Father’s Day is a chance to celebrate the dads, grandfathers, mentors, and father figures who help shape a child’s world, not through grand gestures, but through everyday moments of connection.
As WonderTrek’s Outdoor Adventure moves closer to becoming a reality, we’re grateful for the fathers and community leaders who have championed this vision from the beginning. Their stories remind us why creating spaces for families to explore, play, and learn together matters so deeply.
For Chris Dens, a father of four and owner of Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, supporting WonderTrek is personal. As a parent, he understands how quickly time passes and how valuable it is to create opportunities for intentional family experiences. His family’s love of outdoor exploration and hands-on learning led them to embrace WonderTrek’s mission.
He believes strong families are built through shared experiences, and that children thrive when parents can give them their full attention, away from the digital distractions that often compete for it.
The Dens family, owners of Cosmetic Family Dentistry, are proud supporters of WonderTrek Children’s Museum and the Adventure Outfitter’s Studio.
Dr. Paul Drange and his family. As Chair of the WonderTrek Board, Paul has helped champiaon a vision where children and families can explore, play and discover together.
That same belief resonates with Dr. Paul Drange, Chair of the WonderTrek Board and Director of Regional Programs at Sourcewell. Paul first encountered WonderTrek through his professional work, but his commitment quickly became personal. As a father himself, he saw the potential for a place where children and families could gather, explore, and grow together.
Today, he continues to help guide the organization because he believes WonderTrek will be a year-round community asset that strengthens connections between families and creates lasting opportunities for discovery and play.
Former Minnesota State Representative and educator John Ward has been another steadfast advocate. For more than 30 years, John dedicated his career to helping children learn and succeed. He sees WonderTrek as an extension of that lifelong passion—an investment in both education and community.
As a father and grandfather, he understands the value of hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and bring generations together. John believes WonderTrek will not only enrich the lives of local families but also strengthen the vitality of the entire region.
John Ward and his fmaily. A lifelong educator, father, grandfather, and advocate for children. John believes WonderTrek will inspire curiosity, strengthen families, and enrich the Brainerd Lakes Area for generations to come.
What connects these fathers is a shared belief that children learn best when they are free to play, explore, and wonder, and when the adults in their lives are there to experience it alongside them.
This Father’s Day, we celebrate the dads who make time for adventure, who encourage curiosity, and who understand that some of life’s most meaningful moments happen when families simply spend time together.
At WonderTrek, we’re creating a place where children lead, families reconnect, and wonder becomes a shared experience.
Help Build Moments Like These
Every child deserves oppertunities to explore, discover and connect with the people who matter most. Your support helps bring WonderTrek Outdoor Adventure to life. A place where families can create memories, spark curiousity, and experiance the joy of learning together.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, mentor, or community champion, you can help build a space where wonder grows.