Instructor Ross Wilkinson - "Phenomenal"

comments from Teacher/Chaperone from Cleveland Elementary, North Vancouver trip to SPL May 25-29, 2009.





"At the camp-out, Ross led a fantastic discussioin on eco footprint. The students were acting silly at first (excited + hyper), but Ross perservered - got the messages across very well and had the students offering all kinds of idea about what they could do at home to lessen their impact. An excellent job with an (initially) chatty group."




"I wanted to point out something as well that Ross definitely didn't have to do, but did. On 2 separate occasions, he sacrificed his own free time that he should have/could have had by doing things for the kids to "further enhance their Strathcona experience." The first thing he did was allow us to do BOTH Ziplines, which the students were absolutely thrilled about. It meant we would be late back from the activity - and thus cut into his precious (the instructors don't appear to get much!) free time. Ross never said a word about this, but I knew. I really appreciated his kindness to do this - definitely above and beyond. The second thing was after a different activity, he took the group swimming and to the sauna. Again, did not have to - above and beyond. My highest regard and thank you to an ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING instructor."

Thanks Ross, and all the SPL staff for making this another great week at Strathcona.

Christine (Tina) Clarke

Rendez-vous Canada

Rendez-vous Canada (RVC) is Canada's premier annual international tourism industry marketplace. Andrea Stapff and I attended it this week in Calgary. Things we learned:

• Will Gadd has some hairy aerial photos from paragliding and ice climbing over and around Banff.
• the mini Calgary Stampede that Calgary put on for us was outstanding; you don't want your kids to grow up to be cowboys.
• Eagle & Hawk, award winning Winnipeg band, can raise-up a crowd of staid tourism professionals. Check out their music at http://www.eagleandhawk.com/.
• dancing in a sea of white cowboy-hat wearers has its hazards (hats compliments of Tourism Alberta)
• Buyers continue to comment that SPL has some magic - between the place and the people and the experiences shared. Actually this was something we already knew.

While tourism is down to Canada generally we're looking at ways to add value for our guests' experience. One thought is to celebrate our 5oth anniversary with 1959 prices. Look for more on this on our specials page on the weeks to come.

Whooohooo!!!!! Myrna Boulding's book went to the publisher today. Congratulations Myrna, and thanks to many who contributed their stories and photos.

Christine (Tina) Clarke