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Meet our Staff

Ranger James

Founder & CEO

 

Founder of Lure of the Wild and father of two adventurous boys, James Frank is a lifelong enthusiast of nature.  Since his own childhood, he’s found delight in sharing profound experiences in the natural world with everyone and anyone he meets.  Camp parents have described him as akin to “Mr. Ray” from Finding Nemo.
James was fortunate to have a wonderous childhood with plenty of time shared among friends and family in the magic of the outdoors. For over two decades, he’s developed and helped manage parks, camps, outreach programs, nature centers, their staff and volunteers of all ages, spanning both the Chesapeake and San Francisco Bay regions.  He has worked with countless families, school systems, special interest groups, service organizations, corporations, and non-profits.  James attended the University of South Carolina and earned a B. S. degree in Marine Science.  While there he also developed a fluency in Spanish, which he enjoys using on travel excursions in some of Latin America’s most incredible wild   

spaces. James holds a Master of Arts degree in Teaching Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Over many years of managing nature centers in both Maryland and California, James would often host open-ended outdoor experiences for his friends and their kids. While raising his own children in California he started a drop-in “Sunday Nature School,” which came to Maryland as Lure of the Wild Nature Camps in 2021.  James’ goal is to help parents feel more comfortable giving their kids the space they need to more fully engage in and develop their natural senses of wonder and curiosity.  Letting children explore freely might sound new and dangerous in our screen- and technology-entrenched world, but it is in fact a thousands-year-old human tradition that continues to help people develop a healthy sense of reasonable risk and safety, naturally, through real world experience.  It also happens to provide a wonder-stoked childhood from which to build a life filled with curiosity, care, and imagination that will fuel a positive future for all.

James’ professional credentials include:

  • Over 20 years professional leadership in nature interpretation and education.
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
  • Wilderness First Aid Certification
  • Interpretive Guide and Interpretive Planner Certification (National Association for Interpretation)
  • Canoe and Kayak Trainer Certification (American Canoe Association)
  • Select Angler Certification, Pure Fishing Inc.
  • Advanced SCUBA Certification, PADI
  • Biology Teaching Credential, MSDE
  • Member, American Camp Association

Madeline Bartley

Assistant Director (2021-2024)

 

Madeline, a lover of nature, art, and animals, joined Lure of the Wild during Wilderness First Aid training in 2021. Known for her compassionate leadership, she is pursuing a degree in environmental science and teaching science to middle schoolers. Affectionately nicknamed “Laser Eyes” for her keen insight into children’s emotions, she brings warmth and understanding to every interaction.

Joan Odiaka 

Lead Counselor (2023-2024)

 

Joan, a Towson University student, discovered Lure of the Wild at a career fair. Brave and adventurous, she has a passion for learning, facing fears, and connecting deeply with children. With a kind and loving nature, Joan excels at building meaningful relationships. Her favorite hobbies include hiking, DIY projects, arts and crafts, and cooking.

Julia Silver

Counselor (2022-2024)

 

Julia, a Catonsville native and UMBC freshman, discovered her love for the outdoors exploring Patapsco State Park. With experience as a Counselor-in-Training and volunteer at Camp Heritage, she has spent two summers with Lure of the Wild. Julia enjoys trail running, guitar, and babysitting, and aspires to become a Wildlife Ecologist specializing in Ornithology

Alayna Fulton 

Counselor (2023-2024)

 

Alayna, a music education student at Towson University, has long been passionate about teaching and caring for children. Growing up camping sparked her love for nature, which she nurtured as a camp counselor at a Pennsylvania nature preserve. She enjoys singing, volleyball, spending time with loved ones, and hanging out with her dog. Alayna is excited for another great summer!

Meet our Collaborators

 

 

Bryan Gomes

Staff Training and Logistics Consultant

 

With nearly two decades of environmental education and outreach experience, Bryan has been a close colleague of James since their early careers managing parks in Maryland. He holds a B.A. in Marketing/Psychology and an MEd. in Post-Secondary Education from Salisbury University. Bryan’s adventurous spirit includes thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, kayaking the Chesapeake Bay north to south, and swimming across it east to west. His career spans roles as a Park Ranger, summer camp director, and education program manager, and he now works with CoreShark H2O and leads summer camps at UMD’s Horn Point Laboratory.



Bethany Fry

Health Supervisor

 

Bethany Fry, a Nurse Practitioner at a local pediatric practice, is passionate about outdoor play and its benefits for child development. Originally from Western New York, she has lived in the area for 17 years. Bethany balances her time between work, her love for plants, and raising her three spirited children, who are also Lure of the Wild campers. She’s currently working on transforming her Catonsville yard with native plants.

 

Former Staff

Molly Browning

Counselor, 2023

 

A Maryland native and Environmental Engineering student at the Colorado School of Mines, Molly spent her childhood exploring the outdoors in Maryland and Kentucky. She has a passion for kayaking, canoeing, and hiking, often sharing wild adventure stories from her time in Patapsco woods.

Natalie Moran

Counselor, 2022

 

Natalie is pursuing a clinical MSW degree at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, aiming to provide mental health services to women and children. With experience as a nanny and mentor for refugee children, she treasures the lessons and joy of summers spent with Lure of the Wild campers.

Jenna Holub

Counselor, 2021

 

A Wildlife Conservation graduate from Virginia Tech, Jenna combines outdoor expertise with a decade of ballet instruction experience. Her heartfelt patience and teaching background made her a perfect fit for Lure of the Wild. She hopes to return after her Peace Corps plans resume.

Nina Bautista

Counselor, 2021-2023

 

A bio-med student at Lehigh University, Nina brought five years of nature camp experience and her “child whisperer” talents to Lure of the Wild. Her leadership in behavior management training and deep connection with children were invaluable during her time on staff.

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