The Canonicus Ministries Team
The leadership team behind the new Canonicus Ministries Inc is committed to serving the mission of sharing Christ with others and growing in faith at Canonicus. They move forward with spiritual empowerment, vision, and excitement with the ultimate goal of bringing our youth back to their spiritual home in the woods.
Rev. Dr. Alan Wright
President
Professor at CSUN with specializations in leadership, organizational development, and outdoor recreation. He has supervised outdoor programs serving over 9400 participants and delivered training events and consultations with over 50 camps across the country. Previous camp director at Canonicus 1983-1990.
Capt. David Pickering
Vice President
International Speaker in more than 30 countries for a non-profit in the wellness industry and founder and co-founder of Fitness and Wellness Companies in the northeast. Currently a board member for seven non-profit organizations including serving as a parliamentarian. Executive committee member of Scouting America.
David Maine
Secretary
Lifelong member of Warwick Central Baptist Church serving in a number of leadership roles. Spent my career in college and university library service at Rhode Island College. Also serve on the Board of Directors for John Clarke Senior Living in Middletown. A former camper at Canonicus as a youth.
Rev. Dr. Evan Howard
Director
Pastor of the First Baptist Church of North Kingstown, 2022-present. Located fifteen minutes from camp, his congregation members have been Canonicus campers and volunteers for generations. Firm believer that the Roger Williams Baptist heritage offers exciting possibilities for spiritual pilgrimages to Rhode Island and artistic initiatives of hope and peace.
Minister Erica Traub
Director
Associate Pastor for Calvary Baptist Church. Church Moderator for 2020-2025. Worked for Recreation Department (NORD) summer camp for 7 years. Studied Business Administration and owned my business for 20 years. Worked for the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council as Prevention Coordinator & Counselor. Youth Pastor for 8 years in CT.
Rev. Dr. Charles Hartman
Director
An American Baptist pastor whose life and 50+ years of ordained ministry were shaped by American Baptist camping. Charlie served five ABC congregations, large and small, rural and urban, in four regions. He has been involved with Canonicus for over 40 years serving in many capacities, from Master Site Committee to trip camp leader.
Rev. Dr. Tony Pappas
Director
A former Executive Minister in a nearby region, Tony has been there, done that. He oversaw the transition of the camp from “hemorrhaging red ink” to stability to profitability. Last year that camp recorded a SURPLUS of $124,000!
Lee Trainer
Director
International business analysist who for 25 years who brought individuals together from multiple countries for conferences. A member of a family with 3 generations of overnight campers and yearly VBS participation at Canonicus. Currently a Worship Team leader at First Baptist Church of NK.
Harold Hemberger
Director
His Canonicus journey began at the age of eight and has continued uninterrupted for 63 years, serving seven years on the summer staff and OVER thirty years on various Canonicus boards and committees. He also served the community for 41 years as the CEO of a YMCA.
Peter Marshall
Director
Peter Marshall started out as a camper at Canonicus. Later, he returned as a , counselor and ultimately took on the role of onsite caretaker for a five-year period. Peter met his wife in Rocky Ledge and was married in the outdoor chapel. A dedicated member of the American Baptist Churches of RI, Peter served on the property committee and created a large RI hazardous waste contracting firm.