Camp High Rocks for boys, a residential summer camp for boys in Western North Carolina

Summer Staff 2005

*Indicates a returning staff member or former camper.

	* 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. Taine is a teacher at Baylor School in Chattanooga, TN. She will be teaching horseback riding during the four-week session.
	* Mathew Austin- Is joining us for his second summer from Ashland, WI where he has just finished his sophomore year at Northland College. Mathew is studying Outdoor Education and Sociology. He is an Eagle Scout and has spent a great deal of time climbing and camping. He will be instructing on the Ropes Course and in Climbing as well as a cabin counselor again this summer.
	* Michael Bauman - Michael returns to us as a hiking and horseback riding instructor again this summer. He has just graduated from Emory University in Atlanta. His time at Emory included trips to Peru and the Bahamas. He graduated with a BS in Environmental Studies and he is very excited about sharing the things he has learned. Michael was a camper at High Rocks and has been on staff for four previous years.
	* Hank Birdsong - With over twenty-five years of experience working with children in camps and with outdoor programs such as Outward Bound and Discovery, Hank provides camp with a rich background of knowledge and technical skill. Hank has served on the National Accreditation Council for the Association for Experiential Education and is an Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 701. Hank is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in recreation management. He enjoys soccer and rock climbing when he can find the time.
	* Townsend Birdsong - Born and raised at camp (her parents built and ran High Rocks for the first 30 years), Townsend has camping in her blood. A graduate of UNC- Greensboro in Nursing, she has chosen horseback riding as her specialty. The year 2005 marks the eighteenth Summer that the Birdsongs have directed High Rocks.
	* Bridda- Returning as the barn dog, Bridda has never met a stranger and loves the cool floor of the tack room.
	* Landon Brown - 2005 will be Landon’s 9th summer at Camp High Rocks and his first as a Counselor Trainee. He lives in Asheville and is a rising senior at Carolina Day School. We’re really excited about having Landon back at High Rocks this summer!
	* Dylan Bruce - Dylan returns to High Rocks after completing his second year at UNC-Asheville where he is studying English and creative writing. In addition to being a cabin counselor, Dylan will be instructing in our Canoeing and Kayaking program this summer. We're excited that Dylan will be joining us again this summer.
	Brad Buckelew – This will be Brad’s first summer at Camp High Rocks. He comes to camp with a great deal of experience in all types of sports. He earned 11 varsity letters in high school! Brad just finished his sophomore year at the University of Richmond. In addition to being a cabin counselor, Brad will be instructing in athletics.
	* Kimbrough Charbonneau - Kimbrough is a Junior at Virginia Intermont College where she is majoring in Psychology and English. She has over a decade of horse experience and rides on the collegiate riding team. We're looking forward to having Kimbrough contribute her equine expertise to our Horseback Riding Program for her second summer.
	Leah Charbonneau – Leah will be spending her first summer at High Rocks this year. She just finished her freshman year at Appalachian State where she is studying International Studies of Third World Countries. Leah is a Yoga instructor in her spare time. Leah will be watching Don & Zoob’s daughter Grace and she will help out in pottery when time allows.
	John Clemmer – John is from Madison Mississippi and just completed his freshman year at Mississippi State University. He comes to High Rocks with lots of outdoor experience, including canoeing on the Boundary Waters in Canada and hiking on the Appalachian Trail. He will be a cabin counselor and soccer and swimming instructor this summer.
	Crystal Clusiau – Crystal is from Gastonia, NC and just finished her first year at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA. She has swum competitively for 13 years and will be working on the swim docks at High Rocks. Rock climbing is another area of interest for Crystal and she will be spending some time at the High Rocks climbing tower as well.
	* Daniel Connor - Daniel started coming to High Rocks as a camper in 1992 and will be joining for for his third year on staff this summer. In his role as a cabin counselor, Daniel will be able to draw on his years of experience as a camper. An accomplished kayaker, Daniel will be instructing in our paddling program in addition to his cabin responsibilities.
	* Katie Crawford- Katie returns to us for her sixth year on the High Rocks staff. She recently graduated from the University of Charleston with a Master of Arts in English. Since Katie's last summer with us in 2002, she married another longtime High Rocks staff member, Stuart Dodson. We are lucky to have Katie's sense of humor, smiles and summer camp expertise back this summer!
	* Crescent - This will be Crescent's sixth year as a camp dog at High Rocks. She continues to enjoy the privileged life of a camp animal and is also serving as a mentor to her young friend, River.
	Amanda Devore – Amanda is the daughter-in-law to kitchen manager Debbie Devore. She has several years of food service experience and is excited about working with Debbie this summer.
	* Debbie DeVore - Debbie is a native of Brevard and is returning for her third year at High Rocks. This summer she will be taking on 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!
	* Chris Dorrity- Chris is an Asheville native and is returning to High Rocks for his second summer directing our Rock Climbing program. He graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in Recreation Management with a concentration in Experiential Education. Chris has been working in the Asheville area for the last couple of years as a climbing guide for part of that time since his graduation. He continues to bring a wealth of climbing experience and knowledge of the local climbing sites to the High Rocks.
	Sara Dunham – Sara will be joining us at the barn for our 2-week session. She is a Hispanic Studies – Education major at East Carolina and just finished her Junior year. Sara trains under former riding head and barn manager Ellen Willson.
	* Michael Eblen - Having been a camper for several years and a counselor last year, Michael is no stranger to life at High Rocks. He will be joining us after having completed his sophomore year at UNC-Charlotte where he is studying mechanical engineering. In addition to his responsibilities as a cabin counselor, Michael will be instructing in our climbing program.
	* Fritz Fruedenberger – This summer will be Fritz’s first summer on the High Rocks staff as an assistant. He spent 6 summers as a camper and has been taking riding lessons from Kay Hunter all winter. We are excited to have Fritz here this summer teaching horseback riding and paddling.
	* 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.
	* Don Gentle - Now in his eleventh year at High Rocks, Don now serves as an Associate Director . In addition to his summer duties, Don directs the LEAP program that runs during the Spring and Fall at High Rocks. His background includes years of whitewater paddling experience and a master's degree from Ohio University in physical education.
	* Elizabeth "Zoob" Gentle - Now in her twelfth year, 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 daughter Grace who was born in September. They are adjusting to life as new parents and loving it.
	Thomas Glover – This will be Thomas’ first summer at High Rocks. He comes to us from the University of Alabama where he has just finished his freshman year. Thomas will be a cabin counselor and hiking and backpacking activity instructor. Thomas will also be helping out during free swim as a lifeguard.
	Sam Golden - Sam recently graduated from Bates College with a degree in Neuroscience. He is also a graduate of NOLS, where he spent a semester in Patagonia, and is an EMT (Emergency Medical Technician). We are excited about having Sam’s expertise at High Rocks this summer!
	* Luke Goodwin – Luke is trading the fast paced life of New York city for a summer at High Rocks. He spent five summers at High Rocks as a camper and will be the head of arts & crafts this summer. Welcome back Luke!
	* Angela Gryder - Angela is in her sixth year as Office Manager. In addition to organizing the mountains of paperwork for campers year-round, she helps maintain several of our Internet projects as well. She also has her hands full with her children, John David (8) and Emma (2).
	David Hamilton – David just finished his freshman year at UNC Chapel Hill and will be a cabin counselor and climbing instructor this summer. He has a great deal of outdoor experience and works at the climbing wall at UNC.
	* Sam Hellebush- Sam is returning to High Rocks for his second summer as a counselor after many years as a camper. He has just finished his sophomore year at Duke University in Durham, NC. Sam will be a cabin counselor in addition to instructing in Swimming. Sam has extensive experience with swimming at the competitive level.
	* Kay Hunter - Kay has been directing our Horseback Riding Program for the last four 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.
	* Grant Irons- Grant join the High Rocks year round staff last June as our Assistant Director. He first served High Rocks as our Backpacking Director in 1999. Since then he has worked for Adventure Treks and Voyager Outward Bound School leading trips and instructing backpacking. He also has been a Camp Director for Mo-Ranch in Hunt, Texas, as well as instructing at Texas A&M in the Outdoor Education department. Grant and his wife Brittany will be celebrating their first anniversary in June.
	* Scott Jarvis – Scott is returning to High Rocks after a summer away. He just graduated from Berry College and will be starting law school in the fall. Scott will be a cabin counselor and on the paddling staff this summer.
	Katie Jordan - Katie is a recent graduate of Carolina Day School in Asheville, NC. She will be watching Don & Zoob’s daughter Grace. An accomplished soccer player, we expect to see her joining in a few games at camp this summer as time allows.
	* Heath Kaminer - Heath has been at High Rocks for years as a camper and last year as an Assistant Counselor . This will be his first year as a full counselor. He just finished his first year at Suwanee University in Tennessee. Heath will be working in our paddling program in addition to his role as a cabin counselor.
	* Jessica Kaplan - Jessie graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with degrees in Biology and Psychology. She has just returned from a trip to Indonesia where she worked in several animal clinics doing research. We are pleased to have her back on the docks as the Head of our Swimming Program for the three week session.
	* Aaron Kidd - Aaron will once again be instructing in our soccer and pottery programs. Aaron graduated from Grinnell College in May 2003 with a degree in Studio Art. He has had experience teaching art classes to disabled children in Nicaragua and recently completed a summer as Arts & Crafts Director at a camp in California for special needs children and adults. We are glad to have Aaron back on staff this Summer.
	* Sandy Landreth - Sandy will be joining us for her second 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.
	* Ben Little - After having been a camper for five summers, Ben will be joining our staff this summer as an Assistant Counselor. He is from Charlotte, North Carolina and just graduated from the Gaston Day School. Ben will be utilizing his years of experience assisting in the cabin and will be a member of our paddling staff. We feel lucky to have Ben joining us again this summer.
	* Leanne Loftis- This will be Leanne’s sixth 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.
	* Lewis Lovett - After coming to High Rocks as a camper for six years, Lewis is returning to High Rocks for his second summer as a cabin counselor after completing our Counselor Trainee Program. He just completed his sophomore year at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC and will be instructing in our paddling and sailing programs. Lewis spent the month of January in Baja, Mexico perfecting his sailing skills on a N.O.L.S. trip.
	* Jason Maloney - One of our year-round staff members, this will be Jason's third summer at High Rocks. He graduated from the Environmental Studies program at Brevard College. Jason's carpentry and mechanical skills make him a valuable addition to our staff. Most of the camp buildings have Jason's touch added to them, including the Hiking Shed and our new cabin, "Lookout", that Jason designed and built.
	* Sarah Martin - Sarah just finished her second year at UNC- Asheville. She has been working with kids her whole life, including teaching dance to young children. She will be on our Arts & Crafts staff again this summer.
	* 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.
	* 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.
	Sam McChord – Sam is joining us this summer from Danville Kentucky where he just finished his junior year at Centre College as a math major. He has several years of camp counseling experience at a camp in Kentucky. At High Rocks, Sam will be in a cabin as well as an instructor in tennis, soccer, and hiking.
	* Lorraine McNamara - We are excited to have Lorraine returning to High Rocks again this summer. This will be Lorraine’s eighteenth 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, NC. Lorraine will be the camp "mom" for the Three-week session.
	* Bernadette Merriman - Bernie is coming to High Rocks after graduating from Brevard College where she majored in Business Management and Organizational Leadership. We're going to put her whitewater skills to work in our Paddling Program again this summer.
	* Mike Neumann - Mike will put his skills and experience to good use again this summer as the head of our Hiking Program. Mike comes to us from Phoenix, AZ. Mike has spent years working with children in programs ranging from a residential treatment facility to a preschool to a therapeutic wilderness program. This past winter Mike spent a great deal of time hiking and backpacking in South America.
	* Camille Noland - As a daughter to Dan and sister to Woody, Camille practically grew up at High Rocks. This will be her fifth year assisting in the Riding program. Camille graduated in December from High School in Wilmington, NC.
	* Dan Noland - A Ph.D. teaching English and Linguistics at UNC-Wilmington, Dan is spending his 32nd 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.
	* Woody Noland - Woody will be the director of our Paddling program again this summer. Being Townsend's nephew, Woody has grown up at High Rocks. He has recently received a degree in history from the College of William & Mary. Woody spent the winter working in Denver, CO and is excited to get back on the rivers of Western North Carolina.
	Leonard Oliver – Leonard was only back in the US for a month before coming to Camp High Rocks. He spent the last two years in the Philippines volunteering for the Peace Corps. He is originally from San Antonio, Texas and has a degree in Ecology from the University of Texas at Austin.
	* Elise Oren - Elise spent the off-season working with our LEAP program and traveling out west. Elise's outdoor leadership skills and experience working with horses make her a valuable addition to our staff.
	* Strickland Parks - Strickland will be returning for his fifth summer as the Director of Athletics and will be heading-up the ropes course. Strickland spent the winter in Denver, CO skiing (and working whenever he found the time.) Strickland was a camper at High Rocks and has been a counselor for several years. We're excited that he will be returning!
	* Reid Patton- Reid is a long time High Rocks Alum. She will be helping out this summer in the office. Reid grew up as a camper here at High Rocks and has long been a friend of the Williams family. We are very excited that Reid will be joining us again this summer.
	* Adam Pierson- Adam first came to camp as a camper in 1995 and this will be his second summer on staff. He is currently studying at Elon University where his concentration is in Business and Accounting. He will be a cabin counselor as well as an instructor in Mountain Biking and Pottery.
	Toby Ridge – Toby is coming all the way from Wisconsin to work at High Rocks this summer. She graduated in May from Northland College with a BS in Outdoor Education. She has worked at Girl Scout camps in as well as with her college’s outdoor program. She will be a welcomed addition to the riding staff.
	* River - This will be River's third 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.
	* Sarah Robinson - Sarah is returning to Camp High Rocks for her second year this summer. She just completed her junior year at Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC. Sarah studies Christian Education and Spanish at P.C. and will spend the upcoming summer working in our crafts and swimming programs.
	Sarah Rosenbloom- Sarah comes to us from Tempe, AZ where she has just completed her master's degree in social work at Arizona State University. Sarah grew up going to camp in upstate New York and has been an avid outdoors woman since. She has worked with Colorado Outward Bound as a backpacking and climbing instructor for the past couple of summers. Sarah will be instructing in our climbing program this summer.
	* Salem - Returning for his twelfth summer at camp, Salem is settling into the role of Master Camp Dog. His many years of camp experience have given him the wisdom necessary to guide his four-legged companions through the routines of summer camp. This includes knowing exactly when to hang out behind the dining hall for a tasty treat!
	Katie Shroyer – Katie will be joining us at High Rocks for the first time this summer. She is from Colorado Springs Colorado and just finished her freshman year at Williamette University. She will be on hiking staff and work as the trip packer.
	* Jason "Jay" Smelser- This will be Jay’s second summer at High Rocks and first summer as head of mountain biking. Jay just graduated from the University of Tennessee where he studied Therapeutic Recreation.
	*Jimmy Stanley - Joining us for his fourth summer on year-round staff as the Facility Manager, Jimmy is still a High Rocks "old timer". Jimmy's father worked at High Rocks for over thirty years, so Jimmy practically grew up here!
	* David Strauss- With eight years of experience as a High Rocks camper, David joins us this year as a Counselor this summer. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, he will be assisting in the paddling area, instructing canoeing and kayaking. David just finished his freshman year at Dartmouth College.
	* Robert Sullivan – After four years as a camper, Robert will be joining us this year as a CT. Robert is a strong paddler and we are looking forward to having him at the docks and excited that he is part of the CT program this summer.
	* Jason Timpson - Jason returns for a second summer at High Rocks after finishing his sophomore year at University of North Carolina-Charlotte. Besides attending to his academic work, Jason finds time to play the clarinet and the saxophone in Fayetteville State's marching band. We're excited to have Jason join us for the summer. This summer, he'll be instructing in the Archery, and Crafts programs as well as working as a cabin counselor.
	* Jim Toman - Jim is coming back to us for his 4th summer on staff at High Rocks. In addition to being a cabin counselor, he will be working in the paddling program. Jim has a great deal of outdoor experience through his participation in Scouting Outward in Morganton, NC and we are excited to have him back at High Rocks for the summer!
	* Scott Veazey- This will be Scott’s second summer at High Rocks. He just finished his sophomore year at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he is studying Psychology. Scott grew up in Morganton, NC, where he gained a great deal of outdoor skills participating in a program called Scouting Outward. Scott will be instructing in our Rock Climbing program as well as a cabin counselor.
	Will Waller – Will is going to be joining us for his first summer at High Rocks. He comes with a great excitement and passion for working with kids. Hiking and tennis are going to be Will’s activity areas in addition to being a cabin counselor. Will is a rising sophomore at Washington & Lee University.
	* T.J. Weller- This will be T.J.’s second summer with us here at High Rocks. He just finished his second year at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC where he is studying engineering. T.J. will be a cabin counselor as well as a Rock Climbing instructor. He has spent many hours in the outdoors and comes with a lot of skills he learned while participating in the Scouting Outward program in Morganton, NC.
	Ali Williams- Ali will be an instructor in our horseback riding program this summer. She is a member of the East Carolina Equestrian Team. Ali is majoring in music and has just finished her first year at East Carolina University.
	* Elizabeth Williams- Elizabeth grew up spending part of her summers at High Rocks and will be returning for her second year on staff. Elizabeth is a world class Wheel Chair Tennis player (currently ranked 2 in the United States) and will be leaving camp for a few weeks during June to play in the World Cup Tennis Tournament in the Netherlands. She will be instructing, naturally, in the Tennis program.
	Sarah Winfree- This will be Sarah’s first summer with us at High Rocks. She has just finished her junior year at Virginia Intermont College where she is studying photography. 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.
	* Coats Wood- This will be Coats’ seventh summer here at High Rocks but his first year on staff. He will be participating in our CT program during the four week session. In addition to assisting in the cabin he will be helping with the paddling program.
	Dusty Zeiner- Dusty is a rising junior at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, studying Accounting. This is Dusty’s first summer as a counselor at High Rocks. He instructs in our ropes course and mountain biking programs.
	* Massey Zieman- This will be Massy’s first summer as a staff member after years as a camper here at High Rocks. Massey is a rising senior from Mobile, AL. He is very active in school and spends much of his time playing basketball. Massey will be assisting in the cabin and an activity instructor as part of the CT program during the four week session.
	* Troy Zieman- Troy is returning to High Rocks this summer to participate in our CT program. He will be a senior this year at UMS- Wright High School in Mobile, AL. Troy enjoys basketball and many other sports, including rock climbing. Troy will be assisting in the cabin and an activity instructor during the four week session.