Robert Leard
Executive Director
Robert grew up in Natchez MS, and attended the University of
Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, graduating in 1990. He
retired from banking after a 36-year career throughout which he
served in various leadership positions. Robert views his role at
Twin Lakes as a special calling for a “second career” and he is
eager to be a part of how God will continue to grow the Gospel
ministry in this beautiful place.
Robert currently serves as an Executive Board Member for Canopy
Children’s Solutions and the Woodward Hines Educational
Foundation and serves on the UMMC Community Advisory
Council. He is an Eagle Scout and an American Red Cross
Lifeguard Instructor.
Robert and his wife, Ginger, have been married for 34 years and
have three children: Alyssa (33), Jonathan (29), and Samantha
(25). They are active in First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, MS,
where he serves as a deacon and as Secretary of the Diaconate.
Jared Weninger
Camp Director
Jared is a Canadian who grew up in south Florida. While in college, Jared served as a summer camp counselor at Twin Lakes in 2007 and 2008. He also served on our leadership team as a unit director during the summer of 2010. Jared holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Belhaven University and a Masters of Theology from Columbia International University. Jared is married to Madi and they have three beautiful kids – Titus, Torah, and Elsie. He enjoys playing and watching sports, board games, reading, and rock climbing. Jared’s family spent eleven years in Pascagoula as the Director of Youth at First Presbyterian, Pascagoula before joining the Twin Lakes team full-time in 2023. He is most excited about serving families and church communities with evangelism and discipleship.
Erin Bennett
Assistant Camp Director/Camp Registrar
A native of Florence, MS, Erin’s first work experience began at Twin Lakes in 2002. Now a wife to Brian and a mother to Brileigh, Micah, and Emma, she is excited to be back at Twin Lakes as a full-time staff member as of May 2017. Camp has always had a special place in her heart. She takes immense joy in knowing that the efforts put forth in the ministry of Twin Lakes will have an eternal purpose. Erin and her family are active members at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Florence, MS. She is the current President of Christian Camp and Conference Association for the Deep South region.
Shannon Craft
Office Manager
Shannon is from right here in Florence, MS. She joined the Twin Lakes family in August of 2014 as Reservationist. Before coming to Twin Lakes, Shannon spent many years working in the church office of First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS. She is married to her husband, Doug and has four children – Colton, Cortlin, Carson, and Cannon. Shannon and her family attend Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Florence.
Nate Bailey
Assistant Camp Director
Nate grew up in Minnesota; playing soccer, snowboarding, and making music. He attended North Hennepin Community College and holds an AFA in Film Production.
Nate fell in love with the ministry of summer camp as a Summer Program Director and Counselor at Camp Shamineau in Motley, MN in the summers of 2016 and 2017. Since that time he has worked as a server, a general contractor, and an artist/merch manager for touring musicians.
Nate served at Twin Lakes in the summer of 2023 as Photographer/Videographer and the summer of 2024 as Activities Director. He is extremely excited to be joining the team at Twin Lakes full-time and to have the opportunity to share the gospel in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.