A Legacy of Leadership- Camp Widjiwagan
Over the course of Widjiwagan’s history, many great leaders have helped guide camp to be the extraordinary place it is today.
In June 2024, we said goodbye to Executive Director, Matt Poppleton and longtime Camp Property Manager Joe Smith. We also welcomed new Executive Director, Ben Hoffman. Read on to learn more about former and current leadership.
Matt Poppleton
Camp Titles & Tenures
YMCA Camp Widjiwagan:
- Northwoods Resource Center (now called Outdoor Learning Program) Intern, 1996
- Northwoods Resource Center (OLP) Instructor, 1997-1998
- Summer Trail Counselor, 1997-2000
- Full-time Program Director, 2001-2004
- Full-time Executive Director, 2017-2024
What initially sparked your interest in Camp Widjiwagan?
That it was so close to the Boundary Waters and the use of wood canvas canoes
What’s one unique thing about your time at camp that not many people will know?
I was never a camper!
What is one of your all-time favorite Wijdi memories?
There are so many, but most of them include sitting on a rock near a lake with friends.
What is your hope for the future of Camp Widjiwagan and how do you plan to stay involved?
My hope is that Widjiwagan continues to provide transformative wilderness experiences for young people throughout the year and is responsive to meeting the needs of young people in the generations to come.
Joe Smith
Camp Titles & Tenures
YMCA Camp Widjiwagan:
- Overnight Camper, 1968-1972
- Maintenance Staff Member & Solo Adventurer, 1974
- Summer Counselor, 1974-1975 & 1981
- Winter Staff Member, 1975-1976 & 1980-1981
- Property Manager, 1986-2024
What initially sparked your interest in Camp Widjiwagan and led you to your role as Property Manager?
I was asked to be the property manager in March of 1986 by Bob Rick who was the camp director. At the time, I was working as a logger out of Grand Marais.
What’s one unique thing about your time at camp that not many people will know?
I don't think there is anything worth knowing about me that folks don't already know; it’s pretty close community!
What is one of your all-time favorite Widji memories?
There are many good memories and I don't usually prioritize what is my favorite about things. Folks often ask what is my favorite lake or season. I don't have an answer!
What is your hope for the future of Camp Widjiwagan and how do you plan to stay involved?
I hope Widjiwagan can preserve its standard of educating folks about our way of experiencing nature. I will stay involved doing forestry work focused on reducing fire danger by fuel removal and managing regeneration, with climate change influencing the evolving strategy.
Ben Hoffman
Camp Titles & Tenures
- Nobles Camp (Massachusetts): Day Camper, 1993-1995
- Camp Chewonki (Maine): Overnight Camper, 1997
- Camp Alton Jones (Rhode Island): Overnight Camper, 1998-1999
- Camp Manito-wish YMCA (Wisconsin): Operations Director, 2021-2024
- YMCA Camp Widjiwagan: Executive Director, November 2024-present
What initially sparked your interest in Camp Widjiwagan and led you to your role as Executive Director?
Wilderness travel has been an essential part of my life for many years. Camp Widjiwagan, renowned in the outdoor community, stands as a leader in experiential education within wilderness settings. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to fostering educational experiences for youth, adolescents, and adults in outdoor environments, where embracing a certain level of risk is vital for personal growth. I have immersed myself in various facets of the outdoor industry to support my journey toward becoming an Executive Director. At my core, I believe everyone should have access to the outdoors, and this role will allow me to further this important work in expanding access within Widji’s mission.
What’s one unique thing about yourself or your past experiences that you are bringing to this new role?
I lead by listening and welcome a good challenge. My experiences in high-risk environments—such as descending slot canyons, navigating whitewater, and climbing rock—have given me a deep understanding of acceptable versus unacceptable risks. I will bring this perspective to uphold our risk management practices with a holistic approach. I aim to make thoughtful, intentional decisions that support both the immediate and long-term success of our operations.
What is one of your all-time favorite camping memories and one of your favorite places to spend time in the outdoors?
One of my favorite memories is going to day camp where my mother was a seasonal staff member. I was a bit nervous about going to camp, but knowing she was overseeing the target range offered me courage to get outside my comfort zone to learn, have fun, and make new friends. It allowed me to grow as a person and helped inspire my interests to stay connected to the outdoors.
One of my favorite places to spend time is on the river. I have been drawn to rivers for as long as I can remember. I love that you “never step in the same river twice” and that rivers support so much life! One of my favorite moments is guiding my young family on our first overnight rafting trip. Seeing our kids playing in the water, smiling while crashing through waves, and enjoying the evening campfire are core memories that I hope will stick with and inspire these future river runners to appreciate and connect with all that nature and the outdoors have to offer.
What is your hope for the future of Camp Widjiwagan? What are you most excited about as you venture into leading this special community?
My hope is to carry forward the camp's mission by upholding its core values and integrity. I aim to be a leader who fosters a culture of belonging and accountability, ensuring everyone feels valued and included. Additionally, I plan to support the upkeep of our wonderful facilities and work to enhance them, so future generations of campers and seasonal staff can enjoy and benefit from all that Camp Widjiwagan has to offer. I also hope that Widji continues to serve as a leader in outdoor education and environmental stewardship, fostering a deep appreciation for nature. I aim for it to continue to be a place that adapts and grows with the needs of campers and the environment, remaining relevant, sustainable, and deeply impactful for years to come.
I am eager to help develop new strategies to connect alumni, donors, and partners to the great work being done at camp. Being able to lead this community that encourages young people to push their boundaries, discover new passions, and connect with nature is incredibly fulfilling. I’m especially looking forward to collaborating with others to build a welcoming environment where everyone feels empowered to engage and challenge themselves. I'm also excited about the chance to bring fresh ideas and make a positive impact across the wide scope of all that Widji does.