Meet Ty & Lauren
THE DIRECTORS
Camps are a reflection not only of their heritage and philosophy, but also of their directors. At Kawaga, we couldn’t be prouder of our directors, Ty and Lauren Simpson.
Ty first came to the Shores as a camper in 1994. He realized he had found his second family, and Kawaga soon realized we had found a favorite son.
Even when Ty “graduated” camp to pursue a successful business career, he returned to visit every summer, never wanting to leave. Now as director since 2017, Ty has made Kawaga his full-time career and his family’s second home.
Appropriately, it was a Kawaga friend who introduced Ty and Lauren. And, Ty didn’t wait long before introducing Lauren to Kawaga, who immediately found her own connection with camp. Lauren, who teaches math at Highland Park High School in Illinois, brings a special passion to her role as camp mom and co-director.
Ty and Lauren have three young children, Shay (8), Vaughn(6), and Dane (4), and a young puppy golden retriever named Indigo. All are important members of the Kawaga family.
Ty and Lauren are involved in every aspect of camp, ensuring safe, meaningful, and fun-filled summers for every camper. Their enthusiasm, energy, and dedication are evident from the moment you meet them. They truly embody what it means to “Be Kawaga.”
Be caring. Be compassionate. Be a leader.
THE OWNERS
The Fisher family has owned Camp Kawaga since 1987. Brothers Bobby, Michael, Marc, and David all were long-time Kawaga campers and counselors. David (also known as Duke) is a former Kawaga director. Eight of the Fisher brothers’ sons have been Kawaga campers and counselors. Grandsons are on the way, too.
The Daube family joined the Fishers as owners in 2015. Ryan, who spent nine years on the Shores as a camper and counselor, is second-generation Kawaga. He and his wife Andi have four young boys who all are third-generation Kawaga campers.
Our owners are committed to making Kawaga even more vibrant through strategic innovation and investment throughout camp, while being guided by Kawaga’s timeless values.