Camp High Rocks Staff Biographies

Here are our Summer Staff for 2010

* Indicates a returning staff member or former camper

	* Happi Adams - Bringing back her infectious enthusiasm for a fourth summer at camp, Happi comes from Boone, NC where she is a senior at Appalachian State University. Her background in competitive swimming and coaching will be put to good use as she joins the swimming staff. She will also be instructing pottery this summer. Happi first experienced High Rocks on a school trip her junior year of high school.
	* Josh Baggett - Josh is back at High Rocks for his fourth year. A graduate of the Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education program at Brevard College, Josh is an American Mountain Guide Association certified climbing guide and brings years of experience in climbing and leading youth groups on wilderness trips. We are excited to have him on staff again this year.
	Charlie Baumstark is new to the High Rocks staff this year and comes to us from Benedictine College where he has completed his freshman year studying engineering. Charlie loves to spend time outside, and has spent time rock climbing and backpacking in Colorado. This summer we are excited for Charlie to be a cabin counselor as well as instructing in our Archery and Riflery and Pottery programs.
	Clarke Bennett - Clarke will be a first year counselor with us this summer, though she has a number of years experience working at other camps. She is from New York, where she is a rising sophomore at Stony Brook University, studying biology. Clarke has grown up spending time outside with her family and through Girl Scouts, and she will be putting her lifelong horseback riding experience to use with our equestrian program this summer.
	*Kirstin Bergeson - She is returning to High Rocks for her second year on staff. Kirstin comes to us from East Carolina University where she is a rising senior and education major. She will be working as an arts and crafts instructor and helping take care of the youngest at High Rocks, Grace and Izzie, this summer.
	* Alex Bingham - Alex joins us from Roanoke, Virginia where he is a rising high school senior. After eight years as a High Rocks camper, Alex joins our staff this summer as a Counselor Trainee (CT). He is a talented musician that plays several instruments and performs with his high school jazz band and the Patrick Henry Orchestra. In addition to his musical interests Alex enjoys horseback riding, soccer and lacrosse. This summer he will be assisting with horseback instruction at the barn during the two-week session.
	* Benjamin Birdsong - Benjamin has been at High Rocks his entire life, starting in the baby backpack on his dad's back. Again this summer Benjamin will be assisting in the maintenance department, keeping the grass mowed and everything working smoothly. Benjamin brings experience from his High Rocks camper years, Boy Scout camps, and Camp Gwynn Valley. Having earned the Eagle rank in scouts, Benjamin is also very active in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society.
	* Hank Birdsong - With over twenty-five years of experience working with children in camps and with outdoor programs such as Outward Bound and Discovery, Hank provides camp with a rich background of knowledge and technical skill. Hank has served on the National Accreditation Council for the Association for Experiential Education and is an Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 701. Hank is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in Recreation Management. He enjoys soccer and rock climbing when he can find the time.
	* Townsend Birdsong - Born and raised at camp (her parents built and ran High Rocks for the first 30 years), Townsend has camping in her blood. A graduate of UNC- Greensboro in Nursing, she has chosen horseback riding as her specialty. The year 2010 marks the twenty-third summer that the Birdsongs have directed High Rocks.
	* Stewart W. Boss- Stewart is returning to High Rocks after a year as a Counselor Trainee and nine years of being a High Rocks camper. Stewart will be a cabin counselor as well as instructing hiking and backpacking. Stewart currently is a freshman at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
	* Will Brechter - Will is returning for his second summer at High Rocks and will be a cabin counselor as well as a sailing and soccer instructor. He graduated with a degree in Architectural Studies from Tufts University. Will has several years experience as a camper and has played sports and been active in a number of outdoor activities all his life. We look forward to his continued enthusiasm for his activities.
	* Blaire Cannon – Blaire returns for her fifth summer here at High Rocks. Blaire hails from Greenville, North Carolina where she has graduated with a degree in Art at Eastern Carolina University. She was a camper at Rockbrook Camp just down the road from High Rocks. Blaire will be returning to the equestrian staff for the summer, again accompanied by her friend, and steed, Robert Redford. In addition to helping with horseback riding Blaire also uses her skills as a photographer here at camp and often her pictures are featured on our website. We are looking forward to having Blaire in the area for more than just the summer as she plans to make Brevard her home!
	* Austin Chambers spent two years as a camper at High Rocks and is now returning for his first year on staff. He has just completed his sophomore year at UNC Chapel Hill where he is pursuing a Chemistry degree. Austin loves to spend time outdoors, which he will get to do plenty of this summer while he is instructing in our Sailing and Rock Climbing programs. Austin will also be a cabin counselor.
	* Alice Chalmers - Instead of spending time on the canoe docks, Alice is working in the office, putting her superior computer skills and extensive knowledge of almost everything to good use. She was a camper way back in 1958 when camp first opened with a boys session followed by a girls session. After several years as a camper, she worked on the canoe staff for 4 or 5 years, and then took time out from camp to get a PhD in Ecology and to conduct research on coastal ecosystems. She came back briefly to run the canoeing program again in the early 1990s. Now--she's baaaaack.
	* Russ Chorba- Russ was born in Kazakstan and but now hails from Atlanta, GA. After spending three summers as a camper, Russ now joins us on staff as a Counselor in Training. He will be splitting his time between Arts & Crafts and Soccer and a cabin this summer.
	* Crystal Clusiau – Crystal is from Gastonia, North Carolina and is a graduate of Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. Crystal joined our year round staff and will be spending her sixth summer at High Rocks.. In the past Crystal has taught rock climbing, facilitated the high ropes course, and been head of swimming. This summer, she will again be our Assistant Program Director and head of swimming. We couldn't ask for a better person to keep everyone and everything on track.
	Greg Coit comes to us for his first summer from the University of New Hampshire, where he is working on his Outdoor Education degree. Greg has a lot of experience outdoors, in fact, he has just completed a semester-long NOLS course focusing on backpacking, climbing, and canoeing. This summer Greg will have the roles of cabin counselor and rock climbing instructor for High Rocks.
	* Nate Colston - Nate returns for his fourth year at camp from Uniontown, Ohio. He is currently a student at Stark State College and is majoring in Emergency Medical/ Fire Services. Nate is also studying Psychology at the University of Akron and is an informal sales rep for Five Fingers shoes. Nate will be the head of the hiking and backpacking program this summer.
	*Ben Colston - Ben is returning this summer for his second year and following in the footsteps of his older brother Nate.. He is a student at Walsh University majoring in Early Childhood Education, and has several years experience at youth camps to prepare him for work as a cabin counselor and mountain biking instructor. We welcome him back to High Rocks.
	Nicholas Colston is joining his brothers Ben and Nate with us here at High Rocks for his first summer. He is a rising freshman at Walsh University and has had a lot of experience enjoying the outdoors through camping, hunting, biking and more. Nicholas will be an assistant cabin counselor with us this summer and will also be instructing Mountain Biking.
	* Crescent - This will be Crescent's twelth year at High Rocks and her third as Head Camp Dog. She continues to enjoy the privileged life of a camp animal, hundreds of willing petting hands and a soft-hearted kitchen manager that keeps her well-fed. Crescent continues to guide her friend River through the summer's bustle and to all of the warmest napping spots. Crescent also will face one of her biggest challenges this summer teaching Tsali to be a well-behaved member of the camp community.
	*Joseph Crowley - Joe joins us again for his second summer at High Rocks. Joe graduated from Loyola College with a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology as well as extensive experience organizing, leading and participating in outdoor adventures in the US and foreign countries. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder. Joe will be a cabin counselor, trip leader and canoeing and kayaking instructor this summer.
	* Julianna Day - Julianna returns to High Rocks for her second year from Hollins University where she is on the Equestrian Team and is majoring in Environmental Studies/Biology/Pre-med. She has been active in 4H and instructed beginners in riding and horse management for several years. In addition to riding she brings her love of the outdoors.
	* Debbie DeVore - "Miss Debbie" is a native of Brevard and is returning for her seventh year at High Rocks. This summer she will be continuing the role of Kitchen Manager. She's a big NASCAR fan, so can keep you up to date on your favorite driver. We are so excited to have her back in the kitchen! Her hard work and ability to work with people are as important as her knowledge of nutrition and cooking in keeping the kitchen running smoothly.
	* Joey DiGregorio- Joey is joining us for his fourth summer on our kitchen and maintenance staffs. From nearby Brevard, Joey is an Eagle Scout and is very active in the Order of the Arrow, a Boy Scout service organization. Joey is a student at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC.
	* Nate Dixon- Nate comes to us from Cary, North Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where he studied journalism. Nate has previously worked for the Carolina Adventures program as a climbing instructor. He is working in our climbing area again this summer. Nate brings with him a great sense of humor and a love of the outdoors. He has spent a great deal of time recently climbing throughout the south western United States and is pumped to be back at High Rocks.
	* Ryan Donovan – Ryan returns for his fourth summer from Brevard College where he works with the Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education program. Ryan will be the head of mountain biking at camp this summer and brings a great local knowledge of the area's trails. He grew up in Pensacola, FL, enjoying all the outdoor activities available in that coastal area, but seems to have made a home for himself in the mountains.
	* Chris Dorrity- Chris is an Asheville native and is returning to High Rocks for his sixth summer directing our rock climbing program. He graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in Recreation Management and a concentration in Experiential Education. Chris has extensive climbing experience locally, has climbed outside the country, and has climbed El Capitan twice in Yosemite Valley. He has also recently published a local climbing guide and is excited to share his expertise with staff and campers alike. On top of all that he is a Wilderness First Responder
	*John DuBois - John returns to High Rocks for his second year from the University of Alabama. Like several others on staff, he has extensive experience with Boy Scouts, reaching Eagle Scout at the age of 14. He will be a cabin counselor and work in hiking/backpacking as well as canoeing/kayaking.
	* Sara Dunham – Sara will be joining us at the barn for her sixth summer on the equestrian staff. A graduate of Eastern Carolina University, Sarah has just finished her third year as a Spanish teacher at J.H. Rose High School. Her horse Dancer is again accompanying her to camp and both are excited for the summer to start.
	* Kelley Eyster- Kelley is back at High Rocks for her second summer on staff and will be leading trips for Hiking and Caving. She lives in Brevard, NC where she is a Special Education teacher at Brevard Middle School. Kelley brings with her years of experience in the outdoor field and as an educator. We are excited to have her back for the summer.
	* Jacquie Farley- With years of camp experience under her belt, Jacquie will return to us as the camp nurse for the four week session. Jacquie's accented humor and warmth with both staff and campers will be a huge addition, and her wall of weird takes many a mind off a scrape or bruise. We are always lucky to have her around.
	* Chase Ferree - Chase is returning to High Rocks for his second summer as a staff member after 5 years as a camper. Chase is an Eagle Scout, and has been playing violin, viola and guitar for several years. He is a sophomore at Washington University in St. Louis. He will be a cabin counselor and working in the hiking and backpacking program.
	* William Foreman- William is returning for his third summer and will again be a cabin counselor and instruct in both tennis and hiking. He is a senior at the University of Mississippi where he is majoring in International Studies along with a concentration in French. William has previous experience as an Eagle Scout, instructing in tennis programs, and leading Scout trips to Philmont and Seabase.
	* Terrell Garrard - Terrell has been at High Rocks since it opened in 1958. Many, many years ago she and Alice Chalmers were singled out as "perfect campers" at High Rocks, and in the years since that time Terrell has often remarked on the benefits to be gained from going to camp as a child. She has worked to make those same benefits available to present-day campers. We all enjoy her humor, her love of working with kids and her relaxed nature. Although Terrell used to be an excellent canoeist, she now puts her many years of experience to good use in the horseback riding program.
	* Don Gentle - Now in his 18th year at High Rocks, Don serves as an Associate Director and father of two daughters. In addition to his summer duties, Don directs the LEAP program that runs during the Spring and Fall at High Rocks, and teaches paddling classes for Brevard College. His background includes years of whitewater paddling experience and a master's degree from Ohio University in Physical Education.
	* Elizabeth "Zoob" Gentle - Zoob is now in her 19th year at High Rocks. She is an Associate Director who serves as the Program Director in the Summer. During the winter months, she coordinates staff recruiting . Zoob is a longtime High Rocks family member with years of experience working on the waterfront and with children and staff. Don and Zoob have been spending their free time playing with their five-year-old daughter Grace and their youngest camp piglet, Isabelle.
	* Andy Glas- A returning High Rocks staff member, Andy is a senior at Georgia Southern University where he is majoring in outdoor recreation and is a trip leader for Southern Adventures, the school's outdoor program. He will be a cabin counselor and a member of the climbing staff. His recent certifications include Wilderness First Aid, CPR, a USA Climbing Setter Certification, and a Leave No Trace trainer.
	* Magda Gluszek - Magda is returning for her second summer as our ceramics activity head. She has a BA in ceramics and a BFA in painting from SUNY Fredonia, and a MFA in ceramics from the University of Florida. She has been working the last 2 years as the resident artist at the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN where she has taught child and adult community ceramics classes. She has had several exhibitions of her work around the US. We are excited to have her share her talents and skills again with us this summer at High Rocks.
	* Jonathan Gotterer - Jonathan is a graduate of Georgetown University where he majored in History, with minors in Environmental Studies and Spanish. Jonathan is joining us as a fifth year staff member. He was a camper here for two years and has since participated in a NOLS expedition and a wilderness survival course that denies its participants any access to manufactured tools or supplies. Jonathan will be the assistant head of the hiking staff again this summer.
	Alex Gregor - Alex is coming to High Rocks for the first time this summer. He is a graduate of Davidson University where he earned his degree in Anthropology, worked for their Outdoor Program and as an employee of their IT Department. Alex loves to spend time outdoors and working with kids, which he will get to do while working in our Mountain Biking program and being a cabin counselor. Alex will also get to pursue another one of his passions with us this summer by being one of our camp photographers.
	*Jeff Guilford - Jeff is returning to High Rocks for his second year. Jeff learned of the camp when he came here as a student at Ravenscroft. He is a senior at NC State University, majoring in Philosophy. Jeff will be working in arts and crafts and in mountain biking as well as being a cabin counselor.
	* Chris Hampson- Hailing from Morganton, NC, Chris is a senior at UNC-Asheville where he is majoring in History and Environmental Studies. At school, Chris is a trip supervisor for UNCA Outdoors where he is the head kayak instructor. For his third summer on staff, we will have him putting his instructional skills to use on the paddling staff as a trip leader.
	* Ross Hegtvedt - Ross joins us from Atlanta, Georgia where he is a rising high school senior. After six years as a High Rocks camper, Ross joins our staff this summer as a Counselor Trainee (CT). A self-professed "city kid", Ross learned a love for the outdoors during his years as a High Rocks camper. This summer he will be assisting with hiking and backpacking instruction during the two-week session.
	* Kay Hunter - Kay has been directing our horseback riding program for the last eight years. Kay has been teaching in private schools for over 30 years and has been teaching on and off at High Rocks since the 1980's. Since moving to the area a few years ago, Kay has spent her time when camp is not in session working where she can put her knowledge of plants and gardening to use. She also takes long walks with her dogs, Bridda and Aria, and plays dominoes regularly with camp founder Jane Williams. We are glad to have her experience and talents at the barn.
	* Will Johnson – After five years as a camper and a year as a counselor trainee, Will returns to High Rocks. During the year, Will likes to backpack, climb, but especially to canoe and kayak at the National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. He is excited about joining the paddling staff this summer and his cabin counselor role. Will is a sophomore at UNC -Chapel Hill.
	* Taylor Jorden - After spending six years at High Rocks as a camper, Taylor now joins us as a Counselor in Training. Enjoying the mountain cool after his hometown of Houston, TX, Taylor has just finished his junior year in high school. As a camper, Taylor loved climbing and horseback riding, and this summer will be joining climbing staff to help instruct along with spending the session in a cabin.
	* Peter Kleinenz - Peter returns to us for his second summer from Miami University in Ohio, where he is a sophomore studying zoology and journalism. Caving is one of his big interests and he has extensive knowledge of caves in and around his home state of Ohio. Peter will be a cabin counselor and will work in hiking/backpacking and fishing this summer.
	* David Kirby - David is joining us again at High Rocks - though it will be his first year on staff, he spent a few years as a camper when he was younger. David is a graduate of George Mason University where he earned his degree in International Politics and he's planning on beginning law school in this fall. He has a lot of experience outdoors through High Rocks and Boy Scouts and is also a professional runner, frequently participating in races longer than marathons. We are lucky to have David joining our hiking program this summer and he'll also be one of our camp photographers and a cabin counselor.
	* Sandy Landreth-
	Houston Lee - This is Houston's first summer at High Rocks. He joins our unbelievable kitchen team and has been earning rave reviews by many hungry young fans. Houston grew up in Cashiers before moving to Brevard in 2000. He is currently working on his Networking Technology Degree and his personal favorite cuisine is Thai food.
	* Ben Little - Ben will be spending his twelfth summer at High Rocks this year - after spending 5 years as a camper, then a summer as a CT, and now a veteran staff member, he just can't seem to get away. He is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire where he earned his degree in Outdoor Education with a minor in Deaf Studies. Ben has contributed to many of the programs here at camp over the years, but this summer we're lucky to have him lead our Ropes Course and Caving programs.
	* Graham Logan - Graham has been at High Rocks for nine years as a camper and is now on staff as a Counselor in Training. A rising senior at Leon High School in Tallahassee, FL, Graham is looking forward to applying to the University of Florida, Virginia, and Chapel Hill in the fall. He brings his years of experience to the cabin, the canoe docks, and pottery.
	* Ashley Luster – Ashley is returning again to head up the arts and crafts program for her fifth summer. She has a love for the arts, particularly painting, and has several years of experience working with children. Ashley is also experienced with outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, tubing and canoeing, so she is able to fill in if necessary in some of the outdoor programs.
	* Scott Martin – Scott will be joining Camp High Rocks for his fifth year on staff. We are looking forward to having him as the head of archery and riflery this summer. He will also be helping out in ropes course and helping lead caving trips. Scott is a sophomore at Appalachian State University. Scott has received the Eagle rank in scouts and is also very active in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society.
	* William McCormick - William returns to High Rocks this summer from the Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education program at Brevard College. He has been active in Boy Scouts for many years and is presently an assistant scout master in his hometown of Orangeburg, SC. He has worked at Scout camps for several years. He will be working during the two week session as a cabin counselor as well as instructing in the swimming and the backpacking and hiking programs.
	* Will McDonough – Will has been a camper for nine summers and this will be his third summer on the staff. Will is going to be on the hiking/backpacking and archery/riflery staff this summer and looks forward to offering campers the same experiences he so enjoyed. We are excited to have such great camp history and knowledge on staff. Will is a sophmore this year at Wabash College.
	* Danny McGrew is a previous High Rocks camper who is coming back as a staff member for the first time. He is a rising sophomore at High Point University where he is working towards a Communications degree. This summer Danny will be a cabin counselor and will also be helping out in Arts and Crafts, Swimming, and Archery/Riflery.
	* Luke McMahon - Luke is returning to High Rocks for his second summer on staff. Luke is from Raleigh, NC but attends school at the Savannah College of Art and Design, where he is concentrating on filmmaking and photography. He has made films about energy awareness, social justice and nature. He is also an avid hiker and backpacker, having climbed New Hampshire's Mt. Washington, Maine's Mt. Katahdin and backpacked in several states. He will be working as a cabin counselor and a rock climbing instructor.
	* Lorraine McNamara - We are excited to have Lorraine returning to High Rocks again this summer for the two week session. This will be Lorraine's twenty-second summer as a camp nurse here at High Rocks. When she first came to camp as one of our nurses, her boys, Patrick and Daniel were 6 and 4 years old and now are grown men. Lorraine loves working with the campers and her warm personality and extensive medical knowledge are welcomed here. She is a Registered Nurse and works in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
	* Donni Milsap - Donni is returning to the kitchen staff for her second summer, following in her mother Billi's footsteps. She grew up in the area and has worked in various kitchen and personal assistance jobs.
	Rivers Myers hails from The University of Mississippi for his first year on staff. He is a rising junior and is working towards a degree in Classics. Rivers has experience as a camper and staff member at a camp in Alabama; this year we are lucky to have Rivers join us as a cabin counselor and instructor in our Fishing and Soccer programs.
	* Zach Nichols - With years of experience at scout camps, Zach joins us from the University of Alabama for his fourth summer at High Rocks. Zach will be a member of the paddling staff as well as a cabin counselor and is excited about returning to camp. He is an enthusiastic kayaker and likes to paddle difficult runs, but has been introduced to and improved his skills in open boats while working at High Rocks.
	* Dan Noland - A Ph.D. teaching English and Linguistics at UNC-Wilmington, Dan is spending his 37th summer at High Rocks. A brother-in-law to Townsend, Dan has been an integral part of shaping camp's philosophy and activities over the years. Campers and staff alike appreciate his warmth, humor, and wonderful campfire stories. He knows the woods around us, so campers and staff should get him to share his knowledge of the flora and fauna they encounter on hikes and walks around camp. Dan is an avid gardener and loves to answer questions about his heirloom plants.
	* Woody Noland - Woody is the head counselor of our program this summer. A graduate of William and Mary, he has spent the last several years living in the Brevard area working full-time at High Rocks. A grandson of the camp founders, Jane & Sumner Williams, Woody has been at High Rocks a majority of his summers, beginning as a toddler. As a camper, he enjoyed most of the activities, but was an avid paddler. Woody is looking forward to seeing all new and returning faces rolling up the road this summer.
	*Elliott Opel - Elliot is a Assistant Counselor this summer after 6 years as a camper and a year as a Counselor Trainee. He is a senior at Frederica Academy in St. Simons Island, GA, where he is on the basketball team and is active in community service. Elliot loves hiking and other camp activities and will be instructing in archery and riflery.
	* Fritz Orr- Fritz comes to camp this summer for his fourth year on the High Rocks staff, where he also spent three years as a camper. Fritz has grown up in the camp environment his whole life and has found High Rocks to be a natural fit. Fritz will be our head of paddling again and we couldn't ask for a more knowledgeable and experienced person for the role. He is an American Canoeing Association instructor/trainer and has helped design many of the popular boats in use today. He applied his skills to a few camp boats this winter as he re-conditioned our antique Old Town canoes. Fritz was also a member of the US paddling team from 1990-96. We are lucky to have him at High Rocks and welcome him back.
	* Rob Pingry - spent six summers as a High Rocks camper and is now back for his first summer on staff. He is coming to us from Purdue University where he is a rising sophomore studying Agriculture and Economics. Rob has had a lot of experience traveling and spending time outdoors – this summer he’ll be putting his skills to use as a cabin counselor and Paddling instructor.
	Jake Posner - Jake is joining us for his first summer as a counselor at High Rocks. He's coming all the way from Greenfield Massachusetts, where he is currently a part of an Outdoor Leadership Program. He has gained lots of experience through this program doing everything outdoors from paddling to climbing to backpacking and leading kids through those activities as well. Jake will be putting his experience to use in our climbing and ropes course programs this summer, as well as in the cabin with a group of youngsters.
	* Alex Procton - Alex joins us from Greensboro, North Carolina where he is a rising high school senior. After six years as a High Rocks camper, Alex joins our staff this summer as a Counselor Trainee (CT). This summer he will be assisting with rock climbing instruction during the two-week session.
	* Scott Richardson- Scott will be at camp for his third summer on staff. Scott has spent 7 years at High Rocks, so he brings a wealth of knowledge about our program and the surrounding area. Hailing from Richmond, VA, Scott will once again be part of our high energy tennis staff, specializing in the bracketology of our Camper/Counselor Tournament. Scott is a Freshman at Wake Forest and has spent much of his first year traveling with the men's basketball team as one of the managers. We look forward to having him back on staff.
	* River - This will be River's eighth summer as a camp dog at High Rocks. He has become very laidback and a sunny nap spot is only worth giving up for cookout night at the dining hall. It has been a long winter season and he is really looking forward to playing with new and old friends this coming summer.
	* Joe Rivers-
	Daniel Ryskiewich is a first-year staff member who comes from Washington University in St. Louis, where he is a rising junior studying Mathematics and Computer Science. He loves to spend time in the outdoors and really values working with kids. This summer Daniel will be a cabin counselor and help instruct Hiking and Archery & Riflery.
	* Gene Scerbo is returning to us after spending three years on staff at the turn of the millenium. After graduating Warren Wilson college with a double major in Biology and Chemistry, Gene then went on to get his Nursing degree from Florida Atlantic University. Currently finishing up his Nurse Practicioner studies, Gene will be with us in the role of Camp Nurse for our Three Week session. When not engaged in healthcare, Gene loves to run marathons, swim long distances in the ocean, and travel as far as Australia and New Zealand. He also has a wrestling background and represented the US Virgin Islands in Bulgaria. We look forward to having him back at camp!
	* Jonathan Splitlog - Jonathan joins us from Peachtree City, GA where he is a rising senior. After four years as a camper, Jonathan is at High Rocks on staff as a Counselor in Training. A self-described intelligent and handsome individual, he spent a lot of time as a camper in the pottery and horseback riding programs. This summer Jonathan will be lending his skills and humor to the cabin, Arts & Crafts, and Pottery.
	* Danny Stewart- With his wealth of carpentry knowledge and 17 years of experience working in a camp environment, Danny keeps our facility running smoothly. During the off-season, Danny has helped rebuild sections of cabins, build changing rooms at the Barn, renovate Crafts and Pottery, and placed a deliciously cold water fountain near the climbing tower. When he isn't busy on a camp project he is an active Boy Scout leader with Troop 701 in Brevard.
	* Billi Stoner - Billi is back to work in the kitchen as a cook, bringing her friendly smile and yummy recipes. Billi is from Brevard and has worked in camp and for camp founders Jane and Sumner Williams for several years.
	* Scott Sullivan - He is returning on staff for his second year at High Rocks. Scott hails from Mississippi, where he earned a degree in marketing from Mississippi State University. After a brief stint in advertising, Scott has gone back to school at East Carolina University where he studied for a Masters degree in Fine Arts. In addition to painting and drawing, Scott enjoys mountain biking, climbing, and kayaking. He will again be a mountain biking instructor this summer at High Rocks.
	* Joey Thomas - Returning for his third summer from Morganton, North Carolina, Joey attends UNC-Asheville where he is a junior majoring in Math. During his high school years he participated in a program that was founded by a long time friend of mine, Mike Fischesser. In the program, The American Adventure Service Corps, Joey taught his peers and younger children how to kayak, climb, and hike. He is looking forward to sharing his knowledge again this summer at High Rocks as a climbing instructor.
	* Taylor Timmerman - Taylor is returning to the riding staff at High Rocks this summer for her second year after being a camper and counselor at several camps, including Illahee. She is a student at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill where she is majoring in Political Science/Environmental Studies. In her previous experience teaching riding, she has enjoyed watching her students progress in their skills and knowledge of horse care, which makes her a good fit for our riding program. Her previous experience has also made her aware of the hard work required to maintain a safe, effective program which in turn makes her a valuable staff member.
	* Elizabeth Thompson- Elizabeth will be joining High Rocks for her second summer on staff. She recently graduated from Brevard College (8 miles from High Rocks!) with a double major in Psychology and Wilderness Leadership/Experiential Education. This summer Elizabeth will be facilitating our ropes course, leading caving trips as well as helping the logistical side of our tripping program. We know she will be super busy and are looking forward to having her back for the summer.
	* Tsali- Tsali is our youngest staff member, almost a year old. Tsali is our apprentice camp dog, learning the responsibilities of the Camp Dog from her mentor, Crescent. She is also our Manager of Lost and Found and has a serious sweet tooth for dodgeballs. Lots of folks have asked about the Cherokee name "Tsali". A brief accounting of the life of Tsali can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsali
	* Ashley Upchurch - Ashley is rejoining us at High Rocks this summer from Columbia South America where she has been teaching this past year. Ashley graduated from East Carolina University where she had a Teaching Fellow sholarship. She will be instructing horseback riding. The riding staff and the rest of us at High Rocks are glad to have her back.
	* Liz Walker - She is returning for her second year on staff. Liz will be the assistant head of our mountain biking program this summer. She comes to us from Brevard College where she is majoring in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education and Religious Studies. She has taught mountain biking and rock climbing at college, in rock gyms, and also at Camp Illahee. Liz comes to us with a good background to add to the strength of our staff and a contagiously energetic attitude.
	Morgan Williams- Joining us for her first year on staff at High Rocks, Morgan will be helping us in the office, infirmary, and around camp. After seven years as an elementary school teacher, her experience will be invaluable for the staff as a resource. Morgan finds camp life to be the perfect blend of her interests in working with children along with her soccer, biking, and photography skills. We are lucky to have her!
	* Sumner Williams- Sumner is back for his second year on staff after seven years as a camper. Sumner just graduated high school from the NC School of the Arts and will be returning in the fall to their University. He is concentrating on the trumpet and is a key part of our campfires and lights out, with Taps resonating throughout camp. Sumner is splitting his time between working with the maintenance crew and teaching in our horseback riding program.
	* Lawson Yow- Lawson joins the High Rocks staff for his third year as a counselor after five years as a camper. He recently graduated from Colorado College where he majored in wildlife biology and conservation. At camp, he will be working on the hiking and backpacking staff and will be a tennis instructor. He was on the varsity tennis team at college and also has taken advantage of the opportunities for adventure that living in the Mountain West offers. He has backpacked in Yellowstone and spent time as a rafting guide on the Gallatin River in Big Sky, MT. He also worked on a project to search for ivory-billed woodpeckers, living in a tent on a bit of dry land in the midst of a swamp for six months.