Jesseca, like many others in the camping profession, strives to ensure that camp is a safe and positive environment for children to learn, discover, and grow.
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Jesseca got her start in promoting positive youth development (PYD) from an early age. As a member of Ashtabula County 4-H, Jesseca grew up attending the 4-H County Camps at Camp Whitewood as a camper, counselor, and dean of women. She even went on to become a 4-H Youth Development Educator to continue on as a county director and board member for camp before transitioning into this Program Director role.
2025 will be her 10th summer at Camp Whitewood!
Jesseca's favorite part of her job is seeing this same growth and transitions of our attendees, from camper to counselor, and into the very staff that she trains for our summer programs! Their stories of camp mean the most to her.
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From these experiences, Jesseca is excited to ensure that our programs are engaging and safe for all camping participants to try, discover, try again, succeed and grow.
Jesseca Housel
Program Director
Andy Hudak
Executive Director
Camp Staff:
Camp Whitewood's Staff is a closeknit group of unique, camp-loving individuals dedicated to bringing you the very best in camping. Folks agree when they see the staff together they function like a happy family. When you visit Camp Whitewood be sure to stop and talk to each of the staff members; of course, that isn't hard to do when they are all so friendly!
Andy enjoys living the 4-H Motto, “To Make the Best Better” with every aspect of Camp Whitewood. Andy started working in the camping field at 15 years old. He has worked at 4-H and other camps on the east and west coasts. His experience running expedition programs, working with local park departments, and OSU extension have provided the broad set of experiences he brings to camp. Always striving to find balance in this position, Andy enjoys every aspect of making Camp Whitewood great. Whether he is working to improve programming, updating facilities, working with staff, or driving the office desk, Andy is ready for the challenges and fun that come with life at camp.
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As a father of four, Andy and his family call Camp Whitewood home. Together they enjoy being stewards of the camp while raising their many pets. When they are not roaming the woods of camp, they can be found hiking and biking local trails or kayaking and sailing on Lake Erie.
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Andy looks to develop and strengthen relationships with schools and other user groups as well as provide leadership to the 4-H summer camping program at 4-H Camp Whitewood. Andy will continue to foster strong relationships and work to actively engage new dynamic programs and events at Camp.