Alex Melcer and Ellie “Bug” Bartlett are joining the team as the newest Camp Hardtner interns. You may recognize them from their time as counselors in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Alex is from Belle Chasse, Louisiana and has spent the past 4 years in Natchitoches, Louisiana attending, and recently graduating from, Northwestern State University. He spent his first 3 years as a part of the cross country and track team while also being as involved as he could on campus and in the community.
Bug began her camp journey in 2010, and has been on permanent staff since 2021. She
grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana with a love for adventure, self-discovery, and the great outdoors!
Bug is currently enrolled at ULL, majoring in organizational communication. She hopes to be
able to practice her writing and communication skills here as a Camp Hardtner intern!
To help you get to know Alex and Bug, we performed a brief interview:
Favorite camp memory?
Alex: Although I have only been coming to camp these past 3 summers, I have plenty of memories to think back on. My favorite though, would have to be the Time Warp dance for senior high in 2021. Seeing all of the campers and counselors having so much fun even with the Covid restrictions really made me see the Camp Hardtner love in full force.
Bug: It’s hard to choose between my memories as a camper and my memories as a counselor.
Both experiences are so significant to who I am today. Any time I get to step away from all the
commotion, whether it be a game, a song, or a night event, and just look on as a bystander for a
second…Those are the most inspiring moments for me.
Hardest thing you did as a camp counselor?
Alex: Being a camp counselor can take a toll on your body physically and mentally, but we are very well trained to handle most situations that come our way. During a round of Mission Impossible though, there was a point in the game where I was being chased by 6 cabins all around camp trying to capture me. That was for sure the most tired I had been from any game I’ve played here.
Bug: The amount of times I’ve had to clean up vomit in the middle of the night. It’s always
spaghetti.
Favorite camp food?
Alex: Peach Cobbler
Bug: Spaghetti
What are you most excited about as the new Camp Hardtner Intern?
Alex: The whole job is an exciting new opportunity. I’m just happy that I can give back to the place that has given me so much in just 3 summers all year long.
Bug: I am really excited to get to know the people we don’t get to see during summer program
that keep camp running. I want to become familiar with every aspect of Camp Hardtner.
Welcome them to the team with an email or a DM on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
As always – Peace, love, and milk and cookies!
