Personal Growth through Physical Challenge

wolfcreekadventures@yahoo.com

     Wolf Creek Adventures, Inc. fulfills a dream I've had for many years about helping at-risk youth by sharing the experience of whitewater canoeing with them.  This dream became a reality on December 14, 2004 with the help of a good friend who made a substantial donation.  That donation provided the impetus to get Wolf Creek Adventures started.

Peeling Out at the Nantahala Falls on the Nantahala River

     I am currently retired, but have worked with at-risk youths for most of my adult life in settings such as group homes and therapeutic wilderness camps.  Most of my experience, however, is with special education and at-risk students in schools.  I received a Master's Degree in Special Education and Counselor Education from NCSU in 1984.

Playing at Double Trouble on the Ocoee River

    Dropout Prevention is of particular interest to me.  One program I developed for the Buncombe County Schools combined group challenges with outdoor education activities.  This program was found to be effective in reducing discipline referrals for the students involved and its success increased my belief that canoeing can have a positive impact on at-risk youths.

Surfing a wave on the Pigeon River

     I have paddled whitewater, both solo and tandem, since 1991.  Canoes were my main vehicle until 1997 when I started paddling C-1 as well.   I became certified as an ACA Whitewater Canoe Instructor in Solo and Tandem in 2000 and was certified at the Advanced Canoe level in Solo and Tandem in 2002.

Paddling tandem with Maureen at Table Saw on the Ocoee River

     However, Wolf Creek Adventures is about much more than myself.  It is about finding ways to give back that benefit youths.  It is also about all the donors and volunteers who have contributed over the years.  You can view those who have donated money to Wolf Creek Adventures by going to our Donors page.  You will notice that many of our donors contribute year after year.  You can also view those who have donated their time to help our cause by going to our Volunteers page and clicking on the links for each year we have been in operation.  You will also notice some of the names appear year after year.  You can be a part of this movement by donating your time or money as well.  Go to our Donors and Volunteers pages to find out how.

Best Regards,
Peter Van Gieson