Staff Spotlight: Jason Maraveyias

For this week’s Staff Spotlight, we caught up with Jason Maraveyias!

Q: What is your position at GRP this Summer?
A: Trailblazers Expedition Leader

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

Q: What are you currently doing?
A: I am a Biology Major at UNC Wilmington with plans to teach high school science.

Q: What is your spirit animal and why?
A: I like to think that chipmunks are my spirit animal, mostly because one time one ate popcorn out of my hand.

Q: What are you passionate about?
A: Food, I love everything about food from the agricultural process to the actual preparation of food. I particularly love the traditions and culture surrounding food globally.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do outside?
A: Taking a nap in a nice sunny spot will always be one of my favorite things to do outside.

Q: Tell us about your favorite trip/experience.
A: I went on a mountain biking day trip with my family in Acadia National Park in Maine. We took a wrong turn and ended up in the most incredible patch of wild blueberries I’ve ever seen (well besides for the blueberry patches at GRP of course).

Q: Why did you choose to come back to GRP this summer?
A: GRP has always been like a second home to me, I love being able to contribute to the community and help GRP feel like a second home to others.

Q: What is something interesting that happened to you this year?
A: I got to help roast a batch of coffee with a small roaster located in Raleigh, NC. I’m a huge fan of coffee and getting to be involved in the process from raw coffee bean, to brewed cup was an incredible experience.

Q: Where is your favorite place to hike?
A: Anywhere in Shining Rock Wilderness!

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!