Hello! I'm Garrett Sieloff, Camp Director at VFW Camp Trotter. I'm a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, and parent of two young children with my wife, Emily. I hold a Master of Science in Community Sustainability from Michigan State University, and I bring a combination of operational leadership, youth development experience, and a deep commitment to service-oriented programming to this role. During my Coast Guard service as an Operations Specialist, I participated in life-saving search and rescue missions, coordinated emergency response efforts with local, state, and federal agencies, and managed supply procurement and asset readiness for my command center. That experience taught me how to manage risk, communicate clearly under pressure, maintain regulatory compliance, and ensure team safety in high-stakes environments. These skills translate directly to licensed camp operations and keeping kids safe.
My connection to camping runs deep. I grew up attending Boy Scout summer camps and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2009. I went on to work professionally at both residential and day camps, where I supervised youth, supported seasonal staff, and contributed to safe, structured programming. These experiences gave me a firsthand understanding of what makes camp meaningful, and what it takes to run one well. As a parent and former service member, I understand the challenges military families face and the positive role camp can play in a child's development. I'm committed to honoring Camp Trotter's legacy while ensuring the camp remains accessible, affordable, and excellent for generations to come. I'm grateful to be here, and I look forward to welcoming your family to camp.
Perry Cannon, Program & Activities Director
Hello, I'm Perry Cannon MSW, with years of camp experience as a participant and counselor. This summer, as an addition to the supportive team Director, Garrett Sieloff, has brought together, I know it's going to be an adventurous unforgettable summer for all involved. Highlighted, is the lake at Trotter's Camp that is spring fed from 'cool springs' and holds breathtaking history becoming what it is today, it's an honor to participate in it's story and utilize it over campfires and hikes. Heartfelt conversations as such can foster memories of preservation and novelty for campers to expand on and carry into adulthood. Childhood camp did that for me, and my aim is to nudge campers to also find and do what they love. These past 4 years, I've attended 'no voice' camps where campers use their hands (ASL) to communicate. A wonderful experience to share; however, to be an impactful Program & Activities Director this summer, I will encourage constant feedback from campers/staff and lean on the many strengths supporting Trotter because there is no greater camp than a camp well loved.
Joaquin Palacios, Waterfront Director
Hi, my name is Joaquín Palacios. I am 22 years old and I’m from Argentina. I am currently a junior student in Environmental Engineering and I am a dog dad of a Golden Retriever named Aria. Also I have a strong passion for sports, I really enjoy nature, and I like to stay active. I have many years of experience working with children, and I truly enjoy creating a healthy, fun, and supportive environment for them. I am really excited to be part of the Camp Trotter community this summer!
Bethani Dugan, Camp Medic
My name is Bethani Dugan. I was a medic in the Army for seven years. I travelled all over the world working in clinics and hospitals while I was in and continued to work in the medical field on and off since then. I went to Arizona State University to be a teacher but had to withdraw with only my year of student teaching left when my injuries sustained while in stopped me requiring surgery. My passions included helping people, teaching people, and animals. I had two dogs, one that passed in 2022 at 14 and the other in August of 2025, also at 14. They lived very pampered lives and I look forward to redirecting that energy into the children and staff at Camp Trotter.
Iliana O’Brian, Counselor
Hi! I’m Iliana from Texas, and I’m a counselor at Camp Trotter. I currently attend Tarleton State University, and study animal science. I love spending time outdoors, baking, and getting creative with arts and crafts. I’m so excited to be part of camp this year and can’t wait to make it a fun and memorable experience for everyone!
Alizé Saavedra, Counselor
Hi! My name is Alizé Saavedra outside of summer I am a paraprofessional who works with special needs students in a high school. I love caring and helping all my students become the best that they can be! I wanted to become a camp counselor because my father was a very outdoorsy man. He camped, fished, boated, bow hunted. Any activity involving the hot sun and hard work, he was a part of it. In turn I was a part of it as well; I don’t camp much anymore but I remember being a curious kid who just loved to be involved with nature and being lucky enough to have someone who could show me how fun it could be to get away from the city now and then. I’d like to be that person, showing kids, how fun nature and camping can be especially in this age of modern technology where it is easy to forget that there are beautiful things to experience when you don’t have your eyes glued to a screen.
James Ijalana, Counselor
Hi Campers and families, my name is James Ijalana, and I’m a sophomore at university studying in the Professional Pilot program. I’m a private pilot working towards being a commercial pilot and have always loved aviation and airplanes, but outside of flying, I’m also passionate about filmmaking, videography, cooking, and spending time outdoors. I’m a very curious person and love nature, adventure, and meeting new people, which is one of the biggest reasons camp stood out to me in the first place. My favorite animals are horses and bears because they represent qualities I admire like strength, curiosity, and resilience. I’m excited to meet everyone this summer, make new memories, and help create an amazing camp experience together!
Ikenna Saint Nwagwu, Counselor
My name is Saint, and I am currently heading into my senior year as a nursing student. I was born in Nigeria, lived in London for part of my life, and now currently live in California. Growing up in different places has allowed me to meet many different people and learn about different cultures and experiences. I enjoy working with others, helping people, and creating positive environments wherever I go. As a nursing student, I’ve learned the importance of patience, teamwork, leadership, and caring for others, and I hope to bring those qualities to camp!
Kareem Amr, Counselor
Hi everyone! My name is Kareem, and I am incredibly hyped to be joining the team at VFW Camp Trotter this summer. I’ll be leading the way on the basketball court, bringing my passion for the game and my experience in outdoor recreation to help everyone level up their skills and have a blast. I am dedicated to making sure every camper has a safe and amazing experience, and I’m always ready to help out anywhere and anytime—even if that means jumping into the water to assist! I’ve been a competitive swimmer for a long time, so I’m happy to help keep things safe and fun wherever I'm needed. I’m looking forward to making some great memories and helping everyone have the best summer ever!
Clara Shortle, Counselor
