PARENT & PLAYER TESTIMONIALS
~If you would like to speak to these individuals, please call for contact info~
POSTED: 1 Feb 2008
FROM: Sue Makunza, North Branch, Minn, Mom of Bantam
Last year when my husband and I dropped off my son at camp, I felt a little nervous thinking that maybe it would be too rigid and tough. However, after his return, not only did I, but other parents and his coaches noticed as well, his improvement in both ability and attitude both on and off the ice. He works hard every time he is out on the ice, and also encourages his teammates to also work up to their ability. He was picked to be one of the captains of his team this year and undoubtedly this is due to the leadership training and values instilled in him at the camp. This year he is a second year Bantam and has attended many different camps in the past, but nothing compares to the life skills he developed at Boot Camp Hockey. I would strongly recommend this camp to anyone. He can't wait to go back!
Sue Mukunza
North Branch, MN
POSTED 23 Jan 2008
From: Kathy Brown, Georgia, Parent of Bantam
I have meant to send you a note since we got home this summer. Boot Camp Hockey was a great experience for Joseph (and me). I loved being up there, fresh cool air, no meals to cook, no house to clean, no phone ringing. (well, almost no phone ringing). It was really a positive experience all around. I really enjoyed you and your family and all the hockey boys.
After we got home, Joseph did two additional local hockey camps. Not much to them, compared to what he got out of your camp. Although they did photograph him a lot... it was those abs he got in New York.
You know Joseph only had one Spring season of ice hockey when he came up there. I thought we would come home, play in a house league this past fall and maybe try out for some travel hockey next year. Joseph made a A level travel team and he made his high school hockey team (remember he's only 13). He has had a lot of ice time. It has been a wonderful season. Joseph has come so far as a player, I really think it's because you folks laid such a good foundation.
So, thanks. Let us know what's coming up this summer. By the way, all his hockey friends want to come to your camp this year too.
Thank you so much.
Kathy Brown
Posted 2 Jan 2008
From: Anthony Holguin, Colorado, Parent of Pee Wee
I hope your seasons are going well. We are 3-3-1 in our house league. Chandler continues to play well. I was very proud when after one game a parent, who's son played for me a couple of seasons ago, pulled me aside and asked me who was wearing Chandlers skates. He was very complementary on how much Chandler had improved. I of course took all the credit.
Well, I realize it is early, but I wanted to let you know that I will need you to send me some brochures as soon as you get them. I have been talking up BCH and hope to bring a hand full of kids with me this summer. My wife wants to get a rental house in Hamilton and stay for two weeks! I am still negotiating that one.
Posted 5 May 2007
From: Larry Bentley, Marlborough, Mass, Parent of Pee Wee
"Within an hour of the camp week starting, my son was introduced to leadership concepts like responsibility, accountability and teamwork. Respect for self and others is a lesson any young athlete can benefit from.... and learn to live by.... the constant positive reinforcement made a positive impression on my 10 year old son. He can't wait to get back."
Posted 2 May 2007
From: Joe Sobek, Camper – Indiana University, Age 19
Hey Major Andersen, Joe Sobek here :)
As you might well imagine, a lot of interesting things came out of going to BCH for me. First of all, it definitely IS THE most intense and trying camp I have ever participated in. At the same time, the feeling you get at successfully completing it puts a new confidence in your game that takes a lot to diminish.
The camp truly was an accomplishment to get through and easily the most physically demanding thing that I have ever accomplished. It truly is a test of not just hockey ability, but desire, drive, and having faith in the people around you to have the same qualities. I will always recommend the camp to anyone who is looking for a camp that is the total package of hockey development and physical conditioning.
As far as grades go, I am now a sophomore at Indiana and pulled down a 3.6 GPA this semester, so my parents were pleased with that - Haha. Thanks Major Andersen, I'll see you later.
Posted 1 May 2007
From: Mrs. Sug McMaster, South Carolina. Parent of two players – Bantam & Midget
Hello,
I just wanted to drop a quick note to thank you for the wonderful experience both my boys had at camp last summer. It was amazing the change in both boys especially my 12 year old son Jamo, the confidence and maturity he gained from the leadership skills was incredible. I cannot stress enough how much of a difference everyone saw in him. I wish ya'll had a school program because we would certainly sign him up. The boys look forward to returning this year, as we are sending in our registration forms this week. Thanks again for such a wonderful life changing experience!
Sug McMaster
Posted 9 April 2007
From: Carl Henson, Oklahoma. Parent of High School Player
Our son attended two Boot Camp Hockey sessions during the 2006 summer offerings. Our objectives at the outset was to improve on our hockey playing skills such as speed, overall skating, puck handling and hockey playing knowledge while at the same time associate with other kids who have similar objectives. We feel that each of our objectives was addressed during these camps and added to this was a very nice final report evaluating of our son’s hockey skills. Boot Camp Hockey defined in advance logistic for airport transportation, our son’s housing, food and daily needs. I was happy with both the camp results (as our son make the JV team at Culver Academy) and the amenities provided during the camp itself.
We plan to attend this camp again this year and would not hesitate in recommending the same for your kids.
Carl Henson chensond@hotmail.com
Posted 26 March 2007
From: Jon Legato, Stillwater, Minnesota. Parent of Squirt Player
Hello Dave,
Jake has just finished a great winter hockey season thanks in part to the entire BCH coaching and leadership staff. We are very excited about coming out again this summer and plan on bringing some more "Westies" with us.
From the first time I went onto the BCH website I knew this was the right camp for us. This has been reinforced throughout the year by watching Jake interact with teammates and listening to him tell stories about BCH to his friends. These are memories and lessons I am sure he will remember forever.
I have done a lot of shopping for camps and after spending a week at your camp last summer, I am done shopping. You and your staff "get it", in my opinion you have put together the best program for the money. The values that are stressed in your camp are the same values taught in our home. You are helping to reinforce the life style we want for our kids. This camp is so much more then just a hockey camp, it is a camp about life and the day to day challenges these kids will face. You have done an excellent job at creating a balance between hockey and other critical life skills to make these kids leaders on and off the ice.
I am not sure who is more excited about coming out to BCH again this summer, Jake or I. Where was this camp when I was twelve? We look forward to seeing you in July.
Sincerely,
Jon Legato
Posted – 6 March 2007
From: Mark Hulse, Long Island, NY. Parent of Pee Wee Player
Hi Dave. Hope all is well.
I just wanted to take a few minutes to let you know the response to the week the Arrows Pee Wee B hockey team spent in Boot Camp Hockey. I have spoken to just about all of the parents and each parent I have spoken to has stated their player loved the camp. In fact, each player has stated they want to return next year, Zach Kardisch and my son want to go for two weeks. Preliminary plans are already underway for next year's golf outing to support the return of the team.
Having spent the entire week at the camp I have to say I was extremely impressed with the program. Not only with the training on the ice, but also the off-ice training and the leadership and development classes provided to the players. Both the coaches and counselors were approachable and really seemed to enjoy being with the kids and providing them instruction. There was no sense that the coaches or counselors were simply there to get a check. Each one seemed to really enjoy being at the camp.
If parents from other teams decide to stay the week you may want to tell them to bring their golf clubs. Where else in New York can you play 3 Robert Trent Jones' golf courses within 45 minutes of each other. Also, the bike trials were great and the food far exceeded my expectations.
Finally, I would like to thank you and your family for your patience and making the camp a memorable experience for the kids. I think my son said it best when asked by my wife if it was the best hockey camp he had ever attended. Danny replied "not only was it the best hockey camp, it was the best camp I ever attended."
Thanks again. Semper Fi and Good Luck!
Mark L. Hulse
Senior Counsel
