Adventure Treks consistently has the highest repeat rate of any similar program for both students (60%) and instructors (70%).
“In just a few days’ time, strangers turn to friends, friends to family, and on the last day you WON’T want to leave.”
– Sierra Cocoziello
Cedar Grove, NJ
(and you don't even have to pick up the phone)
“Dock” is what most people call our Founder and Director, John Dockendorf. He has personally led dozens of Adventure Treks trips. He spends each summer in the field and, as our founder, Dock knows every student who has ever attended Adventure Treks.
Dock conducts 10 to 14-day instructor orientations and works side-by-side with our instructors, sharing his years of experience. Our Regional Directors help Dock maintain Adventure Treks’ high standards as they visit our groups throughout the summer. When not in the field with students, Dock is always available to personally answer your questions.
For the past 33 years, Dock has led young people and adults on adventures all over the world. He holds a Master’s Degree in Management from Cornell University and has worked with international corporations as a team-builder and consultant. He is a former competitive freestyle skier, whitewater paddler and marathon runner. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder, skilled outdoorsman, and a member of several school and community boards. Dock and his wife, Jane, are the proud parents of Audrey, Ella, Ava Rees, and Charlie. He provides the year-round energy, passion, and vision behind our program.
As parents, we all share the same hopes for our children and face similar challenges trying to raise them the best way possible.
At Adventure Treks, we know there is a window in an adolescent’s life where a well-timed adventure, without parents, can help shape their future. By living simply in nature, they begin to understand that they can have the time of their lives without electronics and material conveniences.
The wilderness is our classroom. The lesson begins by exposing students to awe inspiring mountains, valleys, and rivers. We give our students a chance to discover their relationship with the natural world. We build a foundation for stewardship by passing on a love for these wild places.
In the outdoors, students find time to connect to people from all over the world and make friends for life. We give them real responsibility and let them see how, through their initiative and effort, they can make significant contributions to the success of their community. Our students learn to be more responsible for themselves and improve their judgment, leadership, independence and decision-making skills. They do all of this in a framework that’s challenging, and also fun.
As a parent, I especially appreciate the opportunity Adventure Treks provides for my children to get to know our incredible instructors - people who reinforce my values, yet seem “bigger than life.” When a life lesson comes from an instructor my kids admire, it’s taken more quickly to heart than when it comes from me.
Our talented, six–person instructor teams are what make Adventure Treks truly unique. We are honored that so many instructors return each year to contribute to the growth and development of our students.
I personally interview every new instructor because I believe that the most important thing I can provide for you, besides a safe experience, is great role models for your children. These are people who make good decisions, challenge students appropriately, and help them to realize their tremendous potential. During instructor orientation every year, I look at the incredible group of mentors we have assembled and think, “any parent who could meet these people would do anything in their power to give their kids this experience.”
I know sending a child off to explore the outdoors can be intimidating, so please don’t hesitate to call me personally. Our administrative and field staff will get to know your child, and we will always act in their best interest. We look forward to creating an experience that will have lasting positive impact for the rest of your child’s life.
John Dockendorf, Founding Director
