Shawna Hakes

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Shawna Hakes has served as Camp Susque’s Office Manager since 2003. Before joining Susque, she worked as a church secretary for five years, gaining valuable experience in payroll, accounting, and administrative support.  At Susque, Shawna manages our registration and donor database (Campwise), oversees payroll and accounting, and keeps the office running smoothly. Known for her excellent listening skills, attention to detail, and heart for team building, she helps ensure that the Susque team stays organized and supported.

Outside the office, Shawna leads the Widows Ministry at Lycoming Valley Baptist Church and writes for A Widow’s Might online and Facebook ministry, where she encourages women walking through grief. Having been a widow herself for over 10 years, Shawna brings empathy and hope to those she serves. In 2022, she was honored as a nominee for the YWCA “Woman of Excellence” Award in Advocacy for her work with widows.

Shawna treasures time with her family and enjoys the company of her pets—two dogs, Duke and Manny, and a three-legged cat, Daisy.

What year did you start at Camp Susque?

2003

What kind of experience do you have in your field?

Church secretary for five years

What kind of schooling do you have?

none

Where were you born and raised?

Clarion, PA

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I would like to write a book someday.

What was your first job?

Fast food

Describe your perfect day off?

spending it with family or just relaxing watching a good movie

Where’s the coolest place you’ve ever been?

Yellowstone

What’s one thing on your bucket list that you’d love to do?

revisit Yellowstone

What is your favorite Scripture?

Be Still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

What is your favorite area at Camp Susque?

Rocking chair on LL or SL porch

Describe your job at Camp Susque in a nutshell, and what is your favorite day in the life of your job?

My day consists of reading and routing emails, payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. I also oversee the Trails End Camp Store which includes ordering and stocking the merchandise, updating and maintaining the online store, working behind the counter on camp check-in days, and filling online orders. After that, it's whatever anyone needs me to do.

What are you good at? 

People tell me I take really good pictures. I am also a writer for A Widows Might web and Facebook ministry.

What challenges you?

The tyranny of the urgent

What is your favorite camp memory as a child?

I attended a camp affiliated with my childhood church and I remember crying because I didn't want to go and then crying because I didn't want to leave. Such good friendships were developed at camp.

When did you become a Christian?

I don't remember the exact age...somewhere in my teens