2026 camp leaders
Rev. Dr. JIM PERDUE
PREACHER
Jim Perdue serves as Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church in Warner Robins, a position he has held since 2012. A Warner Robins native and graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Business Education, Jim furthered his education by earning his Master of Divinity from Southeastern Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Liberty University. Over his 20+ years in pastoral ministry, Jim has developed a passion for leading his congregation to deeper faith and broader kingdom impact—locally and globally. He and his wife Stephanie have five children: Jake, Judd, Anna Kate, Sadie, and Caroline.
Rev. Jerry varnado
PREACHER
Jerry Varnado serves as Pastor of Rays Church, a Methodist Congregation, in Oconee County, Georgia, a position he has held since 2010. With roots in Louisiana and a heart for ministry that developed later in life, Jerry earned his Bachelor of Business Administration and Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia before practicing law for over a decade. A life-changing spiritual experience in 1980 led him to pursue ordained ministry, and he received his Master of Divinity, cum laude, from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 1987. Jerry has served various Methodist churches for decades and has a heart for prison ministry, revival preaching across multiple states, and community leadership. He and his wife Beverly have three living children: Mari, Aaron, and Bethany.
Dr. DAVID B. Daniel
MUSIC MINISTER
Dr. David B. Daniel recently retired from Emory University where he served as Director of Chapel Music and Assistant Professor in the Practice of Music Ministry at Candler School of Theology since 2016. Dr. Daniel also served in local church music ministry for over 30 years, retiring in 2025 from Duluth First United Methodist Church where he served 18 years as Minister of Music and Worship Arts.
Currently, David enjoys singing in the choir at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Andalusia, AL, and serves in various roles of worship leadership as a volunteer. He is also the choral area chair for Music & Worship Arts Week, an annual event at Lake Junaluska, in Waynesville, NC, and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Choral Directors Association, The Fellowship of Worship Artists, and The Hymn Society.
Alice Walker & Becky RamseY
DUO-PIANISTS
Alice Walker and Becky Ramsey, identical twins, are originally from Atlanta. They both hold BA degrees from Agnes Scott College, and have earned two certifications from the American Guild of Organists, Colleague and Associate (CAGO). Playing duets together since the age of five, they have been pianists at Salem Campground since 1971.
Alice is Organist and Director of the Ambassador Choir and Handbell Choir at First Presbyterian Church, Covington, where she is also Moderator of Presbyterian Women.
Becky is Director of Music for Seniors at Covington First Methodist Church, Director of Spiritual Growth for United women of Faith, and Sunday School Teacher for Adults.
Alice and Becky are Co-Founders and Co-Directors of the Singing Ambassadors Choir of Covington.
SHANNON TIDWELL
YOUTH DIRECTOR
Outside of Salem, Shannon works full-time in the telecommunications and mobile networking industry, is a wife and mother, and loves the outdoors. However her greatest passion is working with children and youth. She has served in that ministry for ten years at Clear Creek Church of Christ, where she has been a member for over 20 years, and is excited to be back as Youth Director for her fourth year!
Katie TIDWELL
ASSISTANT YOUTH DIRECTOR
Katie is a rising junior at Belmont University where she’s studying psychological science and neuroscience. On campus she works with the new student orientation program. She is a lifelong member of Clear Creek Church of Christ where she is involved in children’s ministry, praise team, and more. She has been coming to campmeeting her whole life and is excited to be back on the youth team for a third year.
Charles Thorp
ASSITANT YOUTH DIRECTOR
Charles Thorp is entering his senior year at Florida State University, where he is studying commercial entrepreneurship. He is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando and attends Downtown Community Church while at school in Tallahassee. Charles has helped lead fraternity and sorority Bible studies, group prayer gatherings, and Vacation Bible School programs. He enjoys fishing, playing basketball, throwing a frisbee with friends, and, of course, eating Chocolate Clay. Having grown up attending Salem Camp Meeting, Charles is grateful for its impact on his life and is excited to be back this summer.
ALEXANDRA THORP
ASSISTANT YOUTH DIRECTOR
Alexandra Thorp attends Florida State University, where she is studying Interdisciplinary Social Science. She is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando and has been involved in student ministry through mentoring younger girls, leading small groups, serving in Vacation Bible School, and volunteering with Young Life and WyldLife. Alexandra enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and connecting with friends and family. She looks forward to spending another summer at Salem Camp Meeting.