Your Compass | Kodiak Pathways Lodge, PO BOX 295, Thompson Falls, MT 59873, 406-827-0416

Where is your

Compass Pointing?

"In every great act, there is a challenge. In every challenge, there is a reward. In every reward lies the product of our efforts. In every effort lies new beauty to be born." Mohammed Onotu, Teenager from Nigeria

Have you given thought to pointing your compass toward a new adventure and challenge?
	Where would you go?
	What would you do?
You are not alone. Most people call this daydreaming.

The real question is have you ever thought it possible to make your day dream come true? Does meeting new kids your age from different parts of the country interest you? Do you find yourself sometimes getting bored, watching the same TV programs, listening to the same music, talking to your friends about the same things, playing the same video games Well, it sounds as if you are ready for a new experience.

The question is, are you ready to take on the challenge and put forth the effort required to make this experience a reality?

Read what a few of our students who have spent time at Kodiak Pathways have to say.

"I almost got it!" I cried as I fought a large king salmon while fishing on a boat in Kodak, Alaska. The sky was blue, the sea was beautiful and I was catching fish almost bigger than me, wow! At night on the same day, my friends and I hung out under the clear, beautiful night sky roasting marshmallows on a beach. And all that was just a normal day for Andy and me.

The next day I volunteered for an archaeological dig hosted by a museum. Though it may seem like hard work, it was one of the happiest times of my life. The people that worked with me were awesome and the journey of discovery was incredible, we even found a beached whale once! Of course I did more than fish, roast at night and dig for the ancients. I camped, I hiked, and I even relaxed when I felt like it. Kodiak is such an amazing experience that I wish I could enjoy it every day.

Unfortunately I can’t and that is why it’s such a treat to be able to go when I can. Andy was able to deliver to me this experience and that is only one of the reasons I love the guy. If you see something you want to do, Andy will do his best to see that you can do it. What a great time for me."

Howard S, College Student, Miami Florida

"At first I didn't think I would enjoy being in Alaska, but that was a horrible assumption to make. I was able to experience a part of nature I never knew existed. The fishing there was phenomenal, from fly fishing on some nearby creeks to deep sea fishing in the Pacific, I couldn't get enough. However, fishing is only a small portion of what is available to you.

The activity I enjoyed the most was kayaking along Kodiak's shore and seeing the all the different wildlife so closely as they were doing their thing like I wasn't even there. To say the least, my trip to Alaska was one of the most memorable experiences in my life and I can't wait until I go back."

Kevin N., college freshman

"I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would ever see my self Alaska, let alone Kodiak, actually I had never even heard of it. Born and raised in Connecticut, I have always lived in the suburbs and when my mother presented me with the idea of spending a month in what I considered the middle of no where, it gave me the chills. No, I was not happy.

Reluctantly, I agreed to go. The thought of not having access to a computer ran through my mind constantly. It’ hard to think about not being able to fool around on "YouTube" or "instant message" back my girlfriend on "Facebook" at what ever time I felt like it. Once you get to the island however, it’s the last thing on your mind. As soon as you arrive on Kodiak the first thing you notice is the scenery, it is breathe taking. The whole ride to camp I was speechless. I was in awe by the rolling mountains and the amount of "green" that I saw all around me. It’s very different from New England.

After setting up camp, the very next day we were hitting the river.
I had never picked up a fly rod before so I was nervous about my fishing abilities but that’s where Andy and "Coach" Kegal came in. The staff are really nice and seem like they really want you to learn. With in a few days I was casting and catching fish the way I wanted to. Soon I was tying flies and really feeling like a true fly fisher.

At night we ate like pigs, the food was great and I can tell you we never went hungry. With all the fish we were catching how could we? I’m not usually a big fish eater but there is nothing like eating fresh fish that you caught that day. I learned a lot about the history of the island and especially the history surrounding WWII. I didn’t know it was one of the main islands the Japanese attempted to invade during WWII. I learned this at the WWII Museum in Kodiak where you can also see bunkers and hideouts that were built when the island was used for the military.

We did a lot fun stuff on Kodiak, hiking, bush construction, helping out the local people, kayaking, so many things. The sun sets at like 1:00 o’clock in the morning! These experiences in Kodiak have changed my life. The fishing is the best in the world and I would recommend it to any one who just wants to experience something really different.

When it was time to go home I didn’t want to leave. So take a chance, try something new, it was so much better than hanging out all summer. It also gave me something to brag to all my friends about during the year. This year they all want to come with me, because I’m going back!"

Christopher S., age 17, Fairfield, Connecticut

What do you think you would have to say about your experience at Kodiak Pathways? The person you become in life is molded by your choices. We believe that your commitment to making positive choices will help point your compass in the right direction and assist you in mapping out the quality and substance of life that
you are meant to have.

How will your life story read in two years, five years, or twenty years? We are confident that your experience at Kodiak Pathways will in some way be a part of your inspiring biography.

"Life does not happen to us, it happens from us."
Michael Wickett --- Submitted by Kate F. --- Wisconsin

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