Longwalk Oklahoma - Testimonials Page
Sep. 13, 2009
Posted by Tom S. Hammack
Below is a sampling of the testimonials we have received from some of the participants and associates for
the LongWalk Oklahoma Backpack Challege program. We are proud to offer these as a testament to how our program
has positively affected the lives of the participants and the sponsors of our programs here at LongWalk 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."
Rodney Gray
Director of Program Management
Youth At Heart
“I am very pleased with the Long Walk program. The coaches and athletes in Tulsa Public Schools have really enjoyed
being a part of the program and I look forward to our continued relationship.”
Dr. Stephanie Spring
Director of Athletics
Tulsa Public Schools
Concerning our trip to Devil’s Den, East Central took 12 seniors, 1 junior, and 1 sophmore. Like most extra curricular
activities you put together for team building you do it because it is the thing to do and you have been taught the
importance of team building as a coach. Unlike most activities we have done in the past (ropes course, float trips)
this endeavor was more productive and challenging than any other team builder we have been involved in. Total responsibility
of the success was dependent on how the kids worked together and responded to each other. You totally put them out of
their environment and ask them solve tasks together and work together. I really saw a variety of emotions and attitudes
on the trip and watched our young men figure out how to deal with them and most of all found out who dealt with them the best.
In other words you found your leaders. I highly recommend this trip if you are trying to figure out your team and build
unity and develop leaders. Thanks Mike for talking us into going and now we won’t miss the opportunity.
Travis Hill
Athletic Director and Head Football Coach
East Central High School
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.
Ward White
Head Football Coach
Tulsa Will Rogers High School
My daughter was first approached about LongWalk Oklahoma through one of her youth pastors at church. A sign-up sheet
was left and she joined about 20 others who gleefully subscribed for a wilderness walk in Colorado. As usual, I knew
nothing about the sign-up; LongWalk, Mike, or who the leaders were that brought this new stress into my life.
With my faith almost as sturdy as hers, we proceeded with the introductions and meetings only to discover some of the
most level headed leaders I’d wished I’d been when I was their age. I was told my 15 year old would have the opportunity
to lead the troop (some in their 20’s) to gain leadership experience. I rolled the dice and off she went for six days.
Not only did she survive, but I got back a girl with strengthened confidence coupled with a valuable life lesson on how
to accept help from others in a severe personal time of need. She had injured her ankle and was unable to carry her full
load. Her new found friends graciously brought her out of the woods a changed person. She’ll be back.
Randy Buchman
Parent of a LongWalk Oklahoma participant
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."
Cody A. Chaney
Shepherds Fold Ranch
LongWalk Participant
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!
Marcus James
Camp Loughridge Counselor
LongWalk Participant
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 with Mike
and LongWalk.
Paul Welch, DVM
Memorial High School Football Team
Parent Chaperone/Sponsor
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.
Jerell
LongWalk Student Participant
I would first like to thank you for a great summer and it was great getting to know you. You are a great
inspiration to me. Thank you so much for the scholarship for the My Long Walk trip. I am greatly appreciative
of your donation. Thanks to you I was able to go on the amazing trip. I hope this letter will express my gratitude.
I learned so much in Colorado about leadership through our Lord Jesus Christ. I learned to work together with people
that I barely even knew. I learned to let others love me and help when I was too stubborn to ask for it. Thank you
so much for your help this summer.
Drake Dugan
Camp Loughridge Counselor
LongWalk Participant
