Highland Scout Camp 2011
North America's best summer camp and training event for youth and adults
HIGHLAND - Of the mountains; a landscape characterized by high altitudes, temperate forests, fields, abundant natural resources and associated wildlife.
SCOUT - Any person who can adapt to a changing environment, survive and thrive, who derives confidence from an artful level of skill in wilderness, and who can navigate unseen through harsh terrain by acknowledging a spiritual connection to the world around them.
Spencer 'Two Dogs' has been practicing and learning outdoor skills since his earliest years on a North Carolina tobacco farm. He has been in Tiger Cubs, Cub Scouts, Webelo's, and Boy Scouts. 4 years after starting his martial arts training in Tang Soo Do, Two Dogs joined the U.S. Army Reserve and attended basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, as a combat engineer. His quest for knowledge, driven by a sense of urgency, propelled him to try his hand at surviving one Winter in the mountains. He found it so enjoyable that he did it two more times spending almost three years in various wilderness settings. He has since instructed and directed premier programs with private schools, wilderness camps, for individuals and in community settings. He has worked alongside investigators and military personnel and has earned a reputation as one of the best in the business of practical survival. He holds black belts in two martial arts with extensive studies in other styles, earned a degree in History and Education from UNC-A, and continues to learn from his mentors. As a member of a Cherokee scout clan he carries on warrior ways which seem so relevant to those who keep them alive today. Apprentice and decade-long friend of Eustace Conway, Spencer preserves a host of Appalachian frontier knowledge kept alive by today's remaining mountain men! His number one priority as camp director is safety, and he puts a lot of thought into accident prevention and safety awareness. After all, in the wilderness there are no doctors.
"I think of my time with you at Turtle Island with a little sadness. Will I ever experience anything like that again?"
- Anna, 9th grade
"In all my 50 years you meet a few young men like Spencer. He has a strong presence in any situation. . . he lives with caring, compassion, and good nature. He has helped children get a grip on their today and their tomorrow, and gives them a common cause." d
- Richard Pinckney, U.S. Army, Target Interdiction
"Spencer is a great teacher to the young and old alike. His knowledge and skills are of the utmost importance for the (years) ahead." .....
- Sgt Eric Gobert, Military Police, U.S. Army (Gulf War II)
"As an Intelligence officer and paratrooper, I appreciate the realistic training that Spencer offers his students. As a dedicated father I appreciate his love of children. As a student I appreciate his love of teaching."
- Pete Hale, U.S. Army 82nd Airborne
"You were the best teacher EVER!"
- Thomas, 7th grade
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Any additional guests and instructors meeting the standards for this program are highly qualified and have an impeccable background / work history with children. Included are the following incredible people;
Melody Bolejack, CMT - Mel is a massage therapist who currently works in physical therapy. Melody is also a dedicated student of plants and herbs and is completing studies at North Carolina School of Holistic Herbalism. She is a marvelous cook, organizer, works well with children, is an amazing problem solver and has backpacked numerous times in the Appalachian Mountains.
Adam M. Blake, BA, WFR - life long friend of Two Dogs, Adam has experience in the back country, is a rock climber, white water kayaker, and was a certified Wilderness First Responder. In addition, he has a degree in outdoor education and has been employed by the N.C. Forest Service and has worked as a mountain surveyor. He spent much of a Winter, Fall, and Summer in his Tipi and is coming to know the woods like only those who have lived there do.
Waya Gunaheeda - Half-blood Cherokee, Waya has lived in wilderness with Spencer months at a time, has traveled to other countries, has survived hardship and made peace with great enemies at home and abroad. He is a gifted guide and teacher and carries on traditional crafts and practices of the Eastern Band of Cherokee including language. He lives with heart and a gentle spirit that is strong and deep, children always appreciate his presence.
Tony Carr, BA- Tony has assisted SCI for years now and brings a lot of experience with his instruction. With a BA in Outdoor Leadership and second degree Black Belt in Ishin Ryu Karate he teaches both mornings and afternoons. Tony has directed top regional youth wilderness programs including Camp Woodson in Swannanoa, NC.
Christy Blankenship, BA, CMT - Long time friend, Christy has volunteered for past scout camps and is a green belt with Mr. B in Tang Soo Do. A graduate of Appalachian State with a degree in Social Studies with teaching licensure, Christy currently works in Forsyth County schools. She is also a rock climber, certified massage therapist, and has studied many aspects of outdoors living including a few hard core trips with Mr. B.
Dave Haas - One name says it all; MacGuyver. Dave can do anything. That's all that really needs to be said. That and he's a soft spoken humble man that many admire.
Eric Gobert - Eric Gobert is a valued member of our team. He is a veteran of Gulf War II with the Military Police (U.S. Army), is an expert on knots and their applications, is familiar with a variety of firearms, and has been training in ninjutsu for a few years with Paul Larusso, 3d Dan. His nutritional knowledge is unsurpassed. He has been on trips with our group and has demonstrated an amazing ability to teach the younger kids practical outdoors knowledge. Eric is currently the input technician at the University of Georgia's Integrated Biorefinery / Carbon Recycling Initiative.
Steve Opper, CMT- Steve has visited camp in the past with his young son and is likely to come again! He is a long time student of the martial arts, Kung Fu in particular, and is a regular practitioner of primitive/outdoor skills. He attends rendezvous' where skills keepers come together for sharing and learning, and has been on at least one 'mission' with Two Dogs. He currently offers professional body work in West Asheville and lives with his wife and two children.
Nina Linton - Owen High graduate, UNC-Chapel Hill student Nina Linton has been studying Tang Soo Do for 8 years and is currently a brown belt. She was born in Korea, has lived in Alaska and gained backcountry experience with her family around the world and with the Montreat CLIMBE program. Nina was also an active FFA member and has Red Cross first aid and CPR certification. We wish her the best as she tackles UNC-Chapel Hill!
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Land of the Sky martial Arts
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