Staff Spotlight: Sara Gerall

Welcome to our new blog series, Staff Spotlight! Each week, we’ll be showcasing a few amazing staff members who are joining us for Summer 2017. We already have a stellar lineup coming together, including veteran staff, former campers, and folks who are brand new to the GRP community. Summer 2017 is going to be the best summer yet!

This week, we caught up with Sara Gerall!

Q: What is your position at GRP this Summer?
A: Program Intern

Q: How many years have you been at GRP?
A: This will be my fourth year at GRP as a staff member and my tenth year overall.

Q: What are you currently doing?
A: In December 2016, I graduated from UNC Asheville with degrees in Mathematics and Sociology. I have recently joined the GRP team for the 2017 season and am working at camp!

Q: What is your spirit animal and why?
A: My spirit animal is probably an owl. I can be reserved and like to stay out of the spotlight but am very observant and like to see the big picture, much like an owl on its perch.

Q: What are you passionate about?
A: I love to cook! The majority of my time in the kitchen is spent making soups, curries, pasta sauces, and baked goods. Chocolate and coffee are worked into as many recipes as possible. One of my favorite backpacking tasks is cooking over the fire!

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside?
A: It’s a toss up between early morning hikes to watch the sunrise over the mountains and swimming below waterfalls.

Q: Tell us about your favorite trip/experience.
A: Just last month I embarked upon a 100-mile canoe trip on the Wilderness Waterway in the Florida Everglades. It was very challenging but incredibly rewarding trip. Paddling started before dawn which led to beautiful sunrises and many wildlife encounters. It was an experience of a lifetime!

Q: Why did you choose to come (back) to GRP this summer?
A: Green River Preserve has held a special place in my heart since I was nine years old. GRP fosters a love of outdoor exploration and learning in a safe and nurturing atmosphere, which is crucial for all ages. I feel so lucky to be a part of a community in which I can encourage these practices in campers and continue to learn and experience the outdoors as a young professional.

Q: What is something interesting that happened to you this year?
A: I just became a Wilderness First Responder!

Q: Where is your favorite place to hike?
A: I feel so lucky to call Western NC home. It is easy to catch a beautiful sunset over the hazy Blue Ridge Mountains or hop on any trail in this area for an afternoon hike.

We’re always looking to add qualified, enthusiastic, and adventurous people to our team!
Know someone who would make a great Counselor or Mentor? Send them our way!