Camp Pilgrim Staff

Preschool Lead Teacher & Camp Director: Julie Bedard

Julie has served as a classroom teacher and Early Childhood Director for over 20 years, the last 3 at Pilgrim. She has a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Curriculum and Instruction.

Her education and experience has taught her that young children learn best through direct experience with objects and people. It is the job of the teacher to set up the learning environment and schedule in ways that lead the children to learning outcomes. She prefers the term "intellectual" to "academic" in that children not only learn facts but also how to think on their own and solve problems. 

In her spare time, Julie enjoys reading, doing puzzles, hiking and traveling to visit her children and grandchildren. She also serves as the organist at Pilgrim.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Elementary Lead Teacher: Bryanna Stockton

Bryanna Stockton is currently attending George Fox University to obtain her Bachelors and Masters in Early Childhood Education.  She facilitates aftercare and coordinates elementary summer camp, as this is her second year at Pilgrim.  She has interned in Los Angeles, California which started the vision that children need Jesus within the classroom.  Her passion involves understanding imaginative play, seeing the world through a child's point of view, and sharing the love she has for Jesus.   

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs at days to come." Proverbs 31:25

Preschool Assistant Teacher : Lydia Thygeson

Lydia studied graphic design at The Art Institute of Portland and enjoys creative projects of all sorts. She has also worked as an assisted living caregiver and child care aide. She has worked at Pilgrim for 3 years and is amused by how much the preschoolers transform during one year.

“God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one mediator between God and Men, the man Jesus Christ.”

1 Timothy 2:4-5

Preschool Assistant Teacher: Veronica Kaufman

Veronica is a PLCS alum and began working in Preschool at Camp Pilgrim in the summer of 2024. She has always loved working with children. Her favorite part of working in Early Childhood is seeing how happy the children are to be at school, and she hopes that having a good preschool experience will help them to have a love of learning that will stay with them for the rest of their school years.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34