— Greetings
Dear Friends,
Hello and welcome to the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center! We’re thrilled that you’ve found your way to us. Whether you’re a parent sending your child to summer camp, a teacher looking for new hands-on learning opportunities, or a group looking for a place to retreat, you’ve found a phenomenal facility with an excellent staff committed to making your stay with us the best experience possible. As an American Camping Association-accredited camp, we adhere to the highest standards for safety, operations, and program quality with a core mission to serve all youth in North Carolina as they gain critical life skills through an experiential learning model.
If you’ve never been to camp, it may be hard to envision how profound an impact the camp experience can have on youth. However, as a Youth Development professional with over 17 years of experience in the field, I can confidently say that there are few tools as powerful as camp to positively impact the lives of young people. Over the course of my 12+ year tenure at BJP, I’ve seen this facility, its programs, and its dedicated staff change lives every single day. You don’t have to take my word for it, however. Watch this first-hand account from former camper Joey Garron, YouTube link on the left.
The camp experience is so important for young people because it helps them find their voice and gives them a sense of purpose while helping them grow as individuals and as members of a larger community. Whether your child is coming for a day, a week, or longer, they will grow in leaps and bounds, make new friends, and have an experience that will stay with them forever.
I’d like to personally invite you, your child, or your school to come to experience the magic of Betsy-Jeff Penn. Our phenomenal staff and highest quality programs will ensure your time with us is safe, fun, and fulfilling. Welcome to Betsy-Jeff Penn and happy camping!
Sincerely,
BJP Center Director, Kyle Shillinglaw
Meet Our Leadership
Kyle Shillinglaw
Camp Director
Kyle Shillinlaw, our Center Director, has been a pillar of the Penn 4-H Center since 2007. With nearly 20 years of experience and a B.S. in Recreation from Ohio University, Kyle’s career has spanned camps from California to Costa Rica. He now oversees all operations and educational field trip coordination, a passion sparked by his own life-changing summers at YMCA Camp Kern.
Kyle is dedicated to showing how our programs can benefit your students. When he isn’t leading the center, he’s likely perfecting his campfire skills or cooking up a meal from the local wildlife.
Contact Kyle: kmshilli@ncsu.edu | 336-349-9445
Allison Ledford
Assistant Director
Allison Ledford joined the Betsy-Jeff Penn Center staff in June of 2016, but her journey really started as a camper in 2006. After earning her Associate’s Degree from CCC&TI and attending Appalachian State University, Allison’s childhood dream of working at camp came true. During her time at BJP, she has served as a Cabin Counselor, Adventure/Trekker Counselor, Lifeguard, Health Coordinator, and Interim Summer Camp Director before her current role as Assistant Director. Allison is passionate about providing youth with an entertaining and enriching camp experience. In her spare time, Allison enjoys reading, stargazing, and spending time outdoors.
Contact Allison: anledfor@ncsu.edu | 336-349-9445
Candace Hairston-Ray
Food Service Director
Candace Hairston-Ray joined the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center in 2019 as Food Service Director, bringing extensive expertise in corporate, healthcare, and catering environments. A Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) and Food Protection Professional (CFPP), she holds a degree in Culinary Technology and is ServSafe certified. Candace is dedicated to providing nutritious, delicious meals for all participants.
Contact Candace: cnhairst@ncsu.edu | 336-349-9445
Zoe Tate
Summer Program Director
Zoe Tate started at Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center in 2022 as the summer climbing wall instructor and now serves as the Summer Camp Director. Zoe is from the Coastal Plain region of NC and graduated with a B.S. in Zoology from North Carolina State University. Zoe currently holds a Level II Challenge Course Practitioner Certification and is a certified Lifeguard with the American Red Cross. When not at work, she can be found learning a new hobby, fishing in Lake Hazel, or enjoying the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
Contact Zoe: zatate@ncsu.edu | 336-349-9445 ext. 306.
Ethan Beaver
Maintenance
Ethan Beaver joined the Penn 4-H Center in 2024, ensuring every corner of the property—from the forest to the classrooms—runs smoothly. With a background in construction, renovation, and youth ministry, Ethan brings a unique blend of technical skill and a passion for camp life to the maintenance team. He holds a degree from Morningstar University along with various certifications in hiking, climbing, and sailing. When he isn’t keeping the facility in top shape, Ethan enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors with his wife and three young kids.
Contact Ethan: eibeaver@ncsu.edu | 336-349-9445 ext. 308.
Alec Matulia
Education Director
Alec Matulia is a Greensboro native who graduated from UNCG with a degree in Recreation & Parks Management and is the Education Director at Betsy-Jeff Penn. He has been a lifelong supporter of all things camping and youth development. Alec spent many seasons here at the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Center, and he’s incredibly excited to be in a new position to further support camp. Alec enjoys rock climbing, leather crafting, and cooking. He will see you all around the campfire!
Contact Alec: ajmatuli@ncsu.edu | 336-349-9445 ext. 305.