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Trekker Camp Goes to the Dogs
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By Guest Writer Jaret Bozigian
- Published in: Update - Issue 3 - 2009
- Listen to Article
Photo captions:LDB Employee Sarah Johnson and Camper Justin Louchart enjoy kayaking at a local lake. Photo by Tracy Dreslinski
If the founders of Leader Dogs for the Blind were here today, Koby Cox would have something to say to them. “I would tell them that they created the neatest dog guide school there could ever be.” This is high praise from a 16 year old.
In today’s world of electronic gadgetry, the Trekker GPS, which normally takes an adult about a week to learn, gets mastered by teenagers much sooner. After just two days of using the Trekker, the kids were out and about using it to its full potential - sometimes teaching the instructors a thing or two about the system.
The speed at which the kids learn the GPS system allow the campers to do a variety of other activities during the week including biking, kayaking, and learning about life with a Leader Dog. The kids met all these challenges with positive attitudes and enough laughter to make this experience an all around success.
“I think that my experience here has been the most freeing and liberating,” said Justin Louchart, 16. “Everyone here works because they are passionate about it and they teach in a practical manner and know what they are doing.” This course was taught with a charisma that was memorable. “Even the studying was turned into a social gathering and its fun,” Justin said. “Far better than other establishments.”
Katie Kelel, 17, attended Trekker Camp last year and returned this year to be a counselor. “I really liked that the suggestions we made last year were taken into account this year,” said Katie. “We actually got to hang out with the dogs for a day and that is something that we didn’t get to do last year, and I really think that was my favorite part.” Not only did this opportunity provide Katie with a Trekker and teach her how to use it, but it opened up new doors as well….kennel doors. “I want to come back to get a dog,” Katie said. “I am going to wait until I really need one, maybe when I go to college.” Katie is hoping to attend Michigan State University next year.
Koby Cox also wants to come back for a Leader Dog. “The most important thing I took from this is to come back and get a dog.”
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