Upper Columbia Conference (UCC) has welcomed several new additions to its youth and family life staff.
Beth Gimbel is the new guest services coordinator for the retreat center at Camp MiVoden in Hayden, Idaho. Gimbel came on board less than a year ago and is the daughter of Clayton and Audrey Child. Clayton was a former Camp MiVoden director from 1975 to 1985. Gimbel has two grown sons, Blake and Hayden.
“MiVoden is a little piece of heaven. It is such a blessing that our church has this camp,” says Gimbel. She loves creating an environment for groups that helps them make their retreats successful. She remembers many years growing up at camp. She is the one you will talk to when you call to schedule your next church or youth retreat. You can reach Gimbel at 509-242-0553.
Also new to Camp MiVoden is Ashley Silva and his family, where Silva is the new associate operations director for the camp. He grew up in the Walla Walla Valley. He graduated from Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore., with a Bachelor of Science in outdoor recreation and leadership tourism.
Silva lived in central Oregon for 10 years, where he owned his own construction business and spent three years working at Big Lake Youth Camp as the assistant director and maintenance director. He and his wife, Laura, are excited to begin their ministry at Camp MiVoden with their children: Sierra, 5, and Lyam, 3.
Newly hired as the associate director of youth and family life department is Richie Brower. He will be primarily responsible for Pathfinders, Adventurers and family life but will also work with the director Jeff Wines in youth ministry. Brower and his wife, Timari, have three sons: Caleb, 11; Micah, 7; and Levi, 5.
The Browers have years of experience in family life. They have traveled across the United States through their ministry, Elijah Now, encouraging couples and strengthening marriages. Brower has also served as pastor of six churches, camp director in Alaska and chaplain of a local Christian radio station. Brower also developed a love for youth ministry as a taskforce worker in UCC serving two terms in the early 1990s.
Richie Brower, the associate director of youth and family life for Upper Columbia Conference, is joined by his wife, Timari, and kids (from left) Micah, Levi and Caleb.
Ashley Silva (top), surrounded by his family (from left) Laura, Lyam and Sierra, serves as the associate operations director at Camp MiVoden in Hayden, Idaho.
Beth Gimbel is the new guest services coordinator for the retreat center at Camp MiVoden.
