The GSAA
Vision, Direction, and Sustainability
Uniting past staff in an effort to continue supporting Goshen Scout Reservation, its staff, and Scouts through service events, resources, and experiences.
What is the GSAA?
Our Story
Goshen Scout Reservation Staff have been coming together since our founding to support the Reservation and each other whenever possible. It did not take long to realize that there will always be alumni willing to come out and help even years after serving on staff. This has been done in many forms including small group of friends, individual camp groups, as part of the Bears or the OA, and in past iterations of Alumni.
With thousands of alumni out there, it is clear that we can do more. We all want to do more. With this in mind we are bringing back the Goshen Staff Alumni Association. It will be bigger, stronger, and more comprehensive than ever before. While in the beginning we will focus on providing more physical service opportunities it won’t end there. We will become a network to reach staff all over the world.
The new GSAA will provide current staff an opportunity to reach out for help on a larger scale than ever before. This will include physical resources, skilled staff, and knowledge. Our service projects will lack any level of humility. We will focus our efforts on the projects the Camp Directors want and need.
The new GSAA will provide opportunities for Alumni near and far to be involved. We will have Newsletters to keep everyone informed. We will focus on supporting the current staff, scouts, and reservation as a whole in a variety of ways.
Mission Statement
To support Goshen Scout Reservation through service, helping them provide a high quality scouting experience for the campers.
Vision Statement
To become the leading physical and financial support for Goshen Scout Reservation, staff members, and campers.
Organization Structure
We’re currently getting organized. We plan to have an elected Executive Board of alumni with an NCAC staff adviser (the Goshen Scout Reservation Director), which will oversee committees – the Finance Committee, the Events Committee, and the Membership & Communication Committee.
What Can You Do to Be Involved?
- First, register (below) to be a part of the GSAA!
- Nominate yourself or someone else that is interested for the Executive Board.
- Sign up to get involved in a committee – Finance, Events, or Membership.
- Come help us with projects on Service Weekends.
- Join us for Family Camp and reconnect with Goshen and the Alumni.
- Make a donation – either of a physical object or with money.
Get the Details
Learn more about the organization, structure, bylaws, and how everyone can be involved by downloading the documents below.
GSAA Events
Service Weekends
Get stuff done!
Catch up with other alumni and give back to Goshen. This event is open to staff alumni (21+) from any and all Goshen camps and any friends or family (21+) who want to help out. We’ll be working on lots of different projects – from reservation-wide projects to camp-specific projects. Projects will be suggested by the Camp Directors and their current camp staff. We’ll have a Spring and a Fall Work Weekend. Want to organize your own? Talk to your Camp Director.
Family Camp
Memorial Day and Labor Day
Hang out, reconnect with Goshen, catch up with other alumni, and have fun with the whole family. Fun for all ages, we’ll have the Waterfront, Shooting Range, Handicraft, and COPE Giant Swing up and running. Spring Family Camp is on Memorial Day Weekend every year and Fall Family Camp takes place on Labor Day Weekend every year.
Give Back
Camp Wish Lists
Coming soon!
Donate
Coming soon!
GSAA Co-Chair, Operations
Matt Hanson
Matt worked 12 years (2008-2019) starting at Camp Ross & ending at Camp Post. Starting out as an ‘Aqua Jock’ at Camp Ross he quickly moved into more operational roles at Camp Ross as the Facilities Director and later Camp Director, and eventually as the Assistant Reservation Director for Goshen Scout Reservation. He now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and works as a Guest Services Manager at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Matt is excited to fine tune the GSAA organization and operations to ensure a strong and consistent future.
GSAA Co-Chair, Vision and Membership
Travis Andrus
Travis worked 12 years (2003-2014) at Camp Ross & Camp Bowman. He made his name as an all-around program star working in Scoutcraft, Shooting Sports, Aquatics, Nature, and as Program Director. He wrapped up his camp career as the Camp Ross Director. He now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina and works as an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist.
Travis is excited to expand the role of the GSAA focusing on strong partnerships with current staff and clear value delivered to Goshen.