is Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” In his spare time, Steve enjoys Beta testing for video games, experimenting with food (he’s an amateur chef!), and playing percussion in the worship band. He maintains that “The main thing is to keep the main thing [Jesus] the main thing.” Contact Mitsu at okoboji@okoboji.org.
712-337-3306 (Ext. 112)
Lynn joined the camp staff in April of 2011 as the Administrative Assistant and Registrar. She came to the lakes area after working in the Western Iowa Synod office for over twelve years. For a majority of those years Lynn was the Education, Youth, and Family Ministry Coordinator for the synod. During this time she also completed the two year Lay School of Ministry program and is now studying to become an Associate in Ministry. Lynn’s husband, Mike, is the assistant manager at ACE Hardware in Spirit Lake; they have three children and enjoy doing things with their family. Lynn enjoys the outdoors, scrapbooking, photography and helping others. The best part of camp for Lynn, besides living there, is watching families attend camp, especially several generations attending together. One of her favorite bible passages is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “ Yiddish proverb: “We plan, God laughs”
712-337-3306
Garrett Gatrost, Maintenance
Bio coming soon!
712-337-3306
Moira Jans, Housekeeping
Before joining the staff full-time Moira worked at camp as a Junior counselor in 2010 and a housekeeper at camp in the summer of 2011. Moira graduated from high school in 2011. She grew up with her parents Willie and Becky in Blue Earth MN. She has two sisters, Ashley and Kaia. Ashley is married and has three children and lives inLincoln,NEand Kaia is currently working at camp as a YMT. In Moira’s spare time she enjoys reading, writing, cooking and running. Moira’s favorite part of working at camp is knowing she works with a purpose to serve God. Moira’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 because it reminds her that she can accomplish anything with God no matter what situation she’s in God will give her the strength to get through it.
712-337-3306
Scott Place, Maintenance
Scott joined the staff in March of 2011 and works part-time on maintenance. He and his wife Linda live in Lakefield, MN and have three sons. Previous to his work here at camp Scott worked for 24 plus years for the US Postal Service. He has a BS degree in Education from the U of M and an AA degree in Ag Ed from Worthington Community College. He is also a substitute teacher during the school year. In his spare time Scott enjoys woodworking, hunting, fishing, reading and attending local theatre productions. But most of all he enjoys being a new Grandpa!
712-337-3306
Dennie Fry, Director of Maintenance
Dennie began his call to Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp in the spring of 2010. He was previously the maintenance director at Park River Bible Camp for five years and before that he was the facilities manager at a church and also was in construction as a home builder and also did remodeling and roofing. Dennie and his wife Sheila have two grown sons and their wives (now their daughters the easy way!). Dennie says for enjoyment he likes making sawdust, hunting, fishing and cooking. He has two favorite bible passages, Psalm 139 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar…. and Eph. 4:29 – 5:1, 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God! What Dennie likes most about working at camp is the children’s giggles!
712-337-3306 (ext. 106)
Kevin Hale, Director of Food Ministry
Kevin Hale joined our staff in May 2010 as Director of Food Ministry after serving 4 years in the same role at a Christian Retreat Center in Arizona. Prior to that he worked in Food Services 11 years here in the lakes area. Kevin’s family includes his wife, Becky, and his three daughters: Corrin, Jordan, and Kiley. When he’s not cooking Kevin enjoys fishing, golfing, and vegetable farming. About why he likes working at the camp, Kevin says, “I enjoy serving all the campers and being a part of people coming to the LORD!” His favorite Bible verse is Deuteronomy 31:8, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
712-337-3306 (ext. 105)
Betty Parrish, Office Ministry
Betty’s job here at camp is “decorative and office ministry.” She began working at Okoboji in January 1982. At that time, only five people were on staff, so they were called on to do anything and everything, but Betty now specializes in office work and decorating for special camp events. She and her husband Fran have two daughters and three granddaughters; Betty loves being a grandma! A former hairdresser, Betty also loves antiques, decorating, spending time with friends, and singing in the choir at First Lutheran Church in Milford, where she is an active member. Her favorite Bible passage is Psalm 51, which emphasizes daily renewal in the Lord. Betty loves working at camp because of the people in ministry—the growth that happens in a group of believers of all ages.
712-337-3306 (Ext. 113)
Jane Wiest, Retreat Coordinator
Jane has worked at camp since the spring of 2002 and currently serves as the Retreat Coordinator here at Okoboji. A former teacher originally from Sioux City, Iowa, Jane has attended Cottey College, Oklahoma State, and the University of Texas, and has degrees in Family Relations & Child Development and Special Education, as well as a master’s in Special Ed. Jane and her husband Charlie, an attorney, have two children, Katie and Michael. Jane enjoys remodeling, gardening, scrapbooking, tennis, pottery, knitting, and walking. She cites John 15 as her favorite Bible passage and likes working at camp because it’s a place where you can make a difference. Contact Jane at retreat@okoboji.org.
Program Teams
712-337-3306 (ext. 119)
Dan Antoine, Director of Programs
Dan hails from Luverne, Minnesota. He worked summers at camp starting in 2002 while attending Augustana College, and after graduating with a degree in Elementary & Middle School Education, joined the full-time staff the fall of 2005. He and his wife, Allison (also on staff here) have been married since August 26, 2006. They also stay busy taking care of their two daughters, ages 4 months and 3 years! A big fan of pizza, Dan is adept at playing the guitar, writing music, drawing on an etch-a-sketch, and doing word games & puzzles. Psalm 40:1-3 is his favorite Bible passage because it reminds him how much God has done for him. Dan’s favorite thing about working at camp is helping people understand that this whole “faith” thing, this “God” thing is so much more than a twice-a-week activity—it is living truly. It is worth living and dying for. It means everything.
712-337-3306 (ext. 130)
Allison Antoine, Day Camp Coordinator
After working as a counselor the summer of 2006, Allison joined the year-round staff in the fall of 2006. She serves as the Day Camp Coordinator here at the camp, writing curriculum, coordinating with churches, and overseeing the summer Day Camps. Allison hails from the St. Cloud, Minnesota area. She attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, from which she graduated with degrees in French & Modern Foreign Languages and Secondary Education. On August 26, 2006, she was married to Dan Antoine, “the greatest husband in the world,” who is also on staff here. Allison’s favorite Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 3:17 because “the power of Christ has set me free,” she says. Allison loves music (she plays piano and drums), being in nature, languages, traveling, and being a mommy to their two daughters.
712-337-3306 (ext. 116)
BJ Corkins, Youth Ministry Team (YMT)
Before joining the year-round program team in Sept. 2010, BJ served during the summers at the camp from 2008-10, one as a senior counselor and two as a Day Camp Leader. Originally from Bayard, IA, BJ graduated from UNI in May 2010 with a degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education. BJ’s family includes his mom, dad, and two brothers. He loves spending time with family and friends doing things like movies, games, reading, traveling, and just hanging out. He loves working at camp because he gets to meet many people with different backgrounds. It’s never boring and hardly seems like “work” at all. His most recent favorite Bible passage is Job 32:8-10 as it reminds us that God can use young people to speak wisdom and truth.
712-337-3306 (ext. 116)
Kaia Jo Jans, Youth Ministry Team (YMT)
Prior to joining the YMT team in Sept. 2010, Kaia worked in the summers as a counselor in 2009 and a Day Camp Leader in 2010. Kaia grew up in Blue Earth, MN with her parents and two sisters, one of whom is now married with three children. Kaia graduated in May 2010 with an English degree and a teaching license for communication arts and literature for grades 5-12. In her spare time Kaia enjoys reading, running, knitting, riding bike, and being with friends. She loves the Christian community at camp and getting to meet new people all the time. Her favorite passage of scripture is Philippians 4:6-7. Not only does it remind her to pray, it reminds her that God is in control and that she can’t do anything without His help.
712-337-3306 (ext. 116)
Brenna Lantz, Youth Ministry Team (YMT)
Working as a senior camp counselor summer of 2011, Brenna Lantz decided to join the year-round program team September 2011. Growing up in Lytton, IA, Brenna went to Northwestern College to play basketball for a year after graduating high school in 2010. Brenna is the third of four children to Brian and Kari Lantz. She loves listening to music, playing guitar, spending time with friends and family, playing literally any sport, and watching movies. Brenna enjoys camp because of meeting many different people, and working in a place that requires encouragement. She really relates to the verse of the Bible, Isaiah 30:21, it reminds that whatever we do we will always have God pointing us in the right direction.
