We are pleased to share that Greg Shute, longtime Chewonki staff member and former director of Northern and Coastal Properties, has been selected for the 2025 Special Recognition Award from the American Camping Association (ACA).

The Special Recognition Award was first established by the ACA in 1978 to “… honor groups, organizations, or individuals for their efforts to promote camp on a national level.”

Past recipients include national leaders, activists, and advocates in the youth camping and education field. 

“I’m grateful  for the award and pleased to be recognized by the American Camping Association,” said Shute. “I also want give thanks to my good friend and former colleague Garth Altenburg, who I found out was the instigator  of my nomination.”

According to Altenburg, former Chewonki Camp Director (’06-’18), Shute’s selection for the Special Recognition award was due to his many years working to improve risk management standards in youth camping, improve best practices in backcountry trip management, participation in the Maine Trip Leader working group partnered with the Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife, his contributions to the Wilderness Risk Management Association, and a lifetime of engagement and partnership with Indigenous communities throughout the region to improve awareness and recognition of the historical and current uses of the lands and waters used by so many youth camping and trip programs.

“Greg has had a significant influence on so many for so long, often behind the scenes in an unassuming way, but worth recognizing," said Altenburg.

The award will be presented at the American Camping Association’s National Conference in Dallas, Texas, Feb. 18-21. 

Shute was also recently featured as the Guest of Honor at Chewonki Homecoming Day in October. After 41 years of excellent service to the foundation, Shute formally retired in December 2024 and has departed for an extended tour of the country with his wife Lynne.   

Editor's note: Shute is also a past Alna selectman.