Dads and daughters learn canoeing and communications skills
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High Adventure Treks for Dads and Daughters (HATS) hosted instructional canoe campouts in the spring, with forty dad and daughter teams participating. “Over the weekend, I saw how close my dad and I can get if we spend time together,” remembered fifth grader Laura Meyne. “Now we feel more comfortable communicating with each other.” Her father, Rob, agreed. “I learned that she wants to spend more time eating meals together. I was surprised how important it is to her that I spend time with her.”
The girls and their dads camped at Lofers Bend East Park, near the dam at Lake Whitney. “Even though we were only an hour and a half from Dallas,” recalled White Rock Elementary fifth grader Claire Candler, “it felt like we were far from home. I didn’t know how much fun my dad could be.”
Volunteers instructed the dads and daughters in paddling strokes, safety techniques, and canoeing games. “It was challenging to paddle on the lake in the high wind and waves,” said Moss Haven dad Chris Kopf, “especially with my daughter Courtney in the rear attempting to keep us on course. The most rewarding time was Sunday morning when we got the opportunity to talk one-on-one.”
“HATS is a fantastic program,” said Bill Wachel, who attended with Highlander fifth grader Madison and whose older daughter Meredith is a graduate of the program. “The exercises open communication channels for years to come.”
“The instruction we offer is the equivalent of the Boy Scout canoeing merit badge,” shared HATS founder and executive director Kipp Murray. “These girls learn that they can achieve any goal with the encouragement and support of their father.”
“My favorite part was learning to work together in the leverage and balance exercise,” recalled Steve Jones, who attended with daughter, Morgan. “We were not successful until we listened to each other and cooperated to pull each other up.”
“I learned that my daughter respects my level-headedness during stressful times,” recalled Dave Swanson. Added daughter Audrey, “and I learned that my dad appreciates what I do.”
“I think every daughter and dad should go canoeing together with HATS,” stressed new member Lauren Boone. “My dad is different out here than when we are at home.”
“My dad is easy to get along with, and he is helpful,” said Allison Young. “My sister has been in HATS for three years - now it’s my time with Dad.”
“My father and I had a great time,” remembered Ashlynn Krasnesky. “Now I am looking forward to the HATS mountain biking trip.”
HATS is a non-profit organization designed to bring dads and daughters together. More information is available by calling 214-348-7800.
