August 2009,Tri-Trek
Troop Parent - Troop 573, Woodinville, WA
“I am writing to express my deepest support for the Camp Sheppard High Adventure program. This past August, eleven of us completed their Tri-Trek program. We were impressed at how well run, fun, challenging, affordable and safe the program was. We had the opportunity to Climb, Rappel, High-Altitude Hike, do rope work, a service project and Mountain Bike... My son and the other Scouts on our crew refer to the Tri-Trek program as a highlight of their Scouting career. As a group, most of them are looking for new and challenging adventures and this one is right in our backyard. This type of high adventure program provides an affordable and challenging opportunity to Scouts who desire to push themselves and helps retain Scouts in the 16-18 yr. age group who are looking for something ‘higher.’”
February 10, 2007
During
a recent Seattle area Eagle Scout Board of Review a board member asked the
applicant if he had any regrets over his scouting career.
"Yes, just one. I never did high adventure."
August 2007,
Mount Rainier Expeditionary Climb
Paul Delappe-Scoutmaser Troop 419, Marysville, WA
“After just
recently completing a successful summit of Mt. Rainier, via the Expeditionary
Climb program offered through Camp Sheppard, I thought I would pass
along my high praise for the program. I found the staff to be very
helpful and patient infielding my many questions. I also found them
to be super enthusiastic. It was unanimous within our group that
Camp Sheppard offered THE best Scout camp food that we had ever experienced
(thank you Chris)! Not to mention the contagious sense of humor the
staff possessed! Laughter was abundant as sunshine and glacier ice.
It would be a pleasure to someday climb again under the tutelage
of
any of the staff (Rob, Josh, and Lynn). The Chief Seattle Council
truly has a gem of a program in
its repertoire, and I hope that it continues to offer future Scouts
(and Scouters) the same quality high adventure experiences that Troop
419 enjoyed! This is a program that you all should be proud of!!!”
July 2006 Tri-Trek
Jim Shannon-Advisor Crew 502, Virginia Beach
My name is Jim Shannon and I am the Advisor of Crew 502 in Virginia Beach.
The purpose of this note is to introduce you to Camp Sheppard and its Camp
Director, Pat Tobin. I've been involved in a myriad of high adventure activities
both in and out of Scouting (30+ years). By far, the experience others
and I enjoyed @ Camp Sheppard rank among the most memorable in my life.
First, I must congratulate Pat Tobin, the Camp Director. Pat has built
a program that is first class. Yes, he is blessed with the beauty of
the great state of Washington. He is also blessed with a wife (Leah)
who carries
his passion for Scouting and all that it. The staff he has
trained reflects his intense desire to deliver a program that is literally "unforgettable." I
cannot say enough good things about our experience or the style in
which he and the camp staff supported us.
Some months ago, our Crew decided to join the Salmon River Kodiak hosted
by Joe Garrett with Craig Murray running the Kodiak. Because airfare
was so expensive, I suggested to the Crew we spend an additional week
in the
Pacific Northwest "doing something." After researching numerous
High Adventure options, I came across Chief Seattle Council's website (my
opinion, one of the best in the nation) and looked closely at Camp Sheppard.
After several phone conversations with Pat discussing program options,
he created a customized version of "Tri-Trek" which I have posted
to the Files list. We did everything - and more - that we wanted to negotiate.
One point for lessons learned: Physical conditioning needs to part of your
planning. As for accommodations and food: We stayed in chalets and had "home
cooked" meals daily (served with a smile!)
The glacier climbing and mountain biking: World class. The 3 instructors
we had were phenomenal. All were well versed in safety and extremely knowledgeable
in technical aspects of mountaineering and general outdoor skills.
If you are looking for a week of super fun (WOW experience!!) in a truly
high adventure environment, I recommend you take a good look at this program.
For those Crews looking to attach a Kodiak to a HA experience, this would
be a great opportunity. If you are wondering whether it's too tough for
a newly minted, inexperienced 14-year-old Venturer, it's not. The staff
adjusts its approach to each individual, patiently and positively.
If you would like more information, you may contact Pat Tobin @ ptobin@seattlebsa.org
or 360-663-2223.
Experiences like this define what Venturing is all about - Fun, learning,
and walking away with memories you will cherish for the rest of your life!
Yours in Venturing,
Jim Shannon
Advisor, Crew 502
Virginia Beach, VA
PS We should all share our experiences so we may build the best possible
programs for our "yoots." :-)
Aug. 6, 2004 Basic Mountaineering Seminar
Marcus, 15 – Bellevue, Washington
“
The High Adventure coarse course was a lot of fun. Over all I think the
camp was awesome and I enjoyed it very much. Next year I think I’m
going to be interested in it.”
Peter,17 – Chicago, Illinois
“ I had been searching for a beginning mountaineering seminar for about
a year. Everything I found was expensive and had a gear list full of
stuff I was not ready to go buy. That is why I was excited when my mom
found information about your program. Not only was it the least expensive
thing I had found, but it also provided all the technical gear. I enjoyed
the trip. I now have the confidence to go on more mountaineering trips
and buy my own gear. Overall it was a good trip and I will keep an eye
on your website to see what you come up with next.”
Joel, 18 – Chicago, Illinois
“ Wow, what an adventure to be up here in the mountains and to climb up
Mt. Tahoma. The Instructors were very experienced and were a great choice.
I think you should remind others how much harder this trek is then other
BSA treks. It was the most challenging and thrilling trip I have been
on and I emphasize challenging. I wish I had known about this trek earlier
in my scouting career.
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