Hi! I’m Riley

Counselor

Riley first began coming to GRP as a camper back in 2014. Once he aged out of the three week program, he took part in expeditions, including the Blue Ridge Expedition (BRX), the Outer Banks Expedition (OBX), and the Trail Blazers Expedition (TBX). This will be Riley’s first year as a counselor at GRP and he is excited to continue his journey at camp. Currently, Riley is a full-time student and rising college freshman. Outside of studying, he runs cross country and track and field. Riley’s favorite memory at GRP is when he participated in the sweat lodge. He recounts that a few years ago, while taking part in GRP’s Blue Ridge Expedition, he attempted a sweat lodge for the first time but didn’t last one round. Last year, he got to reattempt the ritual with his group in the Trail Blazers Expedition, where he was able to make it through all four rounds. The experience left him feeling a sense of renewal and helped deepen the bonds between Riley and the rest of the expeditioners who took part. Riley chooses to spend his summer in nature with campers because he enjoyed his time as a camper at GRP when he was their age. He wants to be a part of creating a fantastic GRP experience for all of the campers.

Riley’s favorite outdoor activity is running. He says that besides the workout he gets from it, running helps him to clear his head and take in the world around him. Running also has taught him great things about discipline. Riley says that running also has shown him the importance one’s determination plays in accomplishing amazing things, even if it’s just running that extra mile. Riley’s favorite outdoor adventure has to be the week-long camping trip that he was a part of during his time in BRX. His BRX team had started out at the highest point east of the Mississippi, Mt Mitchell, and hiked up and down ridgelines to one of the most beautiful waterfalls he has ever seen. He will always remember hiking down the mountain and how the entire group put their packs down and ran to stand under the waterfall. Riley’s favorite thing to cook in the backcountry is beans and rice. He says that this dish especially reminds him of his time as a camper when they would have the meal during Camp Out. His group kept calling it “backcountry Chipotle.” Riley keeps coming back to GRP because of the people. He says that at GRP, you get to meet so many great people that become great friends. GRP is one of the most open and accepting places he has been in his life and he feels fortunate that he can keep coming back to camp.