Meet The Staff
Each of our staff members is donor-supported. None of our staff missionaries receives a base salary from the camp. We depend on individuals like you who appreciate our ministry and want to partner with us to reach children and teens! Any donations towards our support will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt. No donation is too small or too big!
You can best help by setting up an automated recurring monthly donation.
“Not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17
Jeff & Ann Nelson
Executive Director
Jeff grew up attending Ponderosa as a child and was one of our first campers when we opened at this location in 1976. Jeff was part of our summer staff while he was in high school and college.
Jeff and Ann have been serving full-time since 1998. Jeff serves as Executive Director. Ann serves as our camp photographer and website/social media manager.
Jeff and Ann live and work at camp year-round.
Jeff & Ann are the parents
of 11 children (5 are married)
and grandparents to 10 (so far)!
Each of our staff members is donor-supported. Any donations towards their support will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt.
Chris & Gina Dorough
Hospitality, Landscaping,
Office Manager
Chris and Jeff formerly worked together in the commercial landscaping industry in Birmingham. Gina is a former Elementary School Principal. After being called into full-time ministry, Chris & Gina joined our full-time staff. Chris takes care of grounds maintenance and helps with building maintenance, hospitality, and videography. Gina serves as our Bookkeeper, office manager, and assistant video producer.
Chris & Gina live and work at camp year-round.
Each of our staff members is donor-supported. Any donations towards their support will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt.
Gina will return to the classroom in the fall of 2023 as a 5th Grade Teacher at Little Ridge Intermediate School in Fort Payne.
Max & Sherrie Grizzard
DeKalb Co Released Time Bible Classes & Summer Camp
Since 2002, Max has been the director of our ministry called DeKalb County Released Time, which offers weekly Bible classes in public schools in DeKalb Co, AL.
Max and Sherrie serve as Kitchen Directors during summer camp, which includes menu planning and TEAM Member training and supervision.
Max & Sherrie are the parents of 7 children (5 are married) and grandparents of 6 (so far)! Max & Sherrie recently moved from Gadsden, AL, and now live at camp year-round.
Each of our staff members is donor-supported. Any donations towards their support will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt.
Wesley & Sarah Grizzard
Wesley Grizzard is the son of Max & Sherrie Grizzard and grew up attending Ponderosa every summer.
Wesley recently completed the 1-year Internship Program of our parent organization, Children's Bible Ministries. During this time, God confirmed His call on Wesley's life to join our staff as a full-time missionary.
Wesley recently married Sarah Smothers who served at Ponderosa for many years while she was in high school and college.
Wesley serves in the area of grounds and building maintenance.
Wesley & Sarah live and work at camp year-round.
Each of our staff members is donor-supported. Any donations towards their support will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt.
Jon David & Sarah Nelson
Jon David is the son of Jeff and Ann Nelson and was born and raised at Ponderosa.
Jon David recently married his college sweetheart, Sarah Welch.
Jon David and Sarah met at Bryan College, where they were on the track team together and both recently graduated.
They have served as Camp Counselors at Ponderosa for the past 4 years. During this time, God confirmed His call on their life to join our staff as full-time missionaries.
Jon David & Sarah have recently begun their support-raising journey and are actively seeking new prayer and financial partners.
Jon David & Sarah will live and work at camp year-round.
Each of our staff members is donor-supported. Any donations towards their support will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt.
Gracie Ballard
Gracie is our newest full-time staff missionary!
Gracie met her support-raising goal in May 2023 and moved to Ponderosa!
Gracie will help in the office and with Released Time Classes!
Gracie is from Memphis, TN
Diane Chavers
Mailbox Club Coordinator
Diane has been in children's ministry for over 25 years. She formerly served with her late husband Daryl at the Baptist Children's Home in Memphis and at The Big Oak Ranch with John Croyle.
Diane serves as our Mailbox Club Coordinator & Lesson Grader.
Each of our staff members is donor-supported. Any donations towards their support will be greatly appreciated and acknowledged with a tax-deductible receipt.
Part-Time Summer Staff
Dawn Hinkle
Dawn Hinkle from Trussville, AL has been our Summer Camp Craft Director for almost 15 years!
We are grateful for Dawn and her heart for Ponderosa!