This month we are highlighting Grayson Smith, Associate Logistics Manager (ALM) at Table Rock Base Camp. Grayson first joined NCOBS as a Logistics Coordinator before their last semester at Appalachian State University during summer 2023 . After graduating with a Bachelors in Recreation Management with a concentration in Outdoor Experiential Education, they returned to the role, and soon after was promoted to ALM.
In their role, Grayson assists the Logistics Manager in maintaining inventories and managing logistics staff. As a member of the logistics team, they oversee gear pack outs, resupplies, gear de-issues, the organization of the warehouse, crew transportation, and weekly town runs to Asheville. They also serve as part of the basecamp leadership team, where they lead with a positive and growth-oriented mindset to support their community, help maintain clean and organized base camp facilities, and plan fun events like themed dinners and other fun events. Grayson shares that “even things as small as labeling the students’ bowls and spoons, knowing they will each be assigned a number for their course, is something that brings me joy.”
Grayson is a seasoned Outward Bound alum, having attended a total of four Outward Bound courses across NCOBS, California Outward Bound School, and Northwest Outward Bound School. They attended their first course with NCOBS through a partnership between their high school and NCOBS, where their freshman class attended a course at the end of the school year. The four-day course out of Table Rock helped Grayson discover their passions of being outside and helping others. They soon returned to NCOBS as a senior, where they supported the new freshman class as a student mentor.
“At just 14 years old, I discovered my biggest aspirations in life, all because of Outward Bound,” Grayson reflects. “It became my goal to work here at the Table Rock basecamp someday, and I’ve made it happen. Knowing how much Outward Bound changed my life drives me in my role, and I truly love every aspect of the work I do.”
This year, Grayson was presented with the Buffalo Award due to their attention to the little details that make a big difference, “because the attention to the little thing is a big deal.” Trish Haitz, Everglades City Program Director, shares “Throughout their season in the Everglades, Grayson would often be highlight of a student’s course. They would help them feel comfortable with the new surroundings, ensure they had the proper items for course, and simply be a friendly face in a very new environment.”
Way to go, Grayson! Thank you for all that you do.
