About Us
Started by a group of camp staff alumni and motivated Eagle Scouts — with more than 35 combined years of teaching youth about the environment — the Tesomas Conservation Foundation is driven to promote environmental education and responsible conservation practices at summer camps across Wisconsin.
Inspired by the pristine 1,000-acre expanse of towering forests, crystal clear waters, and striking wetlands of our home camp, the Crystal Lake Scout Reservation, we believe that the outdoors is the laboratory for young people to learn about their environment and that summer camps play a pivotal role in creating a more sustainable and conservation minded future.
We are endlessly thankful for the support of our generous donors and partner organizations: the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture, Oneida County, and the University of Wisconsin system.
Meet the Founders
Ryan Michalesko
Ryan Michalesko is a professional photojournalist and an Natural Resource Planning major with concentrations in Environmental Geography, Geographic Information Systems, and Spatial Analyis at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. During his five summers as a staff member and director at Camp Tesomas, Ryan worked to promote the importance of well rounded environmental understanding in everyday life. Following his tenure at Camp, Ryan spent time in Puerto Rico reporting on the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, including environmental impacts, and dedicated time to reporting on environmental issues and climate change in the communities of Wisconsin's Northwoods. He's an active member of his local chapter of the National Audubon Society and his local community garden.
Matthew Hansen
Matthew Hansen is currently a student at the University of Wisconsin’s School of Law studying environmental and administrative law. Matthew’s seven year tenure on camp staff came to a close after a summer of serving as Tesomas Program Director in 2017. He has always been focused on his love of forests and wetlands, and is inspired daily by the many great Wisconsin Conservationists of the past.
