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THE FOUNDERS
The camp was founded by Tommy and Betty Ruth Wilkerson. Chartered for the purpose of providing Christian nurture for children. The programs (on permanent property) now offer year round opportunities for children.
Betty Ruth Wilkerson is a certified Director of Christian Education of the Presbyterian Church. She specializes in Children's Ministry. She was the Director of Christian Education for children at Myers Park Presbyterian Church for 13 years. Over the years, she has been involved in numerous educational activities such as a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Chapter of Educators, the Board of the Children's Home Society of NC, and an instructor in Christian Education at Queen's University, and an Advisory Board member of Camp Care.
Betty Ruth is a recipient of St. Andrew Presbyterian College's prestigious Margaret Bowen Award for Distinguished Service to Christian Education. She is a cum laude graduate of St. Andrew's Presbyterian College where she was listed in "Who's Who in American Universities and Colleges," and served as President of the Student Christian Association. Betty Ruth is the heart of the camp and her many skills and creativityhelp her to provide the camp with a solid foundation. She has a lifetime of love for children.
Thomas F. Wilkerson (Tommy) brings to Camp Whip-Poor-Will training in business, management and banking, and personnel training. He is the soul and spirit that leads the camp
Formerly with Bank of America for eleven years, he directs planning and oversees camp safety and operations. He has a History major with a BA degree. He attended UNC Chapel Hill and Belmont Abbey College. Also, he served as an elder in Myers Park Presbyterian Church and a church school teacher for third grade children. He is actively involved in the implementation of hands on learning activities for children. He is well known for his love of gardening and out of door exploration, hiking, filed trips, and designing the leather craft program, and experience in music, storytelling and drama. . The campers just know him as "Mr. Whip-Poor-Will". He is every camper's favorite!
The two attended the Annual Storytelling Festival in Jonesboro, Tennessee for three years for a greater Camp Storytelling emphasis. Both served as Organizers and Directors for a Home Stay program through the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Now Tommy and Betty Ruth, the heart and soul of Camp Whip-Poor-Will, are working together to create a truly memorable experience for children.