Our Amazing Encouragers
The Heart Behind the Scenes: Our Camp Encouragers
At Skyline, so much of the magic happens where everyone can see it — campers laughing, counselors leading songs, friendships forming. But some of the most powerful impacts happen quietly, faithfully, and often behind the scenes.
One of the greatest gifts to our staff each summer is our Encouragers — alumnae who return not as campers, not as counselors, but as steady voices of wisdom, support, and prayer.
These women once walked the same paths, sang the same songs, and sat in the same staff meetings. They understand the long days, the emotional investment, the joy, and the exhaustion that comes with pouring into young lives. And now, they come back to pour into our staff.
Why Encouragers Matter
Camp ministry is wonderful— and it is demanding. Our staff give of themselves constantly. They lead, they listen, they mentor, they serve. Having someone there specifically to encourage them makes all the difference.
Our Encouragers:
- Write notes of affirmation
- Pray intentionally for our staff
- Offer listening ears and wise counsel
- Celebrate victories (big and small)
- Provide perspective from years of experience
Sometimes encouragement looks like a handwritten note left on her bunk. Sometimes it’s a quiet conversation on a bench. Sometimes it’s simply the reassuring presence of someone who understands.
They remind our staff that they are seen, valued, and supported.
A Beautiful Full-Circle Moment
There is something incredibly special about alumnae returning in this role. They carry camp in their hearts long after their camper days end. Serving as an Encourager is their way of continuing the legacy — investing in the next generation of leaders just as someone once invested in them. It’s a beautiful full-circle story.
Meet Our 2026 Session Encouragers
Each session, we are blessed with different alumnae who step into this meaningful role. We are so grateful for the women who have said “yes” to loving and supporting our staff this summer.
1st Session Encourager-Kate Wilson Washburn
Kate was a 2nd session camper from 2008-2012 and on staff from 2013-2016. The highlight of her time at camp was definitely being head of Summerplace for her last 2 summers at camp. Camp was where she decided to pursue a career that center relationships ("I actually changed my major to education while sitting in the Counselor Den."). She worked as an educator for several years before going back to school for counseling. Now she works as a mental health counselor in private practice, working mostly with girls and women. So she has come full circle back to camp in a lot of ways and beyond thrilled to be back on the mountain this summer.
1st Session Encourager-Brooke Weatherby
Brooke started going to camp when she was 5 years old, and since then she's been a camper, counselor, summer admin, and now heading into her 3rd year as an Encourager. This will be her 23rd summer at camp! Being an Encourager is always my favorite part of the summer. When your sole job is to put smiles on faces and bring joy to others, what could be better?! She is so excited about this summer and all that's in store!
1st Session Encourager-Margo Wilbourne
Margo is the artist behind Dear Margo Designs, a branding and print design studio that specializes in weddings. While she calls Austin, TX home now, she's an Alabama gal who connected with Skyline in college. She worked as a counselor for 4 summers (2013-2016), came back for a session in 2018, and returned as an Encourager in 2023! She is excited to be back in the Skyline "bubble" this summer to encourage staff and campers as they reconnect with all the many things that make camp so special up on the mountain!
2nd Session Encourager-Emily Anderson
Emily was a camper in 2012 and was a counselor 5 summers (2021-2025). She is currently in her 2nd year of grad school at UTHSC in Memphis, where she is getting her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Over the past summers, she's gotten to experience the support and love from the Encouragers and how it truly changes the game and enriches camp immensely, so she is excited to step into this role and have this sort of full circle opportunity to uplift and pour into the counselors and campers in a new and special way.
2nd Session Encourager-Becca Thompson Groggan
Becca began as a counselor in 1996. She was a head counselor in 1998-1999. In 2002 she came to camp and worked in Bar-H for 2 weeks with one of her besties. She and her husband moved to Skyline in 2003 and she was an assistant director till 2005. Her daughter began coming as a mini camper in 2016 every year, 2nd session. In 2022 and 2023, she served as a part time assistant, then in 2024 she was asked to be an Encourager. She is currently as assistant principal at Gulf Shores Elementary School. She loves building relationships, encouraging, and supporting counselors and is thrilled to come back this summer. This will be her daughter's Age Out summer.
3rd Session Encourager-Jean Able Bradley
Jean was a camper and counselor from 1995-2007. She is currently a MTSS specialist at an Atlanta elementary school, which means she helps teachers implement interventional supports in the general education setting and helps navigate the evaluation process. She is most excited to be back on the mountain that was a special place to her for so much of her life. She is also excited to feed into counselors as they give so much to campers. Her daughter will be at camp as well!
3rd Session Encourager-Ann Cross Murphy
Ann was a camper in 2000-2001 and then came back as a counselor in 2010-2011. She is a certified teacher but has been home the last few years with her youngest and now a homeschool teacher to all 3 kids (grades 4th, 2nd, 1st) Mentoring young adults and women is a passion of hers and she is beyond excited to serve the wonderful young ladies who have chosen to spend their summers as counselors. And her 10 year old daughter will be attending for her first year at Skyline!
4th Session Encourager-Lindsey Brown Gallaher
Lindsey will be back for her 3rd year as an Encourager. She started at Skyline as a counselor 20 years ago and worked full-time as an admin from 2007-2014. She now works as her church in Chattanooga, TN in several different roles. She's most excited about bringing excitement, treats, and hugs to counselors at the end of the summer. Her daughter is also a Skyline camper.
4th Session Encourager-Claire Marie Whitmore Maceina
Claire was a camper from 1993-1999 then a counselor until 2004 (when Sally finally gave her a walkie in Hut Row) and last year she was an Encourager. She has taught school for 13 years as a 1st and 2nd grade teacher and recently made a BIG move up to High School to teach Food and Nutrition. She is looking forward to being the last leg on the relay of uplifting and inspiring women. Her daughter is also a camper at Skyline.
