For the past 28 years, Trailmark Expeditions has taken participants on trips throughout the United States introducing them to many different challenges and mentoring them to succeed. Participants are introduced to a variety of environments, taught outdoor skills, and must work together to accomplish the unimaginable. This is what we do! Over the course of my professional life, I have seen the end result of a successful expedition many times. Within our participants, I have seen the bonds forged between them, I have seen the trust evolve, I have seen genuine smiles, and I have seen new friendships born from the experiences. But most important of all, I have seen young people transform themselves into young responsible adults.
Whether our students are summitting a mountain, running a rapid, or debriefing an adventure activity, the end result is they are better prepared for life. All of the life lessons that a Trailmark graduate brings home translate to skills which young people need to be successful in our world. These activities are often metaphors that relate to their individual lives. Kids are faced today with completing college applications, taking rigorous school tests, developing better interpersonal communication skills to be used in the workplace and a plethora of other life challenges. A common thread used throughout our programs is the idea that challenge (physical, mental, and emotional) compels people to brainstorm ideas, attempt solutions, and perform as a team. This is what I have witnessed and it has been a powerful driving force in why I have chosen this as a career path. This is the reward that outdoor professionals work so hard to achieve.
I welcome you to experience a Trailmark Expedition. See your children grow in ways that cannot be measured on a ruler. Watch them develop their self confidence and become more personally responsible. As Nadine Stair wrote at age 85, "Oh, I've had my moments and if I had it to do over 
again, I'd have more of them. In fact, 
I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments." We are dawning on the day where material possessions are not what we value most. In fact, memories and experiences have proven to be the most priceless possessions of them all.
Ben Loveless
Director of Trailmark Expeditions