Gitche Gumee has been reserved by Wildwood Baptist Church in East Moline, Illinois for Camp Wildwood.

Brad Smith serves as the Lead Pastor at Spring Valley Baptist Church in Springville, AL, where he has been since June of 2016. Prior to that, Brad served in student ministry for 18 1/2 years in New York and Florida both in a parachurch organization and in a local church. Brad is a two-time graduate of the Word of Life Bible Institute and also of Trinity College of Florida. Brad and Shallon have been married since August 2000, and have two daughters, Emma and Keira. One of Brad’s favorite verses is Hebrews 12:2, which says, “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Jim has held a variety of positions at public and private universities over the last 27 years. His international work and ministry have taken him to six continents and nearly fifty countries. His frequent ministry to young adults and families has been complemented by opportunities to train national pastors and bi-vocational Christian workers in countries where Christ-followers face persecution. In addition to his educational work in the US and around the world, he serves as a Fellow at the Religious Freedom Institute in Washington DC.

Rob Phillips is a pastor, author, and conference speaker from upstate NY. He brings 25 years of ministry experience coupled with a passion to make theology practical. He and his wife Annie have raised 2 daughters and are currently enjoying parenting a 9-year-old son.

John Blodgett served as a Senior Pastor in Wisconsin, Michigan, and for 21 years at FBC of Elkhart. John is passionate about preaching God's Word and ministering to the local church. Currently, he is directing the missions program at FBC, preaching, and helping churches without pastors gain stability to be positioned to find a new pastor. John also serves on the board at Cedarville University. 

Tom and Fay spent 43 years in the Word of Life Ministry with assignments as camp director in Tennessee, California, Florida and in New York State. Tom is presently the Sr. Pastor at New Heights Baptist Church in Ringgold, GA.  He and his wife, Fay, presently reside in Ringgold, GA. In his many years of ministry, Tom has spoken to thousands of students through Youth Camps, Youth Rallies, School Meetings, church meetings, and Word of Life events. 

Tom’s life verse is Colossians 2:6,7, "As you have therefore received Jesus Christ so walk in Him, rooted and built up in the faith as ye have been taught, abounding in it, with thanksgiving."  Tom believes in a passionate, dynamic life style.  This life verse reminds him that the same joy and enthusiasm he had the first day he met Jesus as a teenager should characterize his life each day.