What parents and students have said about CWAV:

Students said...

“I loved the experience. Meeting new people was so much fun. The student presentations were very informative and thorough. Our hikes were always the highlight of my days.”
- Student, Denali

“I have changed, probably the most in how I will be a leader. I enjoyed learning the leadership philosophies and I saw where I could make lots of positive change.”
- Student, Denali

“Before the course began, I was a little apprehensive and not too excited about the trip but my outlook was totally changed and I enjoyed it 100 times more than I thought I would. Learning couldn't be more fun.”
- Student, Denali

“All of the instructors gently nudged us out of our comfort zone while at the same time keeping us within safe limitations.”
- Student, Spanish Immersion

“I don't think I was afraid once on the whole trip. Safety seemed to be number one priority for the leaders and guides.”
- Student, Baja

“I gained the confidence of being a leader and talking in front of a big group.”
- Student, Baja

“I didn't have any idea what I would do when leading but by the end of the trip it wasn't a big thing to me and I felt fine leading the group. It was even fun.”
- Student, Denali

“I loved the experience. Meeting new people was so much fun. The student presentations were very informative and thorough.”

“It was an experience I will never forget.”

“This course is so worth the money and effort needed to participate.”

“This opportunity is like no other and the confidence, skills, love of learning and positive attitude it gives young adults is immeasurable.”

“I would encourage everyone to go on this trip! You will not be sorry.”

“This was the best thing I've ever done for school! It was a great way to get to know other kids in IDEA, find out if any of these areas interest me as a career choice, become more familiar with Denali and its ecology (as well as the rest of Alaska), and the trip was just so fun!!! What a great opportunity! I'm really glad I got to go!”

“This course offered countless opportunities to learn and grow as a person....this trip was unforgettable for me; it went above and beyond all my expectations. This course not only taught me about science, but also about other key life lessons. I've always felt that is much more impacting to learn hands-on than to simply read from a textbook.”

“This is one of the very best things I have ever done.”

“This was one of the most well-done trips that I have ever seen... It was a fabulous experience that we both had fun in as well as learn a lot at the same time.”

“I will take away an improved ability to read maps - also a much better understanding on what it takes to lead a group. And what my leadership style is like. I also learned how much a group can accomplish and handle together. CWAV is one of the best things that I have ever done in my life. I learned so much more in just that one week than I could have in 4 months at home. Also I got to meet a bunch of very cool people and hike in one of the most beautiful places in the world.”

“This program/class is awesome! I'm excited about trying to come back next year, and hope to convince my parents to let my brother sign up. He’d love it!”

“This trip has made me a better person, and it’s given me courage that I didn't know I could possess.”

Parents said...

“Another strength I see in this program is the small group size and the expertise of each and every teacher who accompanied the kids.”
- Parent, Denali '05, Lake Clark

“Send your child! No science book or coffee table book with Alaska scenery can substitute for the actual adventure of spending a week (or more, in my son’s case) in the wilderness. It's something your child will remember forever.”
- Parent, Lake Clark

“It makes us really glad to see our son excited about such wonderful educational opportunities.”
- Parent, Baja

“We liked the fact that he could not only read and write his assignments but see and/or touch them as well. It makes his work more real and more satisfying. We feel it was a great learning experience with a touch of maturing on his part..... We think that the program in itself is enriching and rewarding, both as a class and as a life experience. This is not a class that should be understated. It is more than a class it is part of a growing experience which also involves the classroom......As parents who have never let their son on any outings without one of us, we strongly encourage any parents with any reservations to love and let go. This was an awesome experience for our son as well as for us! We have experienced it all with him through his eyes and are looking forward for another chance at another classroom with a view!”
- Parent, Lake Clark

“As a parent it was wonderful to see it all play out. Both girls (one in Denali, the other in Lake Clark) returned home from their respective trips completely aglow with the fascination of all they had seen, learned and experienced.”
- Parent, Denali , Lake Clark

“It is a great way for kids to learn about themselves and their world. I have heard so much about it from my son and how the subject matter was interesting because he saw it firsthand.... He learned about himself and has grown more confident in what he can do. Being in a group in a different setting than is normal for him stretched him and will be helpful for him in the future. It will be a summer that he will never forget.”

“The leaders of these courses do an outstanding job of teaching responsibility and respect for others.”

“I would rate this field course as A+++.”

“This trip was one of the best things my son has participated in! He has been talking nonstop of different things he learned and did....the friendships gained was a great plus to the learning environment....We give this trip an A+.”

“After spending 2 hours with my son on the ride home from Denali, my comment is WOW!! He was so excited, so encouraged, so on fire! What he talked about most was the relationships with other students and Dave and Mindy. He learned a lot about the park and the environment around there, but I think he learned more about leadership. It boosted his self confidence so much!! I got the impression that the other students were very supportive of each other, and really offered words of encouragement to the other team members. This says a lot for the parents and for how the adult leaders handled the time they all spent together!!! I would send my son again in a heartbeat, it was a great experience for him!!! THANKS MINDY AND DAVE!!”

“We have found the CWAV classes to all be very well organized and conducted, and really quite exciting! Our daughter went on two trips (at ages 15 and 17), and our son attended one at age 14. They are excellent classes, and the students learn a lot, both during the pre-trip assignments, and while on the trip. It’s important for students and parents alike to realize that probably the majority of the class is spent, not on the trip itself, but in preparing for the trip and in completing the regimen of assignments. It’s hard work, but worth the effort!”

“Trust the Instructors! It is a great life learning experience for the student.”

“It was obvious from the moment we picked up our son that he grew on this trip. He was so well informed. He was able to communicate clearly what he learned and with excitement that made our whole family want to go along next time! I believe he gained new insight into himself. He learned that he can be a leader, that he can be compassionate and that he can have a lot of fun while learning. The learning of practical safety issues will last him a lifetime. This trip opened new avenues to career and schooling choices too. This was a bonus we had not anticipated and were pleasantly surprised.”

“I always feel assured of my child’s safety.”

“We think that the program in itself is enriching and rewarding, both as a class and as a life experience. This is not a class that should be understated. It is more than a class it is part of a growing experience which also involves the classroom......As parents who have never let their son on any outings without one of us, we strongly encourage any parents with any reservations to love and let go. This was an awesome experience for our son as well as for us!”