We’d love to hear from you!
Joshua Wilderness Institute
64144 Hume Lake RD
Hume, CA 93628
1-800-965-4863
joshuainfo@hume.org
Meet the Staff
The Joshua Wilderness Institute staff absolutely love the Lord, Joshua and investing in the students who attend.
Bob Plouffe
Director
Bob was born and raised in central Massachusetts, just east of our Hume New England campus. After high school, he left for the United States Air Force where he served a 25-year career spanning many states and career opportunities. After retiring from military life, Bob sensed a calling into full-time ministry. This calling brought him and his family to Hume Lake where he joined the team in the summer of 2003. Over the span of his Hume Lake career, Bob held such positions as Grant Writer, Development Manager, Marketing Director, and finally Human Resources Director where he served since 2008. He joined the Joshua Wilderness Institute team in 2016. He understands and respects the roots of the program and loves to walk alongside students who are willing to serve Jesus. When Bob’s not driving a desk, you’ll find him outside either hiking, cycling, sketching, painting or reading stretched out in his hammock.
Rachel Savage
Associate Director
Rachel is originally from Fresno, CA. She grew up coming to Hume as a second home and she worked on summer staff over the years. Hume was always a place of key moments in her journey as a disciple of Jesus. In 2013, she earned a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Fresno Pacific University. After that, she taught biblical literature and interpretation courses at Fresno Pacific. Her favorite courses to teach were on wisdom literature, Matthew, the minor prophets, and Psalms. Rachel deeply enjoys mentoring and discipling college-age students and she is passionate about biblical literacy and cross-cultural mission and ministry. She recently married Jason Savage, who also works at Hume Lake. They share passion for ministry, and a love of languages and the outdoors.
Tiffany Hamilton
Female Resident Director
Tiffany is a Southern California native, from Huntington Beach. She studied at California Baptist University where she received her Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies and Master’s in Counseling Ministry. Tiffany has used her experiences and education to counsel university students stateside and internationally. She has also worked with Hume Lake in a variety of capacities such as being a summer staff Resident Director and as a lead counselor for several camp programs. One of many things that Tiffany is passionate about is engaging in challenging conversations to guide individuals in their spiritual growth. She is excited to share the upcoming year with the incoming class and celebrate what God has in store!
Jenna Orcutt
Recruiting and Communications coordinator
Jenna was born and raised in Fresno, CA and absolutely loves her city. She graduated with a degree in Intercultural Studies from Fresno Pacific University. While in school, she studied abroad in Costa Rica with Students International for a semester, where she further developed a passion for learning about different people and cultures. After college, she participated in a 10-month program called the Pink House that focuses on leadership development, biblical community, and urban ministry in the heart of downtown Fresno. When she heard about an opportunity to join the Joshua team, she jumped at it. She is passionate about discipleship and walking alongside students as they draw closer to Jesus. She loves life chats, spending time with friends and family, and doing anything outdoors. You’ll most likely find her taking a stroll around the lake.
Andy Schmidt
male Resident Director
Andy grew up in Reno, Nevada and got to know Hume Lake through summer trips with his family. After graduating high school Andy spent time working in the warehouse industry before attending the Joshua Wilderness Institute. Upon completion of the Joshua Wilderness Institute Andy returned to Reno to pursue a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering at the the University of Nevada. Andy loves to challenge people to help them grow and has spent several years working in college and worship ministry. While not working Andy loves to play music, build things and explore the world around.
Tucker Horton
Media Coordinator
Tucker grew up in Thousand Oaks, CA and fell in love with Hume Lake in high school as a Ponderosa camper. After having an amazing experience attending the Joshua Wilderness Institute, he worked three summers at Hume in different positions before being hired on full time in 2014. He loves diving into God’s word, encouraging others towards Christ, and has been leading high school small groups for the past six years. Tucker has a huge passion for camping ministry, photography, and travel and can usually be found out adventuring with friends or playing music. Tucker is stoked to see how God will move in the students this year and is honored to play a small role in advancing His kingdom.
Amy Howell
Chef
Amy is most recently from Los Angeles, but grew up in Mexico with her missionary parents. She has served in the Hume Lake Food Service Department for the past six years. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona, and has an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from Los Angeles Mission College. Amy is passionate about camp ministry, family, and food. In her free time, she enjoys quilting, playing board games, and spending quality time with friends and family. She also enjoys teaching people to cook. She is excited to use her talents in the kitchen and to love on the Joshua students this next year!
Transforming the Life-Effectiveness of God’s People
If you have any questions feel free to email us at joshuainfo@hume.org
Sincerely,
Bob Plouffe
Senior Director
Joshua Wilderness Institute
© 2019 Joshua Wilderness Institute