I love my job at Adventure Treks. In the summer, I get to join a group of passionate instructors who focus on creating unforgettable experiences, and I get to spend several weeks with some pretty incredible teenagers in the outdoors. During the rest of the year, I get to recruit, interview, hire, and get to know all of our instructors. We have a rigorous application process for new instructors—they have several interviews with Dmac, Jack, and myself; they provide several professional references; they must demonstrate knowledge and experience in risk management and good judgment in decision-making; and, of course, they must be a great cultural fit for Adventure Treks. Needless to say, we spend a lot of time getting to know our instructors before the summer even starts.

What always inspires me is the excitement and dedication to outdoor adventure camps for teens that our new and returning instructors display throughout the year. They are truly excited about fostering kind and inclusive communities, creating a supportive environment for everyone to step outside their comfort zones, and becoming role models to and friends with every student—all while living outside among North America’s most beautiful scenery.

That’s not to say the work of an AT instructor isn’t demanding; our staff wear multiple hats and balance many responsibilities. They give up their personal time, live off tortillas and GORP for weeks at a time, go to bed later and wake up earlier than students—all because they believe in and are passionate about the work they’re doing for our communities. But these challenges are more than worth it, and it’s why so many of our instructors are outdoor education professionals who return to AT year after year. It’s not just about teaching teenagers how to pitch tents or paddle a kayak; it’s about allowing students to learn about themselves, feel empowered and confident, celebrate their hard work, discover their resilience, make lifelong friends, and realize they’re more capable than they ever thought. Our instructors lead with intention and from the heart.

But of course we can talk about Adventure Treks all day long! So we asked our current and former instructors for a few words about what life is like as an outdoor educator; why they encourage anyone who’s thinking about working in this field to go for it; and what’s so fulfilling and rewarding about working in this industry.

I love the laughs, friendships, and connections, and empowering students to be their best selves. I’m proud of how I’ve learned to respond in challenging situations, and how I’m able to offer care to my students in tough situations and help them to accomplish goals. – Renee from Sonora, CA

This summer in particular at AT was incredible. I liked most the communities I helped form, and I’m proud of the impact I had on all my students’ lives. I feel like I have grown the most by being in a position where I can let my leadership style flourish. – Anthony from Murrells Inlet, SC

Getting to know students is the best part of Adventure Treks—they are all so amazing! I am proud to be an AT instructor; when I was an AT student, I always looked up to my instructors so much. Students can trust that we are looking out for them, and being there for them is our top priority. I’ve become motivated to become the best outdoor instructor that I can. – Laura from Raleigh, NC

I’ve always loved the community AT has provided, and that was especially highlighted during summer 2020. I’m proud to have been able to work with our students in a time when they needed it most. – Katy from Bozeman, MT

As an outdoor educator in 2020, I was most proud of my staff team and how we collaborated to give our students the best trip possible. – Ryan from Steamboat Springs, CO

The best part of my last AT summer was providing the “ah-ha!” moments to our students. I am most proud of opening up and being my best self; I think my biggest accomplishment was the amount of growth I felt with regard to my patience, emotional control, leadership, and communication. – Thor from Byron, MN

This past summer, it was great being on a trip with first-time AT students because I got to teach them everything from scratch and take them on their first backpacking trip. Seeing how accomplished they felt after the trip was so rewarding! – Roisin from Australia

As an outdoor instructor, I love seeing the growth in students and getting to experience beautiful places and exciting activities with them. – Abby from Loma Linda, CA

Seeing Adventure Treks from the instructor perspective after having been an AT student for multiple summers was amazing. I love helping students push themselves and seeing them shine and open up when they succeed. – Teddy from Ithaca, NY

One of the best parts about working with Adventure Treks is growing my intentionality as an outdoor instructor and leader. I feel as though I gained a tremendous amount of confidence, not only as a leader, but also as a person. I really enjoyed being able to help students step into leadership roles and prioritize the community. – Natasha from San Diego, CA

The community here at Adventure Treks made summer so unforgettable, especially the friendships made among students and staff. I am proud to have made a conscious effort to connect with each student and to have been a part of a successful, safe, and incredible summer. I grew in learning the balance between caring for others and myself, and when to speak versus when to listen. I saw the value and impact of a strong community for our students and felt its positive impact in myself as well! – Hannah from Steamboat Springs, CO

I love the time we spend with students. They are the reason why I return each summer. I am most proud of how we develop positive relationships with each of them. – Avery from Edgewater, CO

Interested in pursuing a rewarding and fulfilling life as an outdoor instructor? Learn more about working with Adventure Treks here!

It’s with great eagerness that we look toward the hope and change that 2021 will surely bring. But as we reflect on 2020, we are truly thankful for continued good health in our Adventure Treks community as our hearts go out to the many folks who have suffered loss and illness this year.

Though this has hardly been a good year for teen summer programs from a business standpoint, we can’t help but feel gratitude for the many opportunities for growth we have been given; the challenges that have drawn our instructor and director team even closer together; and all the families who have helped us get to where we are today.

Whether your children joined us this year, or you felt it better to take a year off, we want to thank our parents for their immeasurable support and encouragement. We appreciate the respect you gave our decisions, knowing we were always acting in our students’ best interests as we balanced mental health with physical health to create a workable program model. Your trust and understanding kept us on point through our many struggles this spring. We also thank you for following our quarantine protocols so carefully and bringing healthy kids to our western NC–based programs. It was an extremely successful summer, and what we have gained through practice and continued study has given us the confidence  that we will certainly be able to operate in whatever environment summer 2021 brings—which will hopefully mean our normal programs out west!

I also want to share gratitude for our team at Adventure Treks. I’ve been humbled by their dedication, hard work, resilience, and commitment to the success of our students and their peers. I’m lucky to work with such talented and capable folks, from our year-round team to our summer instructors. They faced innumerable challenges but surmounted them all; before 2020, we never thought we would have been able to successfully pivot last-minute to change our entire summer programming in two weeks—much less create from scratch and pull off a 74-day gap semester! The latter was such a smashing success with our 21 inaugural gap students that we’ve decided to operate more gap semesters in 2021, in fall at Camp Pinnacle and in summer out west.

2020 has reinforced the transformative powers of outdoor adventure for both teenagers and the role models who guide them. We feel truly grateful to have served our families and provide opportunities for growth, positive socialization, and outdoor fun at a time when our students needed it the most. Successfully operating this year may have been both the greatest challenge and most rewarding achievement of our careers. We appreciate all we have been given in 2020 and look forward to whatever lay ahead in 2021. We view the new year as a chance to extend grace and kindness, share the beauty of the outdoors, and do all we can to bring people together,

Thank you, and Happy New Year!

We could not have pulled off this unprecedented summer (operating on a small scale during a pandemic is something we never expected to do) without the steadfast support of our amazing Adventure Treks families and students.

For many reasons, this will be a summer we’ll never, ever forget—and not just because of COVID restrictions. What we’ll remember are the unending smiles on teens’ faces, their laughter as they engage in meaningful conversations and games with friends, the awe in their eyes at seeing western NC’s unparalleled wilderness beauty… We will never forget how seriously our parents and students took their pre-trip quarantines and how much work they did to help Adventure Treks operate.

But don’t just listen to us about how much fun we had this summer. Hear from our families directly. Below are just a few of our 2020 parent testimonials.

“Adventure Treks is the best place ever! You meet your best friends and have the most memorable experiences while becoming a better person. I love AT! This year, I had such a great time that I forgot about the coronavirus for a while.” – Noa, student from Minnetonka, MN

“A summer without AT is not a summer at all. Adventure Treks is pure magic… Children get an opportunity to be just that—children, within a structure premised on safety, respect, community, acceptance, and fun. The selection of destinations, peers, instructors, food, activities, etc. have large doses of thought and care and love. This summer was the best escape from the pandemic.” – Sanjani Varkey, parent from Berkeley, CA

“I loved how my instructors were part of the community; they weren’t just enforcers. I loved how they always wanted us to have a good time. Adventure Treks has taught me how to be a better friend, community member, and lover of the outdoors. I’ve learned how to push myself through uncomfortable situations and cherish every moment I’ve had with the AT community. AT is one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve met some of my best friends here… The memories we’ve made and views I’ve seen are things I’ll remember forever. Thank you all for another amazing summer!” – Emily, student from Steamboat Springs, CO

“Adventure Treks is a great opportunity for students to have an unusual, challenging experience with peers from diverse geographic locales, build a sense of community, and learn/hone skills from capable outdoor instructors. Our sons have both enjoyed their experiences with AT through the years. They love the camaraderie, sense of community, and adventure! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! Huge kudos—above and beyond expectations, especially in this unique, trying time of uncharted waters! You ALL pulled off and executed the most wonderful AT experience, at a time when it is more valuable than ever. These students needed it, wanted it, adhered to protocols—as did you and your entire team. Many thanks again for having pivoted and reconstructed curricula/itineraries and making this the best AT experience EVER! George looks forward to next year’s Alaska Expedition. We appreciate ALL of you!” – Suzy Seger-Zach, parent from Lovettsville, VA

“My AT experiences have taught me not only how to love and appreciate nature, but the best way to make the best friends is to just be who you want to be. It’s the only place where strangers can instantly feel like family after the first day… it may be that we all share common values and a love for the outdoors, but I think it’s the community that AT builds that makes us feel this way. AT is so amazing—thank you!” – Hilary, student from Miami Beach, FL

“This year was a groundbreaking year for Asher. He made great friends, bonded with the entire group, and came back taller (figuratively and literally). He gained confidence in himself and his abilities. On top of all of that, AT kept him safe from both the coronavirus and his food allergies. What’s been most valuable is being disconnected from technology and out in nature with a really nice group of kids and instructors. It was Asher’s best sleepaway experience yet (and he’s done a lot). He loved it and can’t wait to go back!” – Heather Benn, parent from Greenwich, CT

“AT has taught me that I can come into any group of people and be myself and make my experience my own, and that I can make myself into a valuable member of the group. While the outdoor activities at AT are so fun, what’s really great about AT trips is the communities you build with your friends and instructors.” – Annie, student from Atlanta, GA

“Adventure Treks provides a fun, challenging and safe environment for our children to thrive in. Kaila made great friends, tried new things, enjoyed tech-free time, and had many adventures. Adventure Treks provides children with the capacity to interact with kids with like-minded ideas of outdoor fun. They are able to form quick friendships that last year-round and create a tight-knit community in a matter of days. The activities, interactions with instructors, and challenges are set up to be age-appropriate and fun. The tech-free environment allows everyone to focus on the here and now. The outdoor surroundings allow them to appreciate nature. The activities allow for challenges beyond their immediate comfort zone and pushes them to try new things. Kaila loved everyone she met. On the first call home, she immediately told us how she made friends, how nice everyone was, and how welcomed she felt. She is already speaking with everyone regularly via their group chats. The staff and communication are AMAZING! No question is too small or too big. Great understanding of what parents need to hear and super-fast communication overall. Thank you for keeping everyone safe and healthy during this challenging time and year!” – Tamar Brooks, parent from London, England

“Through my four AT trips, I’ve learned how to be a team player and work with my peers to accomplish challenges I never thought I could take on. AT is more than a teen camp; it’s a place where lifelong friendships are created. We’re a family here. I can’t imagine a summer without AT. As I grow older, the community here and the life lessons I’ve learned become more valuable. I couldn’t ask for a better home away from home. I feel accepted at AT, and I feel like I can be my true self. I hope to be an instructor one day!” – Megan, student from Franklin Lakes, NJ

Y’all killed it. Lee was game but dubious going in, motivated in no small part to keep up with his sister. His first night home, he spent about an hour and a half describing each and every day in detail, from first to last. As he got to the end, he observed through teary eyes, ‘I didn’t know I could form such strong relationships in such a short period of time.’ If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.” – Matt Bailey, parent from Greensboro, NC

“My experience at AT was pretty much perfect! I had so much fun, and everyone was accepting and nice to be with. My instructors were fantastic, and I loved every one of them. They always found ways for us to have fun and were easy to talk to. I learned a lot about the outdoors and how to be strong in tough times. I also learned how to communicate better and create good friends in just a short amount of time. I didn’t think this trip could be as good as last year, but it was just as good if not better!” – Virginia, student from Atlanta, GA

“Adventure Treks was an experience for our son beyond our wildest expectations. We sent a shy, introverted teenager, and he returned as an excited, almost giddy boy. He had so much to share about where he went, what he did and learned, and who he shared different experiences with. We are very impressed and can’t wait for him to return next year! His favorite part of the trip was the community for sure. He has never really felt ‘a part’ of a group and returned in a much different head space, talking all the time about who did this and who did that and was so excited to share everything with us. He was very nervous that he was going to starve cause he’s such a picky eater. The community opened his mind and he had a great experience with the food.” – Page Johnson, parent from Louisville, KY

“Adventure Treks has taught me the importance of staying positive even when things seem challenging. AT is so much fun and I definitely recommend it! I went into it feeling slightly nervous, but everyone is so nice, and the whole group becomes one big family by the end.” – Kaila, student from London, England

“Archie returned feeling calm, confident, capable, and centered. He can’t wait to go back ASAP! Adventure Treks was empowering yet supportive, a break from family, and a push out of his comfort zone. He described his community to me: ‘It was a great community and I still keep in touch with everyone. Everyone got along and supported each other.’ We are thrilled that this was a life-changing trip for Archie. He cannot wait to stay in touch and to sign up again!” – Jane Ellison, parent from Wilmington, NC

“My instructors made me so happy and were so helpful. They cared about us so much. I’ve learned that working together is a great skill. I’ve also learned to love the outdoors and try new things. Adventure Treks is a warm and welcoming place that lets every person be their true self and be part of an adventure that is full of smiles and laughter.” – Jessica, student from Cabin John, MD

“Talia had an incredible time on her second Adventure Treks trip! She loved every minute and formed an instant community with the kids on her trip and said they were open, loving, and very inclusive. She loved her instructors and instantly felt their chemistry. She challenged herself and brought back the tools she learned home with her. She is confident, smiling, and content…something so amazing to see in such crazy times. She is already talking about which trip to do next year! We know it was a Herculean task on your part, but I hope you know that when these kids look back at 2020… this will be what they remember.”  – Rachel Berger, parent from Cabin John, MD

“My experiences at AT have taught me that to judge something you have to try it first, and that you don’t have to live near each other or even be similar people to be amazing friends. Adventure Treks is a getaway from normal life, where you get to spend time outdoors and do so many things you’ve never tried before… and make lifelong friends!” – Phoebe, student from Katonah, NY

“Our son returned for his third year because Adventure Treks is thoughtful, supportive, positive, and fun! Daniel loves it so much. Every activity, every outing, EVERYTHING at AT has been carefully considered and is done for a reason. Making connections with other teenagers outside of school has been so valuable. AT gives him the chance to really connect with other kids in meaningful ways that he just doesn’t do at school. Also, the great relationships he gets to form with the instructors are also so important and valuable. He said, ‘We ALL got along well with each other—that’s so unusual for any group of teenagers, mom. There were no cliques, no sub-groups that only hung together.’ Lots of long talks, lots of singing, lots of inside jokes, etc. it was heaven for him. What a great gift you gave my kid. He’s about to embark on another year of distance learning (sigh! but necessary of course) so this trip will be a balm to his soul over the next year… so many fun memories and laughs to treasure. Thank you for all your hard work!” – Laura Miller, parent from Cabin John, MD

“Adventure Treks taught me how to include others and how to push through the hard stuff. I was surprised this year at how quickly I got to know everyone. It’s a judgment-free zone in which you can bond with strangers and enjoy the outdoors. The instructors are some of the best people… I really appreciate them! Everything this year was perfect!” – Hazel, student from Stevensville, MD

“I wanted to say how much Eli enjoyed his trip. The kid couldn’t have been happier and is still going on about what a great group of kids and instructors he had. We are very grateful AT came up with an alternative plan and he could have this much-needed experience this summer.  Thanks to everyone there for making it happen.” – Valerie Busch, parent from Charlotte, NC

“I wish the trip had been longer and that we’d had more time together! I felt like I had a really special bond with the instructors; each relationship was different but all were amazing. I like how easily everyone ‘clicked.’ Adventure Treks is super fun, and I’ve made so many lifelong friends. And it’s taught me so many things!” – Remi, student from Columbus, GA

“Summer looks forward to her Adventure Treks experience all year long. Despite the concerns about COVID, we trusted that the staff and other families were going to do the best job they could at keeping the kids safe and healthy. This year, our daughter had an incredible experience. The group hiked, road mountain bikes, canoed, kayaked, rock climbed, and camped. But what made her time at AT so special was the way she was able to connect with her instructors and the other kids on the trip. In a relatively short amount of time, she felt comfortable and confident to open up with her new friends like never before. Our daughter truly feels she has made lifelong friends with her AT group and can’t wait for next summer when she can join many of them again on another adventure.” – Laura Sklenicka, parent from Atlantic Beach, FL

“At Adventure Treks, you learn how to bond with a bunch of different types of people and how to volunteer. I love AT because you get so close with your community in such a short time! My trip was the best, and I don’t have any suggestions for improving it.” – Lulu, student from Huntersville, NC

“This year, more than ever, Simon needed to be away from the house, away from his parents, away from a screen and all the worries of the world, and immersed in fun activities with his peers. Thank you so much for giving him the opportunity to do that this summer! This is honestly the best thing that has happened and probably will happen for him in 2020. The trip was awesome. Simon can’t stop talking about all the funny things that happened on that trip and the wonderful community they formed together. He misses his AT friends and instructors very much… He said this summer was easily his favorite AT trip ever, and he said it’s because of the community they formed on this trip. He was able to just be himself and have a great time. And did y’all know that they stay in touch and are even continuing to do virtual evening meetings sometimes? And he has been sleeping in his sleeping bag on the floor of his bedroom to continue the AT feeling. Thank you for ALL OF THAT!!!! Amazing across the board. You all seriously are the best. We are always grateful for you—but even more so this year.” – Stacey Brees, parent from Atlanta, GA

AT gives you three weeks where you live in the woods with a ton of best friends and learn how to be “an amazing person. The AT instructors are always there for you; they’re amazing. This year was the best group I’ve ever had.” – Lexi, student from Mooresville, NC

“Lexi has grown so much from her three years at AT. Her confidence, her love of the outdoors, willingness to try new things… She has learned perseverance, to be an integral part of the community, to help and support others. She has made lifelong friends that she talks to throughout the year. She talks about camp all year. We love hearing the stories and knowing she loves it so much. I know AT is where she is meant to be because she starts counting down to next summer the day she gets home. We trusted the care and attention AT gave to all going on in the world and felt completely safe and grateful the Lexi was still able to go this year. The instructors are definitely who make the trip, besides the other students. Lexi loved her instructors this year and said they were the best of her three AT trips. Thank you for giving Lexi a great AT trip, especially in this time where things are so different for her. With changes because of COVID, you have probably made her whole year. You all are amazing and I thank you for bringing AT together for the kids, even if it was a little different this year.” – Susan Sanders, parent from Mooresville, NC

“Our instructors really cared about us and dedicated their summer to our health and safety. They were amazing people and inspirational to me. During my trip, I learned that I am capable of so much and that I can overcome my fears. AT is a safe, tranquil place dedicated to helping teenagers find their true selves.” – Nina, student from Middletown, NJ

“Lu had absolutely loved Camp Pinnacle, and going to AT was the natural next step for her. Her sisters had been on AT trips before, and their experiences were very positive… and Lu’s experience this summer could not have been any better. She described her AT community as safe and full of people she wants to be like because of their positive attitudes as well as their love of the outdoors. She described her instructors as genuinely interested in each and every student, and each had the unique ability to make everyone feel comfortable in any situation in their own special way. We were so thrilled y’all could pull it off during this pandemic. The experience most valuable for Lu was that she could enter a group of kids that knew one another and within seconds seamlessly felt a part of the group. She has a strong friend group at home but never has she felt so open to just be herself. Realizing that she can do that and how it feels to actually do that is something we feel is so valuable. Learning to appreciate things in each individual that you would otherwise look through or over in a normal setting is something that we know she will take with her. The community couldn’t have been any stronger. She described each child in detail with a huge smile on her face. As I mentioned above, the words “safe” and “people I want to be like” spoke volumes about how she felt while with all of these kids and instructors. I would just like to say thank you to all of the instructors for making the 3 weeks more amazing than anything Lu could’ve ever imagined. They made their way into her heart and won’t be forgotten. I must say how truly shocked I am that these trips were able to take place—y’all are just amazing. I know you had to compile what usually takes months and months of work into a very short period of time and you didn’t miss a beat. While the trips across the country provide an additional element of independence due to flying and being far from home for many kids, I think the lesson of who you are with is now tightly engrained. An AT community is like none other these teenagers get to experience and it ends up being the one of most powerful and healthy ones in their lives. The overall AT experience is top notch.” – Katie Scruggs, parent from Huntersville, NC

“AT is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The places you go are breathtaking, but the community is really what makes it worthwhile.” – Ella, student from Greensboro, NC

“Jack was signed up for Ultimate Northwest and was excited to see that part of the country, but when the trip changed because of COVID-19, he still wanted to go to North Carolina because he knows how awesome an AT summer is! This summer, in particular, we were grateful for this opportunity for him to have the AT experience and leave behind the troubles in our world. Jack’s AT experience has been truly amazing. He has made great friends from all over the country, both other students and his instructors, and has explored unique terrain with incredible activities. The communication and level of detail from AT staff is the best of any program that I have worked with. We are so grateful for the AT community and know that Jack has made lifelong memories and friends from these adventures.” – Emilie Samet, parent from Greensboro, NC

Again, we must give much of the credit for pulling off Adventure Treks in 2020 to our parents and students and the many more people who supported us in this endeavor.

And now enrollment is open for 2021! We’re thrilled to report that since opening 2021 registration only three weeks ago, we’re already about 40 percent ahead compared to a typical year.

Ready to enroll? We’d be thrilled to get to know your family in this upcoming year. Click below to start your online application, or call us at 888-954-5555 anytime with questions!

[button url=”http://www.adventuretreks.com/teen-adventure-camps” target=”_self”] 2021 schedule [/button]

[button url=”http://www.adventuretreks.com/enroll” target=”_self”] Enroll now [/button]

 

Wow, what a summer! To witness the joy on teenagers’ faces as they reunited with and hugged friends, formed close bonds with new peers, reveled in face-to-face connections, spent two to three weeks in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, and had the most fun they’ve had all year—all in the middle of a pandemic… This year has been the most rewarding and fulfilling summer we have ever had.

And now it’s on to 2021! While no one knows what the next year will bring—and we certainly hope we’ll be able to return to normal and operate our trips out west—we believe Adventure Treks will fill more quickly than ever due to increased demand.

Our enrollment schedule for 2021 will be slightly different from previous years, so please read the following carefully. 

Multiple 2021 enrollment dates

*Monday, August 24: Priority enrollment opens for students who were originally signed up for 2020 Alaska Expedition and

• • 1) instead attended a Blue Ridge Expedition trip or
  • 2) who transferred tuition forward to 2021.

*Wednesday, August 26: Priority enrollment opens for all other students who attended a 2020 Blue Ridge trip (this includes Discovery, Adventure, and Ultimate) and/or those who transferred tuition or deposits forward to 2021.

*Wednesday, September 2: General enrollment opens for non-returning students and new students (including Camp Pinnacle campers).

Why are there different priority enrollment dates?

As next summer may be the last Adventure Treks year for many of our students who couldn’t attend Alaska this year, we feel that it’s important to give those students who were signed up for Alaska Expedition in 2020 the first opportunity to sign back up for Alaska 2021.

On Wednesday, August 26, any remaining spots we have in Alaska will become available to other priority enrollment students who are age-eligible (those who are now entering the 11th and 12th grades).

However, we want to stress how highly we recommend attending California Challenge or Ultimate Northwest before Alaska—as they are important “stepping stone” or preparation trips for the longer and more strenuous Alaska Expedition.

How will we re-enroll for 2021?

Returning families: Log in to your CampInTouch account starting Monday, August 24, to submit the online student application.

New and Camp Pinnacle families: Click the Enroll Now button to create a new CampInTouch account and submit the online student application. (Camp Pinnacle families: While we use the same database, your CP login won’t work in the AT database, so you’ll need to set up a new password and account through AT.)

Updated 2021 schedule

The tentative schedule for 2021 has been updated online. Because COVID-19 threw everything into a tailspin and students could only attend Blue Ridge trips instead of their planned 2020 adventures, the 2021 schedule should allow students to be able to attend the trips they were originally signed up for in 2020.

We don’t want students to miss out on the locations and activities they were looking forward to this summer, so we highly recommend re-enrolling on the same trip. The new schedule should also allow trip groups to stay together, which we know is very important to returning students.

Tuition credits and discounts for 2021

Early enrollment discounts

Families who enroll for 2021 before September 30, 2020, will receive an early enrollment discount. Below are the details:

1. Families who could not attend a 2020 Blue Ridge trip and instead pushed their full tuition payment forward to 2021 will receive 2020 pricing (an immediate $200 discount), plus any other early enrollment discounts they received in 2020.
2. Families who attended a 2020 Blue Ridge trip will receive a $100 early enrollment discount if they sign up by September 30.
3. Families who could not attend a 2020 Blue Ridge trip and instead pushed their partial tuition payment or deposit payment forward to 2021 will receive a $100 early enrollment discount if they sign up by September 30.
4. Families who could not attend a 2020 Blue Ridge trip, Camp Pinnacle families, and new families will receive a $100 early enrollment discount if they sign up by September 30.

Tuition credits

For families who have transferred full or partial payments forward, please note that the application will still ask how you’d like to pay the deposit; if you have a credit for 2021, please disregard this (it’s not a function we can turn off, and we process payments manually anyway). All credits will automatically transfer to 2021 and be adjusted after we process new applications.

 We know this might be confusing, and we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate these challenging times. Our goal, as always, is to create the best summer experiences possible for our students and provide incredible customer service.

We will be closing down the last of our summer trips this week and may not be able to answer all calls in a timely manner. We also anticipate very high call volume, so if you don’t reach us by phone at 888-954-5555, please leave a message or email us.

Hello all! My name is Brandon Schoenfeld, and I am a four-year Adventure Treks alum (and currently working at Camp Pinnacle for my first summer as a counselor!). In 2019, I took my last trip, Leadership Summit, with some amazing friends and fantastic instructors. In recent months, many of us found ourselves missing our beloved AT community and were simultaneously concerned for the many students who unfortunately could not return to our second home with no choice or say in the matter due to COVID.

So my fellow alumni and I reached out to the Adventure Treks office to see how we could help, and we decided the best way was to write to future, current, and past members of the AT family. It is our goal to both share what AT means to all of us and what we have learned, and also to remind everyone of the warmth of Adventure Treks and why now, more than ever, experiences and communities like this are critical.

So without further ado, meet Magdalena Arias, Trey Morris, Claire Olson, Ali Pensky, and Sophia Trone—all fellow members of the Leadership Summit 2019 family!

Brandon Schoenfeld (4 trips, 2015–2019; University of Vermont)

Lessons I’ve learned

It is made clear from the beginning that at Adventure Treks, sometimes things are out of our control and we will be forced to re-schedule, modify, or occasionally cancel a part of a backcountry trip. For me, the first time I experienced this was on my first trip in British Columbia (highly recommended!), when we got bogged down by rain during our Wells Gray backpack. We reworked our itinerary to a day hike to nearby Battle Mountain; unfortunately, halfway up the mountain, the rain returned and we had to turn back. In the end, it was a day spent in the tents playing cards. Think the day was ruined? Absolutely not! Clever instructor magic mixed with a set of Monopoly Deal cards made this day one of my favorite memories. On my third trip in Alaska, I unexpectedly learned the entire history of Whittier, AK, because weather pushed back the start time for our Prince William Sound kayak, so we spent the time at the town museum.

As a member of the class of 2020, I, like many others, have lost many “final things.” Despite what I may say to my mom, this hasn’t been easy. I have lost out on my graduation, my last school show, my last youth group weekend, and countless traditions and culminating experiences that seniors are supposed to enjoy. This “stolen from you” kind of loss can leave you angry and resentful. But I cannot say I have actually felt that way. Don’t get me wrong—I am sad. I’ve had my fair share of tears. But I’ve made peace with the situation, the most valuable skill I learned at Adventure Treks. I now embrace loss as an opportunity and work the situation as well as I possibly can. Adventure Treks taught me to accept, embrace, and even benefit from loss and move forward. In short, AT taught me how to make peace.

What AT means to me

Despite this blog being my idea, I struggled with this prompt. Adventure Treks means so much to me in so many different ways, and finding the words to capture that felt impossible. As a 14-year-old, I was socially awkward and pretty timid. While I was excited about the idea of an AT trip, flying across the country alone and making new friends was more than a little overwhelming. When I landed in Seattle for my first trip (British Columbia) and was met by instructor Kiko Sweeney (who I would go on to have three trips with) jumping up and down and waving decked out in full AT gear, I knew I was in for an experience unlike anything I had ever had.

Within hours, I had made friends that I felt closer to than some kids I had known my whole life. That trip opened me up and showed me the world outside of the mid-Atlantic bubble I had grown up in. Over the following three summers (Ultimate Northwest, Alaska Expedition, and Leadership Summit), I would go on to climb mountains (shoutout to Mt. Adams for being the best/worst experience of my life), whitewater kayak, ice climb the majestic Matanuska Glacier, and follow an ecosystem from the summit of Mt. Olympus down the Hoh River all the way to the Olympic Coast. All of this I did with fantastic communities who would go from strangers to family in a matter of days.

Recently, I met up with Kiko for coffee when she happened to be in town. Last fall, during a layover in Atlanta, Pierce Jenkins drove to the airport at 4 a.m. to catch up and hang out for an hour. Over winter break, I was in Orlando with family and got to meet up with Trey Morris, Liam Kugler, and Ali Pensky to spend the entire day on the beach. When I met Owen and Samantha Rice, both AT students, at youth group a while back, having never been on a trip together, we were instantly bonded as if we had been friends for years. The list of these impromptu reunions goes on and on, girded by the chance for an impromptu hike with Sophia Trone, Becky Barsky, and Kyle Crichton (who live in the neighborhood). So, is my AT adventure over? Clearly not! In some ways, it’s only just begun. The lifelong bonds have provided me with a loving family that I have and will forever be able to count on. To me, Adventure Treks means family.

Magdalena Arias (5 trips, 2015–2019; Williams College)

Lessons I’ve learned

One of the biggest things Adventure Treks has taught me through the years is how to develop friendships and companionships with other people. Interacting with brand-new people every summer has made me less shy and more open to new experiences. It’s also taught me how to maintain those friendships once the summer is over, something I’ve found to be so useful in both my Adventure Treks and high school friendships now that I’m at Williams. Because of AT, I’ve also become really good at understanding group dynamics and how my actions impact other people. At home, I’m now much more aware of others and what I can do to improve situations of conflict. And being from Panama, Adventure Treks has improved my English!

What AT means to me

Adventure Treks is, and has been in many ways, the companion to my adolescence. It was the summer friend, the one I could forget my troubles from back home with, even if it was just for what felt like a fleeting moment. But however short, however fleeting, every summer at Adventure Treks was witness to some of my largest personal growth. Adventure Treks is the net that caught me and sent me back up, higher and higher each time. It’s the reason I’m not afraid to jump high, because even if I know I might fall, I also know I can pick myself back up and try jumping higher each time.

Trey Morris (4 years, 2016–2019; U.S. Military Academy West Point)

Lessons I’ve learned

Adventure Treks is not something that ends with the conclusion of your trip. It is something each and every one of us carries through our daily lives. AT has had a profound effect on who I am and what I am going to do with my life. Starting from my very first AT trip five years ago, I learned that happiness is not merely derived by doing what is comfortable and, at that moment, “fun.” It instead can be found by doing what is difficult. In high school life, this meant I pushed myself to my limits daily in my athletics (cross country and track), because I discovered that there is no better feeling than knowing I put everything I had into pursuing my goal. That feeling is one I found on my first backpacking trip while my smile chattered from the cold as I gazed happily down from the peak of Mt. St. Helens.

However, it is nothing considered to the community I discovered. Adventure Treks became my first “home away from home.” It’s a community where everyone supports one another, and we all cooperate to help everyone succeed. For example, I’ve witnessed friends stealthily taking the weight from one another’s backpacks—not for any credit, but just to help out those who were struggling. It is that familial bond that makes AT so special, and that which I carry with me the most at home. Reminiscing about the selflessness shown everyday at AT inspires me to try to mirror that in my everyday life.

What AT means to me

Adventure Treks is more than an experience. It is a community and way of life. I still talk to the same friends I made almost five years ago. The friendships forged through a month at Adventure Treks feels like those that take years to create. They also are what I remember and love most about my trips.

In comparison, summiting mountains, backpacking through Alaska, and ice climbing a glacier are all inconsequential. Being blessed to be a part of such an incredible community has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I will forever be thankful to have experienced such amazing adventures as a part of the forever open and uplifting Adventure Treks community.

 

Claire Olson (4 trips, 2016–2019; Occidental College)

Lessons I’ve learned

To call AT a formative experience would be an understatement. AT taught me more about myself than I think I’d like to know. The four trips I did showed me every part of myself, and taught me to love every bit of it—even the parts I’d rather forget. Pushing myself into experiences that at the time were so outside of my comfort zone taught me that I was stronger than I ever thought I could be, and capable of the most incredible things. I know the friends I’ve made over the last four years are for forever. They proved to me that I could show everything, even the ugly bits of myself, and still be loved. AT was one of the first times I felt truly understood and accepted, and I love my outdoor family more than anything. It’s amazing to me that trips like this can foster friendships that last forever after just a month. My friends taught me how to not only trust others but trust myself as well, and for that I am eternally grateful.

I have brought so many of my leadership skills from AT home. For one thing, they have made group projects significantly easier. I used to feel awkward and bossy in leadership roles, and worry about how I was perceived by my peers. But after going to AT, I’ve learned to embrace my confidence and leadership ability. In addition to that, AT has taught me how to deal with really hard situations. Whether it’s alpine starts for summit attempts or an unplanned stomach virus quarantine (jeez, that was a sign for sure), AT taught me one of the most important survival skills I’ve ever learned: embrace the suck. Sometimes stuff really sucks, and you just have to embrace it and stay positive. I remember that at least four times a day in quarantine.

Thank you so much, AT, for everything. <3

Ali Pensky (6 trips, 2014–2019; American University)

Lessons I’ve learned

The four main lessons I learned at Adventure Treks are that you should hang out with people that make you happy, go outside as much as you can, lead by example and vocally, and cook.

At AT, the community is strong due to the fact that everyone feels comfortable being themselves. We are just a bunch of kids trying to adventure outside and get to know the people around us on a deep level. When I go home after an AT trip, I try to take with me the mindset of hanging out with people who challenge me and who I feel comfortable around.

Before AT, I liked being outside, but my family is not very outdoorsy. AT brought out my love for everything outside. It also taught me how to be a leader, whether that means bringing positive energy to a rainy day of backpacking or participating in a group discussion.

After AT, I started combining random ingredients and cooking it on the stove, like we sometimes do at AT. For the most part, it turns out pretty well! I will always be thankful for my time with AT and all I learned.

Sophia Trone (3 trips, 2017–2019; Williams College)

What I’ve learned

One lesson I learned at AT is how to problem-solve in a group setting. In the food crew on Leadership Summit, we planned meals and grocery shops with our instructor, Jake, acting as a supporting member of the team—not the instructor. Jake took a step back and was there to answer questions, but he let us problem-solve together to learn about the responsibilities of buying food for a backpack and for frontcountry meals.

I also learned how to handle disappointment in a mature way. Forgetting snacks and other meal ingredients on a backpack is disappointing, but we made the best of the situation and chose to not complain; instead, we knew to bring more snacks and double-check our bear cans for the next backpack.

Lastly, I learned how to befriend new people quickly. During my first summer, I did not know anyone prior to the trip. However, on the first day I quickly started talking to people and made new friends.

I have taken these lessons with me to high school and beyond. AT has taught me how to work efficiently and disagree respectfully in groups. Learning about how to handle disappointment is imperative for college decisions and other grades, and it helps me realize that these measures do not define me as a person. I have emerged from AT much more social and confident than I was before, and I am excited, not scared, to meet new friends in college.

What AT means to me

AT is a place where I have fun with my best friends in a beautiful wilderness setting. Before AT, I was not outdoorsy and had never slept in a tent before. Now, I dream of hiking the Long Trail, planning more backpacks with friends, and enjoying my college’s outdoor program. AT is a great place to meet a ton of new friends without the distraction of technology. Whenever I think about my time at Adventure Treks, I smile, remembering all of the great memories I have experienced. Visiting friends I met at AT is incredibly special, and we fondly recount memories from past trips and make new ones.

One of my fondest memories from Alaska (my second trip): Rappelling down too fast, I lost my footing and found myself hanging upside down on a glacier. Fortunately, my harness was secure and connected to the anchor embedded in the 10,000-year-old ice. As my eyes moved from the steep drop to the pool of water below, I felt a sense of panic. It was a beautiful landscape, but at that moment, I was not interested in beauty, just survival. Immediately, the ice climbing guides began lowering me to safety. My trip leader came over to encourage me to try again. This scene perfectly encapsulated why I love the outdoors: it’s a place where I can encounter the unexpected, meet challenges, learn new skills, and see the world in a new light.

In recognition of my struggles and the sheer volume of my blood-curdling scream, I was nominated for “Jerry of the day,” which is a way to playfully recognize the biggest fail of the trip. My instructors also recognized my perseverance in the face of a difficulty and my willingness to push past fear and try the climb again. It was a reminder of the greater lessons to be learned in challenging situations and made me understand that sometimes I must take a risk in order to reach new heights.

The outdoors contains many challenges, but they are also a source of balance and calm for me. Shinrin-yoku, the Japanese phrase for forest bathing, is the process of walking in the outdoors, a process that improves one’s health and mood. Being in nature is my time away from technology and social media, and a way to gain a better understanding of how life works. Through my time outdoors, I have learned about animal and plant life. For example, I have learned to avoid cow parsnip in the sun. (A person can develop second-degree burns if the juices of an Alaskan cow parsnip plant touches uncovered skin that is later exposed to the sun.) When I am outside, I feel calm, yet eager for discovery. I become renewed and can see the world in its many contrasts.

I have joined groups to explore the outdoors from Alaska to New Zealand to California and back home. I have hiked up and down the West Coast. In addition to conquering the physical demands of trails, being in the wilderness has taught me how to make friends with all kinds of people. The telling and retelling of stories is an important part of these trips and creates lasting memories. Listening to others’ adventures reminds me that I am not the only one who has felt fear while crossing a cold and raging river, or the only one who has had to overcome exhaustion on a long backpack. By sharing our stories, we formed a bond as strong as the rope that connected me to my ice climbing guide on that Alaskan glacier, and those bonds remind me that I can overcome fear and doubt, and climb ever higher.

As I consider my love for the outdoors, my mind wanders about how I can incorporate my passion into my college studies. In my high school AP French class, I created a video that examined the French and American government’s response to climate change and researched how rising temperatures could lead to dramatic flooding. The project inspired me to adopt more of a global perspective on international issues. I now see myself pursuing environmental science and taking a multifaceted approach to understanding climate change. Despite political differences, we must remember that care and understanding of our environment is a global issue. I am excited to pursue the sciences and discover more about our physical world.