"Everything I expected and much, much more!"
"To borrow a quote from a NC Outward Bound student, "I don't have much to say because what I saw and did is on my heart and not in my head." This trip was one of those special once in a lifetime experiences and I was certain of this almost from Day 1. This trip and the family that I am now a part of with my fellow travelers has stretched me and changed me. I will never be the same again. What a blessing this Odyssey has been."
"This experience was long enough to fully become a part of the new environment and lifestyle long enough to fully relax, learn and grow."





Anne Clark AKO-02 Elon University
"Accommodations were exactly what I expected a sleeping bag and the outdoors. The expedition is well worth everything you get to see and experience. The activities were everything I expected and more. With this experience you will gain a "family" and have the experience of a lifetime. You will laugh, test yourself, work with others and see and do things that others only see in books. It will change you in the best way possible. A Once in a lifetime trip."





June Mayhew AKO-02 UNC-CH
"Alaskan Odyssey 2002 was a once in a lifetime experience that will change your life. You will look at things much differently and on a brighter note.
The best activities of the trip in addition to spending time on Denali, Sea Kayaking, and backpacking in the Wrangell's, was the forming of new relationships. It has been such an experience that I have no suggestions for improvement. I can't think of any way it could have been better.
I now look at my life and the world around me in a different way- a better way. I accomplished new tasks, saw new faces and places, experienced the wilderness in a whole new way. I made new friends and formed such a bond with all of them that I couldn't ask for anything more. It was incredible!"
"The pace was fast, but we had time enough to relax and unwind. I loved sleeping every night outdoors- in the tent, it was awesome just to wake up and see everyone else looking so peaceful in their sleep- it brought a sense of camaraderie to the group. In a sense, I wasn't expecting the rewards to be as magnificent as they were. I know how cheesy this must sound, but this was a wonderful learning experience for me, and I can truly say that it "broadened my horizons."
Three best activities- only three? I have too many to name! Sea Kayaking has my vote for the best activity of all mainly because I am not a hiker, I was able to for once, keep pace with everyone else. We saw so much wildlife that it was hard to believe. The views were too spectacular for me to put into words. Bonanza Mine - The hike was wonderful and as a crew we pressed on through the blisters until we reached our goal helping each other to the top to be rewarded with beautiful views. Denali - The time we took to relax was wonderful! The flight was magnificent! Just seeing Denali in front of us, staring us straight in the eyes was a very moving experience. Dave couldn't have put the sight any more eloquently when he described this area as the "Throne Room of the Mountain Gods."




Jenny Lawrence AKO-02 Mooresville High School
It is one of a kind experience in which unique and permanent bonds are formed and a family like unit is created. This trip exemplifies a personally stimulating experience from all aspects of life. We emotionally bond and rely on one another. Climbing and hiking is physically and religiously challenging as well. You thank the Lord at the end of the day for the amazing feeling of accomplishment and for the safety of the group only to fall asleep immediately after from the workout.




James Howard Alaskan Odyssey 2002
Mooresville High School
Each Expedition we do is made special by several of the activities we do. One of the favorites is the "Giving of the Gifts"
Dave - the Director, was given this gift at the closing ceremonies of Alaskan Odyssey 2002 by June Mayhew - a NC Teaching Fellow and English Major at UNC-CH. The "Gift" is a Book of Readings or Quotes from famous authors. Their words are printed in black text. June Mayhew's words are in blue text and explain how Dave and the American Odyssey program exemplify these quotes.
Click on the link above for some pretty powerful stuff.
ENJOY!!