Over the next few months, we’ll be introducing you to our summer staff for 2016. Meet Luke, a first-year counselor from Ireland! You’ll find Luke all kinds of places at the ranch, from Small Animals to Riflery to campfires! 

What is your name?

Luke Devine

Where are you from?

I’m from the countryside in North Tyrone, outside a little village called Donemana in Northern Ireland/Ireland.

What program(s) will you be leading at camp, and how did you get your experience in that area?

The main programs I’ll be leading in will be in the riflery and music programs at camp. I’ll also be helping in both farm animal care and maintenance. My experience in both deer hunting, small game and range shooting in Ireland has given me great experience in firearm safety and use. I’ve also been playing electric guitar for 10 years and attained my grade 5 in the instrument. I’ve played in multiple bands and worked as a session guitarist in both Belfast and Derry for some upcoming bands recording and producing. I live on a working farm at home and I am more than familiar with caring for livestock, maintaining the farm and working with tools and machinery which allows me to help out in some of the activities around the camp.

What drew you to the Bar 717 Ranch?

In general, I liked the whole concept of Bar 717 ranch. I think what drew me to Bar 717 was the great connection with nature and an old style of living which is very hard to come across today, something that needs to be experienced rather that defined. Also, I knew my skills would be greatly appreciated at Bar 717 due to the setting and the activities it offers. Hoping to pass on some skills along the way!

What are you most looking forward to about camp?

I am looking forward to meeting some of the campers and seeing how I can pass on some of the different things I’ve learned over the years. Also, I look forward to teaching guitar. I haven’t had an opportunity for a very long time in teaching the instrument and I think that would be what I’m most looking forward to.