Our Vision
To promote outdoor recreation as a life style choice that benefits one’s health and that builds a stronger community by bridging the gap between nature and our technologically driven society.
Our Mission
To provide an environment that facilitates the exploration and development of an outdoor ethic through interaction with nature.
Our Values
-
Wilderness education
-
Environmental Stewardship
-
Community
-
Challenge
-
Fun
Employee Bios
David Mildenberg
Founder of Valley to Summit;
Instructor, Guide, Educator
Born and raised in Philadelphia, David’s passion for the outdoors was inevitably sparked in high school when he read Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. His outdoor adventure experience ranges from multiple American national parks to even Patagonia, Chile! It was in Patagonia where David learned the meaning of exploration, remote living, surviving in harsh weather conditions, communication, risk assessment, teamwork and tolerance for adversity. David’s favorite back country meal is Gado-Gado Spaghetti.
Cory Janusz
Guide
Born near the Shawangunks in New York and raised in central New Jersey, Janusz’ love of the outdoors stemmed from boy scouting, summer camps at the local environmental education center, and long island vacations. After spending most of his life in outdoor adventuring and field work in Costa Rica, he was introduced to rock climbing. From simple passion to lifelong pursuit; Cory’s love for climbing and hiking has taken him all over the country to places like Big Bend in Utah and The Red and New River Gorges, to the Galapagos and the rainforests of Costa Rica. In the future, Cory plans to visit Kenya with big plans to explore even further.
Chadd Sechler
Guide
Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, Chadd’s love of the outdoors began during his Boy Scout Troop backpacking and camping trips. He found a lifelong passion after being introduced to climbing on a troop outing, as what started off as a hobby quickly became a lifelong pursuit. Chadd has experience in the field working as BSA Climbing Director, BSA C.O.P.E (Challenge Course) Director and part-time guide.With many more work related experiences, Chadd inevitably found that his passion trickled down towards educating children and sharing the sport with the youth. His favorite areas to climb are The New River Gorge, Seneca and The Red River Gorge.
Don Heinz
Instructor, Guide
Although Don was born and raised in Philadelphia, it wasn’t until after moving to Boyertown, PA that he discovered his love for the outdoors. His experiences in boy scouts, backpacking and hiking was only fueled by the altitude of the Andes Mountains and the dangers of active volcano Mt. Villarrica. After returning to the U.S, Don began rock climbing, peakbagging, and gained a certification in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.