“Adventure Treks’ unique emphasis on the ‘culture of kindness’ and the way they form adolescent students into a true community is what separates Adventure Treks from other programs”
– Patricia Soong
Hillsborough, CA
Again in 2010 our director, John "Dock" Dockendorf, will meet every single Adventure Treks student. In fact, he knows every student who has ever attended Adventure Treks.
On this page:
As parents, we all share the same hopes for our children and face the same challenges in trying to make sure we raise them in the best way possible.
At Adventure Treks, we know there is a window in an adolescent’s life where a well-timed Adventure can help shape their future. And this “coming of age experience” can’t be done with parents along.
At Adventure Treks, the wilderness is our classroom. Here we can give students the opportunity to be close to a group of people from all over the country and the world, with whom they will be friends for life. We can give our students real responsibility and let them see how, through their initiative and effort; they can make significant contributions to the success of their entire community. They learn to be more responsible for themselves and learn to improve their judgment, leadership, and decision-making skills. They get to unplug from the fast world of technology and immerse themselves in some of the most beautiful scenery on our planet. They do all of this in a framework that’s challenging, but also fun! We know they’ve worked hard the rest of the year, so this life-changing Adventure should be a reward.
A highlight of Adventure Treks for me, as a parent, is the opportunity for my children to get to know our incredible instructors - people who reinforce my values, yet offer a fresh face and bring different life experiences to bear. When a life lesson comes from an instructor they admire, it’s often taken more quickly to heart.
Our talented, six–person instructor teams are what make Adventure Treks truly unique. We are honored that so many instructors consider Adventure Treks their second home and return year after year to make significant contributions to the growth and development of our students. The character of our instructors is so important that I make sure to personally interview every new instructor and get to know them before the summer starts. The most important thing I can provide for you, as a parent, besides a safe experience, is great role models for your children; people who will make good decisions, inspire your children to believe in themselves, challenge your children appropriately, and help them strive to realize their tremendous potential.
During instructor orientation every year, I look at the incredible group of mentors we have assembled and think, “any parent who could see these people and witness how these instructors relate to kids would do anything in their power to give their kids this experience.”
I know sending a child off to explore the outdoors can be intimidating. Please don’t hesitate to call me at 888.954.5555 so we can talk personally. Adventure Treks is truly life-changing, and we will do all in our power to create an experience that will have a lasting positive impact for the rest of your child’s life.
John Dockendorf, Founding Director
Dock is always available by phone during office hours, and is happy to speak with you after hours, too. If you want to hear answers to your FAQs immediately (and you don't even have to pick up the phone) take a look at our video Q&A with Dock:
To read a paper version of Questions and Answers with Dock, click here.
“Dock” is what most people call our director, John Dockendorf. Dock typically meets every single Adventure Treks student. As the founder, Dock knows every student who has ever attended Adventure Treks. For many years Dock led trips himself. Now he leads our instructor orientations and works side-by-side with our instructors, sharing his years of experience with them. Our regional directors and senior instructors help Dock maintain Adventure Treks’ high standards as they visit our groups throughout the summer.
When not in the field, Dock is always available to personally answer any of your questions or concerns and to help you choose which Adventure will be the best match for your child. Email Dock to schedule an appointment with him to answer your questions personally.
For the past 30 years, Dock has led young people and adults on adventures all over the world. He holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Cornell University and has worked with international corporations as a team-builder and consultant. He is a former competitor in freestyle skiing and whitewater paddling. He is a medically certified Wilderness First Responder, marathon runner, skilled outdoorsman, and a member of several school and community boards. Dock and his wife, Jane, are the proud parents of Audrey, Ella, Ava Rees, and Charlie. He provides the year-round energy, passion, and vision behind our program.
