Being a GRP Leader

I am immensely grateful to be able to call GRP my home. My time at GRP started when I was 9 years old thanks to a glowing recommendation from a friend of mine (and her family of course). After my first summer, only spending a week at camp, I returned for five more summers of three-week camp. I couldn’t get enough of the place.

GRP is different from other summer camps because of how strongly their philosophy shines through every aspect of camp. Through a combination of playing, learning, and immersing myself in the world of camp, I developed a deep connection to the preserve and the community of people who get to call it home too. As a camper I learned to try to be the most compassionate, considerate and joyful version of myself possible. These lessons included learning the importance of caring for the land.

These wonderful lessons and experiences made me want GRP back in my life after my time as a camper ended. I wanted to take a new role at GRP so I could learn more, have new experiences for growth, and help give kids the same incredible experience my summers at camp gave me. Being a counselor gave me just that. It’s been truly inspiring to be able to help give kids the wonderful lessons and experiences GRP gave me when I was growing up. As a staff member, GRP supported me and helped me grow in new ways. I not only built environmental education skills and deepened my own connection to nature, but I also developed a passion for educating and inspiring kids to love and protect the earth, something I will carry with me through all walks of life. I have had the privilege of exploring a variety of different roles while working at GRP, all teaching me new skills that help prepare me for my future. In addition to being a counselor I had the chance to be the fly-fishing coordinator, a job that I loved and taught me so much. GRP encouraged me to take on this role and helped me really succeed in it. I learned how to teach activities, work with assistants, and even lead full day expeditions as part of GLP days. These opportunities for leadership and learning were invaluable.

My second summer on staff I was a counselor, fly fishing lead, and progressed to leading the rock climbing expedition with GRP’s base camp expedition program. I loved getting to take on this new leadership opportunity and feel grateful for the support, education, and encouragement I got from the GRP community. As a staff member I got to experience the world of GRP from a new perspective than I had as a camper. Camp continues to prepare me for life even after aging out, by providing opportunities for me to practice my skills and develop new ones. GRP created an environment in which I’ve felt safe and supported while being challenged and pushed to grow. It is incredibly unique to find a place you can’t wait to come back to that has such a significant impact on your growth as a person.

Story by Devon Fischer with photos by Brandon Marshall & Samantha Keebler