Hail to the Forest! Hail to the Streams! Hail, Hail Camp Horseshoe! Camp of my Dreams.
Experienced, Passionate Leadership
Fran & Jordan Shiner
Owners & Directors
When Fran and Jordan Shiner revived Camp Horseshoe in 2003, they dreamed of a place where boys could come for incredible activities and adventures, and leave with exceptional skills and best friends for a lifetime. With their more than 50 years of combined summer camping experience, Fran and Jordan used their vast knowledge to rekindle the torches of Horseshoe and create a dynamic boys camp. They have awakened the indomitable spirit of “The Shoe” for a new generation of boys by blending Horseshoe’s 90-year-old camping traditions with innovative activities, state-of-the art facilities and boundless energy. Bringing this legacy to each Horseshoe camper is their passion, their purpose, and their pledge.
As parents of three children who grew up going to camp, Fran and Jordan understand how to give each boy the guidance and support needed to ensure a phenomenal summer. As lifelong campers and career camp directors, they have a strong belief in the power of the camp experience. Jordan was a camper at the original Horseshoe, and has dreamed of running a camp since he was 16 years old. Fran was a camper for 7 years and has also worked in summer camps since the age of 17. Having met at camp, they now pour their shared vision and passion for camping into Horseshoe.
Fran and Jordan’s love for Horseshoe and its campers shines through in their hands-on approach, commitment to each boy, and dedication to all facets of the Horseshoe program. Every element of a Horseshoe summer is thoughtfully planned and implemented to make certain campers enjoy the very best instruction, activities, and experiences available anywhere. During the off-season, Jordan teaches high school history and coaches numerous sports, while Fran oversees Horseshoe year-round. Fran and Jordan are active members of the American Camping Association and leaders in the summer camping community.
The Incomparable Horseshoe Team
Teaching, leading, caring—our incredible Horseshoe team is made up of dedicated, highly-trained staff members committed to making a positive impact in the lives of each boy. Horseshoe staff members are strong role models who provide high quality instruction, instill self-confidence, and encourage campers to embrace challenges. The Horseshoe team is proactive in making sure campers develop friendships and support each other. All Horseshoe staff members actively participate in an intensive nine-day staff training. We have extremely high staff return rates, and many of our top leadership are camping professionals who come back to Horseshoe summer after summer.
Jacob “Ferbs” Ferber
Associate Director
Jacob has been involved with Camp Horseshoe since we “rekindled the torches” back in 2004. Starting as a Pioneer, Jacob fell in love with The Shoe. He was a camper for 8 summers and the rest as part of the Horseshoe staff. Jacob was a cabin counselor for 9 years, working with a wide range of campers. As a staff-man Ferbs has been involved with almost every area of camp. From planning evening programs and special events, heading up leagues, to overseeing Horseshoe’s wilderness trips, Jacob knows the ins and outs of everything Camp. Currently, Jacob works at camp full time making sure the grounds and fields are in perfect condition for the upcoming summer and helping oversee any off-season projects.
Jacob, from Deerfield, IL is also a certified Red Cross lifeguard instructor where he trains our staff to be lifeguards. Jacob is also a certified Camp Safety Director and is an active member of the American Camp Association.
Dan Hampson
Assistant Director
Dan has been part of Camp Horseshoe since our very first summer in Rhinelander. As a freshman at Vanderbilt, he made the trip from Tennessee to Wisconsin and immediately connected with the spirit and traditions of The Shoe. Since then, he’s become one of our most versatile leaders, helping with everything from assigning clubs to working on the all night treasure hunt to managing the tech that keeps camp running smoothly.
A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Dan enjoys working with our oldest campers in Horseshoe’s wilderness program to pass that passion along to the next generation. During the year, he works as an actuary, but once summer arrives, he’s in the Northwoods as much as possible—bringing experience, steady leadership, and a deep love of Horseshoe to every part of camp.
Nate Scheck
Assistant Director
From day one, camp ignited Nate’s passion for working with kids and developed an eagerness to bring the “Horseshoe Spirit” with him wherever he goes. From Deerfield, IL. Nate can be found all over camp with a contagious energy. As a Division Head, Nate devotes his efforts helping junior side campers adjust to camp life and guiding them to what the “Horseshoe Spirit” (our values) are all about.
Nate also enjoys attending ACA camping conventions and helping reach out to Horseshoe families from different areas around the country. Nate is a certified Elementary School Teacher. He also runs a premier youth sports program for girls in the north shore of Chicago, called Shine on Sports for Girls. The high-level programming is directly attributed to the values of Camp Horseshoe, especially “making it the big time!”
Nate cannot wait to bring his enthusiasm, positivity, and goofiness back to Horseshoe this summer.
Joey Spathis
Social Media Director
Joey arrived at The Shoe as a Woodsman in 2009 and, despite a little homesickness, quickly grew to love everything about Horseshoe. After eight years as a camper, he spent the next eight years as a counselor, working with everyone from Pioneers all the way to Cabin 14. Joey also spent many years leading Horseshoe’s Evening Programs, Special Events, Theme Days, and legendary All-Night Treasure Hunts.
Joey has always loved the creativity, spirit, and imagination that make Horseshoe special. Now, he channels that passion into camp’s social media. As our Social Media Director, he takes great pride in creating content that is fun for our community, meaningful to alumni, and grounded in the values and lessons that define the Horseshoe experience. In true Horseshoe fashion, he works to “make it the big time” and raise the bar higher for Horseshoe content.
Joey is from Highland Park, IL, and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Sports Management and Sports Media.
David Gichner
Program Director, Staffing Coordinator
From the moment David arrived at Camp Horseshoe as a young camper, he was captivated by the spirit, tradition, and energy that makes “The Shoe” unlike any other place. Growing up as a devoted camper and counselor, David now assists in day-to-day programming as well as plans our evening programs, theme days, and special events. David is committed to making each summer more exciting and meaningful than the last.
During the off-season, David works year round with camp and handles hiring and recruiting our amazing staff. David studies Radio-Television-Film at the University of Texas. He also has experience producing large-scale events and managing teams which translates directly to his work at Horseshoe, where he combines organization, heart, and creativity to elevate all aspects of camp life.
With a deep love for The Shoe and an unwavering commitment to its traditions, David is dedicated to helping create summers that campers will remember for the rest of their lives.