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Icelandic Camp
Íslenskar Sumarbúðir
Meet the Team
Camp CEO
Brad Hirst
Born in Hamiota, MB, Brad became very interested in his Icelandic roots at a young age after seeing pictures of his Amma and Afi’s trips to Iceland.
At the age of 20 he began to casually learn the language online and then joined the Selkirk Bruin chapter.
With encouragement from Laurence Johnson and many other influential Icelanders he participated in the 2002 Snorri Program. This was the launching pad that sparked a lifetime decision to be involved in all things Icelandic. In 2003 Brad became involved in the Icelandic Cultural Children’s Camp and from there eventually took over management in 2008.
In his 21st year with Icelandic Camp, Brad can say without a doubt that the camp and Snorri Program have changed his life and helped him become the person he is today.
Camp Director
Lucas Hamlin
I first attended Icelandic Camp when I was 13 with my good friend, Xander Bjornnson. I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere of the camp and the joy of discovering and celebrating one’s heritage. From there I became a junior counselor, full counselor, and now a camp organizer/head counsellor with the guidance of Brad Hirst. I briefly lived in Iceland for a time as a child and my family, particularly my Grandmother & late Great-Grandmother, have always encouraged me to ask questions about our family past and understand what they went through in Manitoba’s “New Iceland”.
I was born in Winnipeg and live there still today. My time is taken up by my job as an Insurance Broker for JEM Insurance, as well as a fencing coach for Lightning Fencing Club. When I’m not working or coaching you can find me at my local gym, at home with my cats and lovely partner Deidre or looking for the hot fishing bite on ice or in the boat. My other interests include basketball, cooking, and spending time at my cottage in Ontario.
Camp Director
Natalie Stefanson
Natalie Stefanson is a born and raised Winnipegger, currently getting her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre, specializing in Acting, at York University. She is absolutely thrilled to be joining the Icelandic Camp team. Natalie grew up spending her summers at her cabin in
Gimli, Manitoba every summer; being sure to always attend Islendingadagurinn with her family.
As her Afi (Dennis Stefanson) always used to say, “family is bedrock” and the tightly woven ties she continues to have with her family prove that to be undoubtedly true. Culture has always been a strong value for Natalie, she loves increasing her knowledge about her Icelandic heritage and ancestors. Natalie has taught at Manitoba Theatre for Young People for just over 2 years, and her passion for working with youth continues to grow with each experience. She is very excited to be
involved in Icelandic Camp, 2024.
Have Question? Want to Get Involved?
Whether you want to donate your time, experience, knowledge or money there are many ways to to help the Icelandic Camp.
123-456-7890
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