Chocpaw would like to build a page in their honor, and we begin with a sampling of the many who have been dog sledding with us for years.
To those of you coming up this year, don’t forget to take pictures of your group and send them to us with comments on your trip to add to this page.
Chocoaw Testimonial
Written by Tom Lewis, Director of Leadership and Community Service, Pickering College
I have been bringing students to Chocpaw since their very first year of operation. I would not have maintained such a long association if it were not for the fact that Chocpaw offers such a unique experience that you won’t want to miss. I was looking for an out of the ordinary expedition for my students in a winter camping setting and gave Paul Reid a call. It was a great decision.
Paul and Marg Reid are tremendously accommodating. Whether it has to do with routes I wanted to travel, special food needs that my group may have, or extre experinces I wanted to add, such as building snow shelters, my students have always come away with a rewarding experience. Many have returned to do other expeditions.
Chocpaw Expeditions allows your students to experience dog sleddging as it should be experienced. The students will be driving their own sleds feeding and watering the dogs, gathering their own wood and water, in other words, gaining a complete appreciation for winter camping while sledding.
Chocpaw guides are a terrific group. They reflect the care taken in their selection. I have found that they relate well to the students and truly enjoy what they are doing.
The expeditions that I lead tend to be four days in length and fit well with our shool’s Duke of Edinburg and Leadership Programs. The students find these trips physically and mentally challenging but incredibly rewarding.
I would throughly recommend Chocpaw to your school. Perhaps we’ll pass each other on the trail someday.
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CHOCPAW ADVENTURE by Robert Ashton
My name is Robert Ashton and I am thirteen years old. I have been on my second trip with Chocpaw. The encounter was amazing. You get to work and play with the dogs during the occasion.
The experience was indescribable. The trails are so white and beautiful you’ll think you’re in another world. There are not many things that are this close to an adventure. During the trip there are many things that will make you feel like you’re in your own adventure movie.
Working with the dogs is great. You’ll fall in love with the dogs. They are friendly and powerful. In my experience, I fell in love with all of them, but I fell in love with two more dogs this year. Their names are Moss and Nell(ie). I still remember their names from my first year. I can’t wait until I go again.
PHOTOS FROM ROBERT ASHTON ON HIS EXPEDITION
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EVAN PINTHER & MARTIN PARKER EXPEDITION WITH GUIDE LISA FERRIS
Was a outstanding overnight trip to the northwestern edge of Algonquin Provincial Park. The scenery was spectaular and the crisp white snow added to the experience.
On The Trail
Arrival At Camp
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Please check out a couple of past client letters of their experience with Chocpaw. Bruce Peninsula District High School and The Ballad of the City Slickers |
 The Smile Says It AllAspen (sled dog) and Austin who has been been a participant for the past four winters.
 Killarney Provincial Park Lookout - November 2008 Hiking Expedition Ridleians (Students at Ridley College) Step Out and Step Up November Hiking Expedition in Killarney Provincial Park Outfitted and Guided by Chocpaw Expeditions November is a month of leaden skies, rain mixed with snow flurries, and the knowledge that a long winter lies ahead. Darkness encroaches early, prompting many people to turn to creature comforts, like toasty slippers or a warm bed. But for others, the late autumn chill is an invitation, a challenge to brave the cantankerous climate. Over the Mid-Term Break, an intrepid group of Ridleians did just that – they hiked and camped along the cliffs of Killarney Provincial Park as part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program. This outing was outfitted and guided by Chocpaw Expeditions of South River. Following are comments on this expedition from three of the students who participated.
Students Impressions of Killarney
Robert M., O.R. ‘10 The first day consisted of a practice trip where we were saddled with the responsibility of cooking, cleaning, setting up tents and taking care of our companions. Cooking and cleaning!? I can barely manage laundry! But we soon found that we were indeed capable of rising to these challenges and began the next day confident that we were ready for Killarney. Killarney proved to be an expedition that would, to me, reflect how much we take for granted at Ridley and, in general, society. From hoisting our food bags on branches to climbing across precipices, the expedition afforded us a chance to display our ability to adapt. Adapt we did. The expedition provided me with the chance to challenge my false assumptions and learn a lot about what I could accomplish, despite what seemed to be sizable obstacles. I learned that it is indeed cold in November. However I also learned that an “islander” such as myself could prove quite adept at navigation, cooking, camp safety and – dare I say it? – keeping warm. These are the kind of experiences that become worthy of recollection; in my opinion, you would be hard-pressed to find a better chance to have them than in Ridley’s “D of E” program. Alexis H., O.R. ‘10  Ridley College November 2008 Killarney Hiking Expedition
Oakley I., O.R. ‘12
The Killarney hiking experience was an interesting and different way for me to spend my November break. I didn’t fully understand the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program until I went on this expedition. This trip was a true test of character. I had fun and learned new skills. The trip was filled with great moments and challenging ones. Some of the fun moments included hiking with friends in an indescribably beautiful environment. There were also tough obstacles we had to overcome while on this trip, including cold weather, rain and not being able to take a shower for four days. I will never forget the memories and experiences from this trip.  View of Killarney Prov. Park - November 2008
Submitted November 2008
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Brian Murray, BA, BEd, MEd. Director of Student Life, Rothesay Nethrwood School
“As a teacher and outdoor educator, I have found the best outdoor experience for our kids. Chocpaw’s staff, their dogs and programming extend far beyond the bounds of a simple outfitter. They provide an outstanding opportunity for young people to challenge themselves in a rigorous yet safe environment. While on an outing, our students work hard, care for the dogs, set camp and then care for themselves. demonstrating the truest form of teamwork and sacrifice. I cannot say enought about the values and experience of a Chocpaw Adventure.” submitted November 5, 2008
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Karen Bates, The S.O.L.A.R Club, Michigan.“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.”
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Bishop Strachan School, Toronto, OntarioLinda 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 ProgramBill Mates, south western Ontario Regional Officer for the program, second from the right in this photo has been bringing groups to Chocpaw for many 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 |
Contacting Chocpaw Expeditions