Reply To: Jasper Camp: Progress Report

[Craig Campagnolio]

I brought my two sons and wife from Philadelphia, PA (USA) to Jasper for Gaston and Tom's camp this year. From the moment we woke up the morning before check in to camp until the day we reluctantly left, we were wowed!!!

First the camp was incredible, both my boys were excited to find out what was going to be instructed next at power skating (yes, this is true) with Gaston or hockey with Tom. Gaston and Tom were very professional, knowledgeable and most of all passionate about their instruction. My boys like most teenagers are underwhelmed so impressing them is hard to do, both Gaston and Tom made an impression. I was amazed to see my sons drink in all that was surrounding them with the camp and the nature.

With all the instruction what was most impressive was to watch Gaston and Tom spend their time with the boys and girls at camp, after the ice time was over they sat and chatted with them as they were colleagues whether at lunch or dinner. To overhear them take the time to discuss certain topics or share a laugh.

This was an unbelievable experience for my whole family. I felt as though we were among family. And if that wasn't enough, Jasper, Alberta was picturesque, which could be understood by the over 7,000 pictures we took. It was overwhelming how beautiful the scenery and locations were. The people in town, all the lakes, tourist attractions, hiking, mountains, glacier water, wildlife. It was truly an experience of a lifetime. I am so very grateful I was able to give this opportunity to my family. My boys are already looking forward to next year camp dates. My wife and I are also excited to take advantage of all the other attractions we missed this trip.
I would highly recommend this camp to anyone.

Craig
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Campi, it was great having you, Martina and the boy's at the camp. I saw them progress in their skating, puck handling and game sense.

It was great when you and Martina cam over and sat with Gaston, Jim, Alden and I. We listened to Grizzly Alden tell stories of how he made a Bear drop the ball he took from the fairway by walking up and threatening it with his golf club, and how when he was a boy he let Marilyn Monroe ride his bike while she was there making a movie with Robert Mitchum. Great laughs.

I am happy that you and your family loved the experience. Jasper is a magical place and I look forward to that week every summer. I also love going there just after New Years and doing a camp for their hockey association. My favorite part is driving back through the mountain pass. I see a car about every half hour and can only tell I am on a road by the snow piled on each side. I stop, get out of my car and listen to the silence. It is mystical, with the mountains surrounding you and the stars glimmering above.