ABOUT JOHN DOCKENDORF

In December 1959, John Dockendorf was born. Dockendorf grew up near Baltimore, Maryland, although he would go on to have a greater impact in other places. Education was important to him, as it was to many of his peers in the Mid-Atlantic region, so he packed his skis and headed to the University of Vermont after completing his high school studies at a friend's school.

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Early in his collegiate career, Dockendorf began to make an impression. After a grueling last year at the University of Vermont in the late 1970s, he earned a degree in 1981 with high honors. Like many others, Dockendorf sought work as an assistant to professors in the fields of recreation and park administration. Dockendorf went on to get a Master of Management, Hospitality from Cornell University and the School of Hotel Administration in 1992 as a result of his interest in continuing his education. As a result, Dockendorf was awarded the John E.H. Sherry Scholarship and served as Cornell's student body president in his discipline's school, making him one of Cornell's most prominent students.

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As a leader of a long-lived institution, things tend to get a little personal. John Dockendorf is an example of this. He led Adventure Treks Inc. for 28 years, making it one of the best-known teen outdoor programs. More than 25 countries have participated in Dockendorf's programs and projects, which have drawn participants from all over the United States. All are welcome to join in, growth-oriented activities and participate in wilderness adventures located in some of the best untamed natural places of the United States west as well as Alaska and Canada.

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There was a lot going on with the Adventure Treks program. A full-time team and part-time support staff of 70 people were quickly employed by the organization. Even throughout 2020 and the COVID shutdowns, the program was flexible and able to operate. In light of the program's long history of being seen as a safe option, this decision was made Dave McGlashan, a ten-year veteran of Adventure Treks, will take over the reins of the organization in 2021 after Dockendorf's retirement.

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In addition to Adventure Treks, Camp Pinnacle was reopened in 2011 by John and his wife Jane. Pinnacle, a summer camp founded in 1928, was forced to close in 2010 due to financial difficulties. Since then, Camp Pinnacle's status as one of North Carolina's most popular summer camps has been restored thanks to a decade-long renovation by the Dockendorfs and Steve Baskin, owner of Camp Champions in Texas. A year in advance, Pinnacle now has a full camper roster for the upcoming summer. After the summer of 2021, the Dockendorfs handed up Camp Pinnacle's leadership to Fayssoux and J G Moss.

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The Flat Rock Park Development Committee, which transformed a 62-acre golf course into an outstanding community park, was Dockendorf's first foray into community involvement in Western North Carolina. As a result of Dockendorf's efforts, one of North Carolina's finest playgrounds has been built at Flat Rock. Previously, Dockendorf chaired the board of directors at Mountain Community School. He also helped found the French Broad River Academy in Asheville, North Carolina.