The Ile Camera
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Outdoorsman writes several guidebooks
Former Grosse Ile scout will discuss his career at upcoming talk
By Sheila Mech, Special Writer
PUBLISHED: March 16, 2007
Jim DuFresne has written more than a dozen guidebooks.
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He's backpacked through Alaska, New Zealand, India, Nepal and many other places around the world.
But he says his love for the outdoors started right here, on Grosse Ile.
"The troop was great," he said, reflecting on his experiences as a member of Grosse Ile's Boy Scout Troop 1261. "Camping every month, even in the winter. We camped in the bird sanctuary and we used to hike a quarter mile to the nearest house for water.
"When they talk about Scouting molding you for life, well, I'm the prime example of that."
DuFresne said he believes Troop 1261 formed the basis of his love for the outdoors and travel. His love of Scouting took him through the rank of Eagle Scout.
He graduated from Grosse Ile High School in 1973 and went on to earn a degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
Lonely Planet Publications released DuFresne's first book in 1982, "Tramping in New Zealand."
It was followed a year later by "Alaska: A Travel Survival Kit."
He has earned many awards for his writing and photography.
Today DuFresne resides in Clarkston, working as an outdoor and travel writer with his latest release being "The Complete Guide to Michigan Sand Dunes."
"I love the writing," he said. "I love being outdoors. I love places where there are no roads. I had to find a way to combine the two."
Scouts in Troop 1261 recently discovered that the author of the guidebook they had been using was from Grosse Ile and a former member of the troop.
DuFresne is returning to Grosse Ile at the invitation of his old troop to share his experiences. He will give a presentation at 7 p.m. March 29 at his alma mater, Grosse Ile High School.
DuFresne said he wants to share what he loves to do and show that anyone can do it.
High adventure backpacking in Alaska's Katmai National Park and Preserve will be the topic presented by DuFresne.
He will talk about his childhood as a Scout on Grosse Ile and show a slide show of his kayak journey through Katmai.
Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the wilderness with DuFresne in the high school auditorium, 7800 Grays Drive. Admission is free.
(Sheila Mech is a Grosse Ile native and a student at Michigan State University.)
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