Meet the team
The YMCA Camp Cullen staff have a collective experience of over 45 years in the industry. This passionate group of mission-driven leaders is committed to providing children with a safe, impactful camping experience and giving parents peace of mind that their child is in safe hands.
Bobby Thomas – Executive Director
Bobby grew up in North Carolina and spent many summers at YMCA overnight camp in Alabama. Overnight Camp is ingrained in his history, having met his best friends and Sarah, his wife, at camp. Bobby has led YMCA Overnight camps in New York, Indiana, Illinois, and a short stint with Day Camps in Houston. He is very excited to be a part of the YMCA Camp Cullen team and is looking forward to fostering an environment of collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence.
Bobby holds a Psychology degree from Troy University and a Masters in Nonprofit Management from the University of Houston Downtown. He and Sarah love to travel, ride bikes, kayak, and spend sunny days on their pontoon boat, the Bobber. They have a pudgy, three-legged beagle named Ripley and a golden retriever named Tucker who both thoroughly enjoy pets and attention from campers.
Chance Orton – Summer Camp Director
Chance brings several years of YMCA camping experience to the Camp Cullen team. Originally from San Antonio, Chance spent many summers as a camper and eventually staff member at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow. After graduating from Texas Tech University with a degree in Marketing, he decided to dive into the world of camping full time, gaining valuable experience at Camp Fitch YMCA and YMCA Camp Grady Spruce.
Chance is glad to have found his way to the beautiful Camp Cullen and can’t wait to meet all the campers this summer.
KJ Davis – Outdoor Ed & Retreats Director
KJ, an Alabama native, has always had a heart for camp! Growing up as a Y camper, KJ fell in love with the outdoors and the joy that comes with creating memorable camp experiences. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Troy University, KJ embarked on a career with the YMCA, combining a love for education and adventure. Having worked with the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta and the YMCA of Greater Montgomery and serving in the U.S. Air Force, KJ brings a wealth of experience to the camp world. Outside of camp, KJ enjoys hiking, running, spending time with family, and catching a good sports game!
Cynthia Drake – Camp Business Director
As the Camp Business Director at YMCA Camp Cullen, Cynthia embodies the spirit of adventure, collaboration, and excellence that define the camp experience. Her leadership and dedication ensure that campers have a transformative and unforgettable summer, setting the stage for lifelong memories and friendships.
Since joining the team in 2017, Cynthia has brought her enthusiasm to every aspect of camp operations, ensuring a safe, engaging, and rewarding experience for campers and staff alike. Beyond her administrative duties, she is a hands-on leader who is always ready to jump in and support the day to-day operations of the camp. Cynthia’s dedication to the camp’s mission is evident in everything she does.
Cynthia is known for her warm and approachable demeanor, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for campers and staff.
Lauren Scott – Associate Summer Camp Director
Lauren has been a part of the Camp Cullen team since 2017, when she started as a part-time Wrangler. She’s homegrown here in the Greater Houston area and has had a passion for horses since she was little. She loves to teach everything she knows about horses to those that don’t always get the chance to be around them and show them the array of talents horses possess.
When she’s not working, Lauren loves to spend time with her friends and family and her dog Annie!
Bailey Teague – Equestrian Director
Bailey grew up in the Texas Hill Country and has had a passion for horses ever since she was born. She spent her childhood raising and showing her Miniature horses as well as taking riding lessons. She started her career with the YMCA in 2017 as a Wrangler and hasn’t looked back since. She loves teaching guests about horses and providing them with a safe and fun horseback riding experiences. Bailey has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and a certification in Equine Science from Tarleton State University.
In her spare time, Bailey enjoys taking part in competitive trail riding with her horse, Rizzo.
Heather Mansel – Food Service Director
Heather was born and raised in Magnolia, Texas, graduated from Magnolia High School and shortly after moved to Trinity, TX. She married her my best friend, Chad, in 2017 and they have 7 amazing children, Summer, Ethan, Blake, Kyleigh, Lane, Landon, and Alexis. As a family, they enjoy spending time together, going camping, fishing, hiking, and really anything outdoors!
Heather’s love for cooking started when she was a young girl, cooking and baking with her grandma. Heather follows her grandma’s advice that “if you cook with love it will always be good”. In her career so far, she has worked in school cafeterias, hospital kitchens, and even with professional chefs. Heather has worked at Camp Cullen in the kitchen and the front office, but her passion is in the kitchen cooking something up! She is very excited to lead the camp’s food service team!