Brad Smith

Hi, my name is Brad.

After growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina and graduating from high school in 1996, I attended Appalachian State University (that's right, the one that has won 3 National Championships in a row and defeated Michigan this season). I began my college career in the Education Department because I enjoy working with kids. I quickly realized that the classroom was not the environment in which I wanted to impact kids' lives. After three years I left school and worked several jobs before entering the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in the Recreation Department. In 2003, I graduated with a degree in Recreation Management and immediately went to work at YMCA Camp Hanes in King, North Carolina. To me this was a return home, as this was the camp I had attended from the time I was 11. My first job in camping was as an Adventure Trip Leader, a job in which I led groups of campers on trips going white water rafting, canoeing, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, and caving. From there I became the Adventure Coordinator for Camp Hanes. I held that position until the opportunity arose to come to Potosi, Missouri and become the new Camp Lakewood Program Director.

The reputation of Camp Lakewood in the YMCA community made the decision a no-brainer for me and I jumped at the opportunity for a new adventure. While leaving home in North Carolina was difficult, my parents were very supportive and I have found a wonderful community of friends and co-workers here at my new home. I am excited by the new opportunities and challenges that this camp has to offer and I can't wait for summer.

On the more personal side of things, during the copious amounts of free time that working at a camp offers, I enjoy the outdoors, reading and movies. I'm also an avid golfer and as soon as this crazy Missouri weather will permit, you will find me on the golf course on most Saturdays. I look forward to meeting you all and hearing about yours and your kids' camp experiences.