Sterling Nell Leija's work in youth development and camp is grounded in her Texas roots. Her passion for camp began as a camper at Slumber Falls Camp. She later built her early career at Camp CAMP and Camp for All, and she further strengthened her connection to the regional camping community while serving on the Texoma Local Council of Leaders (LCOL).
Leveraging a foundation in educational psychology from Texas A&M University, Sterling brings both expertise and heart to advancing education in the out-of-school space. While at Texas A&M, she founded Camp LIFE, a unique youth development project of the university.
As an educator, consultant, speaker, and writer, Sterling focuses on creating intentional outcome-based programming that ensures access to high-quality youth development opportunities. Her work emphasizes meaningful program impact and using summer programs as a platform for learning.
Her leadership spans nonprofit operations, program quality, and strategic impact. She has served as a camp founder, nonprofit executive, and national volunteer for the American Camp Association, leveraging her experience to foster impactful growth and sustainable success in programs and organizations. Sterling is the co-founder of the Innovative Camp Company, where she helps camp and youth development organizations achieve transformative growth by aligning mission, innovation, and community for sustainable success.
Kendra Perkins, M.A. Ed, is the Co-Founder of Innovative Camp Company where she helps camp and youth organizations streamline operations and enhance mission delivery. Kendra brings a wealth of expertise in program management and content development. Her focus explores the complexities of overseeing overnight programs, encompassing supervision best practices, mental health and wellness supports, risk management, innovative program and activity development, and food services (including managing special dietary needs).
Kendra's work is distinguished by her dedication to making impact accessible and immediate for the camp professionals she supports. She is passionate about creating practical, affordable, and easy-to-implement resources and tools that leaders can use immediately to enhance program quality and staff development.
Kendra has dedicated her career to working with youth and adults with disabilities and illnesses. With a master's degree in special education, her culminating thesis focused on youth resiliency. Kendra is also a certified therapy dog handler, sharing the therapeutic benefits of therapy animals with camps.
Harbor - Certified Therapy Dog. Harbor, a mini-Australian Labradoodle, is the proud member of a certified therapy dog team with her handler, Kendra Perkins. Born on March 26, 2021, she loves people and other animals. She has a particular fondness for stuffed moose toys and has never eaten any human food! Harbor began her training in elder care and started working at camp in the summer of 2022. She and Kendra are proud to be registered as a team with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.