Meet Directors Wiley and Mary Craft
Wiley and Mary's relationship with Camp Brosius dates back to 1971 when Wiley, then in high school, worked summers with the camp kitchen staff. He returned to the property to complete coursework as an IUPUI physical education student, where he earned his bachelor of science degree in 1977. After the duo married in 1980, they spent their summers working with camp maintenance and housekeeping until the 1990s, when they served as assistant directors (and again in the mid 2000s). They were appointed family camp codirectors in 2008. In 2013, Wiley was promoted to a full-time camp director position with the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management at IUPUI, Camp Brosius' managing entity.
Wiley's credentials include earning a Master's degree in physical education from Butler University in 1985. He is an active American Camp Association member, benefiting from the organization's extensive resource network and applying standard best practices to Camp Brosius. He taught physical education and coached wrestling, volleyball, track and field, and baseball with Roncalli, Hamilton Heights, Indianapolis Public Schools, and Lawrence Township school systems in and around Indianapolis, Indiana. He retired from coaching in 2010 and from teaching in 2013.
While Wiley's role is camp management and oversight, Mary also is an integral part of the camp leadership team. She manages hiring, programming, schedules, and more and attends professional family camp director meetings with Wiley. A life-long south-side Indianapolis resident, Mary coordinates housing at the University of Indianapolis. The couple have four children and six grandchildren.
Who spends the most time with you? Our team of all-star college students!
Annually, Wiley and Mary hire a team of nearly 30 college students. Recruitment is accomplished via advertising, camp fairs on college campuses, outreach to previous guests and staff, and word-of-mouth referrals. They accept applications for summer employment throughout the year, but conduct focused recruitment activities in the late fall and early spring semesters. To be eligible, college students must have completed their freshman year prior to working at Camp Brosius.
The result of their work is a team of outstanding young adults representing a variety of schools, majors, backgrounds, and interest areas. Some utilize Camp Brosius as a valuable internship opportunity. These students have one common goal: to provide you with an unforgettable, awesome vacation! They are enthusiastic, energetic, top-notch students who possess a strong work ethic and are dedicated to providing super customer service for you.
Two weeks prior to guest arrival, all staff members become CPR and first-aid certified, and all lifeguards earn their lifeguard certification. As part of their staff orientation, counselors are trained in camp operations, safety, and guest services. Counselors also ready the facilities for your vacation by performing minor repairs and property upkeep.
After guests arrive, counselors work professionally to engage young people in programming and deliver a great family-oriented vacation experience.
Who works in reservations and behind the scenes?
Wendy Iskander is camp's reservation coordinator. She works full time with the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management as the dean's executive assistant. In that role, Wendy answers any questions you have about reservations, accommodations, availability, and more. She also assists Mary with IU hiring processes.
Through the year, camp advertising, promotion, communications, and fundraising occurs. Laura Klaum and Cassie Craft help raise funds for property upkeep and promote Camp Brosius through a variety of publications and media. Laura and Cassie welcome advertising suggestions and fundraising ideas, as well as thoughts about creative partnerships.
Dave Hoffmann and Connie Purcell provide technology and fiscal management, respectively. All Camp Brosius staff ultimately report to Rafael Bahamonde, Interim Dean of the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management.
A proud IU Herron School of Art and Design alumnus, Jim Patterson of JP Designs LTD designs all fundraising and communication materials for Camp Brosius and occasionally volunteers during work weekends.