Entries by Amanda Fox

Podcasts We’re Listening To and Books We’re Reading

All of us at Adventure Treks are continually striving to learn more about the world around us, whether it’s reading up on the the latest in youth development or attending professional development conferences to further hone our skills. Below, we’d love to share the latest books we’ve read and podcasts we’ve listened to and our […]

Nature is the Antidote to Video Game Addiction

The sun rises above the snow-capped mountains in brilliant hues of pink, orange, and purple. You get off your horse to take in the breathtaking scenery, hear the roar of a river below, and see the outline of a herd of elk in the distance. The birds begin to chirp louder as the sun rises […]

Outdoor Recreation Resources in Your Community

If you’re ready to head outside on an adventure but have no idea what resources abound in your community, don’t fret—we’ve got you covered! From printed guidebooks to interactive websites, there’s a wealth of information out there to help you find outdoor activities right in your own backyard, whether you’re looking for a summer swimming […]

Reflections of an Adventure Treks Alum

By Scott Silverstein, AT student from 2001–2003 When I think of Adventure Treks and its impact on my life, I think of a poem that I learned from former instructor Ben Mirkin: “Two Kinds of People” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. I’ve copied the poem at the end of this, but—spoiler alert!—the two kinds of people […]

Adventure Treks 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

One of the great things about an Adventure Treks trip is that you can outfit your teen with the clothing he or she already owns—you don’t always have to buy extra gear. However, we know the packing lists for our trips are long, and our goal is to make shopping and packing a stress-free experience. […]

Life Skills Learned from my Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike

The famed 2,186-mile-long Appalachian Trail winds through 14 states, starting at Springer Mountain in Georgia and reaching its terminus at Mount Katahdin in Maine. Its total elevation change is 464,464 feet—the equivalent of hiking up Mt. Everest 16 times. Attempting to complete the trail continuously is known as a thru-hike, which several thousand people attempt […]

Finale Ligure, Italy, Trip Report

My wife (our marketing director Amanda Fox) and I recently returned from a trip to Italy. We didn’t make the trip across the pond to see the regular sights, like the Vatican, Venice, or other hot tourist spots. Instead, we sought out the lesser-known Finale Ligure, a trio of beautiful villages (Finale Ligure, Finalpia, and […]

What Do College Admissions Officers Really Look For?

College application season is in full swing, and we always enjoy hearing from Adventure Treks graduates, either requesting letters of reference or sharing their college essays. The latter often include a poignant story or two from their Adventure Treks experiences. Determining a first-choice school out of the 4,000 universities available in the United States can […]

Closing Down Summer 2019 at Adventure Treks

You can only ignore the boarding announcement so many times, but we tried. Four Pacific Northwest Adventure students (Ryan, Dario, Caleb, and Robbie) three instructors, and regional director Jack and I, all getting our last moments of Adventure Treks conversations, none of us wanting the summer to end. Soon, the line disappeared into the jetway, […]

Video: Greetings from Adventure Treks Instructor Orientation

Adventure Treks 2019 instructor orientation is in full swing just outside Portland, OR. I’m proud to be a part of the group of mentors who train our new instructors. The energy is fantastic, and every single instructor brings significant experience and genuine passion to the table. After a five-day retreat for our senior staff near […]