Shawna Hakes

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Shawna Hakes, Camp Susque’s Office Manager, started as Year Round Staff in 2003. Having been a church secretary for 5 years before joining Susque; her experience in payroll, accounting, and managing the Trails End Camp Store; and her years of being a part of the camp ministry here, Shawna is ideally suited to serve Susque in this role. Her listening skills and heart for team building at Susque make her the perfect person to manage the office. She’s great at remembering the things we forget and keeping us all organized.

When Shawna isn’t answering phones, helping parents sign up campers, or as the CampMinder guru, answering our questions about the application process at Susque, you can find her leading the Widows Ministry at Lycoming Valley Baptist Church and writing for “A Widows Might” (AWM) online and Facebook ministry. As a widow herself, Shawna has a heart to help other widows through their grief journey. She recently received recognition for her work with widows this past fall when she was nominated for the 2022 YWCA “Woman of Excellence” Award for Advocacy.

Besides writing devotions for AWM, you may be surprised to find her working on the first chapter of a book for widows that she hopes to publish someday. Shawna is a mom of two daughters and “Nini” to ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Shawna is accompanied in the office by her two dogs, Duke, and her emotional support dog, Gus, who is either sitting on her lap as she types or on her desk to keep her company.

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

What is the story behind your fun photo prop?

Gus is my dog. Since my husband's death, he has been the best emotional support dog ever! He goes everywhere (almost) with me.

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

General Camp Info

Mission and Beliefs

Susque's mission, statement of faith and beliefs

Directions

How to get to Camp Susque

Camp Map

Interactive map of our buildings and property

Financial Accountability

How we use the gifts and finances entrusted to us.

Board of Directors

Our Leadership

History and Tradition

How Camp Susque came to be

Staff & Employment

Meet the Staff

Meet your year-round staff

Work at Susque

Join the Susque team

Internships

For credit & not-for-credit programs available.

Camps & Trips

Summer Youth Camps

For campers entering grades 1-11

Winter Youth Camps

For campers in grades 3-12

Family Camp

Camps for whole families

Wilderness Trips

A camping experience at a whole new level.  Grades 6-12.

Trout Run Community Day Camp

A day camp for Grades 1-6.

Educational Programs

Educational Programs Overview

Special programs and classes throughout the year.

School Field Trips

Field Trips Overview

Unique, interactive and memorable experiences for students.

Susque Podcast

The Susquodcast

A regular podcast dedicated to all things Camp Susque.

Other Programs

Susque Trail Run

Annual 5k through Susque's property

Youth Summit

For Jr and Sr high youth groups

Harvest Festival

Activities for the whole family

Spring Family Weekend

Weekend getaway for intentional family time.

Pastor & Spouse Retreat

A refreshment retreat open to Pastors and their spouses

Work Fellowship Weekend

Sign up for a work weekend to help us gear up for camp season.

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Volunteer

Sign up for a work weekend to help us gear up for camp season.

Wishlist

A list of items that can benefit Susque's mission