Costa Rica Eco Tour Testimonial
Hello Jim -
I wanted to send you a note with recognition of Somer and the tremendous job she did with our kids and the group. This was a great trip for our students and for the adults that were able to chaperone. The interesting thing was, that neither myself or Jen (the other parent chaperone) or Rochelle, really had to do much if anything really but to enjoy the experience. Class trips (though not abroad) have been something this class has had the opportunity to do in some regard each year. Those trips though have been chaperoned and planned, "guided" and managed by Miss Hildreth and the parent chaperones. So with this trip there was a certain anticipation and expectation that we would be doing similar things with the kids, even though we knew this trip was well planned with activities and accommodations, as well as guides/leaders by GoAdventures.
Somer very quickly adjusted and engaged with the children (and the adults that were along) to help the kids to become participants with her in the experience, and they quickly felt a comfort and comradery with Somer, to the point where the adults truly slipped into the background and gave way to the kids and Somer to participate and enjoy the whole experience.
Somer did a great job of taking opportunities to find one to one time with the kids and to quickly build a strong rapport. As a parent, chaperone, observer, I can tell you that she became a part of the "class" and a trusted member of the group.

Having the unique perspective of being a manager in a sales/service organization, with my entire work experience to date being in client/customer, service, and team building roles, I can assure you that Somer is in a very elite and treasured group of valued people with an ability to give of herself and share in the guidance and growth of others in a very positive and powerful way. Somer, thank you sincerely for the experience and life moment that you provided to my daughter, Siena, to her classmates, and for myself and the other adults who were along.
Kind regards, Jaye R. Crist
Regional Manager ---- Account Management
R R Donnelley - Global Investment Markets

 

 

Donovan had such an incredible learning experience in the two trips he took in back-to-back years with Lifeschool–the first to Oregon/Cascades, the second with you to Hawaii. But he's 18 and ready to graduate now, the Channel League Breaststroke Champion! He's also back to competing on the WSA surf tour, and will be starting a two-year Automotives program at Ventura college in the Fall. Suffice it to say, you and your organization helped him grow tremendously, become more self-reliant, appreciate nature and other kids with struggles. He will never forget his experiences. Life goes on... and he's moving on. Maybe one day he'll call you and ask to be a counselor? Who knows.
I thank you from a very strong place in my heart for what you've done and are continuing to do...
Best,
John Whelpley

“Well, Kayemarie is in her last year of high school . . . It keeps coming up, to me, what a difference your program made for K'marie– how much she experienced her own sense of competency as a result of her trips with you and your crew. She's moved away from backpacking for now, but not from her comfort with adventure…Anyway, I want you to know how much I appreciate what you have been in her life.

Also, not that it will make a difference soon, but want you to know I've made a mention of Lifeschool in my will.” – Terriann Tomlin, March 2009

 

 

 

 

Hi! This is Kokoro(^-^)*
I took some photos at Yosemite,so please see them?
YOU ARE THE BEST CAMP LEADER I'VE EVER MET!!!!!

Love,
Kokoro Suda
Sakura, Chiba, Japan

Thanks to you, Tiffany, and Matt for leading an incredible trip through Yosemite.

Ilana had a wonderful adventure, said it was the most difficult of her four LifeSchool trips and was really taken by the beauty of Yosemite. She'd been there a couple of times before but didn't really remember it very well.

Thank you for being such an inspiration to Ilana. She just loves the wilderness and we've tried hard to instill in our children a love of nature and a sense of environmental stewardship.

Kathy Crankshaw(Ilana'a mother)
August 16th, 2008

Your program has been by far the best and easiest to work with in all the years I have been with this school (14 yrs!) My daughter had such a fabulous experience on this trip. She loved the leaders, all the activities and everything. I do hope that all our 8th grades decide to use your program from now on.

Thank you,
Krissa T Connelley
Office Manager
Yuba River Charter School

“I was very happy how the trip went!

The kids and I had a fantastic and memorable time and were very pleased with both Nico and Somer. I did not receive a evaluation form and would be happy to fill one out on both Nico and Somer and on Lifeschool as well . . .

Thanks again for a great trip and I will surely be promoting your program for other classes and kids. Thanks.”

Casey Ryan, 6th grade teacher, June 2008, Spring Hill Elementary School   

4-14-08
Hi Guys,

Wyatt had an awesome time on the just completed Miller Creek Middle School Death Valley trip...you guys gave Wyatt a great experience, thanks again.

Regards,
Richard Gross

 

Sincerely,
Judy Wiesen
Director, Student Camp and Trip Advisors
San Rafael, CA

Hi Jim & Lifeschool,

I can't wait to write up my evaluation of Lindsay and Osha's leadership on our trip last week--they were awesome, and we all worked so well as a team for our kids. I'm looking forward to their (follow-up) visit on Thursday, and I know the kids will benefit from this . . .

Thanks for everything. If I had a teenager, I would SO be sending her on a weeklong trip with you guys this summer. I definitely felt empowered by the whole experience, so I know it's huge for these kids.

– Southey Lewy
8th Grade Teacher
Mary Collins School at Cherry Valley
Petaluma, CA
May 2007

Hi Lifeschool,

[This summer]"the boys" are planning to go to Pt. Reyes for a couple of days on their own. I attribute their enthusiasm to the 4 years of Lifeschool trips. I always encourage parents to check out your program and thank you for providing such a wonderful experience over the years.

Good luck and keep up the good work! It really makes a difference in the kids lives.

– Peggy Tourje
Sebastopol, CA
May 2007

“Timing our hikes on the Lost Coast to pass points at low tide taught me how to be organized and plan ahead." ”

– Gabe, age 17 (Lost Coast 2006)

“My son, Mason, had a great time on the Miller Creek Middle School Death Valley trip of 4/5 - 4/11 2007. He had so many nice things to say about the staff. He was really impressed by their humor, their competence, their cooking (particularly a counselor named Sarah!) their knowledge and their outgoing demeanor in general. He told lots of stories about the trip and almost all of them involved the counselors - so it is obvious that they really worked hard to make the trip special for the kids. It was great to hear about the trip and he didn't have a negative comment to make. For my part, thanks so much for the loan of so many objects we couldn't buy - and for the great organization and communication as preparations for the trip coalesced. I am so glad that Mason had such a wonderful trip and many thanks to all those whose hard work made it a reality. Thank you, ”

Claire McDowell

“The Lifeschool trip changed my vision as a teacher. Through watching my students interact with nature and one another in a real way, I saw skills, talents and strengths and leaders emerge from students who tend to be silent observers in the classroom setting. I witnessed social barriers disappear. It was beautiful to watch them be stress-free in a natural and safe environment. Our class is a much tighter and safer community now. We understand and respect one another and ourselves in a whole new way since our experience with Lifeschool at Point Reyes National Seashore. Thank you.”

Nikki Thomas
6th Grade Teacher
Brook Haven Middle School
Sebastopol, CA

“Lifeschool made me feel safe learning and living outside my house.” – Nick D

“I know when I'm old I will forget many of my childhood memories. Lifeschool is one I know I will won't forget.” –Kristen M

“At home, with all of the supplies you can imagine, I get bored a lot. But out in the wilderness with only the things that I needed, I didn't get bored once.&” – Marissa F

“I learned you only need what you can carry on your back to live.” – Audrey F

“Thank you so much for taking Josh with you on your trip. He had such a great time. In addition to the hiking experience he is telling us all about the great games and other activities you did. Thank you for all your effort and your commitment to children. You have definitely made a difference in his life.”
– KM, Mom, Rohnert Park

“I wanted to thank you for taking my son Garen along with you on the last trip to the John Muir Wilderness. Garen had a blast and said he met a lot of new friends Garen is a little different since the trip. I really can't put my finger on it except to say he seems a little more mature. I know you probably hear this a lot, maybe not, but he has changed. In a very positive way.”
– LH, Dad, Walnut Creek, CA