MISSION
Our mission is to provide affordable travel opportunities that inspire personal growth, teamwork, and a deep connection to nature, ensuring that every child can experience the magic of the great outdoors.
VALUES
Camaraderie & Teamwork
We believe in the power of positive relationships and shared experiences to build strong bonds among campers.
Inclusivity
We are committed to creating a welcoming environment for children of all backgrounds, fostering diversity and understanding.
Personal Growth
Our programs focus on developing essential life skills such as self-confidence, leadership, and resilience through hands-on outdoor activities.
Environmental Stewardship
We instill a sense of responsibility and respect for nature, encouraging campers to become advocates for sustainability and conservation.
Empowerment
We strive to equip campers with the tools and experiences they need to take on the world with open minds and hearts.
Our Team
Isaac Black
Executive Director
Isaac is a passionate camp director and avid world traveler with a deep love for the outdoors. Summer camp and exploring national parks have profoundly shaped his life, making Happy Camper’s mission a perfect fit. He has witnessed firsthand the invaluable life skills and perspectives that can be gained through these experiences and is eager to share similar positive adventures with youth.
His journey into the outdoors began during studies at Appalachian State University, located just two hours from his hometown of Charlotte, NC. The hiking and adventures he experienced there laid the groundwork for his most significant journey: completing the Guinness World Record for the longest road in the world, the Pan-American Highway. This incredible expedition spanned over 30,000 miles through 16 countries, dozens of national parks, and a variety of climates over nearly two years, from Alaska to Argentina. Upon returning, he realized that his life’s goal is to inspire young people to explore the world as he has.
Outside of outdoor pursuits, he is a dedicated basketball fan (go Hornets!), a collector of vintage video games, and a lover of cowboy culture and history. He lives with his wife, Shelby, their wonderful dog, and a mischievous snake, and they are excited to welcome their first baby boy this summer!
Our Board
Christine Pauley
President
Christy is a leadership and transformation coach at a prominent financial institution, holding a B.A. in Psychology from Arizona State University. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. Christine resides in Festus, Missouri, with her husband, youngest son, and their dogs.
Bridgett Griffin
Vice President
Traci Anderson
Treasurer
Traci is a seasoned Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with nearly 30 years of experience in both public accounting and private industry. Throughout her career, she has developed extensive expertise in tax return preparation and monthly financial reporting, assisting various companies with their financial needs. Traci has also served as treasurer for her children’s school PTA and other nonprofit organizations, demonstrating her commitment to community service. With a strong foundation in accounting principles and a thorough understanding of tax regulations, she provides strategic insights and ensures compliance for clients across multiple industries.
Jenna Gilbreath
Secretary
Jenna is originally from Ohio and graduated from Kent State University with a degree in Communication Studies, complemented by minors in Nonprofit Studies and Media Advocacy. Her college experience ignited her passion for the outdoors, leading her to become deeply involved with the university’s Adventure Center, where she eventually served as the Supervisor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion—a role she helped to develop.
After graduation, Jenna embarked on a month-long road trip to explore ten national parks and completed the entire Appalachian Trail, hiking from Georgia to Maine in just under six months. Her mission now is to create inclusive and transformative outdoor experiences for young people, providing opportunities that she wishes she had encountered earlier in life.
Elyse Dashew
Member
Elyse has served as an at-large member of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Board of Education since her election in 2015, and she was re-elected in 2019. She chaired the school board from 2019 to 2023. Elyse spent seven years of her childhood living on a sailboat, circumnavigating the globe with her family. After graduating from Brown University, she worked in the television industry and later ran a publishing business. Currently enjoying retirement from school board leadership, Elyse fills her days with hiking, practicing yoga, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends. She also serves on the Charlotte Advisory Board for the North Carolina Outward Bound School.
Dave Elmore
Member
Dave is originally from Huntington, WV, and attended Marshall University and Georgia Southern University. He has been a resident of Roatan, Honduras, for the past 20 years, where he co-founded the SOL International Foundation and currently serves as its Executive Director.
Haley Stone
Member
Haley graduated from UNC Chapel Hill in 2020 with a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. Since 2021, she has served as the Director of Youth and Family Ministries at a large Lutheran church. Residing in Raleigh, NC, Haley enjoys yoga, rock climbing, and jamming with her band in her free time.