Camp High Rocks Staff Biographies

Camp High Rocks Summer Staff for 2011

* Indicates a returning staff member or former camper

	* Josh Baggett - Josh is back at High Rocks for his fifth 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.
	Erica B. Banner - Erica joins High Rocks for her first year as one of our two camp nurses. She is a Brevard native and graduated from Brevard College before attending nursing school at Greenville Tech. Erica lives with her husband and young black lab on the edge of Pisgah National Forest, making it easy to step out of her back door and be instantly mountain biking or running beautiful trails. She is also looking forward to learning the camp property and accompany some hikes and bike rides with the campers.
	* Charlie Baumstark is returning to High Rocks for his second year and comes to us from Benedictine College where he has completed his sophomore year studying engineering. Charlie loves to spend time outside, and has spent time rock climbing and backpacking in Colorado. This summer we are glad to have Charlie as a cabin counselor as well as instructing in our Archery and Riflery and Pottery programs.
	* Benjamin Birdsong - Benjamin has enjoyed High Rocks his entire life and returns again to 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. Benjamin is finishing his sophomore year at Appalachian State university.
	* 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.
	* Mark Birdsong - Mark grew up at High Rocks and spent many summers here as a camper, but this is his first summer on staff. He has worked on the waterfront at Camp Raven Knob for 6 years, and has extensive experience working with kids. Mark is an Eagle Scout and a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s honor society. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a degree in computer science. Mark would like to continue to work in camping seasonally for now with the goal of working at camp full-time in the future. He is the camp videographer this summer, instructs swimming and occasionally lends a hand with Archery & Riflery.
	* 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 2011 marks the twenty-fourth summer that the Birdsongs have directed High Rocks.
	* Will Brechter - Will is returning for his third summer at High Rocks and will again head our sailing and soccer programs. He graduated with a degree in Architectural Studies from Tufts University and is looking to start a Master in Architecture program in the fall. Will has several years experience as a camper, played soccer for Tufts, and has been active in a number of outdoor activities all his life. We look forward to his enthusiasm for his activities and leadership for our Aides and CT's.
	Ryan Brinn –Ryan was a camper at High Rocks for 4 years, but this is his first on our staff. A rising senior at the University of Utah, his future plans include medical school. During the year, he enjoys snowboarding and skiing in Utah, and coaches soccer and basketball. Ryan is instructing Pottery and Mountain Biking this summer in addition to being a cabin counselor.
	Kevin Brown –This is Kevin’s first year at High Rocks, but he comes to us with extensive hiking, camping and rock climbing experience. He is originally from Florida, but fell in love with the West and Northwest during a summer working in Yellowstone National Park. Since then he has moved to Oregon where worked at Camp Arrowhead as a climbing instructor and served as a trip leader for mission trips in Peru. Kevin has also been a youth counselor and teacher for Eckerd Youth Alternatives in Boomer, NC. This summer he is a cabin counselor, a climbing instructor and a facilitator for the ropes course.
	* Blaire Cannon – Blaire returns for her sixth summer here at High Rocks. Blaire hails from Greenville, North Carolina where she received 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 our Riding Director for the summer, accompanied by her friends, and steeds, Robert Redford and Truman. In addition to leading our equestrian program, Blaire also uses her skills as a photographer here at camp and often her pictures are featured on our website. We have enjoyed having Blaire in the area this entire year as she made Brevard her new home!
	* John Carpenter – John is coming back to camp for his fourth summer and will be heading up the caving program which he created in 2007. John will also be assisting on the ropes course where he has years of experience along with an Outdoor Recreation degree from Radford University. In the past, John has worked for Cornerstone Designs building ropes course facilities for programs around the country, worked for a guided diving company in Hawaii, and most recently spent the winter working in Snowmass, CO. We look forward to having John back at High Rocks and he is excited about being in the North Carolina mountains once more.
	* 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 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 several 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.
	* Austin Chambers spent two years as a camper at High Rocks and is now returning for his second year on staff. He is finishing his junior year at UNC Chapel Hill where he is pursuing a Chemistry degree. Austin loves to spend time outdoors and can often be found at the nearest climbing spot, be that a rock face or bridge tunnel. Austin will again be instructing in our Sailing and Rock Climbing programs and a cabin counselor.
	* Russ Chorba- Russ was born in Kazakstan and now hails from Atlanta, GA where he is finishing high school this year. After spending three summers as a camper and one as a Counselor in Training, Russ will be with us during the 3 Week as an Assistant Counselor. 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 is a member of our year round staff and will be spending her seventh 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.
	*Ben Colston - Ben is returning for his third summer as a mountain biking instructor and cabin counselor extraordinaire. He is a junior at Walsh University majoring in Early Childhood Education, and has several years experience at youth camps before High Rock. His kind words and rhyming motivations are infectious and welcomed back.
	* Nicholas Colston is joining his brother Ben here at High Rocks for his second summer on staff. He is finishing his freshman year at Walsh University and has had a lot of experience enjoying the outdoors through camping, hunting, biking and more. Nicholas will be a cabin counselor with us this summer and will also be instructing Mountain Biking.
	Eric Conklin - This is Eric’s first year on staff at High Rocks, but he has a great deal of camp experience in Scouting. He is an Eagle Scout and member of Order of the Arrow, and he has worked as a lifeguard the past 5 years. Eric is a rising sophomore at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. After graduation he plans to find a job in the outdoor industry. His hobbies include Native American singing and drumming. At camp he is a cabin counselor and teaches swimming and fishing.
	Joseph Cornwell - Joseph has been a camper at High Rocks for nine years, was a Counselor Trainee last summer, and serves as an assistant counselor this summer. He will be a freshman at Georgia Tech in the fall where he plans to study aerospace engineering and to make that his career after graduation. He is instructing in our canoeing and kayaking program this summer. Joseph has been active in competitive swimming, participates in a number of church and community activities, plays guitar, bass and drums and is interested in music of all kinds.
	* Crescent - This will be Crescent's thirteenth year at High Rocks and her fourth 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 easily navigates through the summer's bustle to all of the warmest and sunny napping spots. One of her biggest challenges this summer will be continuing to keep Tsali a well-behaved member of the camp community.
	* Julianna Day - Julianna returns to High Rocks for her third year from Hollins University where she is on the Equestrian Team and is majoring in Environmental Studies. She has been active in 4H and instructed beginners in riding and horse management for several years. In addition to riding skills she brings her general enthusiasm for and love of the outdoors.
	Christopher DeLong - Chris is new to High Rocks this year, but he grew up at a summer camp in Baraboo, Wisconsin where his dad served as director. He is a student at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and his future plans include teaching English in Japan. His interests include the Green Bay Packers, being outdoors, Japanese and making music. Chris is instructing Hiking and Arts and Crafts in addition to his cabin counselor responsibilities this summer.
	* Debbie DeVore - "Miss Debbie" is a native of Brevard and is returning for her eighth year at High Rocks. This summer she will be continuing the role of Kitchen Manager. She's a big NASCAR fan and can keep you up to date on your favorite driver, especially #99. We are so excited to have her back! 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 fifth summer on our kitchen staff. From nearby Brevard, Joey is an Eagle Scout and is very active in the Order of the Arrow, a Boy Scout honor service organization. Joey is a student at UNC Charlotte and we are happy to have him back at High Rocks.
	* Ryan Donovan – Ryan returns for his fifth summer from Brevard College where he works with the Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education program. Ryan will again 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 along the coast, but seems to have made a home for himself in the mountains. Whether its climbing, paddling, fly fishing, or biking, you can always run into Ryan enjoying the outdoor offerings in the area.
	* Chris Dorrity- Chris is an Asheville native and is returning to High Rocks for his seventh summer directing our rock climbing program. He graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in Recreation Management and a concentration in Experiential Education and now has a Masters in Teaching from Western Carolina University. Chris has extensive climbing experience locally, has climbed outside the country, and has climbed El Capitan twice in Yosemite Valley. He has also 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, and has unique taste in music.
	*John DuBois - John is a senior at the University of Alabama, and plans to join the Peace Corps after graduation. Like several others on staff, he has extensive experience with Boy Scouts, reaching Eagle Scout at the age of 15. His outdoor interests include hiking, paddling and fishing. This summer, his third at High Rocks, John instructs Canoeing and Kayaking.
	* Sara Dunham –Sara is joining us at the barn for her seventh summer on the equestrian staff. A graduate of Eastern Carolina University, Sara is finishing her fourth 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. Before camp, Sara is spending three weeks travelling in Europe!
	Morgan Eudy- Morgan is joining us for his first year at High Rocks. He is a rising senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, with future plans to study psychology in grad school and to form a business consulting firm. He has studied in Munich, Germany, is an Outward Bound alumnus, and is qualified as an NRA Basic Rifle Instructor. Morgan is active in pistol target shooting competitions, refereeing soccer, backcountry hiking and weightlifting among other outdoor activities. At High Rocks he instructs Hiking, Archery, and Riflery in addition to his cabin counseling responsibilities.
	* 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 is 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.
	* William Foreman- William is returning for his fourth summer and will again be a cabin counselor and head up tennis for us in the 3 and 4 Week sessions. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi where he majored 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. He worked this year as a tennis pro for the Oxford Park Commission.
	* 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 loves to get out paddling or fly fishing when the chance arises. 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 two daughters, Grace and Isabelle.
	* Andy Glas- Returning for his fourth High Rocks summer, Andy is a graduate of Georgia Southern University where he majored in outdoor recreation and was a trip leader for Southern Adventures, the school's outdoor program. Andy will again be a member of the climbing staff. In his free time Andy enjoys climbing, mountain biking, and promoting the benefits of a bearded visage. We have enjoyed having Andy right down the road this whole year as he made Brevard his new home.
	* Liz Walker Glas - She is returning for her third 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 majored 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.
	*Jeff Guilford - Jeff is returning to High Rocks for his third year and we are happy to have him back. Jeff learned of camp when he came here as a student at Ravenscroft. He finishing his senior year at NC State University, majoring in Philosophy. Jeff will be working in arts and crafts and in mountain biking as well as being an excellent cabin counselor and even making appearances on the swim docks.
	* Bryan Ham - Bryan is coming to High Rocks for his third summer on staff. Bryan has spent time in South Korea and Japan teaching English as a second language. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in photography and media arts, and worked for the Men's Soccer team as their media manager, creating and compiling the team's digital library of photographs, game highlights, and video footage. He has also attended a the Art Institute of Charleston for Media Arts. He will be working this summer as a cabin counselor, soccer instructor and with photography and videography around camp.
	* Chris Hampson- Hailing from Morganton, NC, Chris is a graduate of UNC-Asheville where he majored in History and Environmental Studies. At school, Chris was a trip supervisor for UNCA Outdoors where he was the head kayak instructor. For his fourth summer on staff, we will have him putting his instructional skills to use on the canoe docks as the assistant paddling head.
	Eric Hermann – A long time High Rocks camper, Eric is a rising freshman at Stanford University. After his seven summers as a camper, Eric spent two summers participating in adventure expeditions with Adventure Treks. This summer Eric is serving as an Assistant Counselor and will assist in the cabin and help instruct hiking and backpacking.
	Colin Hull –A rising freshman at Colby College in the fall, Colin comes to us from Wellesley, Massachusetts. Although this is his first year at High Rocks he has spent several summers as a camper at Camp Mondamin and spent the last 3 years at Adventure Treks Camp. Last year at Adventure Treks, Colin participated in their Peaks Leadership expedition climbing 6 major peaks in Washington, Oregon and California. He is an Assistant Counselor this year at High Rocks instructing Hiking and Backpacking.
	* David Johnson – David is a Counselor Trainee this summer after five years as a camper and several years of participation in Boy Scouts. He is a rising senior at Myers Park High School in Charlotte. David’s brother Will is on the High Rocks paddling staff. He enjoys spending free time taking multi-day backpacking trips. David is an assistant cabin counselor this summer and instructs in Hiking.
	* Will Johnson – After five years as a camper and and two years on staff, Will returns to High Rocks. During the year, Will likes to backpack, climb, but especially kayak at the National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC. He is excited about rejoining the paddling staff this summer and his cabin counselor role. Will is a junior at UNC -Chapel Hill.
	* Jared Kassman –Jared is here for his first year as a staff member at High Rocks after seven years as a camper. He is a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he is also a UNC Challenge Course Facilitator. His career goal at present is to work in Africa regarding policy in human—animal interactions. At camp, Jared instructs climbing in addition to his cabin counseling responsibilities. He has extensive climbing experience, having climbed several 14,000 ft peaks. In addition to climbing he is interested in many sports and guitar.
	* Fletcher Keeley –Fletcher is a Counselor Trainee this summer after several summers as a camper at High Rocks. He is a rising senior at Greensboro Day School. Although he has participated in all camp activities, paddling has been his primary interest. He has spent several weeks kayaking in Chile, and also participated in leadership training programs. He is an assistant cabin counselor and instructs paddling.
	* Paul Kendall – Paul is a Counselor Trainee this summer after 8 summers as a camper and has returned this summer in the role of “Counselor Trainee” (CT). As a CT, Paul assists in the cabin, instructs paddling and Mountain Biking, and will be part of a CT project for the session. A rising senior at Charlotte Country Day School, Paul has just returned from a mission trip to El Salvador where he helped with the construction of two houses in an impoverished village.
	* Peter Kleinenz - Peter returns to us for his fourth summer from Miami University in Ohio, where he is in his senior year, studying Zoology and Mass Communication. He is just back from a semester studying wildlife biology at the University of Tasmania. Caving is one of his big interests and he has an extensive knowledge of caves in and around his home state of Ohio. This summer at High Rocks, Peter is instructing in Hiking & Backpacking, Fishing and Caving.
	* Sandy Landreth- Sandy is returning for her eighth summer as part of our kitchen staff. Sandy is well known for her delicious southern breakfast specialties. Her grits, cream of wheat, and biscuits-n-gravy are to die for. With funny stories and a warm smile to boot, Sandy makes everyone's morning brighter.
	* Ben Little - Ben will be spending his thirteenth summer at High Rocks this year. With experience as a camper, CT, and counselor he is a valuable resource for staff and campers alike. 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 is the first time we've had him year round as one of our facility maintenance crew. This summer he will continue to keep camp in great shape with occasional appearances on the high ropes course for old times sake.
	* Scott Martin – Scott will be joining Camp High Rocks for his sixth year on staff. We are looking forward to having him as the head of hiking and backpacking. He is a man of many talents having previously led caving trips, facilitated our ropes course, directed archery and riflery, and been a member of the climbing staff. Scott is a junior 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.
	Ashley McDonald – Ashley grew up in Raleigh, NC before making her way to UNC-Asheville where she graduated with a degree in Political Science. Throughout college Ashley also tutored middle and high school students, discovering a love of working with youth and living in the mountains. Since then, Ashley has spent a summer in the Northwest Cascade Mountains teaching mountaineering and climbing with some sea kayak trips through the San Juan islands. She also spent last winter working in Breckenridge, CO and perfecting her snowboarding in the one of the snowiest seasons in years. Ashley joins camp as our new assistant head of hiking.
	* Will McDonough – Will has been a camper for nine summers and this will be his fourth summer on the staff. Will enjoys hiking/backpacking, archery/riflery, and tennis 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 junior this year at Wabash College.
	* 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-third 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 third summer, following in her mother Billi's footsteps. She grew up in the area and loves spending her summers at camp. Donni especially enjoys creating new side dishes and adding variety to the salad bar.
	* Jack Monaghan - Jack is a Counselor Trainee this summer after 7 years as a camper at High Rocks. He is a rising senior at Mountain Brook High School in Birmingham, where he is a member of the varsity cross country and track teams. He is also a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Jack is an assistant cabin counselor and assists in paddling, climbing or hiking.
	Chelsea Naughton - Chelsea hails from Cleveland, Ohio and is a junior at Miami University. Chelsea is double majoring in Health Studies and Journalism and is also on the school’s sailing team. For the past four summers she has worked at an Ohio camp where she ran Crafts and Science programs. In her spare time she enjoys getting out of the city and hiking. At High Rocks for the first time, Chelsea is our head of Arts and Crafts.
	* Frederick Nesfield - Frederick is a “Counselor Trainee” at High Rocks this summer. As a counselor trainee, Frederick assists in the cabin, instructs an activity, and will be part of a CT project for the session. During his four years as a High Rocks camper we pegged Frederick as a future staff member when we saw him juggling and singing during skit night. It takes all kinds of talents and abilities to be a High Rocks staff member- performing in front of a crowd without hesitation is certainly a valuable asset!
	* Zach Nichols - With years of experience at scout camps, Zach joins us from the University of Alabama for his fifth summer at High Rocks. Zach will again be a part of the paddling staff as well as a head staff member and is excited about camp starting up soon. He is an enthusiastic kayaker, but has also enjoyed honing his open boat skills and becoming a proficient horseback rider. We've been lucky to have Zach here this entire year helping with facility improvements and assisting at the barn.
	* Camille Noland - Camille grew up spending her summers at High Rocks and spent several summers as a camper at Camp Green Cove as well. Her focus has always been in the equestrian program and she will be bringing her experience back to our riding staff this summer. Recently Camille has been living in Portland, OR and exploring the West Coast, so we are happy to get her back to North Carolina.
	* Dan Noland - A Ph.D. teaching English and Linguistics at UNC-Wilmington, Dan is spending his 38th 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 found in the High Rocks garden.
	* Pat Noland - A daughter of the camp founders, Pat grew up at High Rocks and has worked in many different areas of camp over the years. This summer, Pat is in charge of feeding all of our adventure trips out of camp. As a mother of three, she takes this job seriously and has been getting rave reviews for some of the lunch surprises! When not at camp, Pat is also a real estate agent for the surrounding area.
	* 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 returning for his third summer on staff after 6 years as a camper. He is finishing his freshman year at the College of Charleston and is looking forward to being back at camp. Elliot loves hiking, basketball, swimming, and other camp activities and will be instructing in archery and riflery.
	* Fritz Orr- Fritz comes to camp this summer for his fifth 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 L5 instructor/trainer and has helped design many of the popular boats in use today. His big news this winter includes getting married and launching a line of custom wooden paddles. 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 second summer on staff. He is coming to us from Purdue University where he is finishing his sophomore year 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.
	Graydon Pleasants - Graydon is a rising sophomore at the Rochester Institute of Technology, with plans to pursue a career in the tech/advertising industry in New York City after graduation. At camp this summer he instructs Arts & Crafts, Riflery, and Archery in addition to his cabin counseling responsibilities. Graydon’s hobbies include travel, music, lacrosse and emerging technologies.
	* Alex Procton - Alex joins us from Greensboro, North Carolina where he is almost done with his senior year in high school. After six years as a High Rocks camper, Alex rejoins our staff this summer as an Assistant Counselor. This summer he will be assisting with rock climbing instruction and living in a cabin.
	* Adam Richardson- Adam is a rising senior at St. Christopher’s High School in Richmond, Virginia. He attended High Rocks for six years as a camper and has returned this summer in the role of “Counselor Trainee” (CT). As a CT, Adam assists in the cabin, instructs an activity, and will be part of a CT project for the session.
	* Scott Richardson- Scott will be at camp for his fourth summer on staff and ninth year total, so he brings a wealth of knowledge about our program as camper and counselor. 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 sophomore at Wake Forest and has spent much of his second year working 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 ninth 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.
	Will Rogers - A graduate of UNC-Asheville, Will then went on to attend a concentration of ceramic courses at the Penland School of Crafts. He has since worked as a studio assistant for professional potters focusing on wood fired ceramics. Will also received a grant to further study ceramic arts and was an artist-in-residence at Anderson Ranch in Snowmass, CO. He joins us as our head of ceramics.
	* Hunter Rowland- Hunter was a camper at High Rocks for four years and is back for his first as a staff member. He just finished his freshman year at North Georgia College and State University. In the future he would like to pursue degrees in aeronautical and mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech and be a weapons designer for Smith and Wesson or a similar firm. His hobbies include trout fishing, hunting, clay shooting, flatwater kayaking and mountain biking. He instructs Archery, Riflery and Mountain Biking this summer in addition to his cabin counseling responsibilities.
	Stephanie Satrape - Stephanie grew up in North Canton, OH and is now studying Psychology and Business at Miami University. Stephanie previously worked at YMCA Camp Tippecanoe for two years and now joins our equestrian staff for her first year at High Rocks. Her favorite place in the world is Andros Island in the Bahamas after visiting on a senior year school trip.
	Allyson Shank - Allyson is from Canton, OH and now attends Kent State where she is studying Early Childhood Development. Allyson grew up as a camper at The Wilds so has found life at High Rocks to be a natural fit. In her spare time, she loves to go camping, play basketball, watch Duke or her hero J.J. Redick, and professionally does hair. At camp for her first year, Allyson is splitting her time between Arts and Crafts and Childcare and is looking forward to her first trip to Hawaii this coming winter!
	Andrew Simpson- This is Andrew’s first summer as a counselor at High Rocks. He is from Mississippi, where he is a rising senior at Belhaven University studying Sports Medicine. His future plans include advanced degrees in Athletic Training and Physical Therapy. This summer he is a cabin counselor, teaches soccer and is on the Hiking and Backpacking staff.
	* Danny Stewart- With his wealth of carpentry knowledge and 18 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, renovated the kitchen, regraded roads, and too many other projects to list. When he isn't busy on a camp project he is involved with the Boy Scouts, other projects, or thinking about future projects. We love him.
	* 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. Her laughs can be heard echoing from the dining hall all around camp.
	* Will Strayhorn- After six summers as a camper and three summers working with the Student Conservation Society on trail crews in National Parks, Will is back at High Rocks for his first summer as a staff member. He is a rising sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is interested in most outdoor activities, particularly hiking, running and lacrosse. At camp this summer, he instructs Hiking and Backpacking program in addition to his cabin counseling responsibilities.
	* Taylor Timmerman - Taylor is returning to the riding staff at High Rocks this summer for her third 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.
	* Tsali- Tsali is our youngest staff member, almost two years 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 after spending two months on the Appalachian Trail, beginning in Georgia. Ashley graduated from East Carolina University where she had a Teaching Fellow sholarship. She will be instructing horseback riding and bringing her infectious enthusiasm for everything camp.
	Leila von Stein - A graduate of George Washington University, Leila has since spent her time travelling and working all around the world. A native of Cedar Mountain, Leila has lived in Russia, Spain, and Costa Rica. She attended an Ayurveda school in New Mexico for two years and then spent several months traveling in India. For eight summers she worked for an international sailing and diving program that took groups to the Bahamas, Fiji, the Great Barrier Reef, etc. This is her first year at High Rocks and she is a part of our equestrian staff.
	* Andrew West - Returning for his second summer on staff at High Rocks, Andrew will rejoin the climbing and cabin staffs. Andrew's wit and boisterous personality make him a noticeable addition to the staff and a quick crowd favorite amongst the campers. He has spent time during this past year hiking on the Pacific Crest Trail and has grown up in a camp atmosphere.
	* Morgan Williams- Joining us for her second 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 third year on staff after seven years as a camper. Sumner is finishing his freshman year at the UNC School of the Arts. He is concentrating on the trumpet at college 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, with a side of cabin counselor thrown in.
	* Troy Zieman- This is Troy’s tenth year at High Rocks as a camper, CT, and counselor. He hails from Mobile and is part of our small but boisterous Alabama contingent. Troy graduated from the University of Virginia where he earned a degree in Environmental Sciences. Having spent last winter working in Jackson, WY during a record setting year, Troy’s next step is to begin full time environmental consultant work in Richmond, VA. At camp, Troy is sharing his time among the paddling, ropes course, and caving staffs.