Our Camp Director is Ted Vinson, a long-time Scoutmaster and Scouting volunteer in the Atlanta Area Council. He has served Scouting as an adult for over 50 years and was involved in the program as a youth.

Ted is the Scoutmaster of Troop 204 in Marietta, Georgia.  He earned his Arrow of Light in Cub Pack 305 in Macon and earned his Eagle with 5 Palms in Troop 7.  He was elected to the Order of the Arrow and was a member of the Echeconnee Lodge in Central Georgia where he served as Ordeal Master for several years, Lodge Secretary/Treasurer, and Lodge Chief.  He received his Vigil in 1970. 

As an adult, Ted has served as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 7 in Macon (1967-1971) and then in Troop 144 in Marietta from 1971-1973. He maintained his membership in Troop 144 while serving as an MP in Vietnam. In 1974, he became Scoutmaster of Troop 144 at Marietta First Baptist Church and served there until 1993. In 1994, Ted reinstated Troop 204 at Roswell Street Baptist Church. In 2014, Troop 204 changed to its new Chartering Institution, Maple Avenue United Methodist Church.  From 1994 -2016, 88 young men have earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Kim Merry

Camping Director
Kim grew up in Fort Worth Texas, where she is the youngest sibling in a Scouting family.  She joined Scouting as a Daisy in the Girl Scouts and later joined a Venturing Crew.  Kim went on to serve on staff at both Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico and at Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, Minnesota for 7 years.  Kim earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Production, Management, and Directing from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, Texas.  Kim started her Scouting career as the Program Director for the Conquistador Council headquartered in Roswell, New Mexico.  In this role, Kim was responsible for delivering experiences at Wehinahpay Mountain Camp and partnering with volunteers to deliver Cub Scout Camping, adult and youth leader training, and Order of the Arrow events and projects. 

Kim is responsible for providing leadership and delivering excellence in the Council’s summer camp operations at Woodruff and Bert Adams Scout Camps, and various other outdoor programs. 

Jason Baldridge

Director of Safe Scouting & Support

Jason Baldridge joined the Atlanta Area Council in June 2014 as the nation's first Safe Scouting Director. He began his Scouting career in June 2004 as a District Executive in the Pony Express Council, St. Joseph, Missouri. In June 2009, he was promoted to Program and Camping Director for the Dan Beard Council in Cincinnati, Ohio. Active in Scouting as a youth, Jason earned his Eagle Scout rank and is a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.

Jason is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture with a major in Park Management and Conservation. Jason and his wife Victoria have two young children, Aaron and Abby.

As Safe Scouting and Youth Protection Director, Jason assures compliance with BSA Membership Standards, Youth Protection policies and Safe Scouting Practices. Jason serves as the professional partner to the Youth Protection Committee, Health and Safety Committee, and the Training Committee.

Josh Kirkham

Safe Scouting Director

Josh was a Scout and camp staff member in the Prairie Council headquartered in Davenport, Illinois.  After honorable service in the US Army, Josh began his Scouting career in 2002 as a Camp Ranger at the Three Fires Council, St. Charles, IL.  He joined the Atlanta Area Council in May 2014 serving as the Senior Ranger for the Bert Adams Scout Camp.  In his time as Senior Ranger, Josh has elevated the customer service and guest experience at Bert Adams, formed the Bert Adams Support Society for volunteers who give service to the camp and has secured monetary and material resources as well as donated services to help advance our camp operations. Josh is a James E. West fellow and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow.