I have been teaching for 19 years, 16 of those years have been in Brevard. I have two little boys who keep me pretty busy at home. My family and I love to visit our National Parks. My favorites were Capulin Volcano in New Mexico, Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, and the Alibates Flint Quarry in Texas. My sons’ favorite was the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri. We love to explore history and the natural world around us.

My name is Robin and I love all things science and outdoors! This will be my third year at Campus Adventures. I have worked with many K-12 children in the past through a traveling chemistry show, presenting at schools and camps. I also love trying new science experiments with my 3 kids at home. Currently, my full time job is teaching chemistry at Brevard College. Outside of teaching chemistry, I enjoy exploring the trails in North Carolina and finding new waterfalls and camping spots with family and two dogs. We also recently started mountain biking.  

Alyse Bensel is a poet and essayist. She is the author of Rare Wondrous Things: A Poetic Biography of Maria Sibylla Merian (Green Writers Press, 2020) and three poetry chapbooks. Her work has most recently appeared in Cream City Review, South Dakota Review, and Zone 3. She serves as Poetry Editor for Cherry Tree and is an Assistant Professor of English at Brevard College, where she directs the Looking Glass Rock Writers’ Conference. 

Steve is a local naturalist and environmental educator. He specializes in helping people connect with and form better respect for misunderstood wildlife such as reptiles and amphibians and their most important role in a healthy ecosystem. He is the executive director of Earthshine Nature Programs (ENP) - a small, local, nonprofit wildlife outreach, conservation, and rehabilitation organization that works to educate, inspire, rescue, rehabilitate and plant seeds of respect, knowledge, and understanding in the minds of our students, outreach program participants and more through hands-on outreach programs at local schools, camps, events and more. ENP also works to bring indigenous music and renewable energy experiences and knowledge to you through their programs offerings, They practice what they preach by using a fully electric vehicle for their outreach programming and powering it, and their office/classroom, on clean, renewable, "homegrown" energy from the sun captured by the student-built and locally supported classroom solar array. Learn more about Steve and ENP on their website - www.earthshinenature.com 

Hello, you can call me Dr. Stow! I have a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Saxophone Performance and 7 years teaching experience in the classroom and private studio. This is my first year at Campus Adventures and I am excited to meet lots of new faces! I love playing many styles of music, including concert (classical), jazz, and commercial (pop/rock/funk). I mostly play the saxophone (soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone) but you may also find me playing the flute, clarinet, piano, or guitar as well. I have taught at many colleges in North Carolina including Pfeiffer University, South Piedmont Community College, Rowan- Cabarrus Community College, and Mitchell Community College. I have a music studio ranging from 6th grade through adult learners. My partner and I enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and thrift store shopping; we have a family of pets including cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and fish. Learn more about me at nickstow.com

Destini N. Petitt is a first generation researcher, PhD, and an Assistant Professor of Environmental studies at Brevard College. She completed her PhD in the Infrastructure and Environmental Systems program at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She received her M.S. in Natural Resource Science from the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2018. In 2016, she received a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from Lees-McRae College. Her PhD research focused on biogeochemical processes of restored headwater streams in Charlotte, NC. Destini is passionate about understanding how land-use changes impact water quality and how watershed restoration impacts groundwater storage. During her time at UNC-Charlotte, Destini has served as the Secretary of Sustainability for the Graduate and Professional Student Government and has been a mentor to women in STEM and Latin American students wanting to attend college in the United States. When she isn't working, Destini enjoys exploring the great outdoors through hiking, biking, and kayaking with her partner and pets. Learn more about Destini at www.destininpetitt.weebly.com  

I am a high school Chemistry teacher and spent many years as a camp counselor during college, though this will be my second summer at Campus Adventures. In the lab, in school, at home, on the trails, mountain biking...the world is a playground! I am an amateur astronomer and spent my time as a scientist studying how light interacts with matter. But, my all-time favorite past time is open mic time with group camp songs, stories, and jokes. I am eager to have fun with the kiddos at Campus Adventures!

I have entertained families for over 45 years. I've performed in 15 countries and shared my unique style of humor with millions of families in the United States. I presently am the Chief Humor Officer for the Asheville School of Comedy.  www.avlschoolofcomedy.com. My memoir Tim Arem Who? will be published this July.

I've been involved in delivering information, education and entertainment to families at Campus Adventure for 5 years.  This summer at camp,  I look forward to teaching classes in magic and stand up comedy.

Hi, my name is Gracie. I am a rising junior at Appalachian State University and I have been a part of Campus Adventures for seven years now! This summer I will be a group leader for Afternoon Adventures. In my free time, I enjoy art, running, and reading. I am very excited for camp this year and I look forward to meeting everyone! 

Hi, my name is Ashley. I am a rising junior at Brevard College, majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Business and Coaching. I am also a member of the volleyball and cheer team! I am a native of Brevard and have been a part of Campus Adventures for 7 years now. I spent 3 summers as a camper and the other 3 as a TA. My favorite part about Campus Adventures growing up was the classes with Mr. Steve O’Neil and playing in the creek on campus. This summer I will be at camp as group leader for Afternoon Adventures! In my free time, I enjoy working out, spending time with friends, fishing and going to the lake. I am super pumped for camp this summer and cannot wait to meet everyone! 

Daniel is a post-bacc. teacher licensure student at Brevard College. He is working toward becoming a high school Biology teacher. He is a life-long learner and lover of all things science!

Hi! I am Vickie and I am excited about my first year with Campus Adventures.  I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  I have a BA with a concentration in Criminal Justice and a paralegal certificate.  I am a momma to a daughter who keeps me busy.  I love to be outside, exploring the woods, trails and waterfalls in North Carolina, spending time working in the yard with my plants, sewing and crafting, playing games and being involved with community and service projects.  I have been volunteering as a Sunday school  teacher for 3-5 year olds in our church for 7 years, a co-leader with my daughters Girls Scout troop for 5 years and volunteering in our local schools as often as I can.  I am excited to be a part of camp this year and ready to have some fun! 

Hi, my name is Noah Reisig and I am the Head Athletic Trainer at Brevard College. This upcoming year will be my third at the college. I am excited to work with Campus Adventures for the first time this summer and I look forward to working with everyone! 

TAs are older campers that are enrolled in our Leadership Development Program. They help Instructors, Station Leaders, and Group Leaders with daily programming, assist the Camp Director with behind-the-scenes tasks, and help the younger campers get the most out of camp.  They go through the same training that our staff go through and sometimes even join our staff after they graduate High School!