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Happi
Adams - Joining us for her first summer at camp,
Happi comes from Durham, NC where she has finished her first
semester at UNC-Chapel Hill. Her background in art, competitive
swimming, and coaching will be put to good use as she joins
both the arts/crafts and swimming staff. Happi first experienced
High Rocks on a school trip her junior year of high school
and has been hoping to return ever since. |
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Taine Alison - Taine is a High Rocks veteran. She was
a counselor at High Rocks when Jane and Sumner Williams
owned and directed the camp over twenty years ago. Taine
is a teacher at Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
She will be teaching horseback riding during the four-week
session. |
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*
Ben Altheimer- A camper for seven years,
Ben will be returning for his first year on staff as a Counselor
Trainee in the three week session. Ben lives in Greensboro,
NC where he is busy attending school, working at a climbing
gym, tutors kindergartners, and volunteers for a school
program aimed at refugee children. At camp, Ben will be
adding his skills to the climbing staff, working on a CT
project, and assisting a counselor in a cabin. |
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*
Mathew Austin - Mathew is returning
for his third summer at High Rocks as the Head of the rock
climbing program. Mathew hails from Ashland, WI where he
has just finished his undergraduate career at Northland
College. He is an Eagle Scout and has spent a great deal
of time climbing and camping, along with a double major
of Outdoor Education and Sociology. We are excited to see
him around camp once more and look forward to a great summer
on the rock. |
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Josh
Baggett - Josh is joining High Rocks as our new
Assistant Climbing Head. A recent graduate of the Wilderness
Leadership and Experiential Education program at Brevard
College, Josh brings years of experience in climbing and
leading youth groups on wilderness trips. We are excited
to have him on staff and are wishing some dry climbing conditions
in his direction. |
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Stephen
Berlin - Stephen is coming for
his first summer at camp as a sophomore from Emory and Henry
College in Virginia. Stephen is currently in the Outdoor
Leadership Program at school and has chosen the discipline
of ropes with a focus on caving. In addition to his cabin
counselor duties, Stephen will be a member of the climbing
staff where he will put his passion for vertical challenges
to work. |
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*
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. |
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*
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 2007 marks the twentieth Summer that the Birdsongs
have directed High Rocks. |
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Alex
Blum - At camp for his first summer, Alex joins
us from East Carolina University where he is majoring in
Receation and Leisure with an Outdoor Programming twist.
Growing up in the woods and as an Eagle Scout, rock climbing
has become a serious pursuit for Alex and he will be sharing
his knowledge on the climbing staff as well as in a cabin.
|
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Bridda- Returning as the barn dog, Bridda has
never met a stranger and loves the cool floor of the tack
room. |
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*
Blaire Cannon – Blaire
hails from Greenville, North Carolina where she is majoring
in Art at Eastern Carolina University. She was a camper
at Rockbrook just down the road from High Rocks, but liked
her first summer here so much we get to have her back. Blaire
will be returning to the equestrian staff for the summer,
this time with her friend, and steed, Robert Redford. |
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Coleman
Cannon - Following the advice of her big sister
Blaire, Coleman is joining the High Rocks equestrian program
for her first summer at camp. Coleman also attends ECU where
she is in her third year studying nutrition and hospitality.
She brings experiences such as leading rides through national
park land in Jackson Hole and teaching in a therapeutic
riding program for children with multiple disabilities.
We look forward to having her on staff, and if she is anything
like her sister, camp's humor level will be kept high all
summer. |
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*
John "the Intern" Carpenter
– John spent last summer and fall working at camp
to complete his degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism
from Radford University. He has spent the past winter keeping
warm in the Florida Keys while leading adventure programs
but has decided to escape the heat and return for a second
summer. John will be splitting his time between the climbing
tower and leading trips for camp's first-ever caving program. |
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Clyde
Carter- Clyde is at camp for his first summer and
we are lucky to have him around. Clyde is an Associate Professor
at Brevard College and works in the Wilderness Leadership
and Experiential Education program, a source for many of
our past and present staff. Clyde has been dubbed a general
staff resource which has landed him the enviable gig of
taking trips with all the programs and lending his voice
of experience, and humor, to counselors and campers alike. |
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*
Kimbrough
Charbonneau - Kimbrough is returning to us as a graduate
of Appalachian State University, where she majored in Psychology
and English. She has over a decade of horse experience and
rode on the collegiate riding team. We're looking forward
to having Kimbrough contribute her equine expertise to our
Horseback Riding Program for her fourth summer. Kimbrough
is enjoying her new-found freedom with trips to Hawaii and
California before camp starts. |
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*
Crystal
Clusiau – Crystal is from Gastonia, North
Carolina and just finished her third year at Hollins University
in Roanoke, Virginia. She is returning for her third summer
at High Rocks as well, but in a new role. In the past Crystal
has taught rock climbing, facilitated the high ropes course,
and been head of swimming. This summer, she will be our
Assistant Program Director and we couldn't ask for a better
person to keep everyone and everything on track. |
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*
Nathaniel “Nate” Colston
– Nate returns for his second 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 will
soon take his books overseas to Prague where he will spend
the fall semester living in the Czech Republic. Natewill
again be working in the hiking program and keeping order
in the youngest cabins. |
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*
Crescent - This will be Crescent's ninth year
at High Rocks and her first 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. |
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Amy
DeVore - Daughter of Miss Debbie, Amy has just
graduated from AB Tech's Dental Hygienist school and has
made one very proud mother. This is Amy's first summer working
at High Rocks where she is joining Debbie and the rest of
the kitchen staff in their mission to keep all those hungry
boys very appreciative. Amy is beginning to take advantage
of her new surroundings with a growing interest in mountain
biking and has plans to live and work in Asheville at the
end of the summer. |
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*
Debbie DeVore - Miss Debbie is a native of Brevard
and is returning for her fifth year at High Rocks. This
summer she will be continuing the role of Kitchen Manager.
She has been the Cafeteria Manager at Davidson River School
and has worked with Transylvania County Food Service for
ten years. We are so excited to have her back in the kitchen! |
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Joey
DiGregorio- Joey is joining us for his second 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. |
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*
Ryan Donovan – Ryan returns
to us 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. |
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Sara Dunham – Sara will
be joining us at the barn for her second summer. She is
a Hispanic Studies – Education major at East Carolina
and just finished her senior year. Sara trains under former
riding head and barn manager Ellen Willson. |
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Jacquie Farley- With years of camp
experience under her belt, Jacquie will return to us as
the camp nurse for the four week session. With her son Ben
in cleats and in tow, Jacquie's accented humor and warmth
with both staff and campers will be a huge addition. We
are lucky to have her around. |
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Ben
Farley, M.D.- Ben will be serving as the camp doctor
during a week when Jacquie will be away. Ben is quite a
runner- he ran a sub-20 minute 5K race in Brevard on July
4th, putting him second for his age group. |
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*
Andrew Frame - After two years as a
camper, Andrew is coming across the pond from London to
see the staff side of camp life. This year has been rough
on Andrew, taking a Gap year off before attending university
to study biological sciences and filling his time with teaching
skiing in France and Canada. Along with a solid background
in arts and pottery, Andrew brings a zealous love of the
game of soccer (football) and will soon have the boys bending
it like Beckham. Although he will only be here for 3 and
4 week, we will keep him busy between the crafts, athletic,
and cabin staffs. |
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*
Promise Galloway – Promise
is returning for her second summer as the camp's office
manager. She lives in Brevard for the season and will return
to Boone, NC to complete her degree of Special Education
at Appalachian State University and graduate in December.
Promise has other big news, she is now engaged to Zach Russell
on the maintanence staff with plans of a wedding sometime
next summer! Our fingers are crossed that it comes near
the end... |
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*
Jay Gard – Jay is a long-time
camper who is returning for his first year as a staff member
and Counselor Trainee for the four week session. Jay brings
a love of High Rocks, a ton of experience in both mountain
biking and paddling, and an excitement to give present campers
the great memories he holds from his time at camp. Jay will
be working with the mountain biking program, assisting in
a cabin, and working to complete a CT project. |
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*
Adam Garland – Adam comes
to us from Asheville, North Carolina for his second year
as a cabin counselor and hiking staff member. Adam completed
a NOLS semester in the Aleutian Bahamas, where he sailed
and hiked, and worked this past fall with the LEAP programs
at camp. Adam plans on attending Warren Wilson College and
finishing his degree in Outdoor Education. |
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Terrell Garrard - Terrell has been at High Rocks
since it opened in 1958. We all enjoy her humor, her love
of working with kids, and her relaxed nature. This year,
Terrell will be putting her many years of experience to
good use in the horseback riding program. |
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Cameron
Gaunt - Continuing the family tradition, Cameron
is the third Gaunt to work at High Rocks. From Carrboro,
NC, Cameron has just finished his first year at Brevard
College where he is studying in the Wilderness Leadership
and Experiential Education program. Since the 5th grade
he has been keeping up with his older brother on the rock,
and brings all of his experience to bear in the cabin and
as part of the climbing staff. |
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*
Don Gentle - Now in his 14th 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. |
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*
Elizabeth "Zoob" Gentle - Now in her
fifteenth year at High Rocks, Zoob is also an Associate
Director who serves as the Program Director in the Summer.
She coordinates staff recruiting during the Winter months.
Zoob is a longtime High Rocks family member with years of
experience working with children and staff. Don and Zoob
have been spending their free time playing with their two-year-old
daughter Grace and their newest camp piglet, Isabelle. |
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*
Caleb Goodwin - A High Rocks veteran,
Caleb is coming back all the way from San Francisco for
the 4 and 2 week sessions for his first year as a full staff
member. Art and nature have been big influences in Caleb's
life and he looks forward to sharing his interests with
the campers through the pottery program as well as in the
cabin. |
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*
Jonathan Gotterer - Jonathan is just
finishing his second year at Georgetown University where
he is majoring in History, with minors in Evironmental Studies
and Spanish, before joining us as a first-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 both a cabin counselor and
a part of the hiking staff this summer. |
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*
Joel Gravely – Joel is
from Mobile, Alabama and will be spending his second summer
at High Rocks. He received a degree in Physical Education
from the University of South Alabama and will be working
on the tennis, soccer, and mountain biking programs during
the 3 and 4 week sessions. Joel plans on moving to DC after
the summer and hopes to land a teaching job |
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*
Zach Hallum - Zach will be joining
us for his second year at High Rocks where he will be splitting
his day in the mountain biking and pottery programs, as
well as a cabin counselor. While he will only be with us
for the three week session, his energy and wild humor will
be great to have around. |
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*
Moore Hamilton - Moore will be at the
four week session this summer as a first-time staff member
in a Counselor Trainee role. After years of camperhood,
Moore is ready to assume a leadership role in camp. He has
taken mission trips to the Gulf coast to rebuild homes,
helped at Denali Park with his youth group, and went on
a three week trip with Moondance Adventures aimed at bringing
out and practicing leadership skills in the backcountry.
He is interested in hiking, riflery, and climbing, will
be assisting in the cabin and helping on a CT project. We
are happy to have him back for the summer. |
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Trey
Harris - Hailing from Arkansas, Trey is in for
his first experience with Camp High Rocks. Trey is a junior
at the College of the Ozarks where he is double majoring
in Agriculture and Secondary Education. He is looking to
put his teaching interests to practice with the mountain
biking program this summer and hopefully escape a bit of
the summer heat up here in the mountains. |
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*
Leslie Hefner - Leslie is returning
to High Rocks after spending another year in France teaching
English. Leslie's considerable talents will be put to good
use on the swim docks and in the office. We are excited
to have Leslie back for a fifth summer! |
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*
Tim Hession - We welcome Tim back for his
first year on staff after three years as a camper. Just
finishing his freshman year at the University of the Arts
where he is majoring in music, Tim will be kept busy as
a cabin, crafts, and swimming counselor. We are hoping he
will also knock a bit of the rust off of the old camp piano
at morning assemblies. |
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*
Jay Hinton - Jay
is currently the Director of the Wesley Student Center for
the First United Methodist Church in Athens, Ohio. He also
has experience as a challenge course builder, and has had
the privilege of working on the High Rocks course in the
past. He will be here during the three week session with
his family- Jennifer, Noah and Autumn. He will be assisting
with the climbing program in the afternoons and also helping
out with soccer. |
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Jennifer Hinton - It's been a number
of years since Jennifer has been on staff, but she's back
for an encore performance in our three week session. She
worked in the office from 1997-2000 before taking a faculty
position at Ohio University. She is currently an Associate
professor and Coordinator of the Recreation Studies Program
at Ohio University. Jennifer has returned this year with
her husband, Jay, and her children Noah and Autumn. She
is in familiar territory, working in the office. |
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Katie
Holcombe - Arriving from Georgia College and State
University in Milledgeville, Katie brings a strong background
in summer camping as both a camper and counselor to her
first year at High Rocks. After a recent switch in studies
from Scientific Illustration to Outdoor Education, Katie
is looking forward to working kids through the ropes course
experience this summer and being in the mountains to escape
the southern Georgia heat. |
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*
Kay Hunter - Kay has been directing our horseback
riding program for the last five 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. We are glad to
have her experience and talents at the barn. |
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Will Johnson – After
five years as a camper, Will returns for his first stint
as a staff member and Counselor Trainee in the four week
session. During the year, Will likes to backpack, climb,
but especially to canoe and kayak at the National Whitewater
Center in Charlotte, NC. Will is excited about joining the
paddling staff this summer as well as helping in a cabin
role and working on a CT project. |
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Buck
Jones - His face is familiar around camp from years
of helping maintain the property, but Buck now joins us
full-time as facility management and general motorized vehicle
guru. Whether it be cutting fields no one else will go near
or keeping the camp bus in good condition, Buck has quickly
made himself a vital part of the staff. |
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Delaney Kloesel – Delaney
is from right up the road in Asheville, North Carolina and
is a rising senior at UNC-Chapel Hill where she studies
Psychology. Delaney had attended many camps herself and
will be returning for a second summer working in crafts
and tennis here at High Rocks. Recently she helped build
a nutrition center in Uganda. |
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Spencer
Kroll - Spencer comes to camp for his first summer
as a cabin counselor and hiking instructor. He has just
finished his sophomore year at Miami University in Ohio
where he is studying architecture and rows on the crew team.
Spencer spent his youth in Scouts, leading high school hiking
trips for younger students, and coaching a crew team. |
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James Kurleto - James is back for a
second summer at camp where he instructs mountain biking
and is a hit as a cabin counselor. James teaches school
in the Brevard area and so will arrive to us later into
the three week session, but will bring his calm, friendly
nature and great experience at a key time for camp. |
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Sandy Landreth - Sandy will be joining us for her fourth
year on the kitchen staff this summer. She has had many
years experience working in schools as a cook for the Transylvania
County Food Service. |
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Ben Little - A former High Rocks camper, this is Ben's
second summer as a full counselor. He just finished his
sophomore year at the University of New Hampshire where
he studies outdoor leadership, and kayaks in his free time.
Ben will be utilizing his years of experience in the cabin
and will be a member of our paddling staff. We feel lucky
to have Ben joining us again this summer. |
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*
Leanne Loftis- This will be Leanne’s
eighth summer working in the High Rocks kitchen. When not
working at High Rocks, Leanne goes to school in Asheville
where she is studying Criminal Justice. She grew up in Brevard
and has been a great addition to the kitchen staff. |
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Ashley Luster – Ashley comes
to us from Colorado Springs. She has a love for the arts,
as well as children. Ashley is heading up the arts and crafts
program for her second summer. |
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Will MacBain – Will hails from
Charlotte, NC but goes to boarding school at McCallie in
Chattanooga, TN. As a camper for five years, Will brings
an understanding and love of High Rocks to the four week
this year, but in a new staff role as a Counselor Trainee.
Will is a Boy Scout, has taken trips to the Gulf to help
rebuild damage from Katrina, and has attended a Moondance
Adventure trip in Jackson Hole, WY where he rafted the Salmon
river, hiked around the base of the Tetons, and then climbed
those same peaks. Will is interested in hiking, tennis and
climbing, helping out in the cabin, and will be working
on a CT project for camp. |
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*
Randall Mann – Hailing from
Jacksonville, FL Randall has practically grown up at High
Rocks as a camper for seven years. This year marks the first
that he will be a staff member in a Counselor Trainee role
during the four week session. Randall loves to kayak, climb,
and mountain bike when he gets a chance and plays lacrosse
and runs cross-country for his school. In his free time,
Randall enjoys playing the guitar, which he will hopefully
continue at campfires this summer, and has joined a mentoring
program for fifth graders. We are excited to have Randall
back at camp this summer instructing activities, helping
in the cabin, and working on a CT project for camp. |
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Scott Martin – Scott attends
Brevard High School and will be an Assistant Counselor for
the summer. We are looking forward to having his Eagle Scout
skills helping out on the climbing staff and anywhere else
that may need him. |
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Bet Matthews - For almost two decades now Bet has
been working at High Rocks during the summer in the craft
shop, kitchen, and office. When not at camp, Bet teaches
first grade in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. |
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David Matthews – David has been an integral part of
the crafts program for years, drives many trips, and helps
keep the place in working order. During the year, he teaches
high school and coaches basketball and softball. We're lucky
to have David at camp whenever we can get him. |
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Sabrina
McDonnell - Sabrina comes to High Rocks for her
first summer this year as our new three week camp nurse.
Hailing from Ormond Beach in Florida, she has kindly parted
from the ocean for a cooler stint in the North Carolina
mountains. Sabrina has been an registered nurse for 23 years
and currently works in her local school system during the
year. She is joined by her three sons as well and we welcome
the family to camp. |
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*
Will McDonough – Will has been
a camper for eight summers and is excited for the chance
to come back as a Counselor Trainee and be a staff member.
Will is interested in hiking, archery and riflery, and swimming
at camp and looks forward to offering campers the same chances
and experiences he so enjoyed. We are excited to have such
great camp history and knowledge on staff. |
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*
Lorraine McNamara - We are excited to have Lorraine
returning to High Rocks again this summer. This will be
Lorraine’s nineteenth summer as a camp nurse here
at High Rocks. Her warm personality and extensive medical
knowledge are welcomed here. She is a Registered Nurse and
works in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. |
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Erica
Miller - Erica is a new addition to the ECU contingent
that has been growing over the past several years. She is
a rising junior at school where she is studying Elementary
Education with the goal of teaching 2nd or 3rd grade upon
graduation. A lifelong equestrian, Erica is working on the
riding staff at camp. |
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*
Pam Mooney - Pam has been a part of
the High Rocks family for many years. She has lived in the
Brevard area for sixteen years and is married with three
children. This summer Pam is again part of the kitchen staff,
the most popular crew in camp, and says she will always
consider High Rocks her second home. |
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Scott
Nadeau - Scott is here for his first summer as
the head of the hiking program. Scott comes from Aurora
University where he graduated with a B.S. in Recreation
Administration. As an Eagle Scout and Asst. Scout Master,
the step into his hiking instructor role should come naturally. |
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Zach
Nichols - With years of experience at scout camps,
Zach joins us from the University of Alabama for his first
summer at High Rocks. Zach will be a member of the paddling
staff as well as a cabin counselor and is excited about
getting out on new rivers in the area. |
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*
Camille Noland - Camille rejoins the
staff after a year away and we are excited to have her experience
and humor back on board. Camille took last summer off to
work at an animal clinic in Thailand and is now looking
forward to being a part of the equestrian crew once more. |
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*
Dan Noland - A Ph.D. teaching English and Linguistics
at UNC-Wilmington, Dan is spending his 35th 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 and
humor. |
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Woody Noland - Woody will be the head counselor of our
program this summer. He has spent the last year living in
the Brevard area and working at or travelling for camp.
Woody is looking forward to seeing all the faces from the
road arrive for the summer. |
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Fritz
Orr- Fritz comes to camp this summer for his first
year on the High Rocks staff, although he spent several
camper years here, a while back. Fritz has grown up in the
camp environment his whole life and has stepped right into
the swing of things around here. Fritz will be our new Head
of paddling and we couldn't ask for a more knowledgable
and experienced person for the role. He is designated an
ACA instructor/trainer, has helped design many of the popular
boats in use today, and was a member of the US paddling
team from 1990-96. We are lucky to have him and welcome
him aboard. |
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*
Strickland Parks - Strickland has been a part of the
High Rocks community since the age of nine when he first
attended camp. This summer he is returning for his eighth
summer on staff and heads up the ropes course. Strickland
just completed his college career with a business major
at Brevard College, where he was also a member of the tennis
team. |
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*
Stephanie Parsons- Joining us for her
fifth year at High Rocks teaching pottery, Stephanie lights
up the room with her exuberance. During the year Stephanie
teaches k-5 art in Asheville, North Carolina. |
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Toby Ridge – Toby is coming all
the way from Michigan to work at High Rocks for her third
summer. She graduated from Northland College with a BS in
Outdoor Education. She has worked at Girl Scout camps as
well as with her college’s outdoor program. Toby has
also helped out with the High Rocks LEAP programs in the
fall and spring. Toby is a highly capable member of our
equestrian staff. |
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River - This will be River's fifth summer as a camp
dog at High Rocks. He has become a typical adolescent --
full of energy, but trying hard to develop his coordination.
It has been a long Winter season and he is really looking
forward to playing with new and old friends this coming
summer. |
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Zach Russell- From nearby Waynesville,
North Carolina, Zach keeps our facility in tip-top shape.
He is a senior at Appalachian State University and is expecting
to graduate in December with a degree in Criminal Justice. |
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Tyler Saron – For eight years,
Tyler has been enjoying High Rocks as a camper, and now
he returns for his first staff role as a Counselor Trainee
during the four week session. Tyler is from Sparks, MD but
feels like camp is a second home for him. During the year
Tyler plays on the lacrosse team at school and has volunteered
at the Special Olympics for five years running. He is interested
in paddling first and foremost, followed closely by pottery
and soccer. We are excited to have his experience helping
out in the cabin and working on a CT project for the summer. |
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Henry
Schenker - Henry will be a part of the mountain
biking crew and a cabin counselor for his first summer here.
Having just graduated from Lake Forest College, Henry is
looking forward to a summer spent outdoors sharing knowledge
from an Eagle Scout background, as well as some very polished
piano skills and fluent French skills made even more authentic
from a stint learning tax law in Paris. |
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Danny Stewart- With his wealth of carpentry
knowledge and 14 years of experience working in a camp environment,
Danny keeps our facility running smoothly. During the spring
Danny transformed our infirmary and camp offices, completely
remodeling both buildings. When he isn't busy on a camp
project he is an active Boy Scout leader with Troop 701
in Brevard. |
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David Strauss- David has been both
a long-term camper and staff member at High Rocks and joins
us again for the three and four week sessions after a hiatus
last summer. A student a Dartmouth, David enjoys kayaking
and mountain biking both at camp and at school, and mixes
it up with various research projects, one of the most recent
dealing with the Aurora Borealis. This summer David will
be both a cabin counselor and back on the water teaching
all manner of whitewater craft. It will be great to have
him back and to hear his mandolin at morning assemblies
and campfires. |
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Brett Suess – Brett hails from
Hendersonville, North Carolina. He is actively involved
in Boy Scouts, and has recently earned his Eagle Scout Rank.
Brett will be an Assistant Counselor this summer and will
work with the climbing staff, among others. |
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Emily
Sutton - Emily hails from ECU and will be working
on the equestrian staff this summer. She has just finished
her first year at school where she is studying biology and
has also worked at the NC State University Vet Hospital.
Emily is a member of a collegiate riding team and considers
it a dream come true to instruct children in the equestrian
arts in such a beautiful setting. |
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Nathan
Tate - Having worked a couple of spring LEAP programs
with us, Nate fell in love with camp and jumped on the chance
to return for 4 and 2 week. Nate graduated from the University
of Wisconsin with a B.A. in History and now teaches high
school students while working on a Masters in Education.
We are looking forward to having him on staff and are sorry
we couldn't get him for the whole summer. |
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Betsy
Textor – Betsy is an RN from Valrico, FL
where she works in the school system. Although she has been
a camp nurse in previous summers, this will be her first
year at High Rocks where she will be working the two week
session. We are excited to have her here and hope the cool
mountain air will keep her coming back. |
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*
Ashley Upchurch – Ashley is from
Raleigh, NC. She is a rising junior at Eastern Carolina
University where she is studying middle grades education.
She has a love for animals and the outdoors. Ashley will
be a member of the barn staff for her second summer and
kept the excitement level high throughout the year with
a 300 day camp countdown. |
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Seth
Walker - Seth brings 12 years of summer camping
experience to High Rocks where he will be a cabin counselor
and climbing instructor. After graduating from Unity College
with a major in Outdoor Recreation, Seth moved to the Keys
where he spends his winters as a guide and program director
for Florida Sea Base, a Boy Scout camp teaching fishing,
snorkeling, and sea kayaking. We are happy to have Seth
on staff and hope he enjoys the change of scenery. |
 |
Kevin
Williams - On an internship for Recreation, Parks,
and Tourism from Radford University, Kevin will be a cabin
counselor by night, and teach archery, riflery, and hiking
by day. He has worked for the past 8 years at the Southwest
4-H center as a volunteer and then full staff member, and
now is looking forward to the opportunity to learn as much
about camping as possible with an eye towards a career in
the camping industry. |
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*
Sarah Winfree- This will be Sarah’s
third summer with us at High Rocks. Sarah has been a horseback
riding instructor for several years and will bring a great
deal of experience to the riding program at High Rocks.
|
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*
Coats Wood- This will be Coats’
eighth summer here at High Rocks but his second year on
staff. He will be an assistant counselor this year and will
be working in the paddling program for the four and two
week sessions. |
 |
John
Wood - John comes to us from Warren Wilson College
in Asheville, NC where he has just completed his first year
of an Outdoor Leadership and Environmental Studies degree.
After growing up in Scouting and participating in numerous
camping trips throughout the US and Canada, John spent a
year working for Americorps where he instructed children
from New York all manner of outdoor skills. At college,
John has had the chance to continue learning paddling skills
from old High Rocks alumni and looks to put those experiences
to use as a paddling staff member. |
 |
Austin
Yarber - Austin just graduated from East Tennessee
State University with a degree in Fine Arts and a concentration
in Sculpture, an easy decision for the pottery staff. This
is Austin's first year on staff and he is excited about
the chance to teach campers those skills he has just finished
honing. Austin is also planning on going back to school
in the fall to begin a Masters of Art degree aimed at teaching
and we are happy to have his creativity and enthusiasm on
board. |
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*
Massey Zieman - Massey was a camper
for five years, returned for his CT year, and now joins
us for his first summer as a full counselor. He has just
finished up his first year at the University of Virginia
and is excited for the chance to learn from all the other
staff, as well as pass on his own extensive camp experiences
to this year's campers. Massey will be a cabin counselor
and will also work on both the paddling and climbing staffs. |
 |
*
Troy Zieman- Troy was also a camper
for five years, had an excellent CT year in which he helped
build the new Still Oaks shelter, and now gets his first
crack at being a full counselor. Troy has just finished
his freshman year at UVA and took the previous summer off
from camp to go on a NOLS rock climbing course in Wyoming.
His skills will be put to use on the paddling staff as well
as climbing and in a cabin counselor role. |
