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*
Happi Adams - Returning for her
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. |
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*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. |
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*Kimberly
Best - Kimberly is working in the Program Office again
this summer, handling camper mail and the camp store among
her many duties. Her friendly face and willingness to chat
with campers who come through her office will make her a
popular addition to camp. Before coming to High Rocks, Kimberly
taught at Brevard Academy.
|
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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 2010 marks the twenty-third summer that the Birdsongs
have directed High Rocks.
|
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*
Betsy Blackburn - Betsy is back for her third year
at camp and will be working with our kitchen staff again.
Along with her culinary skills, Betsy brings an interest in
our new herb garden and the combination has been rewarding
to say the least. We are happy to welcome her for the summer. |
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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 has graduated
with a degree in Art at Eastern Carolina University. She
was a camper at Rockbrook Camp for Girls 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.
|
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*
Alice Chalmers -
Instead of canoeing, she 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.
|
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*
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. |
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*
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. Nate will
be the head of the hiking and backpacking program this summer.
|
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*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.
|
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*
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 continures to face one of her biggest
challenges this summer teaching Tsali to be a well-behaved
member of the camp community. |
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*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.
|
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*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.
|
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*
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 has been the Cafeteria Manager at Davidson River School
and has worked with Transylvania County Food Service for ten
years. 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 important as important as her knowledge of nutrition and
cooking in keeping the kitchen running smoothly. |
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*
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 Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC. |
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*
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. |
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*
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 |
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*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
and Backpacking as well as Canoeing and Kayaking.
|
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*
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.
|
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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 always lucky to
have her around. |
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*
Chase Ferree - Chase is returning to High Rocks for
his second summer at 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.
|
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*
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. |
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*
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 a pretty good canoeist, she now puts her many years
of experience to good use in the horseback riding program.
|
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*
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. |
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*
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. |
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*
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. |
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*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.
|
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*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.
|
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* 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. |
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*
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 used spent her time when
camp is not in session working at various jobs 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. |
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*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
and Backpacking and Fishing this summer.
|
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*
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. |
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*
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, Scott
is also very active in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's
National Honor Society. |
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*
Bet Matthews - For two decades now Bet has been working
at High Rocks during the summer in the craft shop, kitchen,
and office. Bet developed a great tolerance for active children
while growing up with her brother, Hank Birdsong, now the
camp director. She didn't let that experience destroy her
sense of humor or her ability to work with children. 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. David recently retired from a
teaching career, but still coaches basketball and softball.
We're lucky to have David at camp whenever we can get him. |
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*
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 sout 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.
|
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*
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 and Backpacking
staff and archery and riflerly staff this summer 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. Will is a sophmore this year at Wabash
College. |
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*
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, a rock
climbing instructor.
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*
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 Conner were 6 and 4 years
old and now have grown into young 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. |
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*
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.
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*
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.
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*
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 alike should get him to share his
knowledge of the flora and fauna they encounter on hikes and
walks around camp. And he is an avid gardener. Ask him about
his heirloom plants. |
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*
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 the faces from the
road arrive for the summer. |
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*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.
|
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*
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 many years ago. 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 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, 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. |
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*
Scott Richardson- Scott will be at camp for
his third summer on staff. Scott has spent 5 camper years
and a year as a CT, so he brings a wealth of knowledge of
the program and surrounding area. Hailing from Richmond, VA,
Scott brings a keen interest in hiking, maps, and spending
time in the backcountry. Scott is a Freshman at Wake Forest.
He has spent many days with the basketball team traveling
as one of the team managers. We look forward to having him
back and on staff. |
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*
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. |
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*Rob
Skeen - Rob
has been a part of the maintenance staff since last summer,
but in addition to his carpentry skills he has extensive
experience at various camps and schools with outdoor programs.
He is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a
BS in Recreation Management. When not working at High Rocks
he is a carpenter working in all aspects of residential
and commercial construction. With his wide and varied background,
Rob is a welcome addition to the staff.
|
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*
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 spring,
Danny has helped rebuild sections of cabins, install a new
maintenance shop, added bathrooms, 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.
|
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*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
be a cabin counselor and a mountain biking instructor this
summer at High Rocks.
|
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*
Joey Thomas - Returning for his third sumemr 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.
|
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*Taylor
Timmerman - Taylor
is returning tothe 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 will make 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
will also make her a valuable staff member.
|
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*Tsali-
Tsali is our youngest staff member, less than a year old.
Tsali is our apprentice camp dog, learning the responsibilities
of the Camp Dog from her mentor, Crescent. 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
|
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*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, at summer camps and in rock gyms where
she worked, and also at Camp Illahee. So Liz comes to us
with a good background to add to the strength of our staff.
|
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*
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 is 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. |
