Greetings from the woodchips!
My name is Gracie, and I am thrilled to return for my third summer at Augusta, and my sixth year working in the camping world. While I have worn a handful of hats at camp, with my past two summers as the Village Brain and the off seasons on the registration team, I am excited to try on Puppet Master for the first time.
Before camp, when I was younger, I was either running around barefoot in the grass or rolling around in the snow in Southern Wisconsin. I enjoyed dancing, and began taking ballet classes when I was three years old. In high school, I joined the dance team, where I performed at halftime of football and basketball games, as well as competed in regional, state, and national competitions.
My love for spending outdoors (and camp) was fully realized once I began attending a nearby summer camp in the Wisconsin Dells. After my first summer, I knew I wanted to be a camp counselor when I grew up. I continued to cultivate a curiosity for the outdoors and the environment around me, and decided to attend a small college in Minnesota, where I majored in Environmental Studies.
My classes consisted of studying frog calls, and learning to identify trees, grasses, and wildflowers. I also enjoyed learning about land ethics, and the symbiotic relationship between humans and the land. Outside of classes, I worked for my college’s environmental education organization, where I led field trips in the arboretum, which encompassed three different ecosystems. I also began practicing ceramics, which has become a favorite hobby of mine.
During college, I began going on wilderness adventures where I found the joy in disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with the earth. I spent 5 days on the Superior Hiking Trail as my first backpacking trip, hiking over 40 miles. I also spent some time hiking and learning about the prairies of South Dakota, hiked and campers in the Rockies, and canoeing throughout the Everglades in Florida. I enjoyed the challenges we faced, and all the memories that were created through them.
Besides camping and canoeing, I have enjoyed spending my free time on the water, swimming and boating. During the winter, I enjoyed hiking across frozen lakes, and would love to cross country ski again.
In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my cat Tater-Tot, a (mostly sweet) girl who I adopted last summer. When not with Tater Tot, I enjoy crafts such as making friendship bracelets, embroidery, and block printing. I also love to spend time playing with clay, both on the wheel and not. And, of course, cheering on the Milwaukee Bucks.
Other fun facts about me:
- I can touch my nose with my tongue
- I have my boating license
- I have one older sister
- I have gone snorkeling with sharks
- My favorite colors are yellow and orange
