Summer Camp Staff

Jamie Akens: Born and raised in Colorado, I am an environmental warrior. It all began in when I was 10 years old, I woke up in the middle of a herd of elk while camping in Estes Park, CO. The moment triggered my earth loving transformation. Since then I have pursued an environmental science degree, have lived and researched in the Peruvian Amazon for 4 months, and I am building a retreat center in the San Luis Valley of Colorado to connect the community with vast valley views, dry land agriculture workshops, and peace of mind. I am excited to have fun and both inspire as I am inspired by the playful innocence of children, all while providing a safe space to be silly. 

Eve Babcock: Eve graduated from Colorado College in May 2016 with a degree in history and Latin American studies. She is originally from Los Angeles, California and has been working with kids for seven years. Last summer she worked for an environmental non-profit in Colorado dedicated to improving literacy through environmental education. She is excited to see how environmental education fits in the context of an urban landscape.

Mark Caporuscio: My name is Mark, but back home in Ohio calls me “Cap!” I graduated from Hocking College with an ecotourism degree. I’ve spent time doing various activities in Colorado, Utah, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, the Bahamas, and various others. I’m most excited to teach kids in an urban and outdoor setting and explore the mountains as much as I can- specifically climbing, backpacking, and mountaineering. 

Shelbie Generous: Once Shelbie decided to leave her home in Minnesota, her heart was set on Denver, Colorado. She left with the full intention to pursue a life of empowerment for young people regardless of race, age or any sort of status. Her first start was with an Americorps program, City Year, that worked with inner city youth in pursuit of more opportunities through their education and building relationships. She hopes to continue to share her passions with young people by expanding their horizons into the unknown with adventures into many of the surroundings Denver has to offer. 

Hannah Hanko: Hey I’m Hannah! I’m a country girl from beautiful California, enjoying my time here with SPREE. I study Agricultural Sciences, love riding horses, and enjoy spending as much of my time as possible in the great outdoors!

Lila Luna: I’ve first worked with the Greenway Foundation as a high school Ranger. Getting to experience and learn about environmental education has inspired me to go against the social stigma and really be a part of something great. As I begin college, I will use the academic and personal skills I’ve learned with Greenway and become an environmental engineer.

Valerie Luna: I have recently completed my first year in college. I’ve worked with the Greenway Foundation two years ago and I am excited to return. Bringing environmental awareness is important to me, and I hope to take these skills everywhere I go, especially in my future career as a zoologist and environmental scientist. I love hiking, camping, eating new foods, and trying new adventures!

Melissa Smith: I have ventured out to Denver to explore all this beautiful has to offer. After graduating from school in University of Wisconsin I moved here to begin my career in environmental education. I cannot wait to spend the summer outdoors with eager young minds!

Bailey Willis: Bailey is excited to be back at SPREE for her second summer. She is from Wisconsin and spent a lot of her childhood exploring and traveling through the diverse landscapes of the United States with her family. Now she has a degree in art education and still loves the great outdoors, especially the mountains in Colorado and the Great Lakes in the midwest. She is looking forward to combining her passions for art, the environment, and teaching as a SPREE educator again for her second summer!