Meet our 2026 Counseling Team!

Ayden Schofield – Program Director
Ayden has been part of our camp family for several years, serving as a lifeguard, grounds crew member, and counselor. His home cottage is Larkspur with the rest of the Schofield gang. This summer he steps into the role of Program Director. He is excited for the opportunity to help create an unforgettable camp experience.

A graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in Physical Education, Ayden recently completed his student teaching experience in Taiwan and also works as a personal trainer. In his free time, he enjoys singing, drawing, playing video games, and weightlifting. He can't wait to get in the water, meet this year's campers, and enjoy some cookie dough ice cream. His favorite color is blue, and he loves ramen noodles.

Claire Shanahan – Counselor
Claire joins us from Frankfort, Illinois, where she grew up with her parents and two sisters. She attends Rockford University, where she is a member of the softball team, plays the cello, and enjoys weightlifting.

Claire is majoring in Psychology and Special Education and hopes to become a school psychologist. She has already been impressed by how welcoming everyone at camp has been and is excited to meet the campers and help create a little "camp magic" this summer. Her favorite ice cream is cookie dough, she loves pasta, and her favorite color is pink.

Jeremy “JR” Ellis – Counselor
JR returns to camp after previously serving as a counselor in 2023 and spending two summers at Holiday Home Camp. Originally from Chicago's South Side, he has also lived in Mississippi, Memphis, and Las Vegas. He comes from a large family that includes three brothers, two nieces, and three nephews.

A graduate of Whitney Young Magnet High School, JR is currently studying screenwriting and film production at Columbia College Chicago. He plays guitar, tap dances, and enjoys salsa dancing. His favorite place at camp is the pavilion, and he is especially looking forward to celebrating the Fourth of July this summer. JR's favorite ice cream is cheesecake, his favorite food is pepperoni pizza, and his favorite color is red.

David Sanchez – Counselor
David joins us from Chicago and is especially excited to return to a place that holds special memories. Many years ago, he attended camp with St. Gall and is thrilled to be back as a counselor.

David attends the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he is majoring in Psychology and Human Development & Family Studies. He hopes to become a child specialist in the future. Coming from a lively family of sixteen, he says they are all fun, caring people. David loves the friendly faces at camp and hopes to make a positive impact on every camper he meets. Like several members of our staff, his favorite ice cream is cookie dough, his favorite food is pambazos, and his favorite color is blue.

Angel Wiley – Counselor
Many of us already know Angel, a fourth-generation cottager and proud member of the Schofield/Wiley camp family. Angel attends McHenry County College, studying American Sign Language and Special Recreation. Angel especially appreciates the supportive professors and learning environment there.

In spare time, Angel enjoys reading and writing. Angel loves the camp community and values the friendships and connections here at camp. Favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip and favorite foods are East Asian dishes. Angel is looking forward to spending another summer with the Barr Camp family and coworkers.

Meet the managers!

Kean Fialen – Manager campmanager@normanbbarrcamp.org
Kean ("Kee-an")joins us from Huntley and attends Illinois State University, where he is majoring in Psychology. He comes from a large, culturally diverse family and enjoys staying active through working out. Known for his excellent memory and strong swimming skills, Kean brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm to camp.

So far, he has enjoyed getting to know the staff and has already fallen in love with the lake. He is especially looking forward to meeting the campers and making lasting memories this summer. When it comes to favorite ice cream – mint chocolate chip tops his list. He also loves steak, and his favorite color is red.

Ethan Tarver – Assistant Manager

Ethan has spent several summers as a lifeguard at camp and is excited to take on a new role as Assistant Manager this year. He is from Batavia and attends the University of Illinois Springfield, where he is majoring in Political Science.

Ethan comes from a large extended camp family and is also the proud owner of two dogs. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music and playing the viola.

This summer, he's looking forward to spending time with campers, enjoying caramel cone ice cream from the candy store, and keeping up with his favorite show, Love Island. His favorite food is General Tso's chicken, and his favorite color is blue.