By Colin Heller, LAS fall 2022

I truly believe that going on the Adventure Treks gap semester was the best thing I could have done after high school. I learned so much about myself, met lifelong friends, and explored some of the most amazing places on Earth. You don’t realize how fun it is being out in nature. While having fun, I feel that I also grew as a person from participating in all these outdoor activities. Being able to see foreign cultures had to be the highlight of the trip for me. It’s just so amazing to me that we are all human, but live so differently.

Having to live with people you just met isn’t the easiest thing to do. Learning how to work with them is even harder. At the start of the program, my group and I struggled to work as a team. No one was trying to be helpful. Everyone would do their assigned work, then walk away. Our bad teamwork was highlighted when going on excursions. When setting up camp, there are many different tasks that need to get done. It’s very hard to set up your campsite when nobody is helping each other. We realized how inefficient we were at getting things done and that we all needed to change. It took us a little while, but we slowly learned how to work together. By the time we were on our final capstone backpack, we were great at working as a team. That’s a life skill that everyone is going to use at some point in time. Whether you’re working with your family to keep your house clean, or with your coworkers to meet the boss’s deadline, it is an essential skill for any adult. I’m very glad that I have learned this.

Also, I am truly grateful that I was able to spend at night with the Cabécar people [in Costa Rica] and see how they live, as it is such a different lifestyle compared to mine in the States. The Cabécar people are self-sustaining and live off the land they own, with many animals roaming over the entire property. With their own source of food, water, and shelter, they are able to not depend on the outside world. I have never gotten to see this way of life back where I live. Everyone is too worried about being more successful than one another, trying to impress their neighbor with some fancy new car. So it was very eye-opening to see the other side of the spectrum, where everyone is looking out for one another… where they use things for functionality, and not for looks. My experience with the Cabécar tribe has made me very grateful for everything I’ve got. I’ve become more mindful of all the things I’ve taken for granted. I’ve become grateful for the people around me.

When you’re hiking all day, sleeping in tents, and cooking all of your food on the ground, you realize that stepping out of your comfort zone is something that everyone should do more often. Knowing that I can thrive in different conditions gives me confidence when entering a new environment, whether it’s a new job, team, or location. The Adventure Treks gap semester allowed me to realize my full potential and learn that I know that I can thrive wherever I go.

person with hand near bear print in mud

Encountering wild animals is one awesome part of exploring natural spaces. All of the beautiful parks, forests, and coastal habitats you’ll adventure in with AT are home to animals first—we are just visitors! Crossing paths with wildlife is usually exciting and a great opportunity to learn something new, but it might also be one reason you or your friends are nervous about your trip. Let’s talk about it!

What kind of wildlife might we encounter on an AT trip?

You might see a new type of animal every few days on your trip! Every region we visit has a variety of birds, squirrels, deer and other mammals, fish, and reptiles that you’re likely to spot. In Yellowstone National Park, bison roam everywhere, and you might see a bighorn sheep or moose. In California, you’ll likely see elephant seals on the Lost Coast, black bears in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, and perhaps a river otter while rafting. Moose and caribou are common in Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest is full of bald eagles and banana slugs.

Sometimes, animals are more comfortable roaming around at night, and you’ll see them during evening meeting or if you stay up late to stargaze. Rabbits, deer, owls, opossums, bats, racoons, and many types of frogs are more likely to be out and about around the edges of the day; they are nocturnal or crepuscular, which means most active at dawn and dusk. There are also many animals you are very unlikely to see because of low population density or avoidance of humans. Skunks, foxes, whales (and most large sea life), mountain goats, bears, snakes, and pika are some of the animals that share the spaces we travel in but which are very rarely seen!

person with praying mantis on hand

I’m afraid of bears! I’m afraid of snakes!

That’s OK! A lot of people are afraid of animals that are potentially dangerous to humans. It is important to remember that the animal attacks in movies and books are extra dramatic to keep you entertained, but are actually extremely rare.

While snakes are scary to many, they have fascinating characteristics that keep them safe from humans—and us safe from them. For example, they don’t have ears, but instead “hear” vibrations through the ground and the air. When a group of 10 people comes hiking up a trail, snakes feel us coming and move out of the way quickly. Most snakes also don’t want to bite you. Whether they have venom, they need to save their energy and tools to capture animals they can actually eat, like mice and small birds.

Black bears are normally very wary of people and steer clear of us. They might exhibit defensive behavior if they feel threatened, which may happen if they are surprised, separated from their cubs, or protecting a food source. While it is possible to startle a bear, that is unlikely to happen when you are traveling in a group, playing games with each other, and singing songs (sounds like an AT backpack to me!). This is why we intentionally make a lot of noise while hiking—it’s one of the best tools we have to prevent an animal encounter.

Additionally, we never keep food sources in our around our tents; we safely store anything that a bear (or any other animal) might perceive as food (this includes any “smelly” item like toothpaste or deodorant) in bear-proof canisters and away from where we sleep.

person standing next to marine wildlife on beach

How does practicing Leave No Trace principles apply to wildlife encounters?

You’ll hear a lot about the seven principles of Leave No Trace ethics with Adventure Treks, one of which is “respect wildlife.” In addition to making noise to try to prevent encounters, we’ll also plan ahead in other ways, like the aforementioned food storage containers, bear fences, traveling in groups when in the backcountry, and educating our students and instructors on animal safety and what to do in the event of an encounter.

Respecting wildlife also includes being kind to animals. While offering food to wild animals is an easy way to get closer to them, it teaches the animals that humans are a source of food and increases negative interactions between people and wildlife over time. People are also much more likely to provoke an animal’s defense mechanisms by getting too close—which is why we never feed wildlife. While hiking on the Lost Coast, for example, there are signs that ask you to stay at least 200 feet away from the elephant seals. By respecting their space, you are much less likely to have a scary close encounter.

elephant seal on california beach

As a parent, do I need to worry about my child in a place where there are grizzly bears and other potentially dangerous wildlife?

Rest assured that regardless of the area, Adventure Treks instructors will go into great detail about the variety of wildlife that are present in our surroundings and all of the plans in place to prevent any interaction with them. Students will learn what to do in case of an encounter, and the group will practice safety protocols at all times so that everyone feels confident. Encountering wildlife from a safe and respectful distance should be an exciting part of an AT trip, not a nerve-wracking one!

Our students will agree that Adventure Treks instructors are pretty incredible people. From planning 30-person meals for 30 days to fixing broken tent zippers to tending wounds to making sure we’re in the right place at the right time, AT instructors are constantly working to make sure our students are having the best and most fun summer program possible. This passion for empowering teenagers’ personal growth, fostering a fun and cohesive community, and exploring beautiful places with new friends is what makes our instructor team so strong and impactful.

Because our instructors are at the heart and soul of the Adventure Treks experience, we’d love for you to get to know them a little better. How did they end up at AT? What do they do in their free time? What are some fun facts people don’t know about them? We interviewed two of our summer 2022 instructors and are happy to share more about their lives below!

man in a canoe on a lake in canada

Spencer DrakeUnderkoffler

What initially made you pursue outdoor education, and what keeps you coming back to this type of work? I started out leading overnight trips for my college’s outing club. I also went to school to be a therapist. I decided to combine the two and work in wilderness therapy. However, I underestimated the amount the job would drain me. To recoup, I decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. While on trail, I came to the conclusion that time is a precious thing that should never be wasted, so I decided to go headfirst into guiding and outdoor ed.

What do you do when not working at Adventure Treks? I’m either ski patrolling or instructing, and this winter I’m working at a backcountry-specific ski mountain doing both. There are no ski lifts, and everyone has to walk up the mountain themselves. I fell in love with this sport because it is a way to travel in the mountains that feels so seamless. I also enjoy hiking and rock climbing whenever I get the chance. I recently started trail running and have been loving that! I look for any excuse to be outside!

Do you have any big and exciting life plans for the near future? I really want to get more experience mountaineering. The little bit of alpine climbing and mountaineering I’ve done has been some of my most exciting adventures to date. Also, moving to Colorado for my new job is gonna be rad!

What is a hobby or passion that you pursue in your daily life that not everyone knows? Cooking. I went to culinary school in Italy for a semester and loved the knowledge I gained from integrating one’s garden knowledge with their kitchen knowledge.

What is a book or article you read recently that really stuck with you? I’m currently reading Braiding Sweetgrass. It gives me hope for the future and grounds me in whatever version of nature I find myself.

Fun fact about Spencer: The most exciting experience for him is getting to see a bison out in the wild!

woman rock climbing above a river wearing a helmet

Lauren Richert

What is your favorite memory from Adventure Treks last summer? Performing a choreographed parody version of “I want it that way” by the Backstreet Boys for a hat ceremony with my backpack group. Watch out America’s Got Talent, we’re coming for ya!

What do you do when not working at Adventure Treks? I teach rescue classes to fire departments in southern Colorado and New Mexico and to college students in the International Rescue and Relief Program at Union College. I recently led a disaster response with our program’s team to Florida after Hurricane Ian. It was really impactful work not only for those affected, but possibly more so for me. I always learn so much from the resilience of the deeply affected residents.

I’m also taking a few classes in international development and am thinking about starting a graduate program in that area next year… we’ll see. I’m helping plan an international expedition with my coworker (and fellow AT instructor) Ian Johnson. It’s a blast doing all parts of my job—teaching, planning, and figuring everything out—with the incredible workplace community I have.

When I’m not working, I’m usually doing acro-gymnastics, climbing at the bouldering gym, or reading. And when I should be doing other things, I can usually be found at a local coffee shop conversing with an old friend or new acquaintance. I’m currently stationed in Lincoln, NE, which means it’s tougher to get outside and climb mountains, but it’s definitely challenged my creative capacity for outdoor recreation activities and makes those trips that much more special when I get the chance to take them. Plus, friendly Midwest people and sunsets are top-notch, bar none.

Do you have any big and exciting life plans for the near future? I’m thinking about moving to Durango, CO, to teach rescue full-time and to do some raft guiding! I miss living in the mountains after moving out of my home state WA in 2019, and I want to get back to a place that has more outdoor options for mountain biking, climbing, water sports… the whole shebang.

What is a book or article you read recently that really stuck with you? I never read Harry Potter or watched the movies growing up. I’m on the last book in the series right now, and I love it. I legitimately don’t know what happens at the end, so its quite exciting, and reading it makes me step into a fun, creative, and imaginative world.

Fun fact about Lauren: I think the French horn is the coolest instrument ever. It’s like audio butter. Smooth, gorgeous sound, and super hard to play, so I have mad respect, and you can do so much with it musically. Also, fun fact about my fun fact: the French horn is one of the longest band instruments; all stretched out, it’s over 30 feet long. It’s also not originally French!

We are very excited to welcome Kilee Davis as our new admissions manager!

Originally from California, Kilee’s love for the outdoors began with Big Sur family camping trips and soccer tournaments. She jumped into the outdoor and youth development career at Camp High Rocks and Camp Rockbrook in western North Carolina, where she quickly realized that she had a deep passion for student growth and exploration. During her time at San Francisco State University, she led backpacking and kayaking trips while completing her bachelor’s degree in geography.

After graduation, she transitioned to a seasonal rotation of facilitating educational programs in the spring and fall, and working in Peru and Costa Rica with Global Leadership Adventures in the summer where she spearheaded environmental education programs. Kilee is a wilderness first responder and in her free time enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, writing poetry, and learning languages! Fun Fact: Kilee lived in Spain for 2.5 years!

“I am thrilled to be joining the Adventure Treks family as the admissions manager,” said Kilee. “Having worked seasonally for as long as I can remember, I am ready to plant my roots in North Carolina, with Adventure Treks, and with you all. I couldn’t be more delighted to get to know the students, families, and staff that make up the heart and soul of this giant family. I look forward to being a comforting and supportive voice they hear on the other side of the phone, to show up at orientation as the “cool aunt” you can’t wait to see at the family holiday party, and to support and foster relationships that will lead to profound and memorable Adventure Treks experiences.

“In a lot of ways, this position feels like a homecoming for me: returning to a place that holds so much meaning for me, to a position that is a culmination of my prior experiences, and finding a community that has a kindred passion for personal growth and connection. I was so impressed by the diversity of talents represented in the Adventure Treks staff and student community and am so excited to walk alongside of you all on the mountains and in the valleys as we prepare for a year full of stoke and adventure!”

teenagers eating lunch on trail in alaska

Alaska Expedition students eating dinner in the mountains.

Backcountry meals you can make at home

Whether it’s your first summer with Adventure Treks or your fifth, the meals you make on your trip will be memorable. We are known for delicious food! Everything we make outdoors can be made in your kitchen as well. Here are three beloved AT recipes to whip up at home and share with your family while you tell stories of epic adventures.

Please use all the same caution while cooking at home that you use at AT! Don’t know how to work the oven or stove? Ask someone! Wash your hands before cooking, use knives only on secure cutting boards, and be especially careful with hot water and cookware. It is always OK to ask for help! If you are cooking any meat, make sure to follow the directions on the package to ensure it is cooked properly.

teenage boys eating french toast

British Columbia Adventure students after making French toast for breakfast on day two!

Breakfast: French toast

Had you ever made French toast before your first AT trip? It’s the perfect fun and delicious breakfast, whether you’re waking up in a tent to start an awesome adventure or rolling out of bed for a lazy weekend.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf sliced bread (can use gluten-free bread)
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½-1 cup milk
  • Butter
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Toppings: sliced strawberries or bananas, blueberries, apples, chocolate chips, peanut/almond/sun butter, maple syrup, vanilla yogurt, and anything else you can imagine!

Directions: In a wide bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk with a fork. Sprinkle some cinnamon in the mix. Warm up some butter in a frying pan on medium heat. Dip a slice of bread in the egg

mixture, coating both sides, and then place it on the pan. You can cook two or three slices at once depending on the size of your pan! Use a spatula to check the bottom of the toast–when it is golden brown, it’s time to flip! Serve French toast warm with tasty toppings.

Tip: if you’re cooking for a group, set the oven to 300 degrees and store your cooked French toast inside on a cookie sheet to keep it warm until you’re ready to serve!

camping food tortillas on plates

An Iron Chef classic: burritos!

Lunch: chicken Caesar wraps

Gather up the following ingredients to put together a fun and tasty wrap for lunch (especially easy when you have leftover chicken from dinner last night). Add extra veggies, sauces, hummus, or even croutons to spice things up!

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or spinach
  • 1 tomato sliced
  • Caesar salad dressing
  • Tortillas

Directions: Easy! Spread all your ingredients into the center of a tortilla, tuck in the ends, and roll!

teenagers cooking meals outside while camping

Colorado Explorer students making meals together on trail.

Dinner: mac & trees

Why is macaroni and cheese so delicious at AT? Partly because it’s usually consumed after a long day of backpacking, laughing, and maybe swimming, but we also add a few special ingredients that add both protein and flavor! Mac and trees is an easy staple that covers a lot of bases and is perfect for new chefs, first semester college students, and everyone in between! Broccoli florets (the “trees”) add color and vegetable goodness. This is the most versatile recipe around!

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 boxes macaroni and cheese
  • 6 oz. cream cheese
  • 2 heads of broccoli
  • 4 servings of sausage of your choice, sliced into bite-size pieces
  • Extras! (see below)

Directions: Chop your broccoli into bite-size pieces. Warm up a tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan on medium heat, then add the broccoli and a pinch of salt. Stir the broccoli around—it’s finished cooking when it turns bright green and smells good! Small crunchy or slightly burned spots actually make it taste better. Slice up your sausage and cook them in a frying pan the same way. Cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the box. Add a little extra water or milk to the sauce, then stir in the cream cheese. You can add your protein and veggies straight into the mix, or serve them on the side!

Extras and substitutions:

  • Macaroni: If you’re trying to stick as close to the AT classic as possible, we recommend Annie’s brand white cheddar mac and cheese, but whatever your favorite is will work. Gluten free and/or vegan boxed mac and cheese (brands to try: Annie’s, Daiya, Banza) is just as delicious.
  • Veggies: I love to throw onion, peas, sweet potatoes, and zucchini into my mac and cheese for an especially fancy meal. Try out anything you like! Carrots, asparagus, tomatoes, etc.
  • Meat/protein: Classic AT mac and trees uses Lil’ Smokies sausages, but feel free to get fancy here! Italian sausage, grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, or even lobster can add flavor. If you’re vegetarian, you might be familiar with Field Roast sausages, which come in a variety of flavors to best suit your pasta tastes.
  • Spices: If you’re one of those AT students obsessed with hot sauce, this recipe is a great one for it! Your favorite Cholula or Frank’s Red Hot will suffice, or you can add sliced jalapeno peppers, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for an extra spicy experience.
  • Crunch: Has your AT trip ever added crushed Cheez-Its to the top of your mac and trees? A crispy topping adds a little excitement to dinner! Cheese crackers are easy, or look up a crunchy panko topping recipe to impress your family.

What is it about wild spaces that draw out our curiosities, connect us with the past, and prepare us for the future? The outdoors connect us to an infinitely complex and interconnected world for exploration and help us build relationships with each other and the world around us—often leading us to better adapt to a changing environment. Scientific studies have confirmed many of the positive effects of nature to improve social and emotional learning goals as well as traditional educational attainment. While these benefits are strongest for youth development, they aid adult minds as well, and building these bonds as an adolescent increases the likelihood of lifelong outdoor relationships. A deep connection to nature also builds environmental stewards who are more likely to preserve and restore natural spaces, ensuring their existence for future generations.

The limited access to technology on AT’s teen adventure camps—combined with an immersive community that connects deeply face-to-face—allows for students to be more present in the activities and environments around them, and to build more personal connections to each other.

Studies that highlight the benefits of nature on youth

Richard Louv’s book Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder summarizes six studies that measured students’ higher capacities for creativity, attention, respect, and empathy when in nature and puts forward the hypothesis that it is our lack of natural access that contributes to increased rates of childhood obesity, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, and depression. This book sparked a movement called Leave No Child Inside that works with city governments, schools, and student resource centers to increase access to natural spaces, especially for kids in urban environments.

Louv’s book helped name a growing problem in our increasingly developed world, but researchers from Clemson University, North Carolina State University, and the University of Birmingham focus more on the positive aspects of youth development in nature. Their 2015 study titled Nature as an Ecological Asset for Positive Youth Development is the first to look at interactions with nature regardless of activity type, and analyzed positive youth development using the six “C’s” model: competence, confidence, caring, connection, character, and contribution. The researchers found that building a strong bond with the natural world led to significant positive outcomes in all six areas.

While these benefits are especially important for the developing mind, the rewards are not limited to youth. Business Insider put together this list of 11 scientific reasons everyone should be spending more time outdoors; they include improved short-term memory, restored mental energy, stress relief, reduced inflammation, improved vision and concentration, sharper thinking and creativity, boosted immune systems, improved mental health, and a longer life span. Getting students interested in nature at a young age increases the likelihood of a lifelong connection to the natural world—and all of the health benefits that come with it.

Each of these studies measured the outcomes of students in a natural setting against students without similar access, but Nilda Cosco’s TED talk “What Nature Teaches Children” highlights the opportunities that nature provides youth to teach themselves. Experiential learning is the idea of teaching oneself, often with guidance, lessons about the world. Studies show that the lessons a student can teach themselves will stick with them far longer than lessons taught to them. Nilda emphasizes that outdoor learning environments are health interventions that promote exercise, creativity, and social interaction.

Why does nature have this effect on kids?

The venue of the great outdoors provides an environment for youth to play, exercise, explore, take reasonable risks, experiment, question, discover, and imagine the world around them. At Adventure Treks they are guided into situations to push themselves and set new personal bests at a wide variety of activities. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a student gleefully exclaim that they made it further than they thought, or that they realized they truly can do anything they set their mind to. Being faced with a big challenge, and choosing to push yourself a little further—whether that’s the top of the mountain or six feet higher on a climbing route—builds resilience that carries over into daily lives back home. The possibility to fail and try again is something that many students miss in a traditional school environment, yet it teaches persistence and builds grit. While watching students accomplish more than they thought they could is always a highlight of the summer, it is equally important to allow students to fail safely and grow from the experience.

Nature, for many of us, pushes us closer to the edge of our comfort zone than we are accustomed to. We work hard at Adventure Treks to create experiences that will challenge students, but not push them into a “panic” zone. When you are fully in your comfort zone, learning is more difficult. When you are fully in your panic zone, learning is almost impossible. Existing near the edge of your comfort zone has been shown to increase brain plasticity, or our ability to absorb new lessons and ideas. The departure from our daily lives into an outdoor expedition puts us in that learning zone, and allows us to connect more deeply with the people and topics around us.

In the modern era, these effects are not just about the access to nature, but also the limited access to technology that comes with an Adventure Treks trip. Screen time has been strongly correlated with increased anxiety, reduced self-soothing tactics, and attention deficit. Technology is not an inherently bad thing, and access to new technology has improved our society in many ways, but anything in excess can have unexpected consequences. The developing brain seeks out the kind of social approval that we continue to export to our phones and social media. Taking an intentional break from these devices can serve as a reset and allow students to develop some of these social and emotional benchmarks for themselves. Having to think through a problem rather than looking up the answer builds problem-solving and attention skills. Having to talk through a difficult social dynamic rather than post about it builds resilience and tolerance. Students often comment about how easy it is to be “present” when on an Adventure Treks trip. This is partly due to the lack of technological distractions, but also because an AT trip allows for students to explore this complex world that we are all a part of without fear of judgment, while making deep bonds of friendships with peers from all over the world!

The last benefit of kids’ immersion into natural environments is for nature itself! Students who build a strong bond with the natural environment are shown to care more about preserving and protecting natural spaces and have higher interest in environmental stewardship. With the innumerable benefits of nature, we must value this resource for future generations to thrive. At Adventure Treks, we teach principles of Leave No Trace to show students how to responsibly engage with nature in a way that can preserve it for generations to come. Beyond the ethics that we teach, having these wildly fun experiences outdoors builds the association between the natural world around us and the adventure and challenges we can use to grow while having fun with new friends from new places. I love that so many students who have done an Adventure Treks trip choose to come back, and that most who do have even more fun on their second or third or fourth or fifth trip. Part of this is the amazing and unique experience of Adventure Treks, but that experience depends on an incredibly diverse natural world for us to enjoy and explore!

So whether it’s for mental or physical health, social or emotional growth, or education, nature benefits youth development in a way that we have not managed to simulate using any of our technology or classroom teaching. This growth can be seen in the students who come back to our program year after year, and many parents comment on the positive development they witness when their students come back from our programs. Even if you can’t join us this next summer, take some extra time this week to go on a walk, watch the clouds, or get to a point with a good view, and notice how it makes you feel!

accredited gap semester programAdventure Treks is thrilled to announce that we are now an accredited gap semester program with the Gap Year Association! Roisin Low spearheaded this time-intensive and demanding process, and we are grateful for all of her efforts to achieve accreditation.

What does being accredited mean for Adventure Treks?

The Gap Year Association (GYA) is the official Standards Development Organization for gap year education as recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission. Within GYA, an independent committee of experts in gap year education, risk management, and other relevant fields regularly update a robust set of standards for professional integrity in gap year education. Program providers who earn GYA‘s Seal of Accreditation have undergone a thorough review of their organizational philosophy, professional ethics, community engagement practices, risk management policies, and student experiences, and have been found to uphold the highest professional standards in the field.

Read more about GYA accreditation standards here.


We are honored to join the list of GYA’s accredited gap semester programs. Adventure Treks has been committed to growing and developing our gap semester program since we launched our inaugural semester in fall 2020. We’re confident that with the support of the GYA, Adventure Treks’ Leadership Adventure Semester program will continue to provide one of the most substantive, personal, and carefully cultivated outdoor adventure and leadership programs available.

Having just finished our fall 2022 gap semester, we’d like to share a few recent testimonials:

Freshly back from the leadership gap semester, we have already seen maturity and development in our son on every one of Adventure Treks’ Great 8 Outcomes: communication, collaboration & social achievement, creativity, critical thinking, leadership, self-management, resilience, and optimism. Personally knowing instructors at NOLS and Outward Bound, we considered those programs but found AT to be a better fit with a more individualized approach and holistic development of adulting skills and executive function—they deliver on who they say they are and what they say they do using the outdoor environment to help, as our son now says, “realize my full potential.” We have been fully impressed and delighted from the first click of interest on their website, to the photos and blogs bringing us along their journey, to the call from the emergency room (relatively minor injury), to the spring in our son’s step and spark in his eye upon returning. As our son says “I could not have imagined a better option after high school. – Jon Heller, parent from Mystic, CT

Our son’s gap semester with AT was a transformative experience that exceeded our expectations and his. He gained lifelong friends, new skills, and values to take with him into his young adulthood. I’m thankful the program included a cross cultural component. He had an amazing adventure with wonderful hosts in Costa Rica, which broadened his view of the world and taught him what is really important— family, community, hard work, nature, and gratitude, among other things. It WAS hard work and challenged him in many ways, but he had such a blast! For us, this program was an essential step to prepare him for college next semester. – Katie Driver, parent from Augusta, GA

Adventure Treks is now offering two fall 2023 gap semesters: One in western North Carolina, and one in the Pacific Northwest. Both will focus on leadership, personal growth and development, outdoor recreation, community, and friendship, and will offer the opportunity to earn academic credit and a wilderness first responder certification.

If you’re interested in learning more about Adventure Treks’ gap semester, we’d love to chat with you! Call us anytime at 888-954-5555 or shoot us an email!

Self-care doesn’t have to pause while you are on an Adventure Treks trip (#treatyoself). Some of the regular practices that we keep in our daily lives can carry us through tough days on trail so we have the energy and mental fortitude to be our best outdoor adventuring selves. I am a big cheerleader of writing in a journal. This is something that I do before bed every night, and I have found many benefits from extending this habit into my Adventure Treks trips as well.

What are some of the benefits of journaling?

There are so many!

How do you journal?

I remember getting stuck on this seemingly simple question at the beginning of my journaling days. I had a few close friends who I considered to be journaling experts, and I asked them this question, wanting to be sure I was also on track to expert level. But, of course, there is no right or wrong way to journal. The art or practice of recording things on the written page can be customized to be of ultimate value to the individual.

Journaling can be about processing your day, setting intentions for the day ahead, tracking your thoughts and emotions to look for patterns—or whatever else you want it to be. What works for you? If you want to write in your journal every day, that is awesome! However, if this does not fit into your schedule, then this goal is probably going to stress you out more than be beneficial to your overall well-being.

What I have learned: Set realistic goals for yourself and be open to the creativity and flow of each entry. Even on days when I thought I had nothing to say, I have been able to find some interesting insights to reflect on.

Where do I start?

A blank white page can be intimidating. I know this on a personal level; every time I start a new writing project (like this blog), it seems like I suddenly have the energy and focus to do anything but write. But never fear! I have compiled a few tips and tricks to help you embark on your journaling journey.

Keep it simple: When I started out, I bought a small 3.5” x 5.5” journal. A smaller page is less overwhelming to fill. I began with bullet journaling (i.e., quick, short line entries), and often go back to this method when I don’t have a lot of time but still want to capture memories or thoughts while they’re fresh.

Utilize prompts: You can create a “cheat sheet” of prompts at the front of your journal. The ideas can set creative boundaries for those times when you can’t decide where to even begin. Below are a few of my favorite prompts that help me process my thoughts.

  • What are you grateful for today?
  • What emotions came up for you in unexpected places today?
  • Describe something you experienced for the first time recently.
  • How did you challenge yourself today, and how do you plan to challenge yourself tomorrow?
  • How did you show up for yourself today, and how do you plan to show up for yourself tomorrow?
  • What are three new things you learned this week?

Create space: Like any new activity, journaling can easily integrate into your daily life if you set yourself up for success (that is, make it a habit). I like to spend 10 to 15 minutes in my tent jotting down thoughts from that day before I fall asleep. I find this is the easiest time for me to journal, and therefore has the highest likelihood that it will actually happen.

Make the experience comfortable with a cup of tea, wrap up in your sleeping bag, or find something soft to sit on. You can also ask yourself these questions to help you figure out your plan of action. “Do I process my thoughts better when I wake up or before I go to sleep? Do I need to be alone or can I do this in the company of others? How much time do I need for each entry? What would block my ability to journal and how can I prevent those barriers from getting in the way?”

Add the “WOW!”

At Adventure Treks, we love adding the “wow” to everything and anything. Wow is the special magic added to events that would otherwise be just everyday activities (this is one reason you’ll see us wearing silly flair at Costco). Journals can also have the AT wow factor. Try adding stickers to the cover of your journal from the locations of your AT trips. Or take scenic photos of all your journal spots during the trip. Wow, like journaling, is all about creativity, so make it personal to you!

One of the neatest things about Adventure Treks is the places we get to visit. In all of our backpacking areas, we have permits from whoever owns the land—often national parks and forests—to recreate (permits are crucial because the most pristine places need the most protection in order to keep inspiring nature lovers!).

Here are some interesting things you might not know about Rocky Mountain National Park, where our Colorado Explorer trips spend a few days backpacking and summiting 12,720-foot Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.

1. The Continental Divide of the Americas runs through Rocky Mountain National Park. A continental divide is a natural land feature that separates watersheds—rain that falls on the western side of the Rockies flows towards the Pacific Ocean, while rainfall on the eastern side flows towards the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico! Try it out on this neat map by dropping a raindrop in Grand Lake (west side) or Estes Park (east side).

2. If you’re extra curious, the Continental Divide Trail (or CDT) is a 3,100-mile trail that traverses the spine of the Rockies and is popular for thru-hiking. The CDT is part of the “Triple Crown” of hiking trails, along with the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail. All three are National Scenic Trails, which means that they are designated outstanding natural areas with additional environmental protections. Lots of AT instructors have hiked these trails!

3. A number of trails in the park, including the Tonahutu Trail (where many AT groups backpack), were originally used by the native inhabitants of the land. The two major tribes in the area were the Ute and the Arapaho, whose main lands were separated by the Continental Divide but who competed for hunting territory in the mountains. They were hunter-gatherers who moved between grassy plains and higher elevations in search of larger animals.

4. Glaciers played a huge role in the formation of the steep peaks and valleys that characterize the park today. A glacier is a large chunk of snow and ice that doesn’t completely melt during the warmer months, and is so heavy that it constantly shifts downhill. Rocks picked up by the slow-moving ice scrape against the ground under and beside the glacier, carving out valleys over long periods of time.

5. All of the glaciers in Rocky Mountain National Park are cirque glaciers, which are the small leftovers of much larger glaciers from long ago. But the glacial habitat is just one of four found in the park. The montane ecosystem is defined by meadows and hills and supports a wide variety of plants and animals; subalpine forests consist mostly of evergreen trees and host beautiful lakes and wildflower patches; and the alpine tundra ecosystem allows only the hardiest of plants to survive harsh temperatures and weather conditions.

6. A single step can destroy hundreds of years of plant growth in alpine environments. On any AT trip, you’ll learn about the principles of Leave No Trace hiking and camping. In the alpine areas of the Rocky Mountains, many of the plants able to survive extreme cold and high winds grow very close to the ground and are quite fragile. It is extra important to stay on established trails so that our feet don’t squish and damage these plants and the soil they grow in.

7. Rocky Mountain National Park is known for big animals: Moose, elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, mountain lions, and deer are some of the largest. The park is likely to pop up on lists of the best places to view wildlife because these big species are so visible, but there are a whole host of tiny animals in the park as well…

8. … Such as the pika! Pikas live in the alpine tundra ecosystem and look like wild hamsters. These tiny mammals call and sing to each other across their territory, so they are more likely to be heard by humans than seen. Pikas are considered an “indicator species” for climate change because they are so well adapted to the cold that they cannot survive in warm temperatures. The National Park Service is monitoring pika populations in Rocky Mountain National Park to see whether rising global temperatures is affecting them. 

9. Longs Peak is the highest point in Rocky Mountain National Park, though it doesn’t actually make the top 10 highest peaks in Colorado! Climbing to the top is a true mountaineering adventure–usually, even in the height of summer, the summit is covered in snow and ice and requires snow tools to climb!

10. In 2009, most of the park became a designated wilderness area, meaning that extra precautions are taken to make sure it is not permanently impacted by humans. As long as good ethical practices are used, people can still visit the furthest reaches of the wilderness to experience solitude within the beautiful landscapes that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. 


Interested in seeing Rocky Mountain National Park firsthand? Check out our trip options here!

Our students will agree that Adventure Treks instructors are pretty incredible people. From planning 30-person meals for 30 days to fixing broken tent zippers to tending wounds to making sure we’re in the right place at the right time, AT instructors are constantly working to make sure our students are having the best and most fun summer program possible. This passion for empowering teenagers’ personal growth, fostering a fun and cohesive community, and exploring beautiful places with new friends is what makes our instructor team so strong and impactful.

Because our instructors are at the heart and soul of the Adventure Treks experience, we’d love for you to get to know them a little better. How did they end up at AT? What do they do in their free time? What are some fun facts people don’t know about them? We interviewed two of our summer 2022 instructors and are happy to share more about their lives below!

Courtney Johnson

What keeps you coming back to outdoor education and working with teenagers outside? The connections you make with the students and nature. Getting dirty, being drained of sleep, creating connections with students and staff, and life-long memories are some of the many reasons I am drawn to continue this work.

What is a favorite memory from last summer at Adventure Treks? One of my favorite memories was in Alaska. We were taking a break on our last backpack at this beautiful bridge. I had bought a stuffed animal otter that we named Prince William, after the place we sea kayaked. He had become part of our family. One of the students was taking care of Prince William and had set him on another student’s head for a cute photo. She, however, did not know this and as she looked up, Prince William escaped and went down the streams below. Everyone gasped, got up, and started running along the bank, except me. I started taking photos of him to honor his memory. Prince William was caught in a strainer for a couple seconds, before breaking free and moving further downstream. We almost lost him, but Connor had somehow spotted him, ran into the water, and retrieved him. We were all extremely happy that he was saved.

What do you do when not working at Adventure Treks? I just started working full-time as a medical receptionist and will continue to work my part-time job at a rock climbing gym! I love to rock climb, but I am scared of falling. I am going to try to go skiing this winter and not fall as much, and I am learning to sew and roller skate.

What you are hoping to learn over the next year? Communication is something I believe we are always developing and changing. We watch each other and pick up on their habits and behaviors. I am hoping over the next year to develop better ways to communicate and listen to others. My first step is to continue to work on tuning out the voices in my head that like to talk over people who are talking to me.

Fun fact? I recently watched Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean for the first time! Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings are still on my “must watch” list!

Daniel Clifford

What keeps you coming back to outdoor education and working with teenagers outside? Overcoming challenges together, some of which my students (and myself) weren’t sure we could take on!

What is your favorite memory from last summer at Adventure Treks? Summiting Mt. St. Helens! The magical trek through the dark forest from basecamp before dawn to the rocky, lifeless slopes as the sun began to rise, illuminating our path and the surrounding mountains, to the slog up the infamous vertical beach! Sharing the range of emotions as we climbed from sleepiness to determination to despair to euphoria and then the reverse order on the way back down was very special. I was so proud of my group for making it, and I could see very quickly how much they had grown having overcome that.

Do you have any exciting life plans for the near future? I am heading to Costa Rica for three months to get my PADI divemaster certification, the first level of becoming a professional diver. This is something I have wanted to do for a long time, having always been fascinated with coral reefs and having worked in marine conservation around the world. This will hopefully open up lots of avenues for me, including greater opportunities to work in marine conservation and in the diving industry.

What is a book or article you read recently that really stuck with you? I was captivated by Touching the Void, the well-known story about the first attempted summit of Siula Grande and the unlikely survival of Joe Simpson in getting down the mountain. Reading the book really made me feel like I was there with him… I couldn’t imagine overcoming what he did.