Jeremiah Riehl (He/Him) aka Uznea
Camp Director
Jeremiah is entering his fourth year as the Camp Director at Circle R. Jeremiah came to Circle R in 2011 to start a permaculture garden and in the time since then he has planted many trees, built an Earthship greenhouse, and started a nature school where he gets to share his passion for bushcraft skills and his love for the land. As well, Jeremiah is passionate about writing, playing and recording music and wood carving. Camp for Jeremiah is a place to find yourself, connect with others and nature, and be weird and wonderful while having fun. This coming season he is excited to welcome new campers and old alike, as well as to guide and watch the amazing summer staff grow as leaders and humans.
Leah Riehl (She/Her) aka Aqua
Registrar Support
Leah is currently helping part time as Camp Registrar, Office Support, and Outdoor Programmer while also being a mother to her and Jeremiah’s little ones, Sage (4) and Rosie (2). Leah has grown up with the Ranch starting overnight camp at 7 years old and returning every summer. She took the overnight leadership programs and then held positions as Counsellor, Lifeguard, Leadership Director, Program Director, and Camp Director. Leah is passionate about crafting, reading (especially in a hammock!), hiking with her cat Japhy, and adventures with her kids. To Leah, camp is a place where everyone can belong and be loved and accepted for who they really are. Camp provides a place where we can grow as leaders and explore who we are and who we want to be in this world. It is a place where we can connect deeply with ourselves, the natural world, and the animals and people around us.
Nigel Tracy (He/Him) aka Taiga
General Business Manager/Operations Director
For Nigel, camp is a sanctuary that embodies values of connection, community, and a shared love for nature. Having been part of the camp team since 2005, Nigel understands the significance of bonds among campers and staff and creating an environment where everyone can appreciate and learn from the wonders of the natural world. Away from the hustle and bustle of camp life, Nigel is an explorer of Northern Ontario’s backcountry, alongside his partner and three dogs. Finding joy in the untamed wilderness and thriving in the challenges of winter, Nigel’s connection to the outdoors goes beyond the camp’s borders. Looking forward, Nigel is excited about the coming summer, envisioning a successful and healthy time for all. With a focus on well-being, Nigel aims for a summer filled with growth, laughter, and meaningful connections with each other and nature, embodying the spirit of camp.
Joan Russell (she/her) aka Spindle
Co-Riding Director
As the Co-Riding Director, Joan loves working with and learning from horses, animals and people. Joan is passionate about the positive impact of a horse experience in people’s lives and the value of lifelong learning. Joan has been involved in Circle R Ranch since its opening in 1966. Her parents John and Milly Russell co-founded Circle R Ranch, following their passion and vision to create a quality summer day camp with horses. Joan has been involved in camp for over 45 years, graduating with honours in Equine Specialist Humber College. Some of her many roles have included Riding Director, Program Director, Camp Director. For Joan, camp is about building a supportive, positive community, which connects people with the natural world, horses and animals. She is passionate about the positive impact of a camp experience. Away from camp, Joan loves everything about working with natural fibres, dyeing, spinning, felting, weaving, and knitting. In addition, Joan loves being in nature, experiencing the outdoors in every season, and continuing to deepen her mindfulness practice. Camping under the stars is one of her many favourite things to do. This summer Joan is looking forward to the whole camp experience and is excited to be a part of the wonderful camp community.
Cathy Tandy (she/her) aka Loon
Office Support
Cathy is excited to be in the camp office this summer as part time office support. She has been involved with the ranch since her parents John and Milly Russell co-founded the ranch in 1966. And now she has two grandchildren who both love growing up at the ranch. Cathy was a camper at Circle R when it began and has enjoyed working with campers on the camp team in various roles including counselor, lifeguard, Leadership Director, Health and Food Service Manager, Program Director and Camp Director. A graduate in Social Sciences at UWO, she has worked at the ranch year-round with school group programs, cross country skiing, horseback riding and office support. When not at camp, Cathy enjoys all types of outdoor recreation, sewing, and reading a good book. She enjoys being a part of the camp community that nurtures exploration of passions in a supportive environment. She believes that camp is about connecting with nature, animals and camp friends. It’s a joy for Cathy to be a part of a summer camp that encourages the development of self confidence, compassion and cooperation along with a whole lot of fun!
