Long-time China Spring Youth Camp Director retiring

After 30 years service to Douglas County, China Spring Youth Camp Director Wendy Garrison is retiring.

Garrison has been working at the camp for her entire career starting out in 1993.

“Ms. Garrison has been an absolute pleasure to work with,” said District Judge Tod Young. “She has guided the camp through fires, floods, recession, COVID, and the resulting difficulty in finding and retaining employees. Wendy’s efforts have directly changed the lives of an untold number of children from around the state and I deeply appreciate her dedication.”

Garrison’s last day is Friday. Assistant Director Dr. Jenna Sexton will take charge of the camp pending the hiring of a new director.

That hiring might be complicated by an issue over which branch of government manages the camp.

Traditionally, the camp has been managed under the District Court, but that could be an issue going forward.

On Monday, the China Spring Youth Camp Executive Committee discussed the camp’s future governance and the possibility of altering the county ordinance to clarify the issue.

The committee will also discuss recruitment options for the director’s position.

Garrison took charge of Aurora Pines when the girls section opened in 2002.

Garrison was promoted to director of juvenile camp services from youth facilities manager in 2011 when Director Steve Thaler retired.