Love God, Love Others … It Really Is That Simple!
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Matthew 22:37-40
Loucon’s Story
Founded with a gift from the Rau family in 1952, Loucon has served as a ministry of the United Methodist Church. Summer camps provide a faith foundation, welcoming kids from any (or no) church background to experience God’s love in Christian community. Throughout our retreat season, Loucon continues that ministry by welcoming churches, schools, families, and organizations to our campgrounds for meaningful time together, intentional programming, and opportunities to grow in community. Whether someone joins us for a week of summer camp or a weekend retreat, our staff is committed to offering Christ-like hospitality to everyone so that every person who enters our gates will experience God’s love in a real way.
-
We point people toward God’s love in everything we do by modeling the highest standards of care and welcome.
-
Our staff strives to reach people where they are. We approach people with respect, even if we have different faith commitments. Our goal is not to convince people to think or believe a certain way, but to invite them to encounter a loving community that shows God’s love in action.
-
Whether the youngest camper or the oldest retreat guest, each of us is on a journey of growth. We provide a safe, caring environment in which people of all ages can mature.
Our Team
Eric Van Meter
Eric, an Arkansan by birth and Kentuckian by choice, is in his third year as Camp Loucon’s Executive Director, where he oversees all aspects of camp life and leads fundraising efforts. What he loves most about Loucon is the joy of working alongside people whose lives have been shaped by camp and faith. His favorite moment comes on Vesper Hill during a summer Wednesday evening, hearing worship echo across camp. Outside of his role, Eric is drawn to creative, hands-on hobbies—he’s a musician, woodworker, and writer, and even built much of the furniture in his home. He enjoys a wide range of art and storytelling, currently reading Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr. If he could instantly master a skill, it would be visual art, especially sketching and painting.
Executive Director
Bradley Mattingly
Bradley, from Elizabethtown, Kentucky, serves as Program Director, leading all summer camp experiences and year-round events at Loucon. His connection to camp goes back to sixth grade, when he first attended as a camper, later serving as summer staff. Bradley loves that camp is a place for everyone and is especially moved by the final night of worship each week, when the energy, joy, and presence of God fill the space. Outside of camp, he enjoys golf, basketball, disc golf, video games, hiking with his dog, and a well-earned nap. His favorite camp meal is the baked potato bar, and if he could master any skill, it would be making every person feel truly seen and heard.
Program Director
Danielle Phelps
Danielle has been part of Camp Loucon since 2011 and now serves as Operations Director, overseeing hospitality staff, finances, and the day-to-day operations that keep camp running smoothly. Originally from Central Illinois, she loves the deep sense of peace she feels every time she arrives on site. One of her favorite camp traditions is jumping in to folk dance alongside campers. Outside of camp, Danielle enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and riding motorcycles with her family. A self-proclaimed foodie, she genuinely loves all camp meals. While she enjoys playing sports, she’ll quickly admit that running is not her thing—and if she could master any skill instantly, it would be standing on her head.
Operations Director
Benji Butler
Benji, from Louisville, serves as Camp Loucon’s Maintenance Director, caring for the facilities and grounds that make camp possible. His connection to Loucon runs deep—his family has been involved since 1982, and he has worked at camp himself since 1988. What he loves most is simply summer camp and the traditions that come with it, especially folk dancing. When he’s not at camp, Benji enjoys hiking and working on his 1966 Mustang. A fun fact: he has hiked the Appalachian Trail. His favorite camp meal is chicken strips, and if he could instantly master a skill, it would be public speaking.
Maintenance Director
Nancy Decker
Nancy serves as Camp Loucon’s Office Administrator, where she recieves retreat bookings and supports the many moving pieces of summer camp. Originally born in Paris, Illinois, and raised in the Ozarks of Missouri, she has called Kentucky home for over 20 years. A former teacher, Nancy is deeply passionate about creating a safe, joyful space where children feel valued and can simply be kids while growing in their faith. She especially loves the quiet, early morning drive into camp, when the valley comes into view and a sense of peace settles in. Outside of camp, Nancy is a lifelong creative—she’s been playing music since age 8, writing songs since 13, and quilting for over 40 years. She’s also a recording artist with music available on global platforms. She enjoys historical stories, bluegrass music, and a good chicken salad croissant.
Office Administrator
April LeAnn
Communications and Retreat Coordinator
April serves as the Communications and Retreat Coordinator at Camp Loucon, where she leads marketing, storytelling, and coordinates and host retreats throughout the year. Originally from Central City, Kentucky, she first connected with camp during 2020 interview weekend and joined summer staff in 2021, stepping into a full-time role in 2025. A graduate of Western Kentucky University with a background in film production, April brings a passion for creativity and storytelling to Loucon. She loves the energy of high ropes and folk dancing, as well as the peaceful, scenic spaces that allow people to connect with God. Outside of camp, she enjoys movies, feminist literature (see All About Love by bell hooks), and spending time with friends.
Jessica Vincent
Jessica, associated with Loucon since 2013, found a sense of profound peace and belonging upon joining the community. A resident of Edmonson County, she finds tranquility at Whispering Falls. Beyond the kitchen, Jessica is a devoted mother of two who enjoys hiking at Mammoth Cave and swimming at Nolin Lake. Her personal interests include the films 'The Notebook' and '8 Seconds,' and she has a particular fondness for the camp’s baked potato bar. A woman of faith inspired by John 3:16, Jessica once impressively secured second place in a lawn mower demo derby. Through her culinary work and warm presence, Jessica continues to nurture the Loucon community one meal at a time, ensuring every guest feels the same sense of home she discovered years ago.
Kitchen Manager
Bradley McAlister
Originally from Walton, Kentucky, Bradley joined the Camp Loucon family in 2018. Having progressed from camper to Staff-in-Training and now a dedicated cabin leader since 2024, Bradley is moved by the camp's supportive year-round community. He treasures seeing how God works through the grounds to help others discern their callings. For Bradley, Harbin Hall represents the heart of camp—a place for authentic connection away from outside pressures. He particularly enjoys folk dancing and brings a unique background as a former Division I college mascot. A fan of Mumford and Sons and the film 'Good Will Hunting,' he also appreciates 'Disciplines of a Godly Man.'
Intern
Bowen Finley
Hailing from Hartford, Kentucky, Bowen has been part of the Camp Loucon community since 2016. Transitioning from camper to volunteer and now a summer staff member since 2024, Bowen views the camp as a safe haven for self-discovery and calling. He finds great joy in the communal mission of revealing God’s love to all visitors. Currently an Elementary Education major at Western Kentucky University, Bowen is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys disc golf and archery. His travels have taken him to 19 states and two countries. A fan of high ropes courses and worship leadership at Trinity Chapel, his favorite book is 'The Giver' and his favorite film is 'The Count of Monte Cristo.' Guided by John 13:7, Bowen strives to better connect with and influence those around him.
Intern
Pay it forward
Ready to help Loucon disciple this generation of young people? Join us and become part of Loucon’s supportive, faith-centered community—serving, mentoring, and growing together.