Meet the Team

Staff & Board

Jeffrey Foster

Founder,  Executive  Director and Guide


Eighteen years ago, reaching the summit of Mount Rainier became a sacred moment for me. Standing there, I sensed God clarifying something deep in my heart: real growth happens when you face your fears and challenges, and walk into God’s character with intention, with someone willing to guide the way on your adventure.
Around that same idea, I was given a prophetic word spoken over my life—that I am called to be a Joshua, a strong and courageous leader to the next generation. That calling continues to shape how I lead, how I disciple, and how I walk alongside fathers and families today.

At the core of everything I do is a simple aim: to be an apprentice to Jesus, to love and lead my family well—my wife Kathleen, my princess—and to help the next generation take meaningful steps toward spiritual formation.

For more than seven years, I’ve simply followed where God kept leading me—often in the in-between spaces around the local church through para-church nonprofit ministry. I helped launch a church plant, walked closely with other church planters, and most recently served within the larger church family at Canyon Hills Community Church. None of it felt accidental. Each season shaped me, stretched me, and taught me how much leadership is really about walking with people, not rushing ahead of them.

When I look back now, it feels a lot like climbing Mount Rainier. Growth came one faithful step at a time. Those years quietly prepared me for this chapter—building a nonprofit ministry of my own, one that comes alongside families and partners closely with the local church.

Campfire Connection Ministries was born out of a burden I kept seeing again and again: fathers who want to lead their families well but don’t always feel equipped or confident. Through practical discipleship tools and shared experiences, I help dads and families slow down, have real conversations, and grow together in their faith—often around a campfire, on the trail, or in everyday moments that matter most.

I don’t see myself as someone with all the answers. I see myself as a guide—walking alongside families, learning with them, and pointing toward a deeper life with Jesus.

Grace and peace to you,
and Mount Rainier–sized blessings to you and your family.
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Wayland Coleman  

Board President 

Wayland Coleman serves as President of Campfire Ministries, a Christ-centered nonprofit founded by Jeffrey Foster and devoted to strengthening the bond between fathers and sons through faith, fellowship, and intentional time together. The ministry exists to restore godly leadership in the home by helping men lead with humility, wisdom, and love—while raising sons who know their identity in Christ.

A devoted husband of 20 years, father, godfather, uncle, and caregiver, Wayland leads from lived experience. He and his wife share a home with their 17-year-old son, 15-year-old daughter, 20-year-old goddaughter, 15-year-old nephew, and Wayland’s mother, whom he helps care for. His life reflects a daily commitment to faith, family, and responsibility.

As a longtime business owner and loan officer, Wayland understands perseverance, discipline, and stewardship. Yet his greatest calling is shaping the next generation. His leadership is rooted in Scripture—especially the wisdom of Proverbs and the life and teachings of Jesus. He teaches that discipline is worship, surrender is strength, and that time invested in family builds legacies.

Through Campfire Ministries, Wayland works alongside the founder to create safe, meaningful environments—often around a literal campfire—where fathers and sons can open God’s Word, speak honestly, and grow together. The campfire represents light in darkness, warmth in hard seasons, and a gathering place where hearts are restored.

Known for his humility, authenticity, and steady leadership, Wayland leads families to Jesus and helps strengthen homes one generation at a time.

“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
— Proverbs 18:10
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Chris Scotchler  

Treasurer  

Bio coming soon......
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Solomon Walden

Organizer

Bio coming soon......
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David Carlson 

Board Advisor, Donor Development 

David Carlson serves as Board Advisor to Campfire Connection Ministries, bringing over 25 years of nonprofit leadership and donor relations wisdom to the team. His heart for ministry and deep experience strengthening faith-forward organizations align with Campfire's mission to walk alongside fathers and raise the next generation in faith.
A devoted husband to his wife, Vicki, for 47 years, David is a father of five and a grandfather of ten (soon to be eleven). Their family has been shaped by decades of shared faith, service, and intentional love across generations.
David's career has bridged two worlds. He served as a Youth Pastor to 125 junior and senior high students at his home church, then spent ten years as VP of a regional investment brokerage firm serving brokers across Oregon and Washington. In 1995, he left the for-profit sector to serve the humanitarian space — carrying roles of Executive Director, Director of Development, National Director of Donor Relations, Senior Philanthropy Advisor, and, most recently, Major Donor Relationship Consultant. His work has spanned Agros International (Central America), the International School of Entrepreneurial Leadership (Indore, India), and Medical Teams International.
Through Campfire Connection Ministries, David walks alongside Jeffrey and the board as a trusted advisor — offering counsel rooted in decades of faithful generosity work, strong relationships, and a deep love for the local church and the families it serves.
He describes himself as "an Envoy of Joy and Advocate for the Compassionate One."