Scott Brinkman, Vice-President
Scott Brinkman
Scott Brinkman, having grown up in Royal Oak, MI, spent his years following high school first at Wayne State University studying Technical Theatre Production, then at Oakland Community College, finally finishing at Michigan Technological University with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 1995. From the age of 8 or 9 on, Scott was active in the Boy Scouts of America, and once turned eighteen stayed involved with a troop in the Royal Oak, MI area as an Assistant Scoutmaster and High Adventure Coordinator. It was a connection through Scouting that introduced Scott to Jimeyer through a mutual friend and mentor, Marquis Smith.
Throughout those years, and since, Scott has held multiple certifications from the American Red Cross as a Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor, and CPR Instructor. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Scott enjoys working with younger people no matter their background or current life challenges, to enjoy the outdoors comfortably and safely, especially for those that are experiencing such things for their first time.
In the fall of 1995 Scott moved from Michigan to Rhode Island for a short period of time, eventually ending up in Stowe, VT in 1996 where he now lives with his wife Cheri. Scott has been an active staff member at Chalfonte House for 15 years and counting, primarily acting as senior staff for the younger boys' week in early August. When not participating in Chalfonte House activities, Scott runs Scott Brinkman Carpentry, a home building and renovation company based in Morrisville, Vermont. Scott spends his spare time as a volunteer EMT-Intermediate for the Stowe Rescue Squad, the local ambulance service provider.
Scott says his experiences at Chalfonte House are always grounding, rewarding, tiring, but an absolute high part of his life. "Looking people in the eye, listening to them share their tale, and then helping them to overcome challenges, find a way to smile and laugh, is a wonderful way to spend one's time. The Elk Rapids community is so open and giving to the young people we take there for opportunities, I couldn't imagine a better place to help out." Looking ahead, Scott is excited about the Foundation's plans to continue improving the property at Ryan Giannini Park to achieve the Foundation's goals for that property. Additionally rewarding is to now work on the Board of Directors with at least one person that started out as one of his "campers," as well as many others that do so much to give back to the Foundation that "initially brought us together."