AAVE Trip BLOG » Wild Coast Discovery
July 7, 2008
A note from the Wild Coast 1B
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Dear Friends and Family,
We are on our seventh day of the trip having a wonderful time. After getting picked up from the airport, we drove to a campsite on the outskirts of Levenworth, Washington. We got to know each other a little better through games, and team building activities. The next day we spent on a hike, where we could overlook the Levenworth, which is themed like a German village. The kids all did amazing on the hike. Not even one complaint with many many more than a few feet of elevation gain. You all should be very proud. The next two days was spent tubing down the treacherous (Class 1), Levenworth River, swinging on a rope swing, playing ultimate frisbee, capture the flag, and swimming in a lake.
We then got the troops together and headed to Whistler, Canada. For the past two days we have been snowboarding or skiing next to the pros, or checking out the downhill bikers. Each child has their own characteristic that is bringing positivity to our team. Marisa is a great soccer player, and has been keeping up with all those crazy boys. Sarah, is such a joy to be around, not one complaint and does everything she is asked without hesitation. Alex R, has stepped up as a peer leader helping his peers out when needed. Alex S, is a natural leader, and always has a smile on his face. Angelique, always, always, is smiling. She is able to cheer up a room just with her laugh. Falon, has made allot of friends, and is always willing to be a part of the group. Anna, is willing to try anything, and is very outspoken. Jake has also stepped into a leadership role. He is always willing to lend a hand, and wants everyone to always be happy. Ryan has a smile that is contagious, he smiles and it brightens up the room. Guillermo, is doing wonderful, he makes the rest of the kids laugh all the time, and is a strong kid, not one complaint from him. Harrison, is very outgoing, he has a way to make everyone laugh, and seems to be able to have fun no matter what the situation. Finally, we have Scott, who at the beginning was a little shy, but has gotten out of his shell and his personality is really shining through. Tal is solid as a rock aways a friend, positive and alway ready to contribute. The team is doing wonderful and we are all having a great time. Well our next step is to Squamish, to go climb tomorrow. So talk to you soon. WILD COAST DISCOVERY 1B
Stacey Schmidt, Eric Krasner, Leia Dehmlow and Wild Crew
July 2, 2008
WCD1B
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WOW! Washington state is amazing and it’s so great to be here with all the fabulous campers.
Already we’ve shared lots of laughs and gotten to know each other over our first great campfire. We have to make this short because we’re off to head to the Cascade Mountains (another wow!) to back pack for a bit. We’ll be back to check in by the 5th but even then - the adventures continue straight into Canada!!! Our stories and pictures will astound you - we are all into taking great pictures!
There is still some snow here, even in July!!
Happy 4th!!
Check back with us and we’ll chat soon!
WCD1A
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Sorry this is so quick but we have to ready for and leave for our backpack. But everyone arrived happy, healthy and safely.
This is such an awesome group and we’ve already begun great friendships after our first campfire together. Looking forward to more laughs, talks and explorations on this backpack. We’ll share more stories when we are back on the 5th!
Yay! North west!!!The eagles and trees are gorgeous!!!
August 13, 2007
Wild Coast Discovery #2A - Photo
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October 19, 2006
Teen Summer Camp to Ski/Snowboard Whistler
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“The trip I had with AAVE is perhaps the most memorable experience of my life. I will never forget the life long friendships and adventures. The leaders were spectacular and the places we visited were outstanding. I was always being pushed but the juice was well worth the squeeze. I hope to go again next year!!”
-Christopher Barker, camper, WCD 1A

“Melissa had an incredible experience and loved her trip. My kids have taken many different summer adventure trips over the last seven years, and I have to say, I was extremely impressed with your organization, fantastic trip itinerary and ability to pick wonderful trip leaders. There is no doubt Melissa would love to go on another one of your trips, and I would certainly encourage that!”
-Ronna Benjamin, parent, WCD 2006
Epic Youth Adventure Camp in Washington/BC
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“I really loved the trip. The leaders were great the other kids were great, everything about it was great. It was definitely one of the most enjoyable things I have ever done. I really learned a lot about myself in those four weeks. I definitely recommend Wild Coast Discovery to anyone 13-14, if you want to have the time of your life! You will meet some incredible people who you will stay friends with for ever. I really can’t give you any reason not to go.”
-Jacob Bennett, camper, WCD2A
September 26, 2006
Kayak San Juans, Hike Olympic Ntl. Park With Summer Camp!
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“AAVE showed Aaron a fantastic time. He is more confident since the trip. We learned that he can meet new friends and learn new things with ease. The leaders made this trip great!”
- Judy Felder, parent, WCD 2006
“My AAVE adventure camp experience was really fun. I made a lot of new friends, learned how to do fun new things and I got to travel to new places. Our guides for the activities were awesome and a lot of fun. I also did stuff that I don’t get to do very often like sea kayaking, biking and camping out. I know my trip was the best thing that I could have done all summer!”
- Aaron Felder, camper, WCD 2006
“Eli had a fantastic time this summer. He told us that the kids were great and the trip leaders were terrific as well. I like the fact that he really challenged himself and felt very proud of his accomplishments. He came away with an even greater appreciation for nature and the environment. AAVE exceeded our expectations! Well done!”
- Susan & Charlie Rivkin, parents, WCD 2006
“AAVE teen summer camp put me in a group that worked really well. I had positive experiences learning to be a leader, learning to be independent and learning how to live without electronics and other things that we have but don’t need. I don’t think anything was unsuccessful!”
- Nikki Blank, camper, WCD 2006
Wild Coast Discovery was a trip I’ll never forget. The adventures we took, like backpacking through snow, swimming in the rivers, building a bridge for community service, rockclimbing and so much more were amazing. Not only were the adventures incredible but the leaders and the friends I made were even better!
- Melissa Benjamin - October 17, 2006[Edit]
July 17, 2006
Teen Summer Camp in the Cascades
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Andrea. here!
We are going strong with the Wild Coast Discovery 1B Crew
(Wi-Co-Disco)! We are currently basking in a day of sunshine on beautiful Orcas Island in the San Juans. We biked these lush and rolling hills this morning and just had some town time in this quaint little village of Eastsound. This trip is AWESOME and the kids are having a blast…and so are the leaders! Myself, Ray and Alexis are totally impressed by these guys and gals and their good attitudes and adventurous spirits. We couldn’t be any more excited to be
hanging out with so many awesome people! Well, that’s it for now…dinner calls and we have to get ready for an fabulous service project building bridges at Moran State Park tomorrow. We hope everyone is having as much fun as we are!
The Wi-Co-Disco Crew
“The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.”
July 5, 2006
Young Teen Adventures in Washington/BC
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We just got down to town after a 3 day backpack in Olympia National Park. The group has been doing great together and there are several strong hikers in the group. When we arrived at our campsite on Sunday many of the kids went “boating” on the lake using large logs that were floating in the water. We spent a lot of time around Lena Lake enjoying the cool water and beautiful scenery. Michael was entertaining the whole group with his ferry boat that he nicknamed Michael Jr. Monday Olivia M was a strong ‘Leader of the Day’ who led the group up the trail toward Upper Lena Lake. We hiked until the snow across the trail made it difficult to find the route, so instead of continuing on we had a snowball fight in which we found out Louis has a great arm. Right now we are hanging out in Port Townsend where we are going to go out to eat and then we are catching a ferry to Keystone.
Andrew
June 30, 2006
Ski & Snowboard Summer Camp!
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Hi Everybody!
This is April! Andrew and I will be leading your trip together! We wanted to check in with everybody and say “HI” before you arrive. Our first trip starts TOMORROW………Hooray!!!! Write us back if you have any last minute questions or if you just want to say hello before our adventure gets started.
See you in three weeks!
April