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“LongWalk is an excellent opportunity to spend time with and  mentoring young men and women concerning their priorities and their  focus on life.

“Camping provides an excellent opportunity for  discussion because it takes students out of their normal secure  environment and places them in an environment that is new and different.  It gives them the ability to slow down and think without the  distractions of computers and cell phones. They work together to hike in  with the gear, set up the tents, and cook the meals.

“Leadership  responsibilities are passed around and challenges of the outdoors have  to be dealt with. I was very impressed with the Memorial men and really  enjoyed my time with them. I hope that in my small way, I was able to  serve as a good example as all of us dads hope to do. I fully expect and  hope to continue my relationship LongWalk.”

Parent Chaperone/Sponsor, Veterinarian, Memorial High School Football Team

“This trip was like a final examination of my summer, and of the last  five years that I’ve spent at Shepherd’s Fold being mentored and  trained in various skill sets.

“Midway through the trip, Mike gave  control of the group to me, and it was fun to walk in that. I was able  to successfully lead and evaluate the group, along with Mike’s wonderful  input. A continuing lesson the Lord has been teaching me this last year  has been about the importance of others and sharing the life that has  been sown into me.

“This trip was a testing ground of that, and I  really enjoyed walking that out. The Lord never intended for us to go  through life alone. He is with us, and ‘we are surrounded by a great  cloud of witnesses.'”

LongWalk Participant, OSU graduate & paramedic

“Just wanted to say thanks again, the kids had a great time. Thanks  to you and your organization, our kids got to experience several new  things. They got to experience camping and hiking, something most of  them had never done. In fact, many had never even been in the  wilderness.

“But I think the most important new experience they  had was the chance to be leaders. Because of the socio-economic  situation of our kids, they don’t have many good role models to emulate,  and therefore don’t know how to be good leaders.

“You gave them a  chance to be leaders and they responded! In fact, since returning they  have taken ownership of our off-season program and have really stepped  up the intensity – all on their own.”

Football Coach, Tulsa Public Schools

Don’t just take our word for it. Hear what LongWalk program  participants and associates say about our programs. Hear their take on  the positive impact we’ve had on lives in Oklahoma.

“Thank you,  LongWalk, for challenging my teens to grow and expand their leadership  skills on your awesome back-packing trips! The recent trip to the  Colorado mountains certainly tested their mettle. In fact, I also grew  as a youth leader, as a result of that experience.”

Director of Program Management, Youth At Heart

“Overall, my experience had me thinking about how I was going to  carry myself after what I’ve learned. Before we arrived there, my whole  thought process was to hurry up and get it over with.

“As soon as  we got there, that all had changed, moreover it changed while we were  riding on the way there. After I got to know all the others who were  going, I had a feeling in my heart that the week was going to be great.

“It  actually turned out to be more than great! What I learned was what God  has been telling me before we went! As if he pretty much showed me how  he would handle things (all my problems), on the contrary to enjoying  his creations!”

LongWalk Participant, Camp Loughridge Counselor

“What I experienced from the trip was like a game of real life. There  will be days in your life you will get frustrated, but if you continue  fighting and trying, then things will turn out to be a blessing.

“I’ll  use that experience on my upcoming basketball season this year. It  might be tough teams we play, but if we play hard and finish strong, we  will come out with a win. This trip also motivates me into talking to my  teammates about how good we are this year and how we can be the  national champion.”

LongWalk Student Participant