Friends of Slumber Falls Board - Who We Are

Friends of Slumber Falls is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation created to preserve the rich history and ministry of Slumber Falls Camp. We are a group with a combined total of more than 275 years at the camp, and we are uniquely positioned to guide Slumber Falls into the future. The Friends Board is composed of members with deep experience in nonprofit leadership, business, engineering, and camp leadership.

Our mission is to connect people with the power of God’s creation and the abundance of our natural world through providing exceptional outdoor ministry programs at Slumber Falls Camp that inspire, build, and strengthen relationships with God, each other, and nature.

Carolyn Ho

Co-Chair

First affiliation with Slumber Falls: 1987

Carolyn was a camper in the late 1980s and early 1990s while a member at the UCC church in Baton Rouge. She served as SALT staff twice and Junior Camp Director for many years. She also served as summer staff at Tower Hill Camp, a UCC camp in Michigan, and as a Director at Gwinwood Camp, a Disciples of Christ camp in Washington state. Slumber Falls Camp nurtured her faith journey and led her to broader church leadership on the General Board, Administrative Committee, Executive Committee, General Minister & President Search Committee, and as First Vice Moderator (2005-2007) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) .

Carolyn is a nonprofit leadership consultant, having previously served as a Vice President at NPAG, a talent strategy and executive search firm exclusively serving the nonprofit sector. Her clients have spanned the philanthropic, human services, policy/advocacy, health, and education sectors and include the WK Kellogg Foundation, Oregon Consumer Justice, Louisiana Public Health Institute, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Treehouse, and the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience.

Prior to joining NPAG, Carolyn served as the Interim Executive Director and on program staff at the Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS), a community-based nonprofit organization that fosters peace through international friendship and global understanding located at the University of Washington in Seattle. At FIUTS, she built campus wide orientation programs, expanded student engagement and cultural exchange opportunities, and launched new leadership training initiatives.

A passionate advocate for diversity, life-long learning, and cross-cultural experiences, Carolyn has lived on five continents and speaks conversational Spanish and basic Russian. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Illinois and a Master of Education in Student Development Administration from Seattle University. Her husband Tristan is a Foreign Service Officer with the US Department of State, and they have two children, Lillian and Gabriel.

Mandy Palm

Secretary

First affiliation with Slumber Falls: 1985

Mandy’s parents met at Slumber Falls Camp in the summer of 1971 and had it not been for that week at camp, they would never have crossed paths. Her first trip to camp was as a toddler, wading in the kiddie pool and she began her camping career in the summer of 1985 at eight years old. Since then, she has served nearly every role possible at Slumber Falls Camp – camper, counselor-in-training, counselor, SALT worker, director and camp council member, including two terms as president. She has given countless hours of her time and energy to Slumber Falls, and has recruited more than a dozen campers to attend over the last ten years.

Mandy is Director of Communications & Partnership at Sport Clips Haircuts, and has been involved in franchising for more than 15 years. With almost 1,900 locations nationwide, she oversees Sport Clips’ brand communications and public relations efforts as well as its “Haircuts with Heart” philanthropic programs, which include the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” program, the largest veteran scholarship of its kind; Dream Flights organization; St. Baldrick’s Foundation; and American Red Cross. Mandy’s other franchise experience was with FOCUS Brands, where she was the internal communications manager for Schlotzsky’s, where she handled franchise communications and public relations along with the company’s charitable partnerships with JDRF and Austin Sunshine Camps. She was also the marketing manager for Texas Veterans Commission, where she worked to market benefits and services available to Texas veterans.  

Mandy is a proud graduate of Texas A&M University where she earned a degree in journalism and speech communication in 1999. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her two orange cats - Sully and Earl - who are named for former Texas A&M University presidents. She is also the cool aunt “Mimi” or “Dah” to numerous nieces and nephews.

Pam Olson

Member

First affiliation with Slumber Falls: 1978

Pam was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Matthew UCC in New Orleans, LA.  Later in life she and her husband, Mark were members of Round Grove United Church UCC in Lewisville, TX where she served as a Sunday School and VBS teacher, church council member and the North Texas Association delegate to the SCC Annual Meeting. Pam and her family transferred their membership to a Disciples of Christ church where she was active as a Sunday School and VBS teacher, youth sponsor, church board member, bell choir member, youth auction co-chair and mission trip sponsor.

Pam earned her Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University and her Master of Science in Communication Disorders from University of Texas at Dallas.  She worked full time in the educational field as an audiologist prior to starting a family.  Pam was a stay-at-home mom for 18 years before returning to the workforce as a part time Educational Audiologist for several school districts in the DFW area.  She and her husband have two grown daughters, who also were Slumber Falls campers, CITs and counselors. 

In her spare time, Pam enjoys yoga, playing golf with her husband and friends, and spending time with her family.

Wilfred Bartoskewitz

Member

First affiliation with Slumber Falls:

Wilfred Bartoskewitz is a fifth generation Guadalupe County farmer and rancher who has long recognized the importance of community involvement. He has long supported 4-H and FFA scholarships and served on multiple boards in and around Seguin/Guadalupe County.

In 2003, he and his wife, Betty, created the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center. Soon after, in 2005, he created the Bartoskewitz Farm Foundation followed by the ECA Puls Farm, which was established for Guadalupe County 4-H and FFA kids. As a philanthropist and visionary, Wilfred brought to life the South Central Texas Community Foundation in 2014. Wilfred and Betty, who passed in 2021, have two daughters, Tina & Kelly.

In 1984, Wilfred donated the funds to construct what are the current Shalom & Joy Within cabins at Slumber Falls Camp. In early 2023, Wilfred stepped forward as the lead donor to enable the Friends of

Slumber Falls to purchase Slumber Falls Camp in order to continue this vital outdoor ministry.

His daughters (now grown) attended SFC as campers and his grandchildren followed the SFC tradition.

Jennifer Landers

Co-Chair

First affiliation with Slumber Falls: 1984

Jennifer Ashley Landers is Director of Development with the Texas A&M Foundation, working to fund the newly created School of Performing Visualization and Fine Arts at Texas A&M University. Formerly President & CEO of Community Assistance Center (CAC) a nonprofit 501(c)(3) social services organization providing basic needs services and long-term case management to individuals and families throughout Montgomery County, Texas who are struggling through times of financial hardship. She led the organization into its 40th Anniversary, leading the organization back to a pillar of the community and go-to for partnership and to get things done. Growing the budget from $750k to $4M in less than five years.  Jennifer earned her Executive Masters of Public Service and Administration with a Nonprofit Management focus from the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University. Jennifer also completed a Certificate in Nonprofit Management in 2020 and received the Dean’s Leadership Award in 2022.  In 2002, Jennifer received her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication with a minor in Public Relations from Texas A&M University

Jennifer’s nonprofit experience includes Lone Star College Foundation, Montgomery County Youth Services, and Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council. Her corporate experience includes LJF Marketing, JW Tumbles (a children’s gym), Clinique Laboratories, Freebirds World Burrito, and running her own travel agency Cruise Planners/American Express Travel. Jennifer’s leadership experience includes Junior League of The Woodlands, SAMSHA Steering Committee, Conroe Chamber of Commerce CEO Round Table, The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (class of 2013), Leadership Montgomery County (class of 2009), Project Mentor and United Campus Ministries Board of Directors (class of 2007 and 2013), Destination Imagination Team Manager and Cub Scout Treasurer.

Slumber Falls is a family affair for Jennifer. As a third-generation camper, she began attending family retreats with Plymouth UCC in 1984. She didn't miss a summer as a camper, CIT, Counselor, Director and S.A.L.T. Jennifer also attended Confirmation Camp, yearly Work Camps, and Women's Retreats. As a member of the South Central Conference Board of Directors and Youth Lay Advisor, she hosted and led many events for youth at Slumber Falls. Her favorite place is Vesper Point or at the falls, listening for God's voice and refilling her spiritual cup. She looks forward to sending her sons to camp as they are now old enough. Slumber Falls Camp has been credited with many spiritual experiences for youth finding God in ways they wouldn't without this type of program. Jennifer is excited to help protect and promote Slumber Falls for future generations.

Jennifer, her husband Jeremy, and their two sons Matthew and Dylan live in College Station, Texas with their rescue pup, Scout. When not working, she loves to travel, reading, trips to the spa, movies and spending time with family and friends.

Jennifer Marlow

Treasurer

First affiliation with Slumber Falls: 1985

Jennifer Marlow is a life-long member of the UCC. She has been a member at Faith UCC-New Braunfels for 30 years. Jennifer grew up in New Braunfels and graduated in 2001 from what is now Texas State University with a degree in Geography along with secondary teacher certification. After teaching 6th grade in Waco, TX, she and her husband, Tim, moved back to New Braunfels. Jennifer accepted a position as the Office Manager for the UCM-Wesley campus ministry program at Texas State University, an ecumenical campus ministry supported by the UCC, DOC, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches. It was a position she held for the next five years until the birth of her second son. While at UCM-Wesley, Jennifer was in charge of helping to set and manage the yearly budget, preparing monthly financial statements for the board, managing the $500,000 endowment fund, and responsible for submitting all materials for the yearly audit required by the Presbyterian Synod of the Sun.

Jennifer began her relationship with Slumber Falls Camp as a participant in Easter Sunrise services that her church would hold at Vesper Point. As soon as she was old enough, she became a camper. She attended camp from 1987-1997. She also served as a CIT, counselor, director, and in high school worked as part of the year-round kitchen staff. After serving on the SCC BOD from 2005-2007, she was asked to serve on the camp council for Slumber Falls and did so from 2008-2018. She served as camp council secretary and then as treasurer.

Jennifer is an active member of the PTA at three schools, and served on the PTA executive committee for 4 years while her children were in elementary school. Jennifer and her husband served as the Faith UCC youth directors for four years and she also served as the director of the Sunday School program at Faith UCC for 8 years, taking a step back at the start of COVID.

Jennifer, Tim, and their three sons have all participated in the many facets of Slumber Falls Camp, from church retreats, Easter services, camp work weekends, and their oldest, Fischer, has served as a CIT for the past two summers. Jennifer credits her experiences at Slumber Falls Camp as some of the most influential on her faith journey.

Renee Rehfeld

Member

First affiliation with Slumber Falls: 2009

Originally from Tennessee, Renee received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing from the University of Tennessee. Later she received a Masters in Business Administration from Texas A&M-Commerce. After spending 15 years with Gaylord Entertainment and Six Flags Corporation managing the advertising, promotions and sponsorship departments, Renee joined Texas Lutheran University in 2006. She recently stepped down as the vice president for development and alumni relations at TLU where she led the university to successfully complete a $75 million campaign (the largest in TLU history). An accomplished fundraiser, she received her CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification in 2012. Outside of TLU, Renee serves as president of the Navarro ISD Board of Trustees.

Both of her sons (Remington, age 25 and Rylan, age 19) have been involved with Slumber Falls Camp as campers, counselors-in-training, counselors, and SALT workers. Renee and her husband Ross have hosted the international SALT workers for dinners during several summers and opened their house for them to stay when they arrived early or needed to leave later than their time at camp. Remington and Rylan developed lifelong friendships during their camp years and created so many special memories.

Renee and her family are members of Friedens UCC Church in Geronimo, TX.

Kerry Koehler

Member

First affiliation with Slumber Falls:

Kerry first attended Slumber Falls as a youth with Friedens UCC. Born and raised in Seguin, he and his wife, Mary, have been members of Faith Lutheran Church for over 39 years. Church retreats to Slumber Falls allowed them to share the camp with their two sons at a young age.

Kerry currently serves as the Board President for the Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center and as the president of the Seguin Kiwanis Club where he has been a member for twenty-five years. He has served as an ambassador for the Seguin Chamber of Commerce and has also served on the Seguin/Schertz Local Government Corporation.

Kerry has a partnership in several businesses in Seguin. He and Mary have been the owners of Westerholm-Koehler Insurance for 33 years.

When he is not traveling to Kentucky and the Netherlands to see his children and grandchildren, Kerry enjoys fishing, hunting, and raising cattle.