Our Alumni Spotlight series is back! We’re excited to highlight our alumni through the years. If you or someone you know would make a great feature, email Darby at [email protected]—we’d love to hear from you!
Today we are introducing Alexander Macaulay, a former High Rocks camper and staff member from 1978 – 1989. Alexander’s son Thomas also attended High Rocks from 2015 – 2023. Alexander now lives in Richmond, VA and works as an attorney and lobbyist for land conservation. Keep reading to hear how High Rocks impacted Alexander’s life!
The camaraderie. Doing fun things outdoors with great people in a great place.
Watching the sunset on the Blue Ridge Parkway after paddling a river. Sam Sommers on the harmonica and Bill Doswell whipping up a delicious dinner.
Stay in touch with your fellow campers and staff. You are starting relationships that can sustain you for the rest of your life. And ask questions about why things are the way they are at High Rocks. There are fascinating stories about every aspect of the program and the physical structure. For example, when you learn how Mr. Will personally manhandled almost every rock into place for the paths and terraces, you gain an appreciation of the love and dedication that went into making the camp the success that it is today.
I love the outdoors and spend as much time as I can there. I live where I do is because I can paddle a river whenever I want. And, professionally, I work on protecting and preserving our natural resources because of my experiences at High Rocks.
I was part of a team that created a new state park in Virginia. It required a passion for protecting a natural resource and the ability to work well with others. High Rocks helped me with both.
Some of the hikes and paddling trips were quite challenging, including one where our food spoiled, and we had didn’t have much to eat for a couple of days. But we survived!
I appreciate all of people — the founders, staff, campers, parents, and supporters — who have made High Rocks what it is today. It takes everyone for an institution like this to survive and thrive. Every time I go back I just feel gratitude.
Thank you Alexander Macaulay for your thoughtful responses!
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