Sandy Schenck, Green River Preserve’s Founder and Executive Director, was awarded the ACA Southeastern’s 2012 Community Service Award. He was recognized at the ACA Southeastern Fall Camp Conference in Charleston, South Carolina in early October.

The award is for those who have made outstanding contributions and/or support by local individuals or groups to the field of camping in their community.

Sandy left a business career in 1987 to start the Green River Preserve, a summer camp with a focus on the environment and creative arts. In 2006, he and his wife, Missy, put 2600 acres of the Preserve in a conservation easement which will protect the land forever. Inspired by his work at the camp, he started the non-profit Muddy Sneakers in 2007 which emphasizes hands-on experiential learning. It is used in fifth grade classrooms in 15 schools across Western North Carolina.

Congratulations, Sandy!