Happy, inspired, and satisfied customers talk about how Northern Lights Rock and Ice has made a positive impact on their group.  We pride ourselves in creating safe physical and emotional transformative programs, and the following heartfelt testimony from our clients is often the best perspective on the experiences we share. 

Please scroll down or use the following links to jump to a specific testimonial category.  

CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT AND GROUP TESTIMONIALS 

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I was part of the VNA hospice retreat on September 10. I'm still smiling after our FANTASTIC day at NLRI. It was great to spend a day with my teammates doing something fun and challenging that made us all giggle alot! Your staff was friendly, knowledgeable and patient. A special Thank You to Justin for taking me for a Zip Line ride at the end of the retreat since I had to miss it earlier in the day due to a previously scheduled home visit. Wow! I can't recommend you guys enough. Keep up the GREAT work!

--Michelle Pierce, VNA Program 

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I would like to thank you and Jon on behalf of our group! We really had good time and enjoyed the activities, I think that we learned about each other and about the dynamics of the group, how to solve issues, listen to each other, be creative and look for the right experience inside the group before we move to a specific task, It was also nice to see some surprises of high energy and leadership with few people that you won't see in 50 years of office work! The organization was good, and the facility is impressive! I left with good feelings and have to admit that it was over my expectations.  I'm sure the rest will let you know their thoughts... Thank you again!

--Ran Harel, Unilever Program 

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The two days of team development were very enjoyable and constructive for our group.  I thought the model you shared with us was straightforward and easy for people to find something to chew on - so many others are over the top and complex - here all got it and are already using the terminology to explain reactions and style in the office. The practical teambuilding was also highly efficient and insightful, without being too challenging (no "two bits of wood, a bucket, a ball of string and a river here !). I would (and will) thoroughly recommend both of your organizations and companies for future activities for Unilever. Thanks!

--Andrew Sztehlo, Unilever Program 

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The event was very good, weather held off, BBQ was great, and everyone had a good time! What I thought was the best from a business owner perspective was the time spent talking about how to work better with your co-worker. The problem-solving piece was good on the low course-- I think even spending more time on that element would help bring new ideas and behaviors to everyone's attention (this would be great to bring in the workplace).  One of the spouses is a manager at efficiency of Vermont; we talked that night at dinner and he said he was going to call you for a group of 25 people! Thanks

--Hank Gintof, Signature Properties of Vermont Program 

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I just wanted to say Thank you...Thank you...Thank you! I had the best time and you & your staff are definitely 5 Star ***** Can't wait to get back there for some more fun!

--Joy Prue/Bonnie Depew, Beyond Your Dreams Travel Program 

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I just wanted to send you some good feedback.  My wife Liza is the director for the summer school program for Essex Jct Parks and Rec.  She is a hard person to impress (trust me I know! :-)  Her team had a blast at the Northern Lights yesterday!!  She said it was the most challenging and rewarding team development experience she has ever done.  They created a promoter in her!  As you know it all about referrals!  I hope all is well.

             --Evan M. Cross, Essex Junction Parks & Rec Program  

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NLRI did such a FANTASTIC job with the Daisy Girl Scouts-- I am so impressed with the staff and the facility.  I've climbed in a number of places and with different organizations and am a graduate of the Colorado Outward Bound School and NLRI is definitely at the top as far as safety training, fun, choosing age appropriate challenges, creating a safe atmosphere that focused on personal achievement- and the unbeatable facility itself!  I just can't say how great an experience it was for the girls (and the adults too)!  Thank you! Thank you!

         --Sarah Forbes, Girl Scout Program 

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RECREATION PROGRAMS TESTIMONIALS 

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Hello folks at Northern Lights, thanks again for a great weekend and a ‘Taste of Northern Lights!’ We can't wait to get the pictures and video so we can show our friends. The entire staff was friendly, patient, and encouraging. It was an exhilarating experience and a great facility. We wished that we had more time to really try everything out, but at least it gives us something to look forward to next time. 

--Ken & Christine, Taste of Northern Lights Program 

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Thank you so much for sending the photos.  We had a great time, and shared our experience with some people at The Essex Inn where we were staying.  Our afternoon at Northern Lights was one worth sharing.  We signed up for a "Taste" of everything you had!  The staff was professional, helpful and courteous.  They were always enthusiastic and encouraging.  Our guide, Scott, helped us through the rock walls, on the small structures in the "woods" and the high elements.  Personally, my goals were bypassed because of Scott's constant encouragement!  I was with my 3 children, who ranged from a little nervous to a little daredevil!  He handled each of us within our own comfort level.  Overall, this was a great experience ... a memory that will last a lifetime! 

-Lori Turk, Taste of Northern Lights Program 

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I'd like to express my profound gratitude for the wonderful experience I had at Northern Lights a few weeks ago. I'm still glowing from my accomplishments! I have wanted to try zip lining for quite some while but as a cancer survivor who is not very athletic, was unsure of my physical capabilities. I was game to try but had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I just might not be able to do it. The emphasis that Northern Lights puts on safety put me immediately at ease. The patience and encouragement I received from Frank and the other guides made me want to succeed. And succeed I did! I climbed a 42-foot cargo net, walked a rope bridge, and zip lined! I was surprised to find how emotional the experience was for me. It wasn't unlike my cancer experience - I was challenged, I gave it my best with the help of experts, and I walked away from it a better person.  I think what Northern Lights provides is a public service, and I hope everyone takes the opportunity to experience what I did. I can't wait to return to try the next item on my "Life Savor" list... ice climbing on real ice!

--Carol Conley, Taste of Northern Lights with Ice Program 

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Thanks so much for the photos/videos of us on the Cargo Net and Zip Line…  I will pull them off the site tomorrow morning!!  The effort you all give to “customer satisfaction” is over the top…  and Greyson commented several times later that day that he regrets he isn’t 10 years old and eligible for the camp!   The good news is that it gives him something to look forward to for next summer!  Attached is a photo of our Project…  approximately 65% complete…  ahead of schedule…  going extraordinarily well.   We owe a lot of the success to the “team dynamic” that you all instilled upon our project team at the onset of the Project!

--Evans Howard, Cargo Zip Program 

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The ‘High on Life’ experience yesterday at Northern Lights was such a surprise. Thank you so much for your openness to allow me to do photography at some point. I did not expect to do the course yesterday and your kind invitation made a dream become a reality. I enjoyed every single step! The course challenged me to focus, balance, and move forward; all-important elements in accomplishing goals and dreams. This morning I face building a Web site and will use those elements today, maybe in a more effective way after yesterday. There was such a great sense of accomplishment, centeredness and confidence after each of the segments of the course.

--Mary Carty, High on Life Program 

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Thanks to Tommy for being a great leader throughout the entire High Course! For those of us who finished the trek, your guidance & instruction was priceless. And for those us who weren't able to finish, your calm was extremely comforting. Both parties especially appreciated your over-explaining of the courses' many safety measures. Also thanks to Frank also for taking us through all the fun packages you had to offer. We'll be back again soon!

--Robert Hemson, High on Life Program 

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Thanks so much for a great experience with the Geocaching treasure hunt. I was a bit nervous not knowing how to use the GPS and compass very well myself and know most the parents knew nothing. But, your quick training and expertise was excellent…  We all had a great time and parents and students both walked away with a better understanding of these devices.

--Donna Quinlan, Geocaching Program 

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SPORTS TEAMS 

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I have yet to respond with my thanks.  I’ve attached the girls in this e-mail as they could definitely back up what I’m about to say. Right before we came to your facility we got into a little funk where practices weren’t as much fun and the overall morale of the team was at an all-time low.  I tried to become less intense and more fun, but that just led to sloppy play and an unfocused vibe for training sessions and games.  I was grasping for straws at this point and was a little apprehensive about our “team building” experience with Northern Lights.  If it didn’t go well, we were in store for a continual downward spiral that would have made for a tough three weeks to end the season.  As we’re all well aware, no matter how frightening some of these elements were for the girls, they came together as a team and had a blast.  Their laughter and stories that followed when we were all done encouraged me that this would lead to great things on the soccer field. 

Well, I just wanted to let you know that we had by far and away the best week of soccer we’ve had all year following the experience at Northern Lights.  The girls were energized and became trusting of the others around them.  I’ve been trying to teach the game of possession soccer to the girls, but hadn’t had much success until we visited you.  Now, could all of this be coincidental?  Of course, but the game of possession soccer only works if players trust others in tough situations.  The correlation between your event and them playing together as one is just too coincidental to dismiss. So, thank you for the wonderful time we had at your facility.  Plan on this becoming an annual team bonding experience.

--Jeff, South Burlington Jr Varsity Soccer Girls Coach 

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As you know, in June my soccer group came from Florida for the purpose of competing in the Nordic Cup Soccer Tournament held in Burlington.  Prior to coming we had a pretty rocky season, although it was not totally unexpected.  The team had many injuries and illness, conflicting family events, and other conditions that seemed always to work against us.  When Ross Duncan forwarded a recommendation to the Nordic Cup participating teams that they consider a session at Northern Lights, I jumped at the opportunity. 

Unfortunately, we had a full day of extended and miserable driving in rainy conditions.  The girls had not eaten since early morning, everyone was tired, and everyone was soaking wet.  We were late for our 5:00 P.M appointment with you, had to set camp and needed time to bring the team back to center. Contrary to my immediate expectations, you were willing to wait for our group, offered even more encouragement to attend and were even more emphatic about my participation.  We arrived late and you still allowed the girls some time to eat and refresh.  Then you spirited us away for two and a half hours of team building. 

Team building at Northern Lights, with its physical and psychological challenges, wound up being "just what the doctor ordered."  It was clearly one of the highlights of our trip and the girls are still talking about the session and the races down the zip line.  We had not won a tournament all year, and yet with only 13 players we won our division at the Nordic Cup over the very next few days.  Needless to say, the team building worked and the parents began to see the fruits of their year-long fund-raising labors. 

For anyone seeking both an adventure and a developmental experience for their team, whether it be a sports group, religious group, corporate group or otherwise, I truly recommend a session with YOUR team.  And, make sure the group leader participates as well!

--Howard Mark Furman, Head Coach, Nordic Weekend 

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BIRTHDAY PARTY TESTIMONIALS 

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"Best Birthday party ever!" exclaimed Jake the birthday boy. His buddy Ian wants his party at NLRI and would like to come back ASAP. They all had a blast! Thanks so much.

--Marilyn, Kurt, and Jake, Birthday Party Program 

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Our 10 yr old son went to a birthday party at NLRI and claims it was "the best party I have ever been to Mom!" From start to finish the staff was top notch. They were laid back enough to let the kids have fun, yet firm enough to enforce the rules and put safety first.  Once the party got going, the staff helped each kid get fitted with proper equipment (helmets, harnesses, etc) and off they went learning to navigate the climbing walls first, then on to scale some higher walls.  After that they hit the ropes course. This place is filled with cargo nets, balance beams, an earthquake bridge, and tightropes all like 25' in the air! This is not for those with a fear of heights! But the kids were loving it! And all the while they were team building, if you will, or cementing their friendships even further.  At the end they zip line it to back to the clubhouse to have cake and finish up.  Bonus: The instructor is taking pictures whole time from his vantage point and emailed them to us in a mini photo album before we got home. 

         --Review at Find and Go Seek website, Birthday Party Program 

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Wanted to let you know what an amazing, challenging, and bonding experience my party was at your place on Saturday.  Everyone's still talking about it and will definitely be great word-of-mouth advertising for you. I can't wait to see my pics again. Thanks!

--Kelli Rivers, Adult Birthday Party Program 

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Chris, I want to thank you and your team for a tremendous event this morning and for your very generous gift of lunch. We will readily spread the word. You challenged each and every one of us to our personal limit and bonded us as a group. My only regret is that I had to head to a meeting and didn't get the chance to properly thank you all. Keep up the great work. Train to Excellence!

--Carol Hitchcock, LT. COL, Military Team Development Program 

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2009 SUMMER CAMP 

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Thanks for a great 3 days and pictures to remember it by.  Michaela has wanted to try out the course since she saw it being built.  This camp was a great idea.

--Daryl Kuhn, 2009 Summer Camp 

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My son Jake had a fantastic time and enjoyed each day of the camp.....although his muscles ache, he wishes it was longer. We'll be back.

--Alison Bovee, 2009 Summer Camp 

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I want to take this time to thank you so much for the amazing Rock n' Ropes Adventure Camp which you organized at NLRI! My daughter, Elise, and son, Gunnar, had a phenomenal time at your 3-day Summer Camp!  They finished up day 3 wishing that it was a 5-day camp and telling us of the great activities they were involved in.  They will definitely be signing up for future opportunities like this, and look forward to next summers camp. This is a wonderful opportunity your organization has provided for youth to build confidence, teamwork, excitement, fitness and so much more.  We feel very fortunate that our community has this type of facility now. Also, thank you for the fantastic photos and video clips! Thanks again for everything! 

--Christina Schumacher, 2009 Summer Camp 

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SCHOOL GROUPS 

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Hi Frank and Chris! Based on what all our kids filled out here is a summary of what we got back from the students: 

What our team enjoyed the most...

·       The zip line

·       The high ropes course

·       The low ropes course

·       Playing Alaskan baseball

·       The earthquake bridge

·       What our team learned...

·       What teamwork means

·       Communication is important

·       To face our fears

·       To be trustworthy

·       Always remember to help others 

So based on this....

·       The Intrepid team will work together this year, and communicate with others what we need, even when we are afraid. We will strive to be trustworthy, and remember to "stick together" to help one another. 

Some specific quotes from our team:

·       I learned how to face my fears

·       I learned that you can help anyone...even teachers

·       I learned to try my hardest

·       I learned that the wire you are attached to can hold you!!

·       I learned to never give up

·       I learned to trust and have courage

·       I learned to take risks and get out of my comfort zone

·       I learned to work together 

Thanks again for a wonderful opportunity...We will have this group of students for the next two years so I would love to touch base with you at some point on thoughts of doing this again ....How could it look different based on the fact that the students have already done it?

--Kristin Romick, Tuttle Middle School Program 

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ICE CLIMBING TESTIMONIALS 

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Matt and I had a great first ice-climbing experience. It was nice to be able to try it without the full-day commitment involved in hauling gear out to a climbing site and then setting up the ropes in the cold. It's a lot different than rock climbing but still a lot of fun. Thanks for a great time.

--Cate Stabile, Ice Climbing Program 

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What a great experience!! My husband and decided to take a short vacation to the Inn at Essex. While looking at the Inn's activity calendar, we found out about night ice climbing at Northern Lights. For only $20/pp we were able to try ice climbing for the first time and LOVED it. Staff was friendly and helpful. I wish we lived closer so that we could come back on a regular basis.  For anyone wanting to try ice climbing for the first time, this is the way to do it!! FUN, economical and nearby. What more could you ask for?

--Becky Prado, Ice Climbing Program