“I don’t know of any company who provides such a high level of comfort for the parents and the children. It’s like sending your child to visit a close family friend.”
- Nancy Crawford
Louisville, KY
We're always happy to answer your questions over the phone.
Call us today at 888-954-5555. Or visit our contact page to email us or request information.
Click on a heading to see more questions and answers about each:
NOLS and Outward Bound are both outstanding programs. They are the recognized leaders in outdoor education. We highly recommend NOLS and OB for adults, college students, and those seeking a very specific skill focus. Adventure Treks is better suited for teenagers.
Simply put, we focus on having fun while building friendships (and we eat great food!).
What makes Adventure Treks unique?
2010 marks our 17th year operating summer Adventures for teenagers and our 33rd year 
of providing outdoor education programs for schools. Adventure Treks was awarded the 2008 and 2009 Safety Education Award from Markel Insurance.
Safety is the most important priority at Adventure Treks and we have an outstanding and enviable safety record. Please understand that there is an element of risk in all wilderness activities. We carefully manage these risks and emphasize safety in everything we do. Over the years, over 8,000 students have safely participated in our programs without any major injuries. We will ask you to be a full participant in making safety the top priority.
How are your instructors screened and trained?
Instructors are interviewed three times: by our Director, Staffing Coordinator, and Logistics Director (about 3 hours total) before being considered for hire. We run background checks on each applicant and check 4 references.
Our instructors convene for an orientation about 10 - 14 days prior to the beginning of their Adventure. Each instructor takes a vehicle safety test and every driver has to pass a driving skills test with the Director. Individual instructor teams also scout trails and campgrounds prior to their trip and review each student’s application information.
In 2009 our average instructor was 27 years old and had more than 3.7 years experience working for Adventure Treks. 39% of our 2009 instructors were either working on or had earned a masters degree.
We're always happy to help. Call us today at 888-954-5555 for help choosing the best program for your summer!
Which trip is the most fun?
All of our trips offer something unique. First, consider trips that are appropriate for your age. Decide which location or activities interest you most. The trip descriptions, along with our DVD, should give you a feel for each trip. Every trip has a great peer group, amazing instructors, and a wide variety of activities. Our students’ biggest complaint is that the Adventures are not long enough!
If you're concerned about being the only new student, just give us a call! We'll help you pick a trip with lots of new students and the best group of people to match your personality.
Are you flexible about ages and grades by trip?
Yes! We plan our activities to be the most suitable for a small range of ages and grades, but we understand that students don't always fit into these categories. We are happy to help you find a trip that meets your needs.
Will I be challenged appropriately?
At Adventure Treks, the whole group doesn't have to wait for slower students or keep pace with the fastest! With 24 students and 6 instructors, we can divide into small groups for each activity. Our small groups are based on physical ability and personality, ensuring that you will have the most fun on each activity! For instance, one biking group can ride scenic logging roads and take photos, while the other zooms down steep trails! This creates the best group dynamic, too. It's up to you to choose a your challenge for each activity, each day.
A positive attitude is the key ingredient for a successful Adventure. Students should be in good shape and ready to take on new challenges. We challenge students appropriately for their age and grade in school (see above).
What if I've never done these activities before?
Don’t worry. Many students join Adventure Treks for their first experience in the outdoors. We’ll teach you everything you need to know for a successful Adventure. The ability to choose your level of challenge during the trip helps ensure your first experience is a fun and positive one. We’ve found a positive attitude is the most important characteristic for a great trip.
Do I need to be in great shape?
Many of our students play sports (or do something active like skateboarding) during the school year, which keeps them in good shape for the summer. While it's not necessary to be a great athlete, the more physically prepared you are, the more fun you will have.
Can I contact your references?
Yes! Contact us and we will provide a list of references from your area.
How do you screen applicants to ensure an outstanding peer group?
Adventure Treks students eagerly choose to come and participate enthusiastically in all activities. We check references and do not accept students whom we feel will not be a good match for our program. Students from all over the United States (typically 42 states are represented each year) and occasionally from overseas are on each trip.
With your high return rate, will I be the only new student?
No! not at all! Even though 60% of our students return for a 2nd, 3rd or 4th summer, we still have many new students on every Adventure. Our communities are so strong, that even new students feel like "part of the family" from day 1. Knowing how important community is at Adventure Treks, returning students eagerly welcome new students. Adventure Treks is the least cliquey place you could be.
If you want a trip made up of all new students: All of our trips for 13-15 year olds consist entirely of new students (Blue Ridge, California, Pacific Northwest.) For 14-16 year olds, The Oregon Cascades and Utah trips will also consist mostly of new students.
What is the boy/girl ratio?
We strive for a 50:50 ratio of girls to boys. Some trips can lean more towards one gender. Our programs tend to lean 60:40 Boys:Girls, which actually reflects the national average for participation in outdoor activities. Please contact our office for the most current enrollment information.
Is Adventure Treks a good choice for gifted students?
Yes! Adventure Treks is a member of the National Association of Gifted Students. Adventure Treks offers opportunities for skills that extend beyond the classroom to real-life experiences.
How do we travel during the trip?
Adventure Treks uses new fifteen passenger vans. We recognize driving as the most dangerous activity, therefore we intentionally keep driving time to a minimum. Typically, only 5% of a trip is spent in a van. Adventure Treks’ drivers are carefully selected and participate in a driving safety class designed specifically for fifteen passenger vans.
Where will I sleep?
Most nights are spent sleeping in tents. You will be with two other students (of the same sex) in a 4-person tent. Sometimes we also use custom-built tarps or sleep out under the stars. Adventure Treks provides all tents and tarps.
What will I have to buy?
We provide all of your equipment; we ask you to provide just your clothing. This could save you up to $500 on gear that other programs require you to buy! For the few items you'll need, you can see a sample equipment list here.
How often will I get to shower?
If you have to shower every day, Adventure Treks is probably not the program for you! Expect three to four showers on your trip. You will get to swim frequently. Our experienced staff will instruct you on how to maintain personal hygiene in a wilderness context.
How's the food?
Our students are universally impressed with the quality of food on our trips. We believe it is very important for our students to eat well! We try very hard to provide you with plenty of good food because we know how hungry teenagers can get. There are always snacks available. Midway through the trip you will get the opportunity to help plan the menus. While we are able to provide balanced meals for vegetarians, we regretfully cannot accommodate vegan or kosher diets.
I'm nervous about flying alone.
Most people are nervous about their flight! An Adventure Treks Instructor, wearing an A.T. hat and shirt, will greet you as you step off the plane. In the off-chance that we aren't there immediately, a large group of students will be at your baggage claim area.
If you would like to arrange to fly as an "unaccompanied minor" and airline attendant will escort you through your connections and stay with you until an instructor comes to greet you at your gate.
On the first day, students say they "already feel like one big family" by the time they leave the airport.
Can I contact my child during the trip?
While on the trip, students will have the opportunity to phone home approximately two or three times. Each Adventure does carry cell phones for emergencies, but parents will not be able to call you while you are on your Adventure. Parents can always contact the office, and someone will always be available after-hours at a toll-free number for emergencies.
Students can receive and send mail at specific locations during the trip. Information about mail will be available on our website as the summer approaches.
How long have you been in business?
Adventure Treks was founded in 1978 as the outdoor education division of Globe Treks, Inc. We have been creating educational outdoor programs for many of the same schools for over 30 years. Our first Adventure Treks summer trip to the Pacific Northwest occurred in 1994. Adventure Treks became a separate company from Globe Treks in 1997.
Is Adventure Treks licensed and permitted?
Adventure Treks is a North Carolina corporation that operates under Special Use Permits from the following land agencies:
WASHINGTON: North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Wenatchee National Forest.
OREGON: Mt Hood National Forest, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Deschutes National Forest.
CALIFORNIA: King Range Bureau of Land Management, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Lassen Volcanic National Park.
BRITISH COLUMBIA: E.C. Manning Provincial Park.
ALASKA: Chugach State Park, Chugach National Forest, Alaska State Lands.
NORTH CAROLINA: Pisgah National Forest.
MONTANA: Lolo National Forest.
UTAH: Fish Lake National Forest.
We are also a licensed Oregon outfitter, and we have business liscences in Alaska and Utah.
In the few areas we use where we can’t obtain permits due to moratoriums, we contract with the finest licensed and permitted outfitters.
