Meet the Aramburus - Tony & Mary

Back Row: Eowyn (13), Kaleina (15), Aviel (18), Milada (20)
Front Row: Mary, Zhyana (6), Swithun (8), Raziah (10), Tony

QUESTION: Tell us a little about yourself.

TONY: I was born in Texas, but raised in the greater Seattle area. I'm also proud to be a first-generation American, my parents having immigrated to the U.S. (one from Peru & the other from Canada) during their own childhood. I graduated from West Seattle High and spent a few years at South Seattle College, joining my law firm as legal support staff nearly 30 years ago. Our church, DMGC, introduced us to Lakeside, where I have served on Dish Crew, as a Cook and as a Cabin Leader. I have also attended some Lakeside retreats.

MARY: I was born and raised in Tukwila, but have lived in Burien, Des Moines, White Center and most recently (for almost twelve years), Federal Way. My dad worked for Pemco Insurance as a handy-man, as well as a volunteer firefighter for Tukwila (formery part of Seattle) for several years when I was young. My two younger brothers and I helped our mom with a paper route at young ages during the day. My parents got divorced when I was 13. I was homeschooled for a good share of my up-bringing but attended and graduated from a small school. I went to and finished a modeling school program in my early twenties, but ultimately decided that scene wasn't for me. I worked, got married, and started having children, became a stay-at-home mom until now! I have seven children (currently ages 5- 20). I first heard about Lakeside through my church, and a couple of my kids went to be cabin leaders/campers a year or two post Covid and then I volunteered twice in the summer of 2025; once with my husband and kids, and once on my own while a couple of my kids were involved in other things there! I just love being here! The scenery, the kids, the people, doing God's work!

QUESTION: What is your role at Lakeside Bible Camp, and what do you love most about it?

TONY: I will serve as the Office Assistant. One of my strongest spiritual gifts has always been administration. I really enjoy serving in the background and organizing things. I also love to support others and excel at doing so for whoever needs it in the organizations I have done so.

MARY: My role here at Lakeside is Kitchen Manager. I am currently still in training, but just going off of my time here as a volunteer, I loved preparing food and getting to know other people, whether they worked in the kitchen or not!

QUESTION: How did you come to know Jesus, and how has your faith shaped your life?

TONY: My father & grandmother were instrumental in my spiritual growth as a child, teaching me about God's plan for our lives, through the Bible, and introduced me to my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Also, during my childhood, my brother was diagnosed with Leukemia. Through his battle, I witnessed first-hand the faith of my own family as well as His healing touch on my brother. That experience shaped me in ways I am still discovering to this day. I know that I am a sinful being, but I have put my trust & hope in his free gift of salvation and look forward to the day when I can join Him in heaven. In the meantime, there is work for all believers to do, and I intend to answer the call as much as I am able.

MARY: When I was 2½ I remember having a conversation with my mom and she prayed with me and I accepted Jesus into my heart! Obviously, at 2½, my understanding was very limited, and I have rededicated my life to Christ other times since then, but my mom was the main example in my life. Since I was so young, I don't know exactly what my life would look like if I hadn't made the decision to follow Him. It may look very different. In everything, I bring it back to Him.  I can see how my life has been blessed, and how God has provided for my family, and I believe it is because of my faith in Him

QUESTION: What’s one fun or interesting fact about you that most people don’t know? 

TONY: I really enjoy playing board games. I've been a part of various game groups over the years, and have acquired quite the collection of them, as well.

MARY: I rode my bicycle from Seattle to Portland two consecutive years in high-school!

QUESTION: What’s something you’re passionate about outside of camp? 

TONY: I love working with children, having just seven of my own. I have served children, in various capacities, at church & camps since at least high school (over 30 years). From nursery through high school-aged (and even collegiates), my passion has been, & will probably always be, for connecting our younger generation to their Maker & Savior. Facilitating positive impacts for the spiritual growth of all children is my jam.

MARY: I love to sing and have regularly served on worship teams in the past! I love to exercise when I can, and be outdoors, as well as doing girly things like painting my nails (or my girls') and doing my make-up! I am also really interested in the geneologies in the Bible

QUESTION: Why do you believe camp ministry is important, and what do you hope campers take away from their time at Lakeside?

TONY: Some of the best memories I made as a child were at camp and fueled my own spiritual journey. The weight of those experiences helped to shape who I am today. My own past has made me fully believe that camp is a unique opportunity to minister to kids (& even non-kids) in order to nurture, or even change, the trajectory of one's life for the better.

MARY: Having several kids of different ages myself, and getting to know their friends, whether at school or church, I see how important it is to pour into them. Being someone to help mould them and speak truth into their lives. And it's even more important if they don't have Christ in their home.