Participant Comments
Iowa American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) program

The comments below are from men and women from across the US and from Europe who have attended the Iowa AWLS program. They truly reflect the quality of this AWLS program, not only for the participants themselves but also for the children they teach and influence.

• Very good communication and encouragement before the school, to prepare me to attend.
• Great teaching tools with the large visual aids and PowerPoint.
• The information was presented wonderfully! I learn so much from the hands-on activities, I plan on investigating to bring some of these activities into my school.
• Preprogram information and assistance for us coming from overseas was excellent! AJay provided us with equipment difficult to transport and picked us up at the Des Moines airport.

• Staff very welcoming.
• Activities allowed all of us to get to know one another.
• First day's program was great. Probably mainly because of the expertise and personality of the program's leaders, especially AJay. The attitudes of the participants was definitely "proactive."
• It's very interesting to see the different activities other participants bring into class for team building.
• This helps us over the initial reticence and helped us quickly appreciate our diverse and accomplished group.
• Followed a good plan of attack, making everyone comfortable, learning what we"d be doing, learning about others.
• Team building was great and very important when you are going to be with these people for 5 days.
• I liked you started off with team building – adults aren't always as open as kids, you did some nice ice breakers.

• Very useful information. Looking to use these activities at work!
• I loved the lesson on the compass and then going out to find the flags.
• Was good to learn and get comfortable with.
• My favorite part of day one. Understood the basics before hand, but now I feel confident enough to teach.
• Had experience with compass, but have never used a GPS before. Learning to use it was great.
• Christy did a super job with this most important part of a wilderness experience … finding our way.
• Demonstrated great knowledge in using these instruments. The compass findings I thought was very informational.
• I enjoyed using the compass, maps and orienteering, but found the GPS difficult. Crissy did a great job with it.
• I really enjoyed learning the compass activity. I knew the basics of compasses, but using the Fred, Red, Shed phrase and degrees was fun.
• Liked these activities. Able to apply these to the classroom easily. Students love technology so the GPS was great. Anything you can do to relate technology to the outdoors is great.

• Stream table is great! A valuable and interesting resource.
• Very information look at how rivers work and why.
• Always fun!
• I liked learning about the steam table BEFORE our canoe trip, where we actually saw what you talked about!
• AJay you did a great job with the stream table.
• Stream table activities were eye opening in a way lectures/words could never be. Perfect this preceded the canoeing.
• Going to try and make stream table for school after this activity.
• Stream table was very interesting. Would be interesting to do with many of my students who want to enjoy sensory aspect of sand/water feel

• Meeting the VanHorn's and seeing their passion and their concern for the animals and nature, gave me insight into the hunters world to allow me to see both sides of the issue. What a surprise that this collection is in small town Iowa! Would be great to bring children so they could see that these animals are not just on TV.
• Mr. VanHorn was generous to share his experience and memories along with his collection. I appreciated "the rest of the story" – the information about how some species are actually overpopulated, is something the media doesn't always share with the public.
• The trophy room was an experience that is indescribable, very informative.
• Trophy room was unique. I hope it will continue to be in a place where learning about wildlife is encouraged.
• Mr. VanHorn's gracious hospitality, his enthusiasm for hunting and his concern for conservation were greatly appreciated. Seeing his trophy animals had kind of a dual effect on me – the impact of the size, color, beauty of each animal was incredible; I got a little emotional about thinking of each one being shot and killed … must learn more about their ecology.
• Awesome! Would love others to see this.
• I cannot imagine some of these animals… However, the opportunity to view these creatures in such a nice setting was valuable for me.
• The trophy room is utterly amazing!
• This was an excellent activity. I really enjoyed seeing and listening to Mr. VanHorn talk. Very informative.
• One word: unbelievable! Mr. VanHorn is a great guy!
• This place was incredible! What a great resource!
• I was in awe of all the animals we saw in his home. His explanations of why permits were available to hunt these animals and what the permit money was used for helped me enjoy what I was seeing.
• Mr. VanHorn's take on the environment, conservation and overpopulated species was eye opening. I did not realize there were parts of Africa that were over populated with elephants. I also learned that badgers are prevalent in some parts of Iowa, and that his mounts of badgers were trapped.
• I can't believe how knowledgeable Mr. VanHorn was. Great pictures to use at school.
• The trophy room was an experience. I really enjoyed listening to Mr. VanHorn tell stories.
• WOW – definitely a "mini" Cabelas. Fund to see but Mr. VanHorn's stories were even better.

• Very well planned out canoe trip, from the supplies we needed (or didn't need), the meals, and the schedule.
• Felt connected to the river.
• Highlight of my week.
• Was good. Wasn't used to packing for overnight so was good experience. Also learned to cook omelets in a baggie.
• Was fantastic!
• I enjoyed kayaking for the first time. What fun it was to experience the sport!
• Canoe trip was the highlight of the week. It was 24 hours of real immersion, a chance to use and hone the skills learned in the Wilderness Leadership School.
• The cooperation was overwhelming and mad the trip enjoyable.
• Thought presentation was very good. This was wonderful opportunity to enjoy local natural Iowa.
• The canoeing, camping and hobo meal were great.
• Assembly line was good to see. We had a lot of equipment moved in a short time.
• I have never had an overnight canoeing trip. I felt very relaxed and prepared for every aspect of the trip. I really believe we know how to be a team. Getting off the river was an experience not to forget.
• I love the canoe trip. It's a good workout, relaxing and beautiful. I always enjoy the little things we see and learn about along the way.
• One of my favorites.
• Canoeing was so much fun! The food that we cooked and ate was great! It was a wonderful trip – my first time ever camping on a sandbar.
• Canoeing was fun. Not my usual self to go to bed dirty, just another of life's experiences to grow from & laugh about.
• Great canoe and camping trip. Always a favorite. Really liked the kayaks!

• Excellent teachers
• I learned not only the skill but the history of the sport, and what I would need to enjoy.
• Was very interesting – it takes practice but is extremely rewarding to actually catch a fish with a lure made by me!
• Was some of the best exposure I have had in the world of fishing. The presentation was done in a fun, light hearted way which made I more enjoyable for me.
• Even though I struggle with the rod, I LOVE to tie the flies!
• I really like the variety of materials we had for the fly-tying, a chance to get creative for its own sake as well as learn about what fish might be attracted to. I appreciated the help from the others in our group.
• Fly tying is addictive. It is an art form and I really enjoyed this part. I enjoy anything or any trade I can learn and use!
• I really liked the fly tying and can see how people can get "hooked" on this hobby.
• Loved the fishing/another thing I have never done. Keith and Dale were great.
• This was the best part of the 5 day experience for em. I thoroughly enjoyed tying flies then using these flies to catch fish with them. Keith did an incredible job with this unit.
• The passion of both "Fly Tyers" was soon evident! It must be hard to teach such a large group and still be using a kind tone of voice at the end of the lesson; they were very patient with the casting practice and fishing too.
• Keith's style of teaching is relaxing and yet people huddled around him and listened to every word. AWLS is fortunate to have him. Keith and Dale were patient to the point of insanity when helping us to learn to cast. Bravo!
• I loved the fly fishing and tying! I grew up fishing but haven't fished in years. This was a fun introduction to a new type of fishing and what fun, to know I caught it with my own fly!
• Fly tying instruction awesome. Something I am going to use. Learning to fly fish was … It has made me believe that anything can be used in my classroom.
• Fishing was interesting. Keith did an excellent presentation and nice large visual aid of the hook and string.
• I finally figured out the fly tying! Keith did an excellent job presenting and demonstrating the tying. Liked the visual aid on the computer, definitely a plus. Enjoyed fishing as well, a nice surprise to get a fish on the pole.
• Keith hooked me! No kidding, I'm going to be out there on the River using the fabulous flies that Keith tied, and a few he taught me to tie. His participation as a teacher was priceless.

• This was the day I was NOT looking forward to (Water Works Park, Botanical Center, Zoo). My attitude changed totally about 10 minutes after our first stop. I know I learned more on this day than any of the others.
• Good to see how we could bring kids on these kinds of trips.
• I learned a lot about good and bad things to have in water supply. I think every school should send students to visit their water treatment/water works plant. Ties in with water conservation/water quality studies.
• I have been to several water treatment/water works plants, but this was the best TOUR I ever been on.
• Next trip I am taking the kids on – everything informative and enjoyable.
• Would like to see more of the Water Works Park.
• I had never thought of touring Water Works Park. Excellent tour, learned a lot.
• Over my head a little, but always interesting to see and try to learn new things.
• Enjoyed the second speaker at the Water Works and his humor.
• The Water Works was interesting. Beaker The Scientist showed a real passion for his profession.
• Always excites me when individuals who present are pumped on what their job is.
• Interesting tour at Water Works. Never put a lot of thought into the drinking water process. Sure gives me an appreciation for running clean water.
• Very interesting. All three speakers were lucid and articulate. DO THIS AGAIN!

• Good look at neat plants, especially the Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow bush. I liked the explanation of the vines by the 2nd gentleman.
• Too short! Tour guides did a great job.
• Peaceful and relaxing.
• Wonderful volunteers and great lunch at Gardens.
• Interesting.
• Lovely botanic interlude (and lunch!)

• Really enjoyed it. I wouldn't mind a guided tour on the "outside main part" of the zoo.
• Was well worth the time!
• Is a great time at any age. If a person or people can love their job so much, you know it’s a great place to be.
• I hadn't been aware of how much good in the world of animals zoos are doing! Awesome!
• Great getting behind the scenes at the zoo.
• I'm a zoo lover, but it gives me a new appreciation when one knows the dynamics involved in operation.
• Learned so much about the zoo and the care of the animals. Plan on trying a worm farm.
• The energy and love for the animals, and personal touch and care of the animal's "mental state" touched me.
• Really liked the zoo tour. They have really stepped up their conservation efforts.
• WOW! So much more than looking at animals in cages. I love the husbandry training and joy exhibited by all the staff.

• Very special in the skill learned, but also in the connection with the birds.
• Was fantastic! Truly an awesome experience.
• I loved bird banding. The detail and work, along with the respect for the bird blew me away. I never knew such an interest existed in this format. Thanks for introducing this to me.
• AJay did a great job with banding.
• AJay does an outstanding lesson on bird banding; I can tell he enjoys it.
• Made me feel less afraid of birds in an enclosed space.
• I was fascinated with the bird banding. I have never shown much interest in different kinds of birds. This has sparked my interest to do more bird watching in my environment.
• This was heart-rendering. I loved your presentation even though I was a little jumpy!
• As I stated publicly, the bird banding demo and presentation is the best presentation of any kind, that I have ever seen anywhere, at any time.
• Awesome.
• Holding the tiny bird touched my heart.
• Bird banding is a favorite. Bringing nature into the classroom, really personalizes or brings home the importance we have in being responsible for the environment.
• Really AJay, you looked just like St. Francis holding those birds! You convinced me of the value of banding and its relative harmlessness to the creatures.

• Again the presentation and equipment provided allowed me to gain the skill, and shows how easy to teach the children.
• This was the first time I have shot a gun of any nature. WOW – what an experience. It amazes me how much I have heard about, but being exposed to it all has opened my eyes even more.
• Enjoyed this day a lot. Good instructions and pace, and getting left alone to just figure it all out!
• Fun! Fun! Fun! There is a decent chance that I may bet archery in my school.
• Wait until I send you pictures of my new archery equipment going on my X-mas list. I am not an athlete but felt successful and really enjoyed this. Shotgun was fun too.
• Did not think that archery would be a classroom activity until this week.
• Great idea with the ping pong ball!! Cool. Enjoyed trying the air rifles. Never have been around guns so it was very new. Good to get outside my box !!!
• Interested in the air rifles. Probably a safer approach in the schools – at least put administrators at ease.

• Looks like a great way to incorporate lesson on area history and fun together.
• We learned a lot with all you offered.

• Beyond my expectations! Great!
• Everything was great! Everyone was friendly and knowledgeable – I learned a lot!
• Everything was good. People were friendly, facility was clean and food was good.
• Participant activities – wide range; definitely got some ideas to use.
• As always, very well organized and run, from housekeeping and cooks to AJay and his staff. Professional, friendly, knowledgeable and FUN !!!
• All were great, can't say enough good things about the staff.
• You are all A+ teachers: patient, up-beat and full of life! I wish all children would have the opportunity of coming here!
• Great idea to share activities, such a wealth of knowledge around us. AJay, this staff is one in a million. The patience, knowledge and respect you showed to us is phenomenal. You've got a great thing going here and we will pass it on.
• Excellent, excellent. AJay, you have a passion for your work (play) and are making a difference (positive) in many individuals. God has blessed you with the ability to make people feel comfortable and confident.
• A special thank you to Cathy for all the behinds the scenes help.

• Thank you for such an amazing week of these experiences !!!
• The variety was amazing.
• I think I can use almost every (or at least a part of) activities that were shared. Good lessons, good teachers, good fun friends!
• Couldn't squeeze another thing into this group.
• Want to bring my daughter's Girl Scout troop!
• I'm glad I came! I learned a lot!
• I really enjoyed myself and enjoyed spending time with such a variety of people.
• You power pack the course!