Kamp Kaleo Staff

Rev. Brad Hindsley, MCFE/MBA/MDiv

Executive Director and Camp Minister

Brad Hindsley grew up on a small farm in LaPorte, Indiana, where his family raised a variety of animals and produce. It was there that he discovered a deep love for food, community, and the simple sacredness of gathering around a table. That early passion led him to pursue degrees in the culinary arts at Robert Morris University in Chicago, where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts (2007), a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management (2008), and a Baking and Pastry Certificate (2007). He also studied abroad at the Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy, before completing his Master of Business Administration and earning the designation of Master Certified Food Executive in 2008.

Brad’s career in the culinary and hospitality industry included leadership roles in fine dining, catering, and education. As an adjunct faculty member and later Division Chair of Culinary Arts at Robert Morris University, he discovered a deep joy in mentoring others and helping people find purpose through service—an experience that quietly began stirring a new call in his heart.

In 2017, Brad answered that call to ministry and enrolled at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. There he blended his background in hospitality with a theology of welcome and community, exploring how shared meals and shared stories can become sacred acts. He completed his Master of Divinity in 2020 and was appointed Senior Pastor of two congregations in southern Indiana, where he found profound meaning in guiding others through life’s joys and challenges.

Brad’s connection to Kamp Kaleo began long before his current role. After serving the Kaleo community in various volunteer and leadership capacities for six years, he accepted the position of Interim Administrator in 2023. In May 2024, he was ordained by the Nebraska Conference of the United Church of Christ and officially installed as Executive Director and Camp Minister of Kamp Kaleo. Today, he continues to live out his call by creating a place where hospitality, faith, and wonder meet—where every camper, volunteer, and guest is invited to experience the grace of belonging.

Hiatt Allen

Director of Transformational Programming

Hiatt Allen was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, where he first fell in love with church camp at Camp Wakon’da-ho, a camp of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky. After ten years as a camper and another ten as a counselor, Hiatt credits camp as the place where he first heard his call to ministry and discovered the power of Christian community to shape lives.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from American University in Washington, D.C., where he studied the intersection of communications, economics, law, and government (2017). In 2023, Hiatt received his Master of Divinity from the University of Chicago Divinity School and Disciples Divinity House, completing a thesis on the history and theology of the Disciples’ camp and conference movement. His research highlighted how the camp experience invites Disciples to reconnect with their historic roots through the transformative, “mountaintop” experiences of faith and community.

Hiatt has served the wider church in a variety of leadership roles, including on the Young Adult Commission and the Implementation Team of the General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He is under care for ordination in the Christian Church in Kentucky. Beyond ministry, Hiatt co-founded the Kentucky Student Voice Team, a nationally recognized organization that empowers students to shape education policy.

At Kamp Kaleo, Hiatt brings together his love for camp, his passion for youth ministry, and his deep belief in the Spirit’s work through community. He is excited to help campers and leaders alike grow in faith, imagination, and connection through the life-changing experience of camp.

Rylee Jarecke

Office Administrator