Meet Sandy Bartel & Cliff Clauer!

Building on their friendship and fundamental beliefs of what a summer camp experience should be like for campers and parents, Sandy and Cliff founded and opened Camp Lakotah in March 2009.  Lakotah – meaning friend or ally – is the foundation of the camp experience.  Their love for the natural world and interest in providing children the opportunity to grow and learn in a caring natural environment is key to the success of Camp Lakotah!

Sandy Bartel - Sandy comes to the team with over 13 years of camp experience.  Sandy earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Sandy has developed, marketed and managed many facets of camp operations and has worked to create and promote a successful Early Childhood Education program on a Camp setting.  Sandy is currently a camp marketing consultant, a trainer for American Red Cross, a visitor for the American Camp Association Accreditation program and a board member of the Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce.

As the mother of four daughters, all of whom have attended camping programs, Sandy has the ability to relate to and address parents concerns and apprehensions with first hand experience.

Sandy’s major roles include Administration, Marketing & Registration, Staffing, Food Service and Event Planning.

Clifford Clauer  - Cliff is a veteran camp director with over 25 years of camp, conference center and facilities management, and youth programming experience.  Cliff earned a Bachelors of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in Camp Management, Resource Management, Environmental Education and Forestry.  He has successfully designed, marketed, and managed two previous residential camps within Wisconsin and is recognized in the industry as a camp consultant and Adjunct Professor for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. As the past President of the American Camp Association - Wisconsin, Cliff has worked closely with the State of Wisconsin on legislation which affects the youth camp industry.   Currently Cliff is a lead visitor and instructor for the American Camp Association Accreditation program.

Cliff’s extensive experience in the camping industry, along with being a father of twins, makes him a credible and resourceful leader for parents and group leaders to feel confident in.

Cliff’s responsibilities include Site & Facilities, Programming, Health Center and Big Dog Adventure Park