Notes from the Road - Part 1

By Ruby Compton on October 16, 2014

Road Show 2.0 is a combined effort to connect with current families, staff, and alumni while also exposing prospective campers to the Green River Preserve philosophies and mission. Our fall has been full of adventures on the road and we have loved getting to reconnect with our campers and their families. Here are some highlights from our travels on Road Show 2014-2015:

Greenville – What more could you ask for than a beautiful bike ride out on the Swamp Rabbit Trail on a Sunday afternoon led by our all-star Mountain Bike Mentor G?

Green River Preserve – Fly fishing at it’s finest! It was a rad day at base camp for fly fishing instruction with the one and only Sandy Schenck. We tied flies, practiced our cast, and are still saying the mantra “snap, pause, snap.”

Greensboro – We slogged in the Bog Garden with a couple of camper families and 2014 counselor Sarai! Mud turtles, ducks, and European Cranberry bushes marked the boardwalk here.

Chapel Hill – Former camper and staff member, Chris Paul led us on an insiders tour through Duke Forest. We learned about research projects in the forest, checked out the bluffs, and Ruby got stung by a caterpillar!

Atlanta – Fly Fishing Coordinator Catherine gave a personal fly fishing lesson on Sweetwater Creek to one of our all-star Atlanta, GA, families.

Savannah – We explored Skidaway Island State Park, saw earthworks from the Civil War, learned about shell middens, and got to see the skeleton recreation of a Giant Sloth. A small alligator at the interpretive center here particularly enjoyed hissing at us when we neared his tank. We also took a side trip to Bonaventure Cemetery to explore one of the most famous and beautiful cemeteries in the Southeast.

Charleston – Mentor Ian Sanchez treated our Low Country families to a ferry ride and Mentor hike on Bulls Island, what was once privately owned. We explored a maritime forest, played on the beach, and saw a full-sized alligator in the wild. And we got to see Music Coordinators, Hazel, John and Jonathan playing a local show!

Check back next week for more highlights from the road! And you can see us in the upcoming weeks at the following events:

And we aren’t done yet! Coming soon…
Blacksburg – Mentors Richard Moon and Ruby will lead a hike at Pandapas Pond that may include a geocache, fall color, and nature exploration.

Chattanooga – Ruby will be in town visiting her namesake “Ruby Falls” as well as visiting one of her favorite places in the United States, Point Park.

Remember, register for camp today to save a spot in your top choice session and come outside and play with us!

Ruby Compton
Ruby Compton

Former all star Mentor and Program Director 2012 - 2016

Ruby began her career in camping at YMCA Camp Widjiwagan in her hometown of Nashville, TN. At Camp Widjiwagan, she was a counselor who progressed over the years to camp administration. Prior to moving to Western North Carolina, Ruby taught experiential education at Nature’s Classroom Atop Lookout Mountain in Mentone, AL. Ruby found Green River Preserve to be a perfect blend of everything she loves: teaching environmental education, being curious about nature, calling contra-dances, singing about Itty Bitty Frogs, and learning from other outdoor educators. She is active within the American Camp Association, giving presentations at conferences and working as a faculty member of their e-Institute. Ruby is also an avid geocacher, runner, and Rubik’s-cube solver.