Traverse City, Mich. – Greilick Outdoor Recreation & Education Center (GOREC) will open its gates to new audiences with the leadership of a new Director, Jamie Lewis Hedges.
Youth have explored the outdoors at GOREC for nearly a century. Following a 61-year stretch as a Boy Scouts of America camp, the unique facility is returning to its community-based roots by welcoming people of all ages and abilities to explore. Just 25 minutes from Traverse City, GOREC sits on a pristine stretch of forest, nestled between Bass and Rennie Lakes. It is a program of Rotary Camps & Services.
Says Rotary Camps & Services Board Chair Mark Newhouse, “We want to ensure that GOREC remains a thriving community resource that revels in its rich history and exciting future. With Jamie as the new director, the future is limitless for all to enjoy outdoor recreation and education opportunities.”
GOREC sits on the first piece of land purchased by the Rotary Club in 1923. Clarence Greilick, then club president, had a vision that the youth of Northern Michigan would get to know the woods, lakes and streams of the region as well as their own backyards.
Executive Director Becky Ewing sees great potential for growth with Jamie at the helm. “We are delighted that Jamie is able to join the staff at GOREC. His unique experience, love of the outdoors and proven track record make him a perfect choice to take GOREC to the next level.”
GOREC staff curates skill-building experiences for community groups looking to cultivate a passion for Northern Michigan’s abundant nature – from team-building retreats to fishing excursions for kids. Adventure activities including climbing, ropes courses, shooting sports and orienteering complement opportunities to get out on the water including kayaking, canoeing, fishing and swimming. The facility boasts both modern and rustic accommodations to appeal to a wide variety of adventurers.
CONTACT:
Becky Ewing, Executive Director
Rotary Camps & Services
(231) 941-4010
bewing@rotarycharities.org
ABOUT JAMIE LEWIS HEDGES
Jamie is a leader who’s passionate about travel, nature, and outdoor education.
As a child, he wandered the woods of Indiana. Adventure called him from Hoosier corn rows across 48 of the United States. He lived in Florida, a cabin in the Cascade wilderness, the Sonoran Desert, a mud hut in Kenya. Travel has taken him to Canada, Vietnam, Mexico, and Ireland.
Proud of those who’ve mentored him along the way, he educated others in outdoor education. He’s led groups in the Pacific Northwest, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Columbian Amazon. What drives his aspirations is to help organizations benefit their community and environment. He's worked in a home for adjudicated youth and an environmental education center.
Jamie moved to Michigan in 2016 after creating a campus outdoor education program in Arkansas. Eager to make a difference here, he’s applied his skills to digital marketing for area nonprofits.
Jamie brings his skills in nonprofit leadership, natural resource management, and outdoor education. His is a unique skill set that includes Leave No Trace, risk management, and team building. He has a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies in anthropology and natural resources. His bachelor’s degree is in outdoor recreation management.
He's benefited from the Rotary and Scouts in the past. Jamie is so thrilled to carry on the tradition of service while increasing our benefit to youth and adults.
ABOUT GREILICK OUTDOOR RECREATION & EDUCATION CENTER
Greilick Outdoor Recreation & Education Center (GOREC) is nestled between three crystal-clear lakes on rich forestland. We spark passion for the natural world through outdoor experiences. Unplug from modern life and plug in to the natural world around you at GOREC: greilick.org
ABOUT ROTARY CAMPS & SERVICES
