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Once again I’d like to commend you in the incredibly find organization you’re leading—we have much respect for you, your focus, and the altogether positive experience you’re providing.
Nancy Conner - Charlotte, NC
I want to tell you how deeply grateful I am for your good care of him and for the fact that all his adventures were the kind that kept him safe and sound and healthy. I can understand why you have a waiting list for your trips. You evidently have mastered the art of taking young people on Wilderness Ventures.
Lois Alcosser - Weston, CT
We are enormously grateful for the atmosphere of high purpose and moral standards which you have created, as well as the opportunity for these young people to participate in a team interaction with other fine kids, in the midst of the world’s most breathtaking natural environments.
Diane and Wolf Weigert - Washington, DC
Pauline is back and enthusiastically telling us about the most beautiful experiences she has had on her Wilderness Ventures expedition. We are very please about her mountaineering and other achievements. But above all we are most impressed by the healthy attitudes and noble values she has acquired under yoru guidance. What can be more pleasant for parents than seeing their child find herself by the very same ideas they cherish. We are deeply grateful to you.
Peter and Lucy Freund - Chicago, IL
Thanks are long overdue for all those connected with Wilderness Ventures who provided our son with the most outstanding experience of his adolescence. We have noticed him display a greater belief in his abilities, more openness with others and a heightened appreciation for nature. From the moment Chris began sharing his experiences with us, we knew that he was under the guidance of persons who are keenly observant and highly respectful of the individual. It is evident that members of your staff possess that rare talent to preserve individuality while creating a sense of teamwork, shared goals and most importantly – friendship.
Kathy and Jim Sloan - Charlotte, NC
My son Doug’s life was unquestionably altered by his W.V. experience. It had a bearing on his appreciation for the outdoors and for outdoor adventure. It certainly had a bearing on the colleges he chose to apply to.
Sylvia Belkin - Swampscott, MA
Allison has not stopped “bubbling” with stories about it since her return. You are responsible for a tremendous program for young people. I am sure Allison will remember her valuable experience for a long time, and along with her, I am confident it was very helpful in her overall development.
Ray Noojin - Birmingham, AL
Without the very able leaders you attract for Wilderness Ventures, the close group feeling wouldn’t occur among the group. Obviously, you are quite good at getting fine, mature people who are able to cajole youth into being responsible, concerned, and caring about their environment and each other, and who ask the youth to reach into themselves for inner strength and resources.
Beth Roberts - Alexandria, VA
She not only enjoyed her Jackson Hole trip immensely, but also learned a lot about herself. She is more independent and more self-assured; she has a broader outlook on life. She appears poised, confident, of both herself and her ideas, with a greater tolerance for differences and a lesser need to conform to what others think. And she was able to see a part of this country in a way that few people do – the beauty of the Tetons has really made an impression on her. Thank you for all the time, energy, and skill you put into your program – it is obvious that you love what you do and that you care a great deal about the kids who go on your expeditions.
Judith H. Christie - Bala Cynwyd, PA
Molly’s Wilderness Ventures experience is an event she will never forget. She remarked as we drove home from being out West nearly two months, that she was not the same person she thought she was before the experience. She said she felt she had a new identity and had formed a sense of purpose in her life. I can certainly see this in her willingness to take responsibility and a growing maturity in the way she initiates doing tasks without being asked.
Judy Hennessy - Cincinnati, OH
From the moment we met him at the airport, his words were, “This was the best experience of my life!” But we could tell that just from looking at him, and hearing about the summer. His letters had given us that indication earlier. He was ecstatic over two aspects: the trip activities and his group. Not that we’re surprised, of course. It is just what we had hoped for when we met you last winter. Now, it’s a reality for Stephen.
Paul Schwarz - White Plains, NY
There is no doubt in our minds that you run first class expeditions with highly qualified leaders. The trip has had a most positive effect on Tim, greatly increasing his knowledge and interest in the natural sciences as well as his enthusiasm for outdoor adventure. You might be interested to know that our dinner begins each evening with a recitation from your wonderful “Book of Quotations.” This in itself is a fine remembrance of the Wilderness Ventures program.
Elliot Paine - Mentor, OH
We are delighted with Graham’s sense of confidence in verbal communication and friendships. Reports from his high school confirm significantly increased maturity. He now organizes his time with priorities given to scholastic assignments and scouting responsibilities. In the classroom, he is showing a renewed capacity for imagination and creativity.
Graham B. Kretchman, M.D. - Phoenix, AZ
Charlie had a wonderful time with your Mountaineering Leadership Course – the small group was right up his alley. He enjoyed the staff and the group he was with – the ice climbing was his favorite – like last years Exum Climb was the “ultimate” in his summer experience. You run an outstanding program.
Patty Clement - Killen, AL
If one of your objectives in creating Wilderness Ventures was to make the parents of your campers happy, I’d say you’ve attained it! (it fills my heart with joy to know that my daughter was able to have such an unsullied, intense, meticulously planned, and safe engagement with the natural world; to have her come home exhilerated, more appreciative and observant of the beauty which exists in wild places, and buoyed by newfound friendships) to be able to see how strong, free and confident she has become, after being in a setting which constantly tested her, both spiritually and physically. Thank you.
Vivian Spiro - Brookline, MA
Frankie had the time of his life in Australia. The trip did so much to bolster his self-confidence and self-esteem, and we are already seeing the ripple effect here at home, where his circle of friends seems to be expanding everyday.
Larrie DeSimone - Rosemont, PA
We rave constantly to interested folks about your wonderful organization and are very grateful that it has become such a positive influence in Andrew’s life. As long as there are trips age-appropriate for Andrew I am sure he will continue to participate and possibly one day he will apply to work with you as a guide if his background is adequate.
Robin Kromis - Montgomery, AL
Max had a most amazing adventure on his Cascade Olympic trip this past July. He loved the guides and his fellow campers and was awe-inspired by the summit of Rainier. Thanks for giving him the opportunity to work wholeheartedly with a devoted and talented staff and an enthusiastic, committed group of kids. What a life experience! One he will continually draw on I’m sure.
Ruth Nardini - New York, NY
I remember reading the intermittent quotes that floated through your catalog, parents plugging WV with stories of their son’s or daughter’s new maturity. I knew these were real but took them as sort of an advertising plea. I know now how right a lot of these quotes are. Wilderness Ventures changed my life and I would be very naďve to think otherwise. From June 24, 1998 through today, my life has been better in so many ways. Obviously my 46 day wilderness trek was fantastic, but even afterwards it seems like life has improved in nearly every way. I can only attribute this to Wilderness Ventures.
David Tillman - Maplewood, NJ
Jackson returned to us more fit, stronger, more confident, and more self reliant, and positively radiantly joyful. It was a wonderful experience for him.
Debbie Shaw - Nashville, TN
Our son, Jim, had the most fantastic summer of his life thanks to both of you. It was a great growing experience for him and I just want you to know how much I admire both of you; your care and concerns and your efficient organizing talents were especially noticed. Many thanks for being such a positive force in Jim’s growing up.
David W. Mason - Center Lovell , ME
We commend you on your thoroughness in the handling of Wilderness Ventures. During the preparation we felt we were well informed; confident in your handling of all matters; and pleased with your selection of travel agent for the plane arrangements to and from Colorado. Our daughter, Jessica, could not talk fast enough, upon her return, to tell us about her fantastic experience. She reinforced our thinking that her experience will be a life-long memory and one she will borrow from for many years.
Bob and Jane Stabrylla - Mason , OH
Our third child, Rod, came home from the July Rocky Mountain trip just as or even more ecstatic and excited than the first two – Laura and Chuck! I call your experience for our children their “Bar Mitzvah” as maturity seems to set in during that month West and life seems to literally come alive for them and even more so for their parents as we hear from them experiences that we have never experiences and will probably never have the good fortune to experience and that is always a thrill for a parent.
Charles Thiemann - Cincinnati, OH
We support W.V. and what you two have built – an organization which functions smoothly, sets up great principles for the kids, but just as importantly, the well rounded guided experience they get on an adventure.
Charles Clark - Cleveland, OH
It was rewarding and exciting to hear him tell his tales of experiences and people. Each day more of his adventure unfolded. As a parent, I must say the most rewarding and gratifying moments came as he began to verbalize his internalizing of the experiences. He spoke of realizing how important it is to be able to depend on others. He realized the intent behind various aspects of the trip and its challenges. He expressed his recognition of his need to further challenge himself, even though he would have liked to quit on occasion. He knew that he must capitalize on opportunities to test himself as that opportunity would not present itself again and he would never know of what he was capable. We are delighted with his growth!
Suzie and Eric Smart - Seattle, WA
I wish very much that all the children in our country could have the sort of experience that Wilderness Ventures offers. Since his return, Andrew has not been interested in plopping himself in front of the TV; with additional school work now that he is in high school, he wants to spend his free time walking, doing art work, reading, listening to music, and being with friends.
Jan and Milton Finegold - Houston, TX
As the letters arrived from Megan during the summer, it was clear that she was expiriencing things that would always be with her. Somewhere around the middle of July we received a letter from her after the Glacier Peak backcountry jaunt; she described hiking by herself through thick overgrown woods and then seeing the mountains and a waterfall open up before her. She said how glad she was to be alone to experience it before the others caught up. We knew then that something very special was happening for her.
John Quinn and Burdett Rooney - Washington, DC
He had been on other outdoor adventures, summer camps, European trips, leadership courses, etc. and we had not noticed any perceptible differences. The summer of 1995, however, was somehow different, and you sent us home a noticeably more mature, self-reliant, composed, happy young man. He made the comment to us, “I always knew I was a leader but I never really found the right place and format to express it until this trip.” The enhance a well-adjusted young person’s self-esteem is a tremendous accomplishment, and we salute you all for such an extraordinary “gift” to Bryson. We also appreciate some wonderful personal habits he gained such as seat belts (always) and cleaning up (automatically without being asked). Finally, Bryson grew in the depth of his interpersonal relationships and formed bonds of friendship that may indeed last a long time. We thank you for a truly incredible summer experience and for the many intangible gifts you all gave our son.
Fanny and Bryce Powell - Richmond, VA
Thank you for providing such a wonderful experience for young people. I wish every child could experience WV.
Adriane de Windt - Birmingham, MI
I wanted to drop you a note to tell you how pleased Rick and I were with Katie’s experience on your Puget Sound trip. She loved it and returned home with more self-confidence (our major goal). We have always recommended your programs but will now do so with added enthusiasm.
Jane Sanborn, Sanborn Western Camps - Florissant, CO
What a great August she had with you! The girl who came home was significantly more mature, self-confident, and adventuresome than ever before. When I asked Kristin how the experience had affected her she said, “I learned I can do a lot more than I ever dreamed I could and that I don’t give up when things get hard. I also learned a lot about friendship and helping one another though difficult times. Best of all, I learned how to talk with boys and be friends with them. In fact, I felt that one boy I met is the best friend I have ever had and we’ll be friends forever.” What more could a parent or child ask from a summer experience.
Nancy Hoffman - Stamford , CT
The professional attitude of the counselors and guides has been always apparent to our daughter. Their stress on safety and their sensitivity to interpersonal adolescent interaction is what we think makes these trips so unique. Often, catalogues and brochures state positive aspects of a camp which prove, when experienced, to be nonexistent or untrue. Our children have had numerous camp experiences but none in which personal growth and positive group interaction are so stressed and so highly valued as the are on W.V. expeditions. Everything stated in your catalog proved to be accurate!
Ralph Huller - Crestview Hills, KY
We want to express our deep appreciation for the marvelous trip, exceptional leadership, and thorough attention to detail that our son Neil experienced this summer. Even with the fine reputation you have for organizing and executing these expeditions for young adults, it is somewhat a leap of faith when you put your teenager on board the plane! We are glad we took that leap and we know that the individuals within your organization that came in contact with Neil have contributed in positive and significant ways to his life.
Bill and Suzanne Taylor - Kiawah Island, SC
We appreciate the quality of your program and the commitment you and your staff have to the environment, the beauty and majesty of nature and the importance of teaching leadership qualities to our children. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job on all levels.
Rebecca and Rick Smith - Bethesda, MD
I will always remember the night our son returned from his Jackson Hole adventure – the happiness and power that was communicated in Seth’s face that night was magic to a parent. His perception of himself and the world around him shifted several positive notches this summer. While already pretty sensitive he returned a more open, serious and thoughtful young man. This has been a persistent pattern and not one that vanished after the initial glow of the trip wore off. There has been a lovely spirit of cooperativeness that has certainly enriched our family life.
Jan Wechsler - Norberth, PA
When my husband and I put our daughter on the plane to Jackson in June, we hoped her Wilderness Ventures trip would be one of the most memorable experiences of her life. When she returned six weeks later, we knew this program had exceeded all our expectations. Alex has not stopped talking about her summer, and I do not think the full impact of all she learned has yet to be felt. Even simple trips to the grocery store have become pleasant excursions filled with anecdotes and fond memories.
Not only was this trip well-organized and diverse but your leaders well-trained and knowledgeable. They certainly have a way of weaving a special kind of magic! Being with a fine group of peers and outstanding leaders, amidst beautiful scenery in an often challenging environment is obviously a formula for success which you have mastered.
Joan Dattelbaum - Scarsdale, NY
Thank you for the wonderful venture this past summer for our son Cameron. It was just what he needed. He grew tremendously inwardly in worth and self confidence in who he is. I just wanted you to know that we value you and your work with youth.
Avril Warren - Cincinnati, OH
Melanie had a very positive experience this summer and took much pride in her ability to be a part of such a great and diverse group. We have seen a remarkable difference in her outlook on life since she got home. She has become more focused at school and has taken on several leadership roles. Thank you again for helping our daughter become a more mature and caring person as a result of the wonderful experiences she had this summer.
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Williams - Raleigh, NC
You do something very right in building a strong sense of community in these children.
Sue Ellen McNeil - Winston-Salem, NC
We knew that Dustin’s experience at Wilderness Ventures would be great but it exceeded our highest expectations! He had a wonderful time and the growth and confidence that took place in just 27 days was overwhelming. As parents, we felt that you provided a challenging opportunity for young adults to work toward their maximum potential in all aspects of their life.
Steve and Donna Palmer - Houston, TX
We wish to thank you for guiding our daughter, Maggie Ladd, this summer during her adventure in Alaska. She gained many new friendships, learned several outdoor skills, experienced nature at its best, and had lots of fun!
Dwight and Rosalyn Ladd - Indianapolis, IN
The two summers with WV made Katie both a confident and capable young lady, ready to complete high school this year and go off to college. I thank you for providing two years of “once in a lifetime” experiences for her.
JoAnn and Robert Glick - Shaker Heights, OH
Logan had a great time this past summer during the WV trip and he came back more confident and mature. This new found confidence has resulted in a different approach to school and challenges he faces there. His can do attitude definitely has contributed to outstanding performance in school.
Joseph Roise - Raleigh, NC
Nick has changed as a person since he took your trip, and thanks to the excellent staff team, not only has he gained a great deal of confidence in himself, made wonderful new friends, but he has really learned to appreciate the beauty of nature.
Serena and Ambler Moss - Coral Gables, FL
Chad had a wonderful experience with you again this summer. We immediately noticed the tone of “quiet competence” in his voice and mannerisms.
Dottie Ballard - Norfolk, VA
I wanted to say that Austin had an absolutely fabulous time on his trip to Puget Sound. The staff was outstanding. The leadership and inspiration they brought to the group was just terrific. Many thanks for making Austin’s first Wilderness Venture a memorable one.
Deborah Pugh - Piedmont, CA
Clay is an upbeat, eager and enthusiastic, bright, feisty kid who is mature beyond her years. She has strong opinions, always has a lot to say and often doesn’t stop to look and listen before she speaks. Her experience with WV helped reinforce to her the importance of being a good listener, being open-minded to the ideas of others, the importance of being a good follower and team player, and what goes into being a good leader. She learned a lot about dealing with physical and mental challenges, the fruits of perseverance, and the great feeling of accomplishment when you succeed. And along with all this, she had great fun, lots of laughs, and has memories to last her for years to come.
Don and Marcia Hamilton - Greenwich , CT
Callen’s adventure was everything we could have hoped for and then some. She returns to us with a broader and deeper confidence in herself as well as a wonderful appreciation for the natural world.
Steven Bair - Birmingham, AL
Louise returned from the Cascade Olympic trip a new person with a new sense of maturity and accomplishment.
Don Burton - Charlotte, NC
This afternoon I picked up Andrew from the airport upon his return from his WV fly fishing trip to Yellowstone and Montana. In the car, as he was talking nonstop at at least three times the normal rate, trying to tell us everything, I remembered picking up William and his buddies last year as they returned from their WV trip. It was exactly the same experience. In each case, my sons were so excited, so passionate about their respective trips, they talked on and on about every little detail. I am sure you know that however communicative an adolescent boy may be, it is never like this! Congratulations on creating such a wonderful company that makes this kind of opportunity available for so many lucky kids.
Betsy Dixon - Menlo Park, CA
I think the challenges Richards adventure presented brought out the best in his character, and he certainly did some maturing over those few weeks.
Ruth Jennings - Knoxville, TN
What can I say about the Oregon adventure? Our daughter came home confident, independent and elated.
Peggy Kincaid - San Marino, CA
I wanted to let you know that Bonnie had an absolutely fantastic adventure. She returned to us a very changed young woman, more confident and mature. This trip was, without question, one of the most significant experiences in Bonnie’s life. Thanks for providing her with this opportunity.
Jim Doman - Conifer, CO
Julia has related many deeply meaningful experiences regarding the Costa Rica Service Adventure. The trip was a significant learning experience from the standpoint of teamwork and immersion in progressive environmental practices while experiencing a deeper sense of another language and culture.
Craig Anderson - Santa Fe, NM
When Mark came home, he was bursting with stories and pride about his trip. The ascent up Grand Teton at the end of the trip was the best part of the adventure and his sense of accomplishment cannot be overstated.
Hank Thomassen - Fairfax, VA
Thank you for providing Samuel with a summer of a life time! He enjoyed every minute of his bike trip adventure through Colorado and Utah and returned home glowing with pride and a wonderful sense of achievement...He developed a love and appreciation for the beauty of the land that surrounds us and a desire to seek new adventure and achievements.
Bruce and Bibbi Hotaling - Wayne, PA
Alex has traveled a lot in his short life, but I think he would say that this was his best experience ever. Thank you for accepting him into you program and caring for him so well. He really loved his leaders and got along so well with everyone in his group.
Tim and Helen Miller - Sewickley, PA
I recommend your program to every parent I speak to. In fact some of her teachers have fond memories of their Wilderness Ventures trips! I want to thank you for taking such good care of my daughter and running such an excellent program.
Claudia Monaco - Brooklyn, NY
I have noticed subtle changes in Andrew since his return. He is definitely more confident in himself and his ability to problem solve. He also engages in family conversation more and enjoys being part of a group. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for the wonderful experience you provided my son with this summer. The memories and newly acquired skills will last him a life-time.
Cindy Guzi - Warren, MI
During the first week back Sarah did not stop talking about the fantastic time she had, the lessons she learned, the friends she made. It is now a little over a month since she retunred from her trip and she still tells snippets of stories she keeps remmebering. She is also still in CONSTANT contact with the new friends she made. What a fantastic experience she must have had!!!
Gina Chang - Danville, CA
I am so grateful to Wilderness Ventures. Is it hard to believe that in only 16 days Will learned so much. The trip was absolutely transformational for Will. We notice that he is more confident and more appreciative of the smaller things. One doesn’t really expect a teenager to have either of these traits. Our only regret is that we were not aware of WV when our older son was growing up. We are hoping that Will chooses to go again next year.
Janet Marcus - Austin, TX
The experience with Wilderness Ventures had such a positive impact on him…an experience that he will always remember. Thank you for providing such an incredible experience. You obviously do an outstanding job. It was exactly the right amount of everything.
Susan Farber - Pittsburgh, PA
I believe the most important skill any young person can come away with in your wilderness trips is a sense of self confidence and working with others. I have always told Mac that the most important skill any person can get in life is working and getting along with his fellow man. I believe your trips help him in gaining this attribute.
Buz Wheless - Shreveport, LA
We are writing to thank you for providing our son, David, with such an amazing experience this past summer. He participated in the Alaska Southeast Adventure, and the first thing he did when he got home was check your website to plan where he wants to go next summer! The trip had an enormously positive impact on him, and we were able to see noticeable changes in his confidence and maturity.
Susan Helmrich & Richard Levine - Berkeley, CA
When Christopher first spotted me in baggage claim he came right up to me and gave me three big hugs. As a father it spoke volumes – he began describing his three weeks in Alaska and said he was mentally strong and that he could overcome adversity.
Sometimes we don’t know who we are until we are challenged – Wilderness Ventures provides the setting for growth that results from overcoming challenges. It is not too much of an exaggeration to say that he left a boy and returned a man.
-Stephanie and Clinton
Stephanie and Clinton Fox - Houston, TX
You prepared us so well with the packing list, instructions, etc. What you didn’t prepare us for was how transformed and grown our children would be when they completed their trip. In every way, she has grown and been “stretched.” Each aspect of the trip challenged, delighted, and enriched her. She kept a 100-plus-page journal, as well as a list of all her “sightings” (plants, animals, fish) from which she’s been reading aloud to us daily. Her own pride in her newly developed skills (leadership, physical challenges, even cooking!) is palpable. The “ownership” with which she has defined this experience has been moving for my husband and I to watch.
Liz Auran - New York, NY
You prepared us so well with the packing list, instructions, etc. What you didn’t prepare us for was how transformed and grown our children would be when they completed their trip. In every way, she has grown and been “stretched.” Each aspect of the trip challenged, delighted, and enriched her. She kept a 100-plus-page journal, as well as a list of all her “sightings” (plants, animals, fish) from which she’s been reading aloud to us daily. Her own pride in her newly developed skills (leadership, physical challenges, even cooking!) is palpable. The “ownership” with which she has defined this experience has been moving for my husband and I to watch.
Liz Auran - New York, NY
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