"If I had to sum up my Chocpaw Expeditions experiences in one word, that word would be EXCELLENT!
I am Karen Bates, a member of the S.O.L.A.R Club; a group of outdoor minded people mainly located in southeast Michigan.
As a member of S.O.L.A.R., I have been organizing dog sled adventures with Chocpaw for many years. Each year is better than the last and the group always brings back many memories to share with others.
The people and dogs of Chocpaw are more than just that. Over the years they have become friends.
My dog pictured in the photo above with me is Mandy. She was a lead sled dog at Chocpaw for eleven years.
Thank you Chocpaw for the fun, friendship and great memories! We’ll be back again when the snow flies."
Michael Fallon, Redeemer College, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
We have many School and Youth groups that make dog sledding an annual event; an integral part of their programs.
Michael Fallon is the University Chaplain at McMaster University and has been bringing up students as well as his two sons, Sean and Simon for 7 years.
Michael is seen here on the trail during a break with his team; Smudge on lead, Reggie and Silver, Hercules and Pacer.
Jim & T.J Turner
T.J gives Irma a big hug after one of their expeditions.
He and his father, Jim have been coming up to dog sled every year since T.J was 10 and this year they hope to take on the challenge of a 14 day expedition on the James Bay Frontier up to Moosonee, Ontario.
Youth For Understanding
Every season we will meet people from all across Canada, the
States and from countries all around the world.
Youth For Understanding (YFU) is a worldwide movement providing
young people with challenge and adventure through exchange programs
where they can explore other countries and cultures, master new
languages, and discover themselves.
With delight we welcome groups each year from YFU where they
can enjoy a Canadian winter experience and learn about our rich
history and culture.
Bishop Strachan School, Toronto, Ontario
Linda Leckie, seen on the far left in this photo has been bringing
her students up to Chocpaw for several years.
Bishop Strachan, Canada's oldest boarding school for girls, strives
to instill in it's young women a love of learning, the ability
to think independently and the confidence to pursue their dreams
and goals.
This past year the girls were completing the expedition component
of their silver and gold awards for the Duke of Edinburgh program.
"I liked the fact that you gave us two female guides. It
is wonderful for the Bishop Strachan lassies to see strong women
in action who have followed their passions and love the outdoors."
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program
Bill Mates, south western Ontario Regional Officer for the program,
second from the right in this photo has been bringing groups to
Chocpaw for several winters to fulfill requirements as participants
in this International awards program.
The Awards Challenge encourages personal development and community
service involvement for young people.
The programme is open to all young people between the ages of
14 and 25 and has seen tremendous growth over recent years in
youth and student groups all across Canada.
"The trip was really in keeping with the spirit of the Duke
of Ed Awards - lots of fresh air, exercise, new skills and an
environmentally friendly adventure all rolled into a unique Canadian
experience. Thank you Duke of Ed for promoting such satisfying
and constructive activities for teenagers and thank you Chocpaw
for delivering them so successfully." Harriet Binkley
Outward Bound Canada
Outward Bound is a not-for-profit educational organization that
offers youth exciting programs providing challenge, fun and adventure
and the oppportunity to learn and grow.
This past summer, groups from their Connecting With Courage and
Youth Challenge programs particpated in a day of work, fun and
learning at our kennel.
It poured rain each time we had groups out there but the participants
showed enthusiasm and perseverance that made the weather rather
irrelevant.
And yes, for the Connecting With Courage girls (see your photo
on our Updates page), we shall name a puppy "Courage".
Boy Scout Troop 755, Northville, Michigan
Every year we have several Scout, Guide, Ranger and Venture groups
out for our multi-day expeditions coming from all over Canada
and the U.S.
Many groups have made it an annual event.
Last winter, Troop 755 from Northville, Michigan came up to do
a 4 Day trip over New Year's and you can find pictures and comments
on their experience at www.troop755.org.
