Testimonials

Mr. Conway I commend you for your excellent work. many thanks for sharing your story. Your life is a lesson for all of us.

Scott Wing
Headmaster, Pinecrest Middle School Boca Raton, FL

Coming from Ireland, I had no idea what to expect from Turtle Island Preserve. It shared with me a world I didn't know existed or could exist. I found joy at the revelation of it. I considered myself an experienced outdoor educator and camp counselor and thought I had seen almost all that could be done to educate young people to the world surrounding them. I was once again joyful to find so many new and fresh models at Turtle Island. The Preserve by its very nature exceeds the status quo. I have worked as a camp counselor at many different summer camps and outdoor programs and I have yet to see a staff which minute to minute, day to day gives their passion and dedication towards expanding campers interactions with the natural world and with each other as does Turtle Islands staff. I have seen these campers learn in two weeks skills what it would take other programs many seasons to instruct. Not only this but it is my firm belief that in learning skills as simple as coaxing the fire out of two sticks young people can gain a confidence in interacting with their world that is both rare and precious nowadays. Turtle Island gifted me with a new view of the world and the education of young minds in a way I can never repay. Words cannot capture or convey the passion in which I would recommend and encourage to anyone the Turtle Island experience.

Jon Kean-Egan
Dublin, Ireland

Two years ago we discovered Turtle Island and for the second year straight our eighth graders have had life-changing experiences. When preparing a group of thirty middle school students for a nine day trip to a mountain hollow that is devoid of modern plug-in conveniences and distractions we encounter a fair amount of anxiety. For many of our students its their first time away from home for more than a weekend and for just about all of us its our first time adopting an eighteenth century lifestyle for an extended period of time. Two hours after the bus was parked, by the light of the opening campfire, I realized that the anxiety was gone. The multi-talented Turtle Island staff is that good at making kids feel cared for. The feeling lasted the entire trip because it is a genuine one. These folks are passionate about what they do and teach. And boy do they teach! Experiential education works incredibly well when kids feel safe and secure even while pushing their personal comfort zones and trying things that are new to them. I can’t say enough about what a powerful and positive experience Turtle Island has been for my students.

Ben Van Rooy
Discovery Program Leader - Public Schools, Orange County, VA

I had a very valuable experience while attending adult camp this summer. I have taken a great deal from the experience.

Brad Johnson
Adult Camper

We have been incredibly inspired. Thank you for all of your hospitality! It has been unmistakably magical to experience Turtle Island. With much hope for the future... Mr. Conway, you rock!

Winston S. Correll and Eric T. Hires
Kentucky

We can't thank you enough for the fantastic experience you provided for our group! Our kids were engaged and stimulated on so many levels - spiritually, physically, intellectually, and environmentally. It exceeded our goals as much as it exceeded the kid's expectations for fun. We're already planning our trip for next year!

Ginny Hunneke
Odyssey Community School

Eustace thank you very much for this life changing adventure. The food was the best I have eaten in all my life!

Francois

It is the mentors in life that give you wings and Turtle Island is full of them.

Rachel Maliniak
Elon College Service Group

Our staff witnesses an incredible amount of growth in our students, both in knowledge and teamwork skills. The Turtle Island experieince is powerful!

Jim Claborn
All Saints Episcopal School Trip Leader

I miss Turtle Island. I wish I could be there now. If I was there now, I would be hiking up to the medicine wheel in my bare feet.

Sarah S.
3rd grader
Paideia School, Atlanta, GA

I just wanna thank you so much to get that experience. Ever since, I've been a lot more respectful to Mother Earth. I have been a lot more peaceful after the trip. I have you to thank for that.

Danniel Ricks Jr.
10th grader
Foster Homes for Children
Miami, FL

"The skills and lessons you taught our students have made a real impression on their lives; that can be seen in all they do and say now."

Teacher
Burlington, NC