The Reverend Lydia Wilson: Camp Director. Lydia joined the Birchwood Camp family at the beginning of 2025. Lydia is from Sioux Falls, South Dakota and moved to Alaska in 2023. She holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, Spanish, and music from Augustana University and a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. In 2021, Lydia was ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. From a young age, camp has been a big part of Lydia’s faith and life as she attended camp, worked as a counselor in training and a full counselor. Prior to moving to Alaska, she served as the Missioner for Camp and Young Adult Ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota and the rector of Christ Church Episcopal. In this role, she worked at Thunderhead Episcopal Center nestled in the Black Hills in South Dakota.

Lydia lives with her husband Tyler, son Soren, and Luna the energetic labradoodle! Lydia can often be found perfecting her sourdough bread, baking treats, or spending time outdoors with her family exploring Alaska.

Aaron Pazan: Summer Program Director. Aaron is from Washington state and has a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA. Aaron has worked 7 summers at UMC camps in Montana, Oregon and California. Aaron has also worked as the Assistant to the Director for a service and learning experience for youth groups called L. A. S. T.  Ecumenically Aaron has worked for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as a congregational vitality intern. 

When Aaron is not at camp you can find him writing poetry, creating gifs for people to use, or making a friendship bracelet. 

Beth Northrup: Office Manager. Beth joins our team following 22 years as a bedside nurse, the last 18 of them in pediatrics. A mom to 3 “Neuro-Spicey” children and 3 fur babies, she has been coming to Birchwood camp since 1998. Previously, Beth has volunteered at Birchwood as a counselor, RN, and as a Challenge Course facilitator. All 3 of her children have attended camp. She is excited to be part of the Birchwood team. 

Radie Rapanut: Bookkeeper. Radie joined Birchwood Camp in July of 2014, at first serving as the office manager and now working remotely as the bookkeeper. She was born in the Philippines and moved to Alaska in June of 2008. She now resides in Arizona following her husband’s election as a bishop in the United Methodist Church, serving the Desert Southwest and New Mexico Annual Conferences. She and her husband Carlo have two sons, Caleb and Titus. Radie also works with churches and other organizations as a bookkeeper and providing other accounting needs.