Staff Application 2026

Annika Jensen
​Director

We live and breathe STAR Camp at our house! I've been involved with this incredible program since I was 10 years old, when I attended Astro Camp for my first time. STAR Camp shaped my life in significant ways, and it is now my absolute joy to direct these programs year-round, with the full support and enthusiasm of my husband and four young children. My educational background is in engineering, which I love. My career has taken me more on a path through education and mentorship, which it turns out I also really love. I am so blessed to be able to live and share my passion for STEM education every day!

Sarah Merrill
Assistant Director

I attended Astro Camp at 15 years old, and returned as a team leader for the two following summers. I'm thrilled to be back on the STAR Camp team! I received a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering in 2009 from Utah State University, before receiving a four year commission as  2nd Lieutenant in the US Air Force. I served for 4 years on active duty at Vandenberg AFB, CA, working with ground support launch systems. After the Air Force, I became a full time stay at home mom before returning to school for a Master's Degree Certificate in Teaching. I have loved teaching math to 8th and 9th graders for the last 4 years. I love time at home with my husband and seven kids, and all things Lord of the Rings.  You will usually find me playing board games, enjoying food, planning a summer camping trip, or geeking out over yet another way to solve a math puzzle.

Madison Bryant
​Staff Assistant

I have worked for STAR Camp for 2 years now, and I am sooo excited to be a staff assistant this year! I have loved not only getting to teach kids about space and science but also being able to help campers have fun while building confidence in themselves. In my spare time I love any and all kinds of art, (music, theatre, drawing, crochet, beading, felting, sculpting, animation, all of it :D) I know this summer is going to be amazing and can't wait to begin!

Amy Vance
Kitchen

STAR Camp is the best! I have been in education the past twenty years and I enjoy working with young people of all ages.  I currently teach in a seventh grade English class.  In my spare time I like to read, ride bikes and watch movies.  I am excited to be part of this summer’s STAR Camps. Bon Appetit!

Landon Pearce
Staff Assistant--Missions

I attended Astro Camp, now STAR Camp, for most of my teen years, and it was a blast! I am excited to be on the staff team this year. 
I love science and space. I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace emphasis at USU, and I look forward to designing rockets. I enjoy dancing, hiking, bush craft, mountain biking, 3D design and printing. I recently started blacksmithing, and I love all things space-related! 

Kenzie Carter
Night Staff

Hi my name is Kenzie Carter and I'm so excited to be night staff this year! This will be my 6th year working with STAR Camp, 12th year at camp and second time as night staff. I'm currently attending Weber State University to get my degree in Elementary Education. My favorite thing to do is arts and crafts and I enjoy being outside. I love this program so much and can't wait to work with all the amazing kids and staff!

Nicole Aguayo
Team Leader

Hi!! I am so excited to return as a team leader for STAR Camp this summer!
I currently attend Roy High school where I am involved in various academic clubs, play tennis and lacrosse for my school, and am working to graduate with my associates in Spanish. Outside of school, I love painting, drawing, reading, and playing both the piano and guitar. I’ve especially loved working on my astronomy-focused science fair project, which gave me the opportunity to attend ISEF for two years running!
I’m incredibly grateful to be a team leader again and am excited to share the same love and curiosity I have for astronomy with all the campers this summer!

Alex Vance
Team Leader

I am returning for my second year as a STAR Camp Team Leader, after spending the last year as the office assistant.  I love hanging out with friends, video games, and trying new things.  I have enjoyed seeing the different types of careers related to space and have plans to pursue one of those in the coming years.

Adelaide Garner​Team Leader

Hello! This will be my first year working at STAR camp. I am a Roy High School student. I love learning about languages, the world around me, and music! I play cello for Roy High School's Chamber Orchestra. I'm very excited to be a part of this amazing program. I look forward to teaching and cultivating curious minds. I love archery, playing my cello Clementine, and writing stories. I'm sure this year will be a great year, as well as many more to come!

Aaron Warnock
​Team Leader

I have been a long time STAR camper, starting right before the pandemic. I am a reporter for my local FFA chapter in Georgia, and a prominent member of the local Geology Club. I love Sabaton, the outdoors, and shooting the pellet rifle. If you have a question about rocks, artifacts, or the woods, you can ask me.

Chris Martins
Team Leader

Hello! I attended STAR Camp for 4 Years, and I cannot be more excited for this second year as a team leader! I love learning about everything, and I'm always excited to share with others. I adore engineering and I will be starting my school's Aerospace Engineering program next year. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, mountain biking, video games, hanging out with my dogs, and whatever rabbit hole I fell down today. I can't wait to meet all the new and returning campers this year!

Braxton Allen
Team Leader

I am a determined eater of complex carbohydrates. When I set goals, I make sure they are full of energy and fun. I'm an Astro Jeopardy study wizard. I take pride in being an excellent sous chef...'yes Chef!' And I love to build positive friendships with others through service.