Meet GRP's Executive Director
Catherine Schenck
Hello! It’s Catherine, the Executive Director here at Green River Preserve. I am counting down the days until summer camp starts, and I hope you and your camper are looking forward to it as much as I am! For those of you joining us for the first time and those of you I have not gotten to say hello to on opening or closing day, I wanted to say hi and tell you a little bit about myself and why I believe in the power of GRP!
My parents founded GRP in 1988, and I grew up learning from staff members and campers alike. I explored several summer camps as a kid and have held various different staff positions at camp. We have a saying at GRP coined by one of our campers: "I'm my best me at GRP," and I can honestly say that has been my experience. GRP was my safe space during the rough middle and high school years. It provided a community that welcomed me for who I was and encouraged me to be my authentic self. While at GRP I didn't have to worry about the pressures of school, technology, or social drama, I could dive into my love of learning and exploring the natural world. It is my goal for every camper and staff member who comes to GRP to feel that way while here.
When I am not out at camp, I live in Arden, NC. I love exploring GRP property and the trails of Western North Carolina with my dog Rosco and friends. In the non-camp months, when I am not out on trails, you can find me in a trout stream with a fly rod or on a pickleball court.
As Executive Director of GRP, I deeply value my relationship with you - our campers and families. I believe in camp and the growth it can provide for a child (and adult). I want you to know I am here for you to ask any questions, comments, or concerns. Most importantly, this summer, I will be here for your child. As you prepare this spring, please know I am only a phone call away and always happy to talk camp.
Now…..an introduction to Camper Forms and what documents you should start gathering and completing. Forms are DUE MAY 1st!
# 1 Parent Authorization
This printable form authorizes our medical team at Base Camp to treat your child in the event of injury or illness. It will ask for a copy of your campers insurance card, a copy of their prescription card (if different than insurance), and a parent signature at the bottom! The signature is often missed, so please make sure to sign it!
#2 Health History
This online form walks through questions regarding your camper's health history so that our Doctor and Nurses have that on hand while your child is in their care at camp.
#3 Physicians Exam
If your child has had a physical within a year of their camp session, you may upload that form! You can also request your doctor to complete the form provided by us. If your camper does not have an up to date physical, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment before the end of the school year!
#4 Immunization Report
Your camper's doctor should be able to provide this report! They often print out or email their own file, which you are welcome to upload as is or you can copy the information down on the form we provide and upload that document. If your family chooses not to be vaccinated, please upload a personal statement for us to have on file for our medical team!
#5 Mental Health
This form will only be present in your dashboard if you indicated that your camper has a mental health diagnosis, is on medication related to mental health, or seeing a therapist. It is super helpful for us to gather this information so that we can set your child up for the most success at camp!
If you did not indicate on your application that your child has needs related to mental health, but you would still like to share information about their coping skills, emotional regulation, etc. there will be another form released to gather that info.
In addition to Get to Know My Camper, you will also soon have access to Bunk Requests, Activity Preferences, and other camper forms, so stay tuned!
That's it for now. Again, if you have any questions at all about camp, please don't hesitate to reach out via phone (828.698.8828) or email (info@greenriverpreserve.org). You are our partner in making summer camp happen and we are here to serve you.
Seek the joy,
Catherine Schenck
Executive Director
