The Directors of Echo Hill comprise the core of our administrative staff. They are responsible for the planning, scheduling, and hiring as well as teaching classes. Their commitment to education and the environment sets the standard for the Echo Hill community.

Peter Paul Rice Jr., Director

Peter Rice Jr’s graduate work in Outdoor Education at Indiana and Northern Illinois University gave him the background and the desire to start a non-profit educational organization. He did so in 1972, when he founded Echo Hill Outdoor School. Peter’s original vision of children learning in the outdoors remains at the core of the School’s existence. Peter is the President of the Board and is the School’s lead Director. He lives in the county with his wife Libby and their three children Katie, Julie, and Peter III. Peter serves on the Board of Directors for the Chester River Craft and Art.

Andrew R. McCown, Associate Director

Andrew R. McCown has worked with Echo Hill Outdoor School since 1977. He founded the School’s Summer Explore Trips program in 1979, and became an associate director in 1981. Andrew is one of the School’s USCG-licensed captains, and regularly teaches Bay Studies classes. He is founding board member of the Chester River Association and an active board member for the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy where he serves on the Land Committee. Andrew McCown is a native of Kent County where he grew up fishing and crabbing on the Chester River. “Capt. Andy,” as he is known throughout the community, and his wife Betsy live at the School with their two sons, John Andrew and Parker.

Elizabeth Zelter McCown, Associate Director

Elizabeth Zelter McCown joined Echo Hill Outdoor School in 1979 after earning a B.S. in Community Leadership and Development from Springfield College, and she became an Associate Director in 1981. Betsy oversees professional development, the yearly calendar of attending schools, and curriculum development. At the heart of Betsy’s direction is her ability to facilitate personal growth and develop a sense of community. Betsy is an involved and devoted educator, counselor, and parent. She is a member of the local elementary school’s improvement team. Her sons John Andrew and Parker enjoy living on the Outdoor School’s nature preserve and appreciate the unique setting and community they call home.

Deborah Grigsby, Assistant Director

Debbie Grigsby began teaching at Echo Hill Outdoor School in 1991 and became an Assistant Director in 1994. She attended the University of Virginia and has a B.A. in Environmental Science. Debbie worked as a hydrologist in southern Florida for six years before deciding to direct her interest in the environment toward education. She actively teaches adventure classes, is one of the School’s USCG-certified captains, and coordinates the weekly schedule. Debbie is very present in all aspects of the Outdoor School’s program.

Echo Hill Outdoor School is a private, non-profit organization. Its programs are offered to all without discrimination on the basis of race, religion, national origin, or gender. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Outdoor School is approved by the Kent County Health Department and the State Fire Marshall. The School is regularly inspected by the Maryland State Department of Education.