Sam joined the Cherokee Creek team in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Outdoor Leadership and Education. His first role was in the Treks department where he spent weekends guiding students on weekend adventures and supporting our Family Treks program. Sam grew into the role of serving as the Student and Family Treks Program Manager. His experience working with our students and their families through our Treks program provided a natural transition into the role of Primary for the Chattooga Group.

Sam is a natural leader and goal-setter. He has served as President of the Outdoor Club at Toccoa Falls and carries many safety / rescue certificates including Wilderness First Responder, First-Aid / CPR and Swiftwater Rescue PRO.

Sam’s experiences, travel and adventures have helped shaped him into a fantastic leader at Cherokee Creek. When not at work, you can probably find Sam kayaking rivers around the Southeast or leading a whitewater canoe trip!

Let me share a middle school story…

“One of my favorite middle school memories is a camping trip with friends, and some of my first outdoor experiences. I remember setting up camp, running through the woods and just being a kid. We spent two nights in the woods on a friend’s property, building campfires, fishing in the pond and just having a good time. This was transformational for me as it started my interest in the outdoors and helped shape me into the outdoorsman I am today.”