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 has served as the Director of Chapel Music and Assistant Professor in the Practice of Music Ministry at Candler since 2016. Bringing over 21 years of experience in local church music ministry, he also serves as the Director of Music and Worship Arts at Duluth First United Methodist Church, a position he has held since 2007. In addition to overseeing weekly worship at Candler and directing the Candler Singers, he is the founder and artistic director of the Duluth FUMC Music & Worship Arts Camp.
David has served in broader regional leadership, including as the musical director for worship at the North Georgia UMC Annual Conference. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Choral Directors Association 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 Tidwell has just finished her freshman year at Belmont University in Nashville Tennessee where she is majoring in psychological science. She is a lifelong member of Clear Creek Church of Christ where she serves in children’s ministry and on the praise team. Katie has helped with VBS, and been on mission trips inside the country as well as to Haiti. She has grown up coming to Salem and is excited to return to the youth program staff for a second year!