Camp Widjiwagan - Meet the Leaders
The YMCA Camping team has welcomed several new leaders in recent months. We are excited about the passion, energy and experience they bring to their roles and look forward to seeing what they can achieve. Please help us welcome the following leaders to the Widjiwagan community.
Ben Hoffman, Executive Director
Ben’s journey began with a transformative wilderness trip as a teen, sparking a lifelong passion for outdoor education. With experience in wilderness tripping, Outward Bound, public education, summer camp, and environmental education, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong commitment to Camp Widji’s mission of respect, community, and environmental stewardship.
Clara Pena-Hansen, Summer Program Director
Clara started her journey in Outdoor Education as a camper and counselor with YMCA Camp Icaghowan. These formative years helped her develop a strong belief that camping and outdoor experiences are a powerful catalyst to create positive change and empower individuals to take on challenges in everyday life with confidence.
Clara went to Northland College, studying Outdoor Education with an emphasis in “Adventure Leadership” and “Equity and Inclusion”. She spent her class time learning the foundations of Outdoor Education, leadership techniques, and the technical skills required to thrive in the backcountry.
Her career has been dedicated fostering environments where participants can learn more about themselves and the outdoor spaces they adventure in. She’s excited to bring her experiences to Widji and support the staff, campers, and parents.
Tom Grant, Canoe Master
Tom began his camping career at Camp Mondamin in Tuexdo, NC. After 11 years at camp he sought adventure in a variety of roles including back country ski guide, search and rescue, EMT, firefighter and more. He spent 21 years in Greeley, CO, working with youth in a detention center. He said, “I truly adored my students’ honesty and raw feelings and abilities to embrace change.” Woodworking was one of the activities that was a favorite of both him and his students, specifically wooden canoe construction. In his free time, he builds cedar strip canoes and also teaches classes on canoe building. And now he’s here at Widjiwagan, excited for the teamwork and camaraderie that comes from being on a camp team.