Counselors
Lily Davis Lily is a NAUTeach graduate, now based in Chicago. With her seven years of experience, Lily brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to her role as the co-leader for the Junior Entomology Academy. She is dedicated to fostering curiosity and appreciation for insects among campers while creating engaging educational experiences in the fascinating world of bugs.
Jackie Riorske Jackie grew up as an aspiring entomologist, catching bugs and learning everything about them, even creating a recess Bug Club in elementary school. Several summers in a row, she would raid the local library for every book about insects. Jackie now is sharing her knowledge and zeal for learning as a Flagstaff teacher. Jackie began working with Bug Camp in Summer 2019, and will be the 2025 camp co-leader, and is eager to share and learn more alongside your campers!
Meghan Mears Hello, My name is Meghan Mears and I am an elementary school teacher in Flagstaff, Arizona. I grew up in Phoenix, AZ, and moved up here for school. I love learning about all kinds of creatures no matter how creepy or crawly. Some of my hobbies include crafting, hiking and learning.
Beth Ann Hernandez , was born and raised in Arizona and has called Flagstaff home for over nine years. She has a background as a nanny, preschool teacher, and children’s program director for a local nonprofit. Beth Ann brings humor, heart, and just the right amount of chaos control to every room. She is eager to meet and get to know each camper, teach and learn more about bugs, and maybe, just maybe, be willing to eat a grasshopper !!
Kat Nall Hi! My name is Kat and I'm a special education teacher from Flagstaff AZ! I grew up in Florida before moving to Phoenix and eventually going to NAU for school, so I have seen all types of strange and interesting critters. I've always loved science and learning about plants, animals, and insects. I am so excited to get to know all of the campers and - hopefully - help foster a love of science and the natural world. This will be my first year working at camp and I can't wait!
Neil Cobb is an entomologist/ecologist with a research focus on arthropod biodiversity. He is the Director of the Junior Entomology Academy. He coordinates registrations and runs several of the camp activities. During the rest of the year he is the lead Principal Investigator for the iDigBees project funded by the National Science Foundation. The main goal of iDigBees is to describe the distribution for all 9,000 bee species in the New World.
Junior Counselors
Kendall : Hi! I’m Kendall and I will be a 9th grader at San Francisco de Asis Catholic School. My favorite subjects are science and social studies. I like to swim and run cross-country. I have gone to bug camp for many years as a camper and I am excited to be a Junior Counselor.
Jocelyn : I’m Jocelyn, and I will be a 11th grader at Flagstaff High School. My favorite subject is biology and favorite invertebrate is the blue death feigning beetle. I do gymnastics and math tutoring and love raising insects, reptiles, and plants. I was a camper for two years and am excited to help campers have the best experience this summer.
Leland : This is my fourth year as a junior counselor. I started bug camp when I was 6 years old. I will be a 9th grader at northland preparatory academy. My favorite bug is a huntsman spider. I am excited to to teach campers about bugs and make this year's camp fun for the campers.
Sophie : Hello! My name is Sophie! This is my fourth year as a JC at Entomology camp! I’m 16 going on 17! I’ve loved bugs my whole life from catching grasshoppers on the play ground in elementary, to saving bugs from my high school classrooms. I also love teaching and helping others learn more about our bug friends!
Graham : I've been a bug enthusiast since I was 6, attending bug camps and learning all about these fascinating creatures. Now, at 13 years old and about to start 9th grade at Ingleside Middle School, I'm thrilled that I'll be a Junior Counselor at bug camp this year for two weeks! I lived in England for five years, so I explored the bugs there, and I recently moved back to Arizona. I can't wait to spend two weeks helping out and sharing my passion for bugs with others. It's going to be an amazing experience, and I'm looking forward to every moment of it!
Taylor : Meet Taylor, a 8th grader who's living the dream for any animal lover! This 13-year-old has a special connection with creatures big and small, from their pigs, goats, and horses right down to their fascinating eight-legged friend, Charlie the tarantula, and the agile Caesar the jumping spider. But their curiosity doesn't end in their backyard – this young explorer also has a passion for the great outdoors and dreams of visiting National Parks, fueled by a creative mind that loves to capture the world through drawing.
Coral : Hi hi! I’m Coral and I will be a 7th grader this year and live in San Diego. I've been a camper for the last four years and am so excited to be a junior counselor again. My favorite types of bugs are sphinx moths and fairy flies. Did you know that fairy flies are the smallest insect in the world?:)
Gus : Augustus “Gus” Wei will be a junior counselor. He will be an 9th grader in Open Window School. This will be his first time in the camp and his first time being counseled. His hobbies include fencing, catching insects, video games, and learning geography. He has been with kids many times and is excited to meet new people, learn with kids, and observe bugs.
Jack : My name is Jack Butterfield. I have been at bug camp for 4 years and one year as a junior counselor. I will be going into 7th grade at Sinagua. I love catching and pinning different insects. My favorite bug is the tarantula hawk. I am excited to work with kids for another year. My hobbies are tennis, mountain biking, hunting, and fishing.
Lilith : My name is Lilith, I will be going into 10th grade next fall at Flagstaff High School. I’m currently in NJHS, and on Student Council. I enjoy dance and creative writing. I’m excited for my first year of working with bug camp, helping out with activities, and getting to know the campers.
Penny: Hi My name is Penny and I have been in bug camp for three years and I've loved insects since I was a toddler. One day I hope to be a field entomologist! I'm really excited to be helping with bug camp this year!
London : Hey! My name's London, and I love all things bug. I own 20+ different inverts and take care of many other exotic creatures, like my 3 snakes! I have a passion for learning and teaching others about animals. I'm 15 this July, I live in Phoenix, and my hobbies include sewing, art, or playing games like Roblox! ^_^ I've never gone to Bug Camp before, but I can't wait to be a part of it this year!
Ryker: Ryker Chase was born in Flagstaff. He has been attending Bug Camp since he was five years old. He will be going into sixth grade this year. This is his first year being a Jr. counselor and he is most excited for being able to teach campers about different types of bugs. He enjoys baseball and he has cared for many little kids. He also looks forward to meeting new people.
Noah L: Hi - I'm Noah! I'm heading into 6th grade at FJA. I'm really excited to be a Junior Counselor in-training this summer. I love bugs, I love the outdoors, and I love being part of a team of kids who are excited to learn new things.
Noah D: My name is Noah. I am 11 years old and am going to be a 6th grader at Flagstaff Christian School. My favorite subjects in school are Science and English. I have attended bug camp for three years and now this is my first year being a Jr. counselor. I am very excited to help other kids learn more about bugs. My favorite insects are tarantulas and praying mantis. For fun I like to ski, snowboard, bike and play video games.
Brayden: Hi my name is Brayden Perry and I have been attending bug camp as a camper for two years now. I love insects and have owned praying mantids, madagascar hissing cockroaches and beetle larvae. I can’t wait to teach the campers all about the amazing world of insects, arthropods and crustaceans.
Veer : Hi, meet Veer the enthusiastic budding entomologist from Bay Area, California. He is 12 years old and runs an entomology club in his middle school. Veer is passionate about variety of insects and he raises butterflies, mantises and beetles. Veer also loves gardening and is curious about variety of plants and habitats.
He enjoys hiking along trails to discover the flora and fauna and is a student triathlete.
He is super excited to attend the amazing bug camp as a JC trainee. He is looking forward to exchanging knowledge and enjoy the time with fellow bug enthusiasts.
Owen: Hi! My name is Owen Dibble. I've been a bug camper for 2 years and I'm excited to join you this year as a junior counselor. I love catching bugs and I'm exited to help all the new campers find and pin insects in their boxes! I will be going into 6th grade at Northland Preparatory Academy in the fall. I love playing soccer, downhill skiing, camping, crocheting, and hiking with my two dogs, Winter and Canyon.
Junior Counselor Opportunity
Interested in becoming a junior counselor? We are now seeking enthusiastic students, 13 years and older, to join our bug camp team. Junior Counselors are responsible for assisting the camp staff, including helping campers with activities, clean-up, and general supervision of the students. Junior Counselors (JCs) are expected to act as mentors to the students in the program. Advanced JCs are expected to give lectures and lead in camp activities. Junior Counselor "Trainees" ages 11-12 pay for camps until they can be full JCs. For any questions about the process contact Neil Cobb (neilscobb@gmail.com).
