Testimonials
You are a wonderful mentor to [B] - actually to all of them --- hence to take him out of his shell - key to his persnl development at this stage --- Price is not a factor here - it's ensuring he is in, so, am I applying for him to attend the Junior lead camp? - dates? I have to say that I am a little perplexed with what is happening when: Senior vs Junior I think I need to attend myself.... C
January 2010 -As you know, we have talked several times about the wonderful experience my son had at the High Flight Adventures camp last year, and I wanted to provide you with some of my thoughts in writing.
My fourteen year old son had never stayed overnight away from home before and was very reluctant to try it. However, the lure of planes, flight and anything to do with them was a wonderful motivator. I cannot speak highly enough of the experience that he had at High flight Adventures – he not only got to fulfill his dream of flying but he also learned some very important lessons about integrity, trust, self-esteem and getting along with others. The values emphasized and implemented on a daily basis at the camp made him look at himself and at others in a different way. He had always had difficulty maintaining eye contact and the most immediate difference was that he returned home and looked me squarely in the eye – he said that it takes courage to do that. He also learned that you carry through on your promises and what it takes to “stand tall”. I visited the camp midway through the week and was thrilled to see how much he was participating. Having dealt with an educational system that so often sees only the negative, it was a welcome change to see him with people whom he admired and who were responding to his positive traits. It was a wonderful growth experience for him – he recently told me that it was the high point of his life and that he can’t wait for next summer and the chance to return. He said that he expects to grow in maturity again.
You invested in my son and for that I thank you. There is an adage that it takes a village to raise a child – High Flight Adventures is part of his village! N E
July 2009 -A huge thank you!! I just wanted to take time to thank you and your group for giving my son the greatest memories ever. He came home yesterday, though very happy to be home, talked our ears off with his many adventures. He is definitely hooked on flying.
He began to advise us of the desire to return for both sessions next year. I wanted you to know that I am so thankful for people like yourselves that give kids a positive environment to learn in. Our son is usually a shy with low self-esteem but your group made him feel like he was a part of you. You will never really know the impact you have had on my child. Thanks to you we can continue to encourage him into something he can continue to be proud of.
Thanks again for everything. Barrel rolls, huh......that's all we heard about.....lol Sincerely W/R B
July 2009 - Our son has Great pictures - he's also got a wonderful one of you and the gang. I cannot believe the difference in him - he's making direct eye contact and is calmer (and it's not just me who's noticed!). He has way more confidence and self-esteem and he is aware of the difference himself which is the greatest aspect. Thank-you. N
Summer 2009 -oy! its the whizz! I had a superb time at camp this year! Ifound that it was well thought out and planned. with a great plan fitted for everyday! unlike last year the flying was done at the end to do a crazy kickass ending climax. the food had a great "organic" theme and the staff team was well ready for the crazy 20 sum campers at the first semester of camp for 09! the camp was filled with perfect Ideas for games such as the pickle toss, the tourettes dodgeball and other crazy games fit for the campers. we also had a tour of the classic wings hangar where some guy with alot of money has some crazy planes like a L39 a pitts biplane or for the car fans A 2007(8?) aston Martin DB9!!!
And to add more theme we were camping out in super tents. To be honest this camp should be massive. for its type it could destroy the competition of other camps out there, I could see the High flight camp branching into other amazing areas of the world (like Indonesia for Boomer!!) the camp truly opens the door to kids to show them Future careers like me, I decided to become a airforce pilot, like if I don't make the fighter pilot mark Ill try for other airforce branches (like cargo, heli, jet) this camp shows alot to kids and they should soak it up! because soon the demand for air travel will not meet up to pilot production and more aspiring pilots will be needed. and this camp builds that foundation.
If I were to add suggestions to the camp.
* maybe add more neat activities and visits Like this year the RCMP visit in the piggio was awesome and that pilot slideshow visit was great. and the Tower visit at Ottawa was amazing! more stuff like that would make the camp MOre interesting
* movie? remember last time when they showed Shaun of the dead?? well maybe 30:00 a day of a movie(s) would be cool
* maybe if possible tour an airport. like instead of the tower like see the Xray machine, luggage sorting ground crew, y'know a good tour d'airport.
* I found that our camp had no Icebreakers. Maybe next time the campers could tell the others crazy or fun events and tell them who they are and what makes them, themselves.
Apart from that yes Im looking forward to next year. heck! I might be a junior leader next year! and I know that cadets wont interfere so Ill be set! I stick in touch Cheers! SD
2009 - Dear Mike Bourget,
On behalf of the entire Baskets with Panache planning committee, I would like to thank you for your continued support of this great event for the past couple of years.
Your generous contributions to this fundraising event has helped enable children in our community, who otherwise might not have had the opportunity, to visit the Canada Agriculture Museum and see for themselves where our food comes from and why agriculture is so important to our daily lives!
Keep up the great work over at High Flight Adventures.
Kindest regards,Fraser McDonald Canada Agriculture Museum Sent via BlackBerry®.
Fall 2008 Thank you so much! Hi Skidmk,
I just wanted to let you know that the High Flight Adventures was the coolest camp Ive ever been to!!! I had so much fun and I defenitly(sic) would like to come back next year. Say hi to Skippy, Poptart, Lace and Carkeys for me. I hope you enjoy your summer! Thank You so much!!! It was realy (sic)great. -xxx- P Z
June 2009 Hi Mike,
Just getting in from a friends BBQ...told them all about our flight today...What a rush!! Thanks again for the thrill of a lifetime...just an incredible experience.....I could not believe what we were doing...so much fun...I had a smile on my face the whole time...I was completely at ease and never felt nervous since you were such a confident, skilled and experienced pilot...my hat is off to you and your magnificent plane...!
I really appreciate the extra bit of flying we did...thanks for that.....Could not have picked a better day to see trees up close like that!All the best with your program and I'll be sure to highly recommend it to anyone interested. Definitely worth every cent for such a life long memory...
I'll be sure to send a cartoon in the mail soon... And I just thought Nanchung was a Chinese restaurant in the mall food court...
take care and happy flying. A
PS Loved the formation flying and dive bombing of various targets...mission accomplished!
A won the 1/2 hour flight around Ottawa at "Baskets with Panache!" second annual auction at the Canada Agriculture Museum, June 18.
Click picture to see larger photo
Summer 2008 - To the Classic Air Rally Assoc_
Hi Girvan,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the flight with Mike in his warbird. It was a truly memorable experience, not only because I had not had the thrill of flying in an aerobatic aircraft since 1957 when I trained to fly in a Tiger Moth, but also the unique opportunity it gave me to photograph the Parliament buildings and the Gatineau hills in their fall colours. Our low pass along the Ottawa Airport runway was also a thrill for me.
PS. I could not resist adding one of the many photos I took.
PPS. If you need help with regard to the organization of the Rally next year please let me know. S S Classic Air Rally Winner- Donated Flight in 08