Camp Thurston Expands Aquatics Program

Director of Aquatics Griff Gryffindor and Head Lifeguard Scott Remain Committed to Water Safety Despite Campers

PACKWOOD, WA — Camp Thurston is pleased to announce the expansion of its renowned aquatics program for the upcoming season, featuring kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, open swim, and a renewed commitment to reminding campers that water demands respect. 

The program will once again be led by Director of Aquatics Griff Gryffindor, a former Olympic hopeful whose promising rowing career was cut short by injury before he transitioned into coaching and childhood development. Since joining Camp Thurston, Griff has dedicated himself to helping campers discover the confidence, discipline, and self-reliance that he believes is best  found on the water.

"Every boat teaches a lesson," Gryffindor explained. "Balance. Responsibility. Teamwork. Consequences."

When asked to elaborate on consequences, Griff reportedly gestured toward a group of campers attempting to paddle a canoe sideways.

Supporting Griff's efforts is Head Lifeguard Scott, who returns to Lost Lake for his fourth season. Scott reports that campers continue to demonstrate remarkable creativity in discovering new and alarming ways to ignore basic safety instructions.

"We ask very little," Scott explained. "Wear your life jacket. Stay where I can see you. Do not attempt to drown your friends. And yet, campers require a 4-to-1 camper-to-lifeguard ratio."

This year's expanded fleet includes kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other small boats, giving campers more opportunities than ever before to explore the lake while making decisions that concern camp staff.

Camp officials note that while Scott's primary responsibility is physical safety, he has also become known for providing emotional support through the simple but effective technique of looking disappointed, even from behind his shades.  

Together, Griff and Scott hope to provide campers with a memorable summer on the water— one defined by adventure, personal growth, and a statistically significant reduction in preventable incidents.

And to that end: campers are reminded that life jackets are mandatory, horseplay is prohibited, and "seeing what happens" is rarely an approved instructional method.