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Jeff Bendall- Jeff has a degree in business with a minor in German
from Southwestern University. While being an avid and skilled rock
climber, Jeff's calm and caring personality makes him easy to get
along with. We are excited Jeff is returning to the Rock Climbing
area as he will be working the two-week session with his new bride,
Adrienne. They will be joining us after their honeymoon in Yosemite
this summer. |
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*
Hank Birdsong- With over twenty-five years of experience
working with children in camp settings and with outdoor programs,
at Outward Bound and Discovery, Hank provides camp with a rich background
of knowledge and technical skill. Currently, Hank serves on the national
accreditation council for the Association for Experiential Education.
A UNC- Chapel Hill graduate with a degree in Recreational Administration,
Hank enjoys soccer and rock climbing. Past climbing ascents include
El Capitan, Liberty Cap and Half Dome in Yosemite. |
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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 2002 marks the fifteenth
summer the Birdsongs have directed High Rocks. |
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*
Josh Bishop- Josh has spent many summers at High Rocks
as a camper and CT. This summer Josh will be a hiking instructor and
cabin counselor. Josh has just finished his first year at Belmont
Abbey College near Charlotte, NC. He will be with us for the four
and two week sessions. We are excited to have Josh on staff this summer. |
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Bernie Bond-
We are excited to have Bernie helping us in the kitchen this summer.
She has been cooking great, healthy food for most of her life and
now brings this experience to high Rocks. Bernie is a long time resident
of Cedar Mountain. |
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J Bowen-
J attends Princeton University and is pursuing an Engineering degree.
He will be teaching Rock Climbing as well as being a cabin counselor.
J has spent a great deal of time in the outdoors through a program
in Morganton called Scouting Outward. J has received advanced first
aid training as a Wilderness First Responder and has many other outdoor
skills. |
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*
Brad Carter- "Chum" is back! That's right, the climbing
guru has returned for the three-week session. Brad has been on staff
here for over eight years and will be helping out as a head staff
member and with the climbing program this summer. Brad is currently
working on his masters degree at University of Tennessee in Chattanooga.
We are very excited to have Brad back, even if it is only for a part
of the summer! |
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*
Katie Crawford- Katie returns to us for her fifth year on the
waterfront, and returning as the Swimming Activity Head. Katie recently
was working as a journalist for the Hendersonville newspaper. We are
lucky to have Katie's sense of humor, smiles and swimming expertise
back this summer! |
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*
Crescent- In her second year as part of the High Rocks staff,
Crescent has moved on from being an "Apprentice Camp Dog"
to moving on to official "Camp Dog" status. |
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Robyn Davis-
Robyn joins us from Ontario where she attends the University of Toronto.
Roby grew up in New Foundland and this summer will be here first time
in the south. Robyn has extensive experience with English style riding
and will be working with our Riding program here this summer. Welcome
to High Rocks, Robyn! |
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*
Stuart Dodson- Some say Stuart has been here "forever"
(though he has several decades to go to catch up with Terrell and
Martin!). We appreciate Stuart's insightful facilitation skills, and
incredible in-depth knowledge of the ropes course. He continues to
be part of the High Rocks family for over a decade. We are delighted
that Stuart will be heading up the Ropes Course again this year. |
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Danielle
Dunlap- Danielle joins us with her husband, Rudy. She has a Leisure
Management degree from Appalachian State University and with her organizational
skills, will be helping Angela in the office this summer. |
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*
Rudy Dunlap- Rudy returns to us as the Head Counselor and year-round
Program Coordinator. With a master's degree in Recreation and Leisure
Management form the University of Georgia, Rudy's organizational skills,
humor, and leadership skills make a perfect combination for High Rocks.
We are excited to welcome Rudy and his wife, Danielle, to the High
Rocks family. |
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Ben Dyer-
Ben comes to us from Grinnell College in Iowa where he studies Biochemistry.
He is a avid runner on the cross country teem at Grinnell. Ben will
be working as a Hiking instructor this summer. We are excited to have
Ben with us! |
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*
Terrell Garrard - Terrell has been at High Rocks for several
years. We all enjoy her humor, her love of working with kids, and
her relaxed nature. This year, Terrell will be splitting her time
between Horseback instruction and Canoeing during the summer. Taking
time out from her life down in Madison, Ga., Terrell began coming
to Camp as a camper in 1958- the first year of camp. |
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*
Ryan Gaunt- Ryan returns to High Rocks for his fourth summer in
a row! He will be the Climbing Director this summer. Ryan graduated
from Brevard College last year with a Wilderness Leadership degree.
Ryan has been living in Chapel Hill and substitute teaching this winter.
Welcome back, Ryan! |
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*
Don Gentle - Now in his eighth year at High Rocks, Don will be
head up our Canoeing program. Don has multiple layers of experience
that he continues to offer camp, ranging from his experiences working
with a therapeutic camp, to his well-developed skills in paddling
and climbing, to his articulate organizational skills in trip preparation
and group programming. His background includes a Master's degree from
Ohio University in physical education with a recreational studies
focus. |
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*
Elizabeth "Zoob" Gentle- Now in her tenth year, Zoob
is responsible for the demanding position of summer program director.
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. It is wonderful to have her skills on a year
around basis. Zoob and Don were married this winter in Columbia, SC. |
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Harold Gertner- Harold is also a High Rocks veteran, having
been both a camper and a counselor for many, many years. Harold is
currently working on his PH.D. in Florida, and will be joining the
Paddling staff for the summer. We are excited to have Harold back! |
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Mindy Goodman-
Mindy is joining us from Longwood, FL. She has been working on her
nursing degree for the last year and a half. Mindy is going to be
working in Arts and Crafts and Pottery this summer. She has several
summer of camp experience working with girls in Florida. |
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Jessie Graflin- From Riverside, CA, Jessie returns to our
Horseback Riding staff and has several years of riding and showing
experience. She attends Randolph Macon Women's College and is a third-year
English major. It is wonderful to have Jessie back. |
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Jennifer Gray- Jennifer joins us for her second year as
a Horseback Riding instructor. She comes from just over the mountain
in the town Pisgah Forest, NC. She has taught many children how to
ride and she is a great addition to our riding program. |
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Angela Gryder- In her fourth year, Angela is the Office Manager.
During the winter she helps with several website projects. In her
spare time, she enjoys family hikes, traveling with her husband Bill
and their four-year old son, John David, who you will likely see playing
and enjoying camp. We are looking forward to welcoming a new Gryder
family member in August! |
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*
Bill Gryder- Bill joined High Rocks full-time in 2000 as
Kitchen Manager, we have already been enjoying many of his wonderful
creations. After the task of feeding numerous campers, staff, and
training groups, Bill assists with the maintenance of camp in the
winter. In previous years as a staff member he assisted campers in
activities such as riflery, archery, and climbing, which he still
enjoys in his free time. |
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Paul Haywood-
Paul attends Berry College in Mount Berry, GA where he is studying
Environmental Science. He will be working at High Rocks as a Mountain
Biking instructor. Welcome to High Rocks, Paul! |
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Leslie Hefner-
Leslie has just finished her first year at Winthrop University in
Rock Hill, SC. Leslie is going to be with the swimming and arts and
crafts programs. We are excited to have Leslie join us this summer! |
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Jessica Kaplan-
Jessica has just finished her second year at UNC- Chapel Hill. She
is majoring in biology and psychology. Jessica is going to be working
on the swim docks this summer as a lifeguard and swimming instructor.
Jessica has been a lifeguard and swim instructor for several years
in Clemmons, NC. We are very excited to have Jessica join our staff
this summer. |
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Dan LaCroix-
Dan joins us from the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond,
VA where he is studying painting and printmaking. Dan will be playing
in the Arts & Crafts room as well as instructing sailing. Welcome,
Dan! |
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Rob Lamb- Rob is joining us for his fourth summer at High
Rocks. He just returned from a winter spent in Taos, NM. Rob will
be instructing in the Hiking program during the four week session.
Rob will spend the rest of the summer getting ready for his trip to
France where he will be spending the next year instructing English.
Yeah, Rob's back! |
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Stephanie
Lemly- Stephanie will be working as the Pottery Head this summer.
We are excited to have her expertise in the ceramics and education
areas. Stephanie graduated from East Carolina Univ. with a Fine Arts
degree and is currently pursuing teaching license at UNCA. |
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Leanne Loftis- Leanne returns to us for her third year
as an assistant cook. Thanks to Leanne's wonderful creations, we won't
go hungry this summer! Welcome back, Leanne. |
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Dan Long- Dan was a camper at High rocks and now brings this perspective
to us as a counselor. He attends the Miami University where he is
studying Studio Art & Photography. Dan will be working as a Rock
Climbing instructor this summer. |
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Bet Matthews - For over a decade now Bet has been working
at High Rocks during the summer in the craft shop, kitchen, and
office. When not at camp, Bet teaches kindergarten near Winston-Salem,
NC. A web page was developed to celebrate her first half-century-
www.betmatthews.com.
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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. David joined us a few days late this year
in order to coach his girls' fast-pitch softball team to a state championship! |
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Doug McClure-
Doug is a Business and Marketing major at Western Carolina University.
His love for soccer and sports has brought him here to instruct these
activities. Doug will also be working in the Arts & Crafts area.
We are excited to have Doug here this summer! |
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Brian McGuire- Brian has been at High Rocks for a long time. He
will be working as a Climbing Instructor and cabin counselor for the
second half of the summer. As this is Brian's fourteenth summer, he
has a unique advantage of being able to relate with the campers from
his own personal experiences at High Rocks. We are glad he has returned. |
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Lorraine McNamara- We are excited to have Lorraine
returning to High Rocks again this summer. Her warm personality and
extensive medical knowledge is welcomed here. She is a Registered
Nurse and works in Durham, NC. Lorraine will be the camp "mom"
for the Three-week session. |
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Jenny Minniti-Shippey- Jenny is back again as part of our incredible
riding staff this summer. Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Jenny attends
Randolph-Macon Women's College. Jenny has spent the past semester
studying in Spain and traveling through Europe. We are excited to
welcome back, Jenny! |
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Tricia Moody-
Tricia attends school at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville
and is studying Forestry with a concentration in Wildland Recreation.
She will be working as an ropes course facilitator and hiking instructor.
Welcome to High Rocks, Tricia! |
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Pam Mooney- Pam works with High Rocks in multiple capacities throughout
the year. Along with keeping the facilities clean, Pam assists in
the Kitchen cooking us all great food! Pam is a hard worker whose
contagious smile keeps us all warm. |
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Shelley Moore-
Shelley attends Brevard College, where she is studying Art. She will
be working as an Arts & Crafts instructor this summer. She has
worked at camps previously and will bring that experience to High
Rocks. Welcome aboard, Shelley! |
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Elmyra Morris- Elmyra is joining us again this summer at our two
week Nurse. She is a RN from Jacksonville, FL. Her son Daniel has
been a camper for many years at High Rocks and will be helping out
as well this summer. |
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Joe Motz-
Joe will be working as a Mountain Biking instructor this summer at
High Rocks. He recently graduated from Juniata College where he studied
Psychology and Philosophy. In the fall Joe will start Seminary. We
are excited to have Joe working at High Rocks this summer. |
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Dan Noland- A Ph.D. teaching English and Linguistics at UNC-Wilmington,
Dan is spending his 30th 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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Josh Owen- Josh joins the High Rocks staff for his second summer
as part of the maintenance staff. A rising senior at Brevard High
School, Josh recently achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. This year
Josh formed the first-ever outdoor club at Brevard High, and is currently
working towards non-profit status for the organization. He is an avid
mountain biker and can often be seen biking the trails of DuPont State
Forest adjacent to High Rocks. |
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Scott Park- Scott has been with High Rocks for several years and
we are fortunate to have him back. This summer, Scott will be on the
Rock Climbing Staff. Scott is an excellent leader and communicates
well with the campers. |
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Strickland Parks- Strickland is back and ready to go! He has spent
many years at High Rocks as a camper and counselor and will be the
Athletics Director again this summer. Strickland has been in school
in Colorado spends his time studying and skiing. We are all glad Strickland
is back! |
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Nathan Parrish-
Nathan has been living in Brevard for a couple of years. He has been
enjoying the rock climbing opportunities near by. Nathan is going
to be on our rock climbing staff and a cabin counselor this summer.
This past year he has worked as a high ropes course facilitator at
the Earthshine Mountain Lodge outside of Brevard. |
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Salem- Returning for his ninth summer at camp, Salem has the distiction
of being the "Head Camp Dog". Known for his ability to accompany
hikers and bikers on their in-camp trails, he also can be found at
the climbing tower soaking up the shade. |
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Gene Scerbo- Gene spent the winter in Taos, NM and is back for
his second summer. A graduate from Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa,
NC in Biology and Chemistry, Gene will be the Hiking and Backpacking
Activity Head. Welcome back, Gene! |
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Genevieve
Schanoes- Gen joins us from Colby College in Waterville, ME where
she is studying Studio Art and Women's Studies. Gen has a lot of art
experience from her high school days at the school for the arts in
NYC. We are excited she will be instructing Arts & Crafts with
us this summer. |
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Martin Schmidt- Martin is returning to High Rocks as the Riflery
Head again this year. We are blessed to have him back year after year
developing and improving the program. Martin has been coming to camp
for well over 30 years now! If only we all were that lucky! |
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Dan Schulte-Sasse-
Dan comes to us from Grinnell, IA where he attends Grinnell College
studying Computer Science. Dan brings skills from past camps and the
Sierra Club. He will be teaching in the Mountain Biking and Hiking
areas. Dan is a dedicated runner and runs for the cross country team
at Grinnell. |
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Matt Scovil- We are excited to have Matt back for the second year.
Matt has been attending school at UNC - Asheville where he has joined
the soccer team. He will be working with Strickland as a Soccer and
Tennis instructor. |
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Jimmy Stanley-
Joining us for his first year on year-round staff as the Facility
Manager, Jimmy is still a High Rocks "old timer". He has
grown up around High Rocks- Jimmy's father worked at High Rocks for
over thirty years! |
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Paul Stockamore-
Paul comes to us from Wake Forest University where he is studying
Analytical Finance and Accounting. Paul will be working in the Mountain
Biking area of camp this summer. Paul spent the fall in Australia
where he did a lot of scuba diving and many other high adventure activities.
Welcome to High Rocks, Paul! |
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Anne Strauss-
We are excited to have the Strauss sisters here this summer! Anne
attends Washington University in St. Louis, MO and will be working
on the Waterfront in Canoeing/ Kayaking and swimming. Anne has a great
deal of camp experience from her summers at Rockbrook Camp down the
road. She is excited to be here with her younger brother, David, who
is a long time camper. |
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Sarah Strauss-
Anne's older sister, Sarah, just graduated form Washington University
in St. Louis, MO with a double major in Biology and Environmental
Science. We are excited Sarah will be working in the Hiking area this
summer along with working as the trip packer! |
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Sarah Stroud-
Sarah attends Clemson University and is a Biological Science major.
We are excited to have Sarah's high energy and enthusiasm here as
she will be teaching in the Horseback Riding program! |
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Will Talley-
Will attends Brevard College and is a Wilderness Leadership/ Experiential
Education major. Will's experience in the outdoors makes him a perfect
match for the Hiking and Mountain Biking programs. Welcome, Will! |
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Peter Teigland- Peter is a long-time camper here at High
Rocks and we are very excited to have him back as a counselor. Peter
attends McGill university in Canada and is a Wildlife Biology and
English Literature major. Peter will be teaching Hiking this summer. |
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Jim Toman-
Jim attends UNC-Chapel Hill and will be teaching Canoeing and Kayaking
this summer. Jim has a great deal of outdoor experience through his
participation in Scouting Outward in Morganton, NC. We are excited
to have Jim joining the High Rocks team! |
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Kathy Waller- Kathy, previously known as Kathy Thacker,
will be heading up the horseback riding program during the two week
session. Kathy has been on the riding staff for many years and joins
us again after a couple of years away. We are thrilled that she will
be joining us again this summer and look forward to all that she will
bring to the riding program. Kathy teaches riding lessons and manages
a barn in Greensboro, NC. |
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Clayton Webb-
Clayton comes to us from Orem, UT. Clayton will be working on the
climbing staff this summer. He has been a avid rock climber for several
years now and looks forward to spending some time in North Carolina.
We are very excited to welcome Clayton to High Rocks. |
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Parker Weber-
Parker goes to Johnson State College in Johnson, VT and is an avid
rock climber. He is an Adventure Education major and will be teaching
Rock Climbing here at High Rocks this summer. |
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Shannon Whitworth- Shannon returns to us again as the Arts and
Crafts Activity Head. We are fortunate to have a talented and creative
artist inspiring the campers to explore the realms of their own art.
Welcome back Shannon! |
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Lee Wood-
Lee is a rising sophomore at Appalachian State University in Boone,
North Carolina where he is studying philosophy and sociology. Originally
from Morganton, North Carolina, Ben has had extensive outdoor training
which he received from "Scouting Outward". Lee is looking
forward to being an integral part of our Mountain Biking staff this
summer. |
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*Su
Wrench- Su joins us after taking several years off from camp.
Su is living in the Alexandria area of Virginia. She was recently
married in March anticipates moving to Europe with her husband, a
officer in the air force, in the fall. We are very excited to have
Su back at High Rocks. She is going to head up the Horseback Riding
program during the three-week session. We are very lucky to have her
knowledge and passion for riding with us this summer
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