Meet the Staff
Meet the Staff
The Faces Behind Camp Timbers
Ricky Wright
Executive Director
Ricky has served the YMCA camping movement since 1990, bringing more than 37 years of experience in youth development as a counselor, teacher, and administrator. He earned his BAA in Outdoor and Environmental Recreation from Central Michigan University and is a certified Organizational Leader through YMCA of the USA. Over the course of his career—including 30 years at a YMCA camp in central Michigan—Ricky has helped thousands of young people grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically in safe, nurturing camp environments.
A native of Okemos, Michigan, Ricky was once a YMCA camper himself. He often shares that his childhood camp experience played a pivotal role in shaping who he is today, inspiring his commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the same sense of belonging, growth, and adventure.
Ricky and his wife, Lori, met while working at YMCA camp and look forward to connecting with YCT families. Together, they enjoy camping, outdoor sports, traveling, cooking over a campfire, and spending time with their family dog, Boone.
Ricky has served the YMCA camping movement since 1990, bringing more than 37 years of experience in youth development as a counselor, teacher, and administrator. He earned his BAA in Outdoor and Environmental Recreation from Central Michigan University and is a certified Organizational Leader through YMCA of the USA. Over the course of his career—including 30 years at a YMCA camp in central Michigan—Ricky has helped thousands of young people grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically in safe, nurturing camp environments.
A native of Okemos, Michigan, Ricky was once a YMCA camper himself. He often shares that his childhood camp experience played a pivotal role in shaping who he is today, inspiring his commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to experience the same sense of belonging, growth, and adventure.
Ricky and his wife, Lori, met while working at YMCA camp and look forward to connecting with YCT families. Together, they enjoy camping, outdoor sports, traveling, cooking over a campfire, and spending time with their family dog, Boone.
Amber Schroeder
Program Director
Amber Schroeder serves as Program Director at Camp Timbers, bringing more than a decade of connection, leadership, and heart to the role.
Amber’s journey with camp began as a Herter Band Camper, where she experienced firsthand the growth, friendships, and strong sense of community that make camp so meaningful. She returned as a summer staff member and most recently continued investing in camp as an alumni volunteer.
Camp has shaped Amber’s life in powerful ways. It was here that she discovered her passion for youth programming and leadership. It is also where she met her husband, Eric, while serving on staff — and where they were later married in the camp chapel — making this leadership role a true full-circle moment.
Beyond camp, Amber remains deeply involved in her local community. She leads productions with the Kearsley High School Drama Club, blending creativity and mentorship to help students grow in confidence and teamwork. In her free time, she enjoys neighborhood walks, trips to the movies, and spending time with her kitten, Dorothy.
Amber Schroeder serves as Program Director at Camp Timbers, bringing more than a decade of connection, leadership, and heart to the role.
Amber’s journey with camp began as a Herter Band Camper, where she experienced firsthand the growth, friendships, and strong sense of community that make camp so meaningful. She returned as a summer staff member and most recently continued investing in camp as an alumni volunteer.
Camp has shaped Amber’s life in powerful ways. It was here that she discovered her passion for youth programming and leadership. It is also where she met her husband, Eric, while serving on staff — and where they were later married in the camp chapel — making this leadership role a true full-circle moment.
Beyond camp, Amber remains deeply involved in her local community. She leads productions with the Kearsley High School Drama Club, blending creativity and mentorship to help students grow in confidence and teamwork. In her free time, she enjoys neighborhood walks, trips to the movies, and spending time with her kitten, Dorothy.
Andrew Howard
Property Manager
Andrew was born and raised in West Branch, MI where he still currently resides. He has been taking care of YMCA Camp Timbers for over a decade in some capacity. He started full time at YCT in 2022. Andrew has a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University. Andrew is passionate about building new yard games for camp, University of Michigan and Lions football, and spending time outdoors. At Camp you can often find Andrew on the zero-turn lawn mower, touching up paint, or filling water coolers. Andrew takes great care of camp.
Andrew was born and raised in West Branch, MI where he still currently resides. He has been taking care of YMCA Camp Timbers for over a decade in some capacity. He started full time at YCT in 2022. Andrew has a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University. Andrew is passionate about building new yard games for camp, University of Michigan and Lions football, and spending time outdoors. At Camp you can often find Andrew on the zero-turn lawn mower, touching up paint, or filling water coolers. Andrew takes great care of camp.
Steve Meyer
YMCA of Saginaw Association CEO
Steve has had a lifetime journey with YMCA Camp Timbers. He has experienced camp as a camper, seasonal staff member, camp director, parent of campers, and now CEO of the YMCA of Saginaw association. Steve supports YMCA Camp Timbers with more than four decades of YMCA camping knowledge and with strategic leadership, fundraising, and advocacy expertise. During his tenure, camp has benefitted from two capital campaigns resulting in a combined $3m+ of facility growth. When visiting camp, Steve can often be found supporting incremental improvement projects, sharing camp history, and hiking all over the 300+ acres of YCT.
Steve has had a lifetime journey with YMCA Camp Timbers. He has experienced camp as a camper, seasonal staff member, camp director, parent of campers, and now CEO of the YMCA of Saginaw association. Steve supports YMCA Camp Timbers with more than four decades of YMCA camping knowledge and with strategic leadership, fundraising, and advocacy expertise. During his tenure, camp has benefitted from two capital campaigns resulting in a combined $3m+ of facility growth. When visiting camp, Steve can often be found supporting incremental improvement projects, sharing camp history, and hiking all over the 300+ acres of YCT.
Seasonal Staff
Our seasonal staff team consists of approximately 60 passionate, youth-focused individuals. A majority of this team are pursuing degrees in education, recreation, or other youth-focused careers. Our staff are rigorously screened and selected based on their character, experience, and ability to be role models for kids. Before campers arrive, our team completes 90+ hours of training including First Aid and CPR, working with kids, child abuse prevention, and so much more.
