Get to Know Us

Steve began his role as the executive director in January 2023.

Steve grew up in Oakville, Connecticut and began attending camp at the age of 7 and has been camping every summer since. Being part of the camping industry has allowed him to live in some beautiful spots in Indiana, Vermont, Michigan, Missouri & South Carolina.

Steve was most recently the facilities director at Asbury Hills Camp & Retreat Center/South Carolina Camps & Retreat Ministries in Greenville, South Carolina. He has more than 25 years of experience in the camping industry serving as an executive leader at camps across the country.
As part of his role, Steve oversees all aspects of Rock Springs Ranch facilities and programming, working with the camp team and 4-H agents across the state.

He is excited to be part of the Kansas 4-H and Rock Springs Ranch family! He looks forward to helping the team achieve their goals, providing exceptional experiences for campers and filling summer camp and retreat calendars.

Want to strike up a conversation? Ask him about his favorite hike with his wife Wendy, hunting or fishing or children, Troy, Sarah & Cate.

Jared grew up in Weaverville, North Carolina before attending NC State University. After graduation he took off to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail and after 192 days he completed his walk from Georgia to Maine.

With his renewed passion for the outdoors he began his camping career at YMCA Camp Hanes in King, NC. There he met his wife, Letha, where they lived and worked for the next 6 years. Jared, Letha, and pets Max and Amos arrived at Rock Springs Ranch in January of 2022 ready for the next challenge and adventure.

With one summer under his belt here at RSR he’s confident this year will be even better than last.

Want to strike up a conversation? Just ask him about his favorite outdoor gear, the Carolina Panthers, or let him know about the next best concert in town.

jcausby@rockspringsranch.org

Letha was born and raised in Forest City, North Carolina and a graduate of Appalachian State University. She worked at YMCA Camp Hanes in King, North Carolina for nine summers in a variety of roles beginning as a cabin counselor and ending as Senior Program Director.

She has a passion for all things aquatics after participating in competitive swimming while growing up. Letha met her husband, Jared at Camp Hanes and adopted their pets Max and Amos. They moved to Rock Springs Ranch in the beginning of 2022 and began working together as Camp Directors.

Letha is looking forward to seeing all of those familiar faces from last year and looking forward to meeting all the new campers this summer.

Want to strike up a conversation? Ask her what book she is reading, her favorite travel destinations, or give a good food recommendation.

lcausby@rockspringsranch.org

Devin was born and raised in Plattsburgh, New York although his work with horses has taken him to many places, which include Kentucky, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and New Zealand.

After working in different aspects of the equine industry, he found a path to bring his passion for horses and teaching together through camping. This will be his 9th year of professional camping, after being at Frost Valley YMCA and South Mountain YMCA. He has a passion for all things outdoors, and can be found around the property with his family, that includes his 3-year-old Australian Shepherd Charlie.

Want to strike up a conversation? Ask him what his favorite travel destinations are or about your favorite Rock Springs Ranch Horses.

dbarry@rockspringsranch.org

Guillermo began cooking when he was just 6 years young as a Cub Scout in his native Colombia in South America. He fell in love–as a young boy–with cooking through his grandmother’s nurturing and loving influence. It was his grandmother who made all the meals for his family, and her love for feeding the family was inspiring. He began his culinary career, which spans more than two decades, in the kitchen of Kona Café in World Disney World Resort. Through his career, Chef G has worked as a personal chef, caterer, restaurant manager, camp chef and executive chef.

Guillermo began his role as the food service director in May 2021. He was most recently the food services director at Alpine Scout Camp just miles from NYC. Chef G also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Design. When he is not at RSR, he spends his time traveling the world with his wife Claudia, tasting different flavors, experiencing different cultures, taking pictures and making videos of their adventures.

Want to strike up a conversation? Just ask him about his favorite movie of all times or let him know about your best restaurant experience ever.

gvargas@rockspringsranch.org

Jennie grew up in Woodbine, Kansas about 10 miles from Rock Springs Ranch. She attended 4-H camp and cheerleading camp at Rock Springs and began a part-time job there early on. Following high school, she attended Business College and began working for an Investment Firm, but was called back to Rock Springs as the first full-time office professional (or at that time, secretary).

Her husband Guy and children Lacey and Jordan have all at one time or another been employed at Rock Springs too. You might say Rock Springs is in her blood. Throughout the years at Rock Springs, Jennie said the thing that remains the same is the excitement in the camper’s eyes when they meet and make new friends while at camp.

Want to strike up a conversation? Ask Jennie about her family and her pets.

jcoup@rockspringsranch.org