Top-Notch Staff

A well-trained, enthusiastic staff is the key to a positive camping experience. Camp Widjiwagan counselors are chosen for their maturity, skills, patience, enthusiasm, and desire to be good role models for children. Staff undergoes extensive professional training, emphasizing safety, child growth and development, teaching methods and group dynamics. At Camp Widjiwagan, we make the health and safety of each camper a prime concern. Counselors are trained in safety, first-aid and CPR, and they place heavy emphasis on accident prevention by supervising all activities closely.

We are so blessed to have such enthusiastic, energetic counselors that choose to mentor those younger than them. The caring and concern last a lifetime. Widji does make a difference to kids.
-Julia & Marty Ozburn

Meet Our Full Time Staff Team

Each summer over 130 dedicated, kid-loving staff return or are newly hand-picked from over 50 colleges. They are carefully interviewed, chosen for excellence, then trained by our leadership staff to provide world-class mentoring during your child's stay. A heart of service takes priority as they seek to meet the unique needs of every camper.

Mark "Scoop" Weller

Camp Executive

Mark Weller grew up as a "Y kid" and has spent his professional career serving others through the YMCA camping ministry, beginning in 1982. In 1997 Mark and his bride, Laura, were invited to Nashville to develop the dream of a regional YMCA day camp. The property on J. Percy Priest Lake had already been secured by volunteers, and Mark had a vision to reach thousands of youth by linking arms with the community to develop the finest summer camp in the state of Tennessee. Mark and Laura took on the loving task of building this wonderful Outdoor Center, partnering with dozens of key volunteers and community organizations. Their children, Elizabeth, Jacob, Jillian, Hannah and Molly have grown up at YMCA camps and it is common to see them at camp any session. This summer you may find Elizabeth or Jillian working in the camp kitchen. Jacob may be working on the sailboats when not lifeguarding at another YMCA. Hannah is likely to be involved with CILT program. And everyone at camp knows Molly can be found anywhere there is water or a tetherball court!

Bob "Mufasa" Copeland

Operations Director

I grew up as a youngster in Jacksonville, Florida and by the time I graduated from high school was living in San Jose, California. I entered the army in October 1969 and spent the next 7 1/2 years with our Uncle Sam, of which two tours were in South East Asia. In 1972, I met and married Fay. In 1977, we departed army life and moved back to Nashville where Fay grew up. I went to MTSU for two years and was part owner of a custom drapery business. We raised two children, Chris and Brandie. Fay and I know have two grandchildren.

I started with the YMCA in 1990 at the Donelson-Hermitage YMCA. During which time in my capacity as Property Director I was responsible for maintenance and housekeeping. I helped to create the facilities for the Donelson summer camp program. We also went through two major renovations. I was offered and accepted the position of Property Manager at the Downtown District YMCA in 1994. In that position, I was responsible for the maintenance and housekeeping of three buildings.

In 1998, I was offered and accepted the position of Operations Director (Property Manager) at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center. It has been my blessing and privilege to have been able to be a part of creating what today is known as "Camp Widjiwagan" from its beginning.

Laura "Twigs" Johnson

Girls Camp Director - Personnel

Laura Johnson is the Girls Camp Director and the director of personnel. She is responsible for the summer seasonal personnel including recruitment, selection, training and supervision of the outstanding Widjiwagan staff. Before joining the Widji Team in 2008, Laura earned a B.S. in Recreation Management from Illinois State University. Laura spent eight years of her career teaching swim lessons, coaching a swim team, training lifeguards and managing community pool programs and water parks. She got her start in camping with Central Illinois Girl Scouts, Camp Peairs, where she spent six seasons as a camp counselor, waterfront director and resident camp director. After moving to Nashville in Fall of 2005 Laura worked two years with Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee as their Resident Camp Director. Laura enjoys swimming, sailing, waterskiing, canoeing, biking, hiking, camping, sewing, photography, travelling and most of all spending time with family and friends. Laura lives in East Nashville with her husband Jeff and their two dogs.

Jeremy "Captain Merle" Tackett

Boys Day Camp Director - Program

Jeremy started his career at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in the summer of 2000 as a camp counselor. In September of 2002 he became a full time staff member as the Assistant Camp Director and Teambuilding Director. Jeremy currently serves as the Boys Camp Director and Senior Program Director supervising Aquatics, Boating, Challenge Course Elements, Equestrian Center and general camp programming. Jeremy is a proud graduate from Middle Tennessee State University holding a degree in Recreation Administration.

When he tells his friends about his job, they are immediately jealous. "I absolutely love coming to work everyday," he said. "How many people can say that?" Camp Widjiwagan also holds a very special place in Jeremy's heart for another reason -- it is where he met his wife, Jenni. The Tackett's live on site with their two dogs, Simon and Willie Butch and their cat Mogley.

John "Duke" King

Guest Services Director

John was introduced to YMCA Camping at Joe C Davis Outdoor Center's Camp Widjiwagan, where he spent three summers as a counselor and nations chief. After graduating from the University of Tennessee at Martin, John worked in membership for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee before returning to the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center as the Guest Services Director.

John met his wife, Lucky, at camp. John and Lucky have two sons, Wilson and Grant.

Julie "Jewel" Blucker

Development Coordinator

Julie first became involved in Camp Widjiwagan in 1998 when she volunteered in the Equestrian Center with her daughter, Christy. Since then she has had various roles including Camp Registrar, Assistant to the Executive Director, Human Resource Coordinator and currently Development Coordinator. Originally from Holland, Michigan, she and her husband Dean have lived next to camp for the last 19 years where they have raised their 3 children and numerous family pets. Julie feels that camp is a great place to work because she has a passion for families and the outdoors. When not working she enjoys spending time with her family, running, going for bike rides, sewing and doing yard work.

Debbie "Lil Debbie" Logsdon

Camp Registrar

Debbie grew up in New Jersey and went to Ohio State University graduating with a degree in communications. After college Debbie married and had three children Matt, Dan and Tricia. Matt is pursing his passion of golf, Dan is studying business at the University of Tennessee and Tricia attends Lee University where she is studying music education and voice.

Debbie was a stay at home mom while the children grew volunteering int heir schools, in many capacities. As they grew Debbie began working for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee at the Brentwood YMCA joining the team in 2003. In 2008 Debbie moved to the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center as the Camp registrar.

When Debbie is not working she spends time with her family and friends, including her two Golden Retrievers, Conner and Emma.

Eric "Easy" Brown

Property and Maintenance Director

Eric Started his career at Camp Widjiwagan as the Property Director in 2006, after being at camp for two years he became our Property and Maintenance Director where he is in charge of maintenance, grounds and pool operations.

Eric Loves his job with the YMCA and says you never know what you will be doing from day to day. Eric has a son, Talan and can't wait to see him come to camp soon.