Campers

A letter to Seeker campers

I would like to thank all of the campers who participated in our Seeker canoe trip feedback session. Approximately 20 campers came to the camp office to participate in the session.  So many of them spoke comfortably and intelligently about the strengths and weaknesses of Walden’s tripping program. After meeting with the campers, it is obvious that they seek more autonomy in creating a tripping experience that suits the needs of their cabin group. While canoe trips will remain mandatory for all campers, through camper feedback we are currently planning to offer a variety of accommodations for the upcoming Seeker summer. These alterations to the program will include:

• Opportunities for shorter trips.
• New themed trips catered to the interests of individual campers.
• Greater opportunities for campers/cabin groups to exercise autonomy in selecting menu’s and trip routes.
• Increasing our dialogue with campers before trips to ensure that the trippers are able to accommodate special activity requests.
• Strengthening our feedback system after canoe trips in ways that allow campers to take part in improving the quality of our tripping program.

Although we recognize that some campers do not love going on canoe trips, we are optimistic that adopting these changes to the program can provide campers with a positive tripping experience that may alter their perception of the tripping program for the better.

I have offered all of the campers at the meeting the opportunity to contact me at any point during the school year as well as at camp to offer suggestions for their cabin trip. This may involve special route requests, activity ideas, dietary restrictions, etc… It is our intention at Walden to work with the campers to develop trips that fit their collective needs and goals.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to write me an email.

Sincerely,

Ben Fagan
benfagan@hotmail.com
Program Director and Supervisor of the Canoe Tripping Program at Camp Walden