Matt Poppleton
My name is Matt Poppleton and I am the Executive Director at Widjiwagan. I focus my time and energy in serving Widji’s mission of respect by working with our engaged and active board of directors and committees, staff and campers, alumni, and partners in the community. Email Matt
- What is your favorite part of preparing at Camp for a Widji trip?
My favorite part in preparing for a trip is pouring over the maps. Some routes are familiar and just seeing the name of a lake can bring back great memories. I also love pondering unfamiliar routes on a map. Trying to imagine the terrain and experience through interpreting map features like contour lines, tiny blue scribble rivers, and big lakes dotted with islands gets me excited to get on trail.
- What is your favorite part about trail?
Once I’m on trail I really enjoy getting into the rhythm of living and traveling outdoors. I become so much more aware of what the sky is doing, how my body is responding to hard work, and the connections I make with those that I’m traveling with. After a few days a comfortable rhythm starts to set in.
- What is one piece of advice you’d give a new Widji camper?
My advice to a new camper would be to keep an open mind as to what a wilderness experience should be like. Widji is full of stories that are told and retold, which can oftentimes create expectations. Movies and the media can do this as well. What I know is that each wilderness trip is unique along with the people in the group. Being open to the people you’re traveling with and where you’re headed will allow for an unspoiled wilderness adventure.
- What is your favorite place in the wilderness?
My favorite time and place in the wilderness is usually sitting around the kitchen area in the morning with friends and family; finishing up my coffee and excited for the day ahead.
Amy Hadow
My name is Amy Hadow and I am the Summer Program Director at Camp Widjiwagan. I am a good resource for questions related to Widji Leaders, registration for Summer Camp, the lottery, forms, transportation, special accommodations at camp, gear questions, and the advanced camper invitation and group making processes! Email Amy
- What is your favorite part of preparing at Camp for a Widji trip?
Swimming!!
- What is your favorite part about trail?
Getting to brush your teeth outside – something about the contrast of the very ordinary task of brushing ones teeth while standing in extraordinarily beautiful location always makes me feel so grateful for the opportunities that a Widji trip presents and reminds me of how I excited I am about life! I also love getting to know my group mates really well.
- What is one piece of advice you’d give a new Widji camper?
Camp is the most fun when you are open to whatever comes your way!
- What is your favorite place in the wilderness?
Slim Lake - especially on a warm, late winter day when the sunset is turning the snow-covered ice pink and the red pines gold! I also love the tundra!
Brent Saxton
I am the Wilderness Program Director at Widjiwagan. Feel free to give me a call if you have questions related to trip logistics, the policies and procedures our staff follow on our wilderness trips, or concerns about a medical condition and how we can best support your camper. Email Brent
- What is your favorite part of preparing at Camp for a Widji trip?
I really like looking at the maps and planning out your trip. It’s fun to look at the map and try to imagine what that terrain will look like when you are out there and brainstorm different ways to go or new places to check out! Also taking a break from planning by playing a quick game of Lightning is key to good trip preparation.
- What is your favorite part about trail?
I think the connection you make with your group on trail is easily the best part. Whether it’s taking on a new challenge or laughing together over a meal, the camaraderie you build is always what I remember the most from my trips.
- What is one piece of advice you’d give a new Widji camper?
I always say to swim as much as you can. Even on a cold, rainy day swimming in a beautiful river or lake makes you feel so much better!
- What is your favorite place in the wilderness?
I’ve been lucky and have seen many incredible places over the years, so it is challenging to pick one favorite spot. That being said, I think paddling across a beautiful, clear blue lake on a sunny day is probably my favorite “place” to be in the wilderness.