The team behind Evans Lake

Our Fulltime Staff

Evans Lake’s dedicated full-time team is committed to ensuring our programs and services meet the highest standards for quality and safety. Our full-time, year-round team works both at our office in Vancouver and onsite at Evans Lake.

Conor Lorimer -

Director of Operations & Education

T: 604-294-2267 T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2007

Conor Lorimer -

Director of Operations & Education

T: 604-294-2267 T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2007

Ever since I played a game of Survival as a 9-year old in the Evans Lake forest – a game where each camper represents an animal seeking food & water and avoiding predators – I have been excited to share my enthusiasm for Evans Lake’s programs and get others involved. Having now participated in Evans Lake’s Leadership program, been a Volunteer, Cabin Leader, Instructor, Assistant Director, and now as the Program Director, I have a rich understanding of how to adapt our Forest Education programs to leave campers excited to explore forests!

Before joining Evans Lake as the Program Director I completed a double-major in Sociology & English Literature (UBC), and since then I have entered both the Photography Certificate Program (Langara), and the Advanced Project Management Certificate Program (Langara). Specific forest education initiatives that I am keen to have been a part of at Evans Lake include introducing new modules focused on Climate Change, Forest Tenure, Silviculture, Urban Forestry, Business & Marketing, Mensuration, Forest Ecology and Forest Certification. In 2011, we hosted our first Forest Education Symposium for Teachers (FEST) where we provided teacher-training and forest education modules that can be easily adapted to any classroom and taught in parks, remote forests, or right out the front-door of any school!

My diverse educational background and years of Evans Lake experience have helped me bring a balanced and well-rounded approach to our programs, and the management of our Summer and Winter Camps.

Emily Harrison -

Outdoor Education Manager

T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2025

Emily Harrison -

Outdoor Education Manager

T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2025

Ever since I first arrived at Evans Lake as an 11-year-old camper, this place has felt like home. Over the years I’ve had the joy of experiencing Evans Lake from almost every angle—first as a camper, then as a volunteer, cabin leader, Fall/Spring Instructor, and a member of our Inclusion Staff team. Each role deepened my connection to the forest and showed me just how powerful outdoor education can be.

As the Outdoor Education Manager, I now help create those same meaningful experiences for others. I support rental groups throughout their time on site to ensure they receive the best possible camp experience, and I work closely with our Eco-Fun Program to develop and deliver hands-on lessons that bring our forest to life for summer campers.

With an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Victoria—focused on mental health, wellbeing, and paired with electives in environmental studies and forest education—I bring a unique lens to my work. I know firsthand how transformative a place like Evans Lake can be because it shaped me, too.

I believe the best way to inspire future forest stewards is to show kids just how cool, complex, and alive our forests really are. By sparking curiosity through exploration and play, I hope to give campers the same sense of wonder that has kept me returning to Evans Lake year after year.

 

 

Elsa Nygard -

Kitchen Manager

T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2024

Elsa Nygard -

Kitchen Manager

T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2024

From the farmland country in Ontario to the snowy hills in BC, Elsa grew up surrounded in food from her Parents plentiful gardens of veggies, honeybee farms, dads vineyard, corn and bean crops. All of this including neighbours of chickens and goats, She couldn’t help but be motivated into the culinary world.

Alongside this, Elsa picked up snowboarding in the cold season and as soon as she could ride down the hills with confidence, the mountains called her. Studying Culinary management at Fanshawe College in London Ont. , Elsa grew her palate working apprentice positions for various chefs ranging from Italy, Ireland, England and some French cuisine all the way to working in Australia helping with the pastry end at a resort.

Elsa loves to be involved in anything outdoors and has gotten herself caught up with rock climbing in the Squamish area for the summer. Going to various camps as a kid between horse training camps and forest adventure camps, Elsa grew an appreciation for the outdoor camp lifestyle. You will see Elsa around the kitchen and dining hall helping create the meals you will be enjoying whilst staying with us, as she has shifted into the role as the Kitchen Manager this season.

Georgina Philpott -

Administrative Coordinator

T: 604-294-2267 Since 2023

Georgina Philpott -

Administrative Coordinator

T: 604-294-2267 Since 2023

Having never attended Evans Lake as a camper, I did not realize the community I was joining when I first started working. As I have gotten to know more of the Evans Lake community, I feel so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful group of people. 

I graduated from Queen’s University with a degree in Language, Literature, and Culture. I am passionate about environmental conservation and am excited to be a part of an organization that promotes outdoor education in youth. 

 

Ian Lamont -

Facilities Manager

T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2025

Ian Lamont -

Facilities Manager

T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2025

Originally from Peterborough, Ontario, I spent my summers at camp from the age of 10-16 years old. My employment has been mainly construction/property management related. Evans Lake has given me the opportunity to utilize these skill sets in a unique setting.

Having lived in Whistler back in the 90s and returning to Ontario, where I was fortunate to raise two sons, an opportunity came up to return to the Sea to Sky region and I moved to Squamish 4 years ago.

Now I live and work where I was meant to be, surrounded by the beauty of British Columbia. If I’m not working, I’m either fishing or snowboarding.

I’m grateful to be a part of the Evans Lake team and I look forward to participating in its long running tradition of showing people the great outdoors.

Lauren Marghetti -

Executive Director

T: 604-294-2267 Since 2011

Lauren Marghetti -

Executive Director

T: 604-294-2267 Since 2011

In elementary school, I attended a week-long program at Evans Lake, discovering the magic of camp. I returned as a camper, eventually working in various roles for a decade. Evans Lake became my summer haven, profoundly shaping my identity.

Following the completion of my undergraduate degree in Art History at UBC, I embarked on international travel, starting in my birthplace of Argentina. Subsequently, I joined Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, where I contributed to youth programs for five years. Transitioning from a maritime career, I relocated to Whistler, assuming the role of Quality & Brand Assurance Manager for the Hilton Hotel. In this position, I gained comprehensive insight into hotel operations, sales, food & beverage, catering, conference services, and guest relations. In 2008, I pursued further education, completing the post graduate Business Management program at BCIT. More recently, my professional journey led me to an event management role in Vancouver, where I served as an Event Manager and Marketing Coordinator. 

The culmination of my education and diverse work experiences positioned me well to the role of Executive Director at Evans Lake. I am dedicated to leading our team, contributing to the growth of the society, and expanding opportunities for children to discover the enchantment that defines Evans Lake.

Row Burke -

Program Manager

T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2021

Row Burke -

Program Manager

T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2021
Ever since age six I have attended overnight summer camps. All it took was one campfire song and I knew I wanted to be a camper for life. Growing up through the camp community has provided me with so many amazing experiences and the excitement and the magic of camp and nature has been something I’ve never been able to forget.  I have carried it with me throughout everything I do.

In post-secondary, I studied early childhood education (ECE) and then paramedicine, but my passion for outdoor education kept pulling me back to the camping world. Before joining Evans Lake, I worked at a number of camps and outdoor centres throughout Ontario in a variety of different positions, ranging from program instructor to camp nurse. But from the moment I heard about Evans Lake I knew it was the place for me.  Being able to combine my love of nature and education has me so excited!

My educational background and lifetime of camp experience has helped prepare me for the role of Program Manager, and I am so excited to learn and grow with Evans Lake.

WILL CRASS -

Caretaker

T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2024

WILL CRASS -

Caretaker

T: 604-898-3832 (Camp) Since 2024

Born and partly raised in the Northwest Territories, and having lived in various locations throughout Canada including the Arctic tundra and the Laurentian foothills of Quebec, has given me an abundance of amazing experiences and exposure to the great outdoors.

My passion and love for nature seems to have been there since longer than I can remember. Camping was always a huge part of my childhood and some of my fondest memories in life are of sitting around the campfire with family and good friends.

The beauty of Squamish and its surrounding area has always amazed me, and having the opportunity to be a part of the community here at Evans Lake… I could not ask for more!

Board of Directors

The Evans Lake Forest Education Society Board of Directors is composed of volunteers, elected annually, at the Annual General Meeting held in April. The Board meets monthly to review the operations and financials of the Society.

Executives

Name

Role

Karen Marshall Vice President
Russ Paton President
Sarah Webb Secretary
Allison Dennert Treasurer

Directors

Name

Stanley Mason

Brad Techy

Sydney Bellack

Helena Fehr

Kevin Berryman

Summer Camp Staff

Our Program staff team members are announced each spring.