Transparency
We hope to publish links to client feedback for TrackersNW. Hopefully this page will encourage people to make informed choices of whether TrackersNW is a good match for their needs.
In that spirit we will do our best to publish relevant critical feedback. We feel no organization is perfect and that humans are prone to simply doing their best. Show us completely smooth operation and we will show you someone hiding something.
That said we endeavor to provide experiences that generate and abundance of appreciation. Hopefully this will come through as we work hard to lead the way towards a new level of openness and conversation in the story of humans connecting to one another and the world they live.
April 11, 2008 Feedback for our Homeschool Taster Day
Thanks again for creating such a wonderful adventure on the river for our group. Everyone loved it, and Amae was dancing with delight all evening remembering her favorite moments- how good it felt to steer the boat (she said she felt "quietly humble" and "powerfully quiet") seeing the vulture and other birds, trotting around the island, etc. As for me, it was one of the best times I've had in Portland's many natural areas...all these years of living here, and this was my first time on the river! So great. Tony, you mentioned today that you thought the umiak was becoming redundant... please know that at least for Amae, she'd never tire of being out in that boat. She considers it one of the most wonderful things she has ever gotten to do in her life. More umiak time would never be boring to her. : ) I really have to thank you all again for the experiences you are providing to our daughter and all these kids. There really is nothing like Trackers NW. We've tried all sorts of guided hikes around town... they've been great, but have more of a feeling of tourism rather than immersion and connection. There was always a lot about not talking/just listening to the teacher, and going where the teacher wanted you to go and seeing what they wanted you to see... a heavy "teaching" agenda. A lot of natural reverence and awareness was sort of lost. I like the exploration and initiative you are offering the kids, the participatory nature of how things unfold over the day....and the gentle way information is shared. I can also see how well you monitor them and keep them safe. We are really happy to have Amae participating in this program. Amae forgot the name of the plant they ate over the fire today. Will you send it when you have a chance? Thanks.
Warmly,
Michelle
2008 A parent recently sent us this video in response to our "Connecting Children to Nature Lecture"
2007 Feedback from the Wild Kids Summer Camp
I met Tony Deis in the spring of 2006 when he and a business partner spoke to the parents of the Portland Waldorf School. They were offering a camp for middle school students during Spring Break and I had both a middle school student and a 4th grader. I was impressed by the vision that he carried for their company as well as the infectious enthusiasm he so obviously had for the camp. A few months and several phone calls later, I had arranged for Tony to lead a 4 day summer camp with 10 children between the ages of 10 and 13. Two were my own children and the others were from several close family friends. I was the only parent who attended that camp (I have a diabetic child who needs extra attention) and was able to experience Tony’s organizational, leadership and communication skills as he interacted with the group. At the start of that camp, Tony created such a sense of safety, community and adventure, I could feel the kids engage on a level that generally only comes after working with people for many days. The Trackers camp gave these young people an opportunity to handle knives, use a bow and arrows, work with fire, become more comfortable in the outdoors and begin to recognize and appreciate the wealth of life outside of everyday living. All of this was done with the utmost respect for both the campers and the environment around them and never once did I feel that any of them were not safe – physically, emotionally or mentally. Throughout the camp I was impressed by Tony’s ability to hold the group without ever forcing a schedule, a lesson or a point. He was clear with them and the respect was always mutual. These children were so impacted by this experience that they spent the last evening around the fire openly sharing their desires and fears of life experiences with each other. This was an impromptu event that was not directed by the adults yet held in such a way that the kids felt completely safe to speak freely. At home now, we often use the term ‘fox walk’ to move quietly and ‘wide angle vision’ to look at what is going on farther around you. I know we have given these kids a huge gift by expanding their awareness in the myriad of ways that Tony so naturally brings to them. We recently created another short term camp (24 hours) so they could return to some of these experience. All the kids - now 11 of them – loved it and are eager to find another time to gather before they go out with Tony for 6 days next summer. He is a natural leader who inspires enthusiasm, hope and respect.
Sincerely, Mary Ellen Baker
Compass 
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| Arriving National & International Participants Its easy to fly into Portland's airport and get a ride out to your workshop. We pick up and host up to two nights before. Fees $75 for each non-workshop night: meals and safe lodging included. Contact Us to make your travel arrangements. | |
