Parents

Parents' Perspectives

I just wanted to say that the camp has been just GREAT for both our boys Bryan & Nathan. They really enjoyed all parts of your camp, from the workouts, to ice time & food time. The staff have all been just great. Thanks for all your hard work.

- Brenda Read

Once again the boys had a great experience at your camp. I found the goalie instruction to be very well done and the boys definitely picked up some new skills. They enjoyed the great food and we really appreciate both trainers and how they cared for Devin when he got injured. He is like a walking disaster this year breaking his wrist in Lacrosse and it keeps going. Thank you for the extra meals as well. We will be there again next year. Andrew has a Western Prospects camp next week in Regina and I'm glad he worked hard this past 2 weeks as he will be much better prepared. I will be comparing the 2 camps closely. It will be hard to beat your hospitality I can tell right off the bat.
Thanks again!

- Dave, Trish and the Boys (Cusson)

I just want to thank you for everything you did for Dylan. He came to you with no confidence, and now he's walking tall, and he has so much confidence in himself again. It's so good to see that again. I guess he was pretty quiet there, because he saved it all up for the ride home. He didn't stop talking about you guys, and the wonderful time he had at your camp for the whole drive home (2 1/2 hrs.) He had such a great time there. His knee is fine, and please thank Dick from us as well. Dylan is looking forward to seeing you next year, and Phil he says you'll still be mad at him. He will be awake before you can wake him up...

Thanks again!

- Tracey Clements

On behalf of myself and Anton I would like to thank you for a camp well-organized and well-run. Anton had a great time and especially enjoyed the training sessions with Brady Robinson from GDI. Apparently the food was excellent, the facility top notch and the friends a lot of fun.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.

- Kind Regards, Marina and Anton Coertze

When we picked Josef up in Nanaimo after two weeks at Prep Camp he was so full of stories and excitement that we talked long into the evening about how much he learned and how much enjoyed himself. He thought Prep Camp was one of the best things he had ever done in his entire life. Mind you, this is from a guy who has caught big fish in BC, and experienced lots of other things. Josef doesn't live a boring life. However, he just couldn't say enough good about the Prep Camp experience. He enjoyed EVERYTHING about it.

I will say the very best and most honourable comment was about you two. When I asked how was the camp, one of the first statements that came out of his mouth was, "Phil and Brenda are like family, they opened themselves up to me, and made me feel so welcome. They're absolutely great Dad, no they're the best." I continued to hear so many good stories about Phil this and Phil that. And, I didn't tire to hear of them even to this day.

I hope you think of us right away when announcing the 2009 Prep Camp. Josef WILL BE THERE! He is already spreading the word about how great Prep Camp is. What's that they say, no better advertising than word of mouth. If you need a US spokesperson or reference make sure you contact Josef.

- Sincerely, Don Chase

The stories from our son, Grant, just keep coming about his experiences at camp. He truly enjoyed himself and found the quality of hockey to be much better this year. He really wants to be ready to play hockey at his first year at a Canadian prep school. Thanks to you and your family for helping to make our son’s memories of Canada so special. I had to laugh at the rock wars, snake catching and all around camp escapades. You must have a heart as big as the ocean to take on a camp full of 15, 16 and 17 year old boys. You should DEFNITELY write a book! Hope Grant hasn’t worn out his welcome with junior prep hockey too much… he is counting on returning next year.

- Francesca Thiem, California

Colton has earned a spot on The Bantam AAA team. So thanks again for the prep camp opportunity, it played a key part in Colton’s confidence and skill development for sure.

- Bob Jeffrey, Union Bay

Just a note to let you know that Billy had a FABULOUS time at the camp. He couldn’t stop talking about it and had nothing but great things to say. Thank you for hosting!!!

- Debby Long, Washington

Matthew really enjoyed all aspects of the camp, especially that he could eat any time he was hungry. He met a lot of kids and really enjoyed the scout report on his strengths and weaknesses. Thanks for all that you do for the boys!! We’ll keep in touch this year.

- Sandra Scarth, Calgary

Dear Phil, Brenda, Peter and the entire coaching staff, on behalf of our sons Andrew and Devin Cusson, we wish to thank all of you for a wonderful six days at your hockey camp. Our boys came home everyday exhausted and exhilarated. Everyday we heard about the great things they learned, how many goals were scored against them and the fun they had. It was an experience they won’t soon forget. We asked them what they like most about the camp and they said “everything” including yoga. The kids on both teams had our boys working hard to make saves and work on their weaknesses. The funny part for us was the friendly competition our boys had pitting yellow vs black in the daily scrimmages. Andrew was proud that his yellow team always seemed to come out on top on the scoreboard, even if it was just one goal. Devin’s daily challenge was to win one scrimmage and although that didn’t happen, he always came home positive.

On the last day when I picked up our sons they didn’t seem to want to go home, another testament to the fun they had. I watched as you both took great care to ensure that all of the boys had rides home and no one was forgotten. I could feel your genuine joy and concern for the boys at your camp, all of this in the short time it took me to pack up my boys. Thank you for “everything” as the boys put it. The coaches on and off the ice were supportive and had a great rapport with the boys. I only met a few and thanked them for their help during the week.

I know this was the first year you had a Pee Wee camp and I hope it was a positive experience for you and one that will continue. Our kids had the pleasure of attending your inaugural camp for this age group and I hope they gave back just some of what you gave them.

- Trish Cusson, Port Alberni

I can't say enough about how the Junior Prep Camp has helped Jared. Your camps have provided great instruction, fierce competition, and the perfect environment. Your advice and guidance with Jared has been extremely helpful and appreciated as well.

- Jerry Katz, San Jose

Marius was very happy with the camp and all he was able to experience. The expertise and challenges offered by your coaches were great, I’ve already heard Marius boast to his friends.

- Linda Nerby, Norway

Thanks for all your help with my brother Jonathan. He seemed to have liked the camp and he said it’s the best camp he’s been to and learned the most during these past 2 weeks. He’s already looking forward to training camp next month so he can show people his new skills. Seems like you had the best goalie coach. Jonathan is looking forward to working with Angelo further on his skating abilities.

- Hu Brietkopf, Coquitlam

I would also like to say how impressed I am with you and Phil and how you are both genuinely concerned about the boys and their needs, and how you treat them individually and as individuals. I found my stay with you all very pleasing, friendly and professional. The Alberni Valley Prep Camp I’m sure will always be remembered to Spencer as a great life experience, I know it will be for me.

- Grant Wells, Surrey

MY KUDOS FOR A JOB WELL DONE!!!! .

- Doug Malech, Ardmore, Alberta

The Port Alberni Parks and Recreation Department is excited about the relocation of the Junior Prep Camp to Port Alberni. It's a great event for our community to acquire and we're very confident that our great facilities will enable the Prep Camp to conduct an excellent program for all of the athletes. The Alberni Valley Multiplex will be the site for all of the on ice sessions. It's an excellent two-sheet ice facility with first class amenities for coaches, athletes and spectators. All of the other facilities required for the camp are directly adjacent to the Multiplex, making it easy for the camp to conduct all of its operations from one central location. The athletes and their families will find Port Alberni to be an excellent location for the Jr Prep Camp program. It's a great place to spend a week in the summer time.

- Ron Doetzel, Alberni Valley Multiplex

My son Andrew has attended the Junior Prep Camp for the last two years. This year was special for him. Andrew was seen and scouted by the Estevan Bruins Junior A team during your camp. He has since went on to play the preseason at the Junior A level and has been affiliated to the Cypress Cyclones of the SSJHL. All this was possible through his involvement at your camp. Barry and Gary and your staff have done wonders for Andrew and I am strong supporter of the Junior Prep Camp.

- Bob Doherty, Commissioner - Southern California Amateur Hockey Associate