Camp Yesandia

Ben is a four time counselor at Camp Yesandia and is operating as our Assistant Camp Director this year! A graduate of Iowa City High School, Ben attends Washington University (St. Louis) where he is a member of their campus improv troupe KARL. 

Ben says, "Improv, like life, is uncomfortable. Doing improv has taught me how to deal with discomfort, and this skill has proven invaluable in many other areas of my life. It has taught me to expect the unexpected and take it in stride. Currently, I am in a college improv group that performs three shows a semester to lecture halls full of college students, and it’s the best!

Max is back as a counselor for the third year, having attended Camp Yesanida each of it's four years of existence. Max graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School in 2024 where he was a four year member of their club improv troupe FDIC and performed in both Individual and Large Group IHSSA improv- earning an All State nomination in Individual Events. Max attends Morningside University.

Max says, "Improv for me is about communicating  effectively with others for a common goal. It is cooperation."

Ari is counseling for the second time at Camp Yesandia as well. Ari hails from New York and currently attends Washington University (St. Louis) where he is also a member of the campus improv troupe KARL. Ari also performs stand up comedy and does work with other performance art camps.

Ari says, "Improv is a special place where friends can get together and partake in one of humanity's favorite pastimes: goofing off and being silly. I'm a member of WashU's awesome improv group K.A.R.L., where I perform with some of my best friends in front of hundreds of millions of people (you had to be there).

I love a good wacky joke that could never happen in the real world - that's what improv's for.  I can't wait to meet everyone at Yesandia and laugh with all of you!

Wren is also attending Camp Yesandia for the fourth year. This will be Wren's second year as a counselor. Wren graduated from Cedar Rapids Washington High School in 2024 where he was a three year member of their improv troupe FDIC and performed in both Individual and Large Group IHSSA improv earning multiple Division 1 ratings at State Contest. Wren attends Kirkwood Community College.

Wren says, "Improv is a creative outlet which lets me tell stories, make jokes, and have fun with my friends and entertain those watching. Be confident in yourself and fully commit to whatever you say."

Lily is in her first year as a counselor at Camp Yesandia. From, St. Louis, Lily attends WashU where she is a member of KARL. Lily also was involved in her high school improv troupe. 

Lily says, "Improv is quick and I think it is the best chance to really explore different sides of yourself because you’re pushed to be vulnerable and authentic with your imagination. I’m siked for Yesandia because it is a different perspective from which to learn improv from. I have a chance to teach games and help others connect with their funniest selves."

Max is a first time counselor at Camp Yesandia. Max attends Millikin University. In addition to being a FDIC alum from Cedar Rapids Washington, Max also has taking acting improvisation courses with Denise Myers.

Max says," Improv has the power to teach skills for interacting with minority groups, how to respond in a crisis, and how to be connected in a world that is divided. Improv is social justice."

Isla is back for her third year at camp- but her first as a counselor! Isla graduated from Washington High School in 2025. She will attend the University of Iowa next year. Isla is a two time IHSSA All State performer in solo improvisation, received Critic's Choice for her solo mime performance in 2024, and was FDIC club captain at Washington in 2023-24. Isla also co-taught Yesandia's Junior Thespian course and our Eastern Iowa Arts Academy course. 

Isla says, "Improv gives you a safe space full of opportunities to be playful and embrace different ideas.  I believe that the skills we learn in improv can be useful in all areas of life, and can also give us the ability to strongly impact the people and the world around us."

Ketsia is a first time counselor at Camp Yesandia but attended last year as a camper! Ketsia graduated from Grinnell High School in 2025 and will attend Iowa State University this year. She performed improv for the Grinnell Speech team during her time in high school. 

Ketsia says, "Improv helps increase my creativity, acting skills, and public speaking. The bonding and trust it takes is on a different level, I’m excited to meet amazing hilarious people."

Ethan is a first time counselor with Yesandia this year. He is a local artist, actor, and musician who is currently in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Ethan was co-teacher for Yesandia's classes with Theatre Cedar Rapids this summer.

Ethan says,"Nothing is harder than putting yourself up onstage and doing performing. Especially when there’s not necessarily a script involved. Being a fun, collaborative, safe space to try new things and trust your partners means you can take bigger leaps than ever before."

Charlie is counseling for the second time at Camp Yesandia where he will be joining us Wednesday night through Friday.  While Charlie also graduated from Iowa City High School, he attends Iowa State University. He currently is a member of their campus improv troupe Grandma Mojo's Improv Comedy. 

Charlie says, "One of the reasons improv is important is that it is a very honest form of comedy. I think the humanity of improvised characters can often be sacrificed "for the bit," and while serious characters taking unexpected moves can create great laughs, it's the seriousness of the character that makes it funny. When improvised characters take themselves seriously, they open a door to create moments unreachable without that humanity."