SR. LEADERSHIP
SHILOH
Jonathan “Shiloh” Williford is a husband, father of three and longtime camp leader with a deep love for outdoor education, mentorship, and discipleship. Born in Louisiana, Shiloh has lived in South America and traveled to Africa and Asia, experiences that have shaped his heart for people, adventure, and mission.
Shiloh has been involved in summer camps and outdoor education since childhood. In his youth, he served at various camps including Sky Ranch, Camp Compass, Camp Thurman, and Sabine Creek Ranch.
Shiloh graduated from Houston Baptist University with a double major in Mass Communications and Speech Communications, equipping him with a strong foundation in leadership, communication, storytelling, and organizational vision.
As a former Marine and combat veteran, Shiloh brings a unique perspective on leadership, service, responsibility, and perseverance. His passion is to mentor young people and develop leaders through discipleship, and intentional community.
At Camp Anothen, Shiloh is committed to building a place where campers are known, challenged, encouraged, and loved.
Shiloh and his wife have been Married for over 20 years and love seeing what the Lord has been doing at Camp.
Shiloh’s encourages everyone to read their Bibles - his favorite Bible verse is - Hebrews 10:1: “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified”.
Jonathon Williford
CEO
MAUI
Dylan “Maui” Thompson was born in Arlington, Texas, and graduated from Lake Ridge High School in 2019. Maui’s first camp experience began in 2017 at Camp Thurman, where he served as a summer camp counselor and worked with Camp Thurman’s Teen Camp program.
Maui first joined Camp Anothen in 2021 as a Teen Camp counselor, bringing energy, leadership, and a heart for investing in students. Since then, he has continued to grow as a leader who understands both the fun and responsibility that come with creating an excellent camp experience.
After high school, Maui attended Austin College on a football scholarship, where he also played baseball. He graduated in 2023 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Leadership. His background in athletics, business, and team leadership has helped shape his ability to encourage others, solve problems, and lead with confidence.
Maui and his wife met at Camp Anothen and have been married since 2023! They are also brand new parents, are part of Lifegate Church and are excited to serve with youth.
Dylan is excited about his role at Camp as he works to create summers full of adventure and lasting memories.
His go-to Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
Hoosier
Elise “Hoosier” Werchan is excited to serve as the Camp Administrative Director at Camp Anothen, where she brings a strong heart for organization, thoughtful care for people, and a gift for helping big plans come together with excellence. No stranger to fast-paced, detail-heavy environments, Hoosier works behind the scenes to help create a smooth, welcoming, and memorable summer experience for campers, families, and staff.
Originally from Arlington, Texas, Elise graduated from Indiana University Bloomington with a B.F.A. in Contemporary Dance and a minor in Nutrition, earning Dean’s List recognition and the highest distinction for her degree. Her background in dance, performance, choreography, and event coordination has shaped her ability to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly, solve problems creatively, and lead with both precision and grace.
Hoosier is passionate about creating an environment where every camper feels known, celebrated, and cared for. From big-picture planning to the smallest details, she is dedicated to helping Camp Anothen create a summer full of joy, adventure, faith, friendship, and memories that last a lifetime.
Elise and her husband have been happily married since May 2024 and love building a life rooted in faith and purpose. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 16:24:
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Elise Werchan
Director of Administration
MR. ROSE
Dylan Thompson
Camp Director
JIM ROSE
DISCIPLESHIP and Ranges DIRECTOR
Jim Rose has had the privilege helping develop Camp Thurman for 37 yrs. now and Anothen for 10yrs. Jim was the Executive Director of Camp Thurman for more than 37 years.
He finds great joy in seeing children grow into adults with a love for Jesus Christ & others. God made him for this! Jim is a Navy Air Corp Veteran of the Vietnam War.
He has earned undergraduate degrees and graduate degrees in Education, as well as a Masters Degree in Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary.
Jim has been married for 50 years and has 3 adult children and 11 grandchildren. The adventure continues now at Camp Anothen in Mansfield, Texas.