For Philip Waidner, Camptown was more than just a fun extracurricular activity—it became the foundation for a lifelong passion and career in outdoor recreation.
Growing up, Philip was naturally inclined toward backpacking thanks to his background with the Boy Scouts, so joining the Camptown-led Carmel Backpacking Club felt like a perfect fit. It was here that he met Danny Wright, a Camptown program leader who became a key mentor, encouraging Philip’s love for the wilderness and helping him realize that his passion could be more than a hobby—it could be a way to make a career, support a family, and create a lasting impact.
Philip’s journey with Camptown grew from participant to volunteer to intern, where he taught wilderness safety and basics to students, led major backpacking trips, and planned a variety of programs, all of which prepared him for a degree in outdoor education and shaped his future. From leading mountain biking tours in Bolivia to working with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), where he helped develop youth through cycling, Philip’s diverse career has been rooted in the outdoor skills and values he learned at Camptown. Notably, Philip came full circle to supporting our Indianapolis community by helping train the Indiana chapter of NICA as they established cycling programs in his home state.
Today, Philip manages Arrowhead Bike Farm in Fayetteville, West Virginia, nestled next to the New River Gorge National Park. He continues to see outdoor education as a powerful tool to make a difference in the lives of young people—just as Camptown did for him.
Philip’s parents have been giving to Camptown annually since the early 2000s, driven by the positive transformation they saw in their son, and joined Camptown CORE this year. Their ongoing support ensures that Camptown can continue to offer life-changing programs that foster confidence, leadership, and a deep appreciation for nature.