The Board of Directors is thrilled to announce the appointment of Tony Lea as the new CEO of Twin Pines Camp, Conference, and Retreat Center.
Tony brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep passion for Christian camping ministry. His vision and leadership will bring fresh energy and direction to Twin Pines as we continue to serve God’s Kingdom through transformational camp and retreat experiences.
As CEO, Tony will provide both strategic and operational leadership, guiding the ministry to thrive spiritually and financially while offering programs that reflect our mission and core values. He is especially eager to connect with our supporting churches and ministry partners, and we look forward to you meeting him in the near future.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Tony and his family as they transition into life at Twin Pines Camp. We are excited for the season ahead!
Meet Tony Lea and Family
Twin Pines is excited to welcome Tony Lea (rhymes with “sea”) as our new Chief Executive Officer! He and his wife of 27 years, Patrice, and their four children Thomas, Caitlin, Jack and Andrew are moving to Twin Pines Camp Road this fall.
Tony brings more than 30 years of experience in camping, retreats, and outdoor education, including 10 years in Camp and Retreat Ministry. Tony has a lifelong passion for helping children, youth, and families grow in Christ through the power of camp in God’s creation. His journey began in college in his native Australia, where he first discovered his gifting as a camping professional. Since then, Tony has led camps and retreats in Arizona, New Jersey, Pennsylvania (the Poconos & southwest PA), Tennessee, and Virginia. For the last decade, Tony & Patrice with their children have served together in camp and retreat ministry, creating Christ-centered communities where everyone can thrive, grow in confidence, and discover their potential as Godly leaders. Camping is their family ministry.
When he isn’t leading camp, Tony enjoys fishing, traveling, camping, horseback riding, and relaxing in his hammock. The Lea’s are frequent campers / travelers—just last fall,(2024) they completed a family goal of camping in each of the 48 contiguous U.S. states while visiting over 30 National Parks and Recreation Areas.
About the Lea Children
The Lea children have grown up immersed in camp life and are eager to join the Twin Pines community. Tony and Patrice have homeschooled all four children since pre-school, and have instilled in them a love of adventure, learning, and service.
- Thomas is a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering student at Messiah University. He has served as a cabin counselor, led caving in TN and paddling trips to the Boundary Waters of MN, worked on service and maintenance teams, and is both a certified lifeguard and lifeguard instructor.
- Caitlin is also at Messiah University, studying pre-med. She has a strong adventure focus, with high ropes courses and trip-leading experiences, plus boating and waterfront leadership. Caitlin is a certified lifeguard, lifeguard instructor, and Level 2 High Ropes Certified. She was a Cabin Counselor and on camp Leadership Teams several years.
- Jack, a high school senior, is excited to dive into Twin Pines life. He enjoys paddling, hiking, crafts, and sailing. Jack regularly sails and will be looking for a local lake for his sailboat. Jack is a lifeguard and is happiest helping anywhere outdoors.
- Andrew, in 10th grade, is the family’s nature lover and the quietest member of the family. You’ll often find him at the Nature Center or tucked away with a book, soaking in the peace of camp life. He enjoys helping behind the scenes, such as in the kitchen.
The Lea family is thrilled to become part of the Twin Pines family and ministry, and they look forward to serving alongside campers, staff, and the broader community to continue building a place where lives are transformed for Christ.