Camp Staff

Chloe Shantz is a violinist and soprano vocalist. Raised in a musical family, choral and orchestral music has always been part of Chloe’s life. Her studies in violin led to many musical opportunities growing up, such as the Calgary Youth Orchestra, the Amici String Quartet program and the Calgary Performing Arts Festival. In High School, Chloe discovered a love for singing through school choirs, and was a member of the Alberta Youth Choir 2019 and Alberta Treble Choir 2022. Outside music, Chloe has a passion for reading and writing novels. She is now studying at the University of Waterloo with a double major in Music and English Literature. Chloe is looking forward to returning for her second year at OMMC!

Ben Thiessen is a 4th year student at Wilfrid Laurier University studying Economics and Political Science, and he is super excited to be working at OMMC this year! He attended music camp from 2014 - 2016 and is looking forward to creating the same memorable experience for this year's campers! As the Rec director, Ben is planning a host of games and activities for all the times the campers aren't making music. Ben has played music nearly his whole life, playing piano for 17 years and achieving his grade 10 RCM in 2017. He picked up the trumpet in Grade 6 to play in his school band, and has loved it ever since! When he isn't playing music, Ben enjoys indoor rock climbing, reading sci-fi novels, and watching movies. Ben is pumped to work with the other OMMC staff to build an awesome two weeks of camp!

Joel Woods is a recent graduate from the University of Waterloo in Statistics with a Minor in Music. He is one of the co-directors of Menno Youth Ensemble, a local KW group for youth aged 14-24 that encourages musicianship and music leadership within and outside the church music context. Throughout his undergrad, Joel sang in the University of Waterloo Chamber Choir and Chapel Choir, led music at Grebel chapel services, and enjoyed taking courses in music history, theory, conducting, and orchestration. In his free time, Joel loves writing folk songs, composing and arranging music for choirs and instrumentalists, and spending time playing music with his friends. Joel also enjoys contributing to the music at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, where he is a member. Joel attended OMMC as a camper growing up, was on Staff in 2022, and is so excited to be returning to camp this summer!

Bel Cairns will be the musical director for OMMC. They've acted in, adapted and directed numerous plays and musicals, including last year's OMMC production of "Barbie and The Diamond Castle" and several productions of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. They grew up playing piano and French horn, and singing in choirs and church. Bel studies Classics at the University of Waterloo, and in their free time enjoys playing soccer, reading (especially in Ancient Greek), and gardening. Bel is excited to be returning to OMMC.

Kate is excited to be returning to OMMC this summer! She is a soprano vocalist, violinist, and a member of Menno Singers. Kate completed a Bachelor of Global and International Studies at Carleton University and has worked at summer camps, in public service and elementary schools. She will be entering the Master of Theological Studies program at Grebel this fall, in addition to working at an elementary school. Kate can’t wait to meet new campers, sing and play beautiful music, and make lifelong memories!