Making the decision to embark on an Adventure Treks trip for the first time can be a little unnerving and scary; after all, many of our new students have never done an outdoor trip before! We applaud our students’ choices to step outside of their comfort zone to do something completely new, including meeting new people from all over the country and world; trying outdoor activities like mountain biking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and backpacking; and living in a close community for two to four weeks at a time.

We recently asked our returning students and parents and alumni for their best advice for new students coming to Adventure Treks for the first time. As usual, they delivered with heartfelt, thoughtful comments! Below is part 3 of our advice series.

Any advice for packing and organizing the duffel bag?

“Use Ziploc bags or stuff sacks to organize different types of clothing and activities; this is really helpful when doing laundry and packing for different activities.” – Alex F., student from Winnetka, IL (2 trips)

“Keep your pants, shirts, underwear, socks, and jackets all in separate stuff sacks, and pack extra Ziploc bags for wet items. On the trip, put all your clothes in a trash bag in case it rains and the tarp doesn’t get put up in time. If you can get most of your clothes washed on laundry day, it’ll keep them from getting gross and gives you more options. Pack leggings for hanging around camp and make sure to pack a pair of sweatpants or pajama pants that you can keep in the bottom of your sleeping bag with a long-sleeved T-shirt. It makes sleeping more comfortable and clean because you aren’t sleeping in the clothes you wore that day. And make sure your flashlight works, or bring two. Mine died the first night of our first backpack, but luckily I had a tent light to use.” – Serena G., student from Erie, CO (1 trip)

“Just pack what is on the list. AT makes it easy! My kids did not use everything each year, but they never complained that they were missing something. My kids lost things in the bottom of their duffel bags, but found them again before the end of the trip. We had shoes that didn’t make it back home, but… oh well, that is part of it! Just don’t send anything you are super attached to. Kids have a way of misplacing things…” – Laura Cattabriga, parent from Miami Beach, FL (4 trips)

“Stick to the packing list. Our first year, I made our daughter take extra stuff, which she never used, and I still had to wash it all on her return. The stuff sacks are a really good idea; they help keep thing semi-organized in the duffel. Some things will get lost, but don’t worry about it; they sort themselves out and nothing is intentionally lost. These days, she packs her own bag.” – Anne and Roland Hooley, parent from Pinecrest, FL (3 trips)

“The first trip I went on, I made the mistake of not organizing my duffel, and by the end, my clothes looked like a giant salad in my bag. I couldn’t find clean clothes, and the lack of organization made it hard to get ready each day. If you organize all of your clothes into labeled Ziploc bags and bring a laundry bag, you can avoid chaos in your duffel. This will help you get ready quickly and efficiently, and even help the group out as a whole when we are trying to leave a campsite in a rush!” – Megan S., student from Franklin Lakes, NJ (4 trips)

“Try not to overpack, and pack everything very tightly into your duffel. Bring a laundry bag and synthetic clothing. And if you can, bring a waterproof duffel. Also, make sure your duffel isn’t too big, because you will be passing them around in a fireline fashion every night.” – McCallum K., student from Durham, NC (2 trips)

“Packing for an AT trip can be overwhelming, but they provide great packing lists. Don’t take anything they don’t list. And, as we have found in the past, our kids returned without even wearing some of the clothes they packed! (Remember, they don’t shower that often.) The gear doesn’t need to be the high price variety; look for deals. Plan ahead, and don’t wait until the last minute to order/find the items on the list. Most important, get good hiking boots early and BREAK THEM IN! A good quality duffel bag works great, and then we used a couple small, hard-sided containers (made for camping) inside the duffel to keep the small items that might be prone to damage in good order and to keep them organized!” – Michelle and Wade Eichhorn, parents from Ely, IA (6 trips)

“If you aren’t sure you need something (and it’s not on the packing list), it’s probably not worth the space. You’ll regret every extra item whenever you have to search through your duffel. Flair is the exception—bring as much you want!” – Erin H., student from Hendersonville, NC (3 trips)

“Organize things into Ziploc bags and label them. Once you have all your bags done, put the ones you are least likely to use on the bottom, along with any non-clothing bulky items, and the things you are going to use the earliest at the top. The list given to you is everything that you will need; overpacking just makes it harder to repack your duffel everyday. Before bringing something not on the list, think to yourself whether you are really going to use it. Don’t worry too much about anything because as long as you follow the packing list and AT’s recommendations on how to prepare, you will be well-prepared.” – Mackenna M., student from Durham, NC (2 trips)

“When you’re packing, make sure you bring things that will be comfortable to wear in the environment you’re going to, like athletic shirts and shorts… breathable clothes in general are a good idea. As for organizing, sort your clothes into categories based on articles of clothing, socks, underwear, T-shirts, etc., and put them each in a separate stuff sack. The only issue then is making sure all the sacks fit in your duffel!” – Gibson D., student from Madison, WI (4 trips)

“To pack for the first trip, I made sure I read every single instruction on what to buy and how to pack. When they give you quantities, they know exactly what is needed. And it’s exactly what fits in the duffel bag they travel with. Right quality socks and boots are of utmost importance. First year, we had her go to school with her boots to make sure they were broken into beforehand, and she was so excited she actually did it a few times.” – Hildegard Vasquez, parent from Panama (10 trips)

“Organization within the duffel is as important as the clothes inside; a duffel can become a black hole, so packing clean socks, underwear, shirts, and shorts in separate stuff sacks helped our daughter manage and balance clean and previously worn clothing. Also, a “dirty clothes” bag to take clothes out of circulation within the bag was helpful.” – Kyle Graham, parent from Erie, CO (1 trip)

“Parents need to know how smelly everything is when they come home. It may be because I have a son, but I would warn every parent to open the duffel bag outside!!! It never ceases to amaze me how bad it smells. I always send him with lots of plastic bags (big garbage bags and smaller Ziplocs) but there is always something damp with a bad odor. We laugh each time he comes home over the stink, but I have yet to come up with a packing strategy to avoid it. If someone else has one, please help me!” – Marni Eisner, parent from Winston-Salem, NC (4 trips)

“Make sure you have a Ziploc with a clean outfit for the last day because you’ll definitely want it.” – Lexi S., student from Mooresville, NC (3 trips)

“Use the list that AT provides, and definitely have all the required items. It’s helpful to pack the duffel yourself so that you’ll know where everything is! It’s not fun having to search for your lantern when dinner is waiting.” –Krithi D., student from Berkeley, CA (3 trips)

Any last-minute general advice for AT?

“Adventure Treks is the best experience I think I’ve ever had. You learn so much and do so many things in such a short period of time. Yes, some things are hard, but it is well worth it.” – Alex F.

“Don’t let any potential drama get in the way of the connections you make with people. And try not to cause drama because it takes away from the entire AT experience.” – Serena G.

“Make the best of your summer! Take advantage of every new opportunity, and always be ready to try new things!” – Claire T., student from Nashville, TN (5 trips)

“My best advice—set them free! It is an amazing experience. Our kids had lots of fun and still talk often about their adventures.” – Laura Cattabriga

“The first trip was quite daunting for us; we were new to the country and the whole camp experience, and our daughter didn’t know anyone else going. But she settled and made friends quickly. For us as parents, we couldn’t wait for that first contact. The return was hard as she didn’t settle at home for a couple of weeks, and she couldn’t stop talking about it. But it gave her a fresh outlook on life, which was refreshing. It was huge in learning to dealing with others and working things out and compromising. It has certainly given her an appetite for this type of trip: The activities are great, fun, challenging, and team-building. The food worked really well; our daughter has dietary restrictions, and we have not had any issues about it.

Great friends have been made through AT over the past two years, even when she had to leave early last year due to severe allergic reactions to something. (The staff kept us informed every step of the way with the allergic reaction and doctors’ visits; at the end of the day they could not compromise her or the rest of the group. We were very impressed with the handling of the situation.) She has managed to maintain the friendships and sees one of them at least once a year outside of camp. This has been one of the best experiences, and she has gained so much from the trips that just wouldn’t be possible otherwise. She has planned the next few summers in terms of trips with the aim of making it to Alaska. Also, we now work on the principle that no news is good news!” – Anne and Roland Hooley

“Don’t be nervous at all! I know it sounds scary to live with a group on unfamiliar faces for a few weeks, but everyone is so friendly, and it’s so much fun. Coming to AT each summer has taught me life skills that I would have never learned back at home. I have improved my social skills, and meeting new people is no longer a stressor for me. I’m also less nervous about my college interviews because I’ve learned how to talk to new people and introduce myself! But overall, words cannot describe how amazing AT is, and how much it has impacted my life. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my last few summers. I am so sad that this upcoming summer will be my last trip, but I hope to be an instructor one day to watch kids grow from all the valuable lessons taught at AT.” – Megan S.

“My best advice to new Adventure Treks families: Enjoy the process and the trip. The world is a small place these days. The chance for our kids to go out on a trip by themselves, for them to meet kids from all around our nation and the world, in a safe and supportive atmosphere, is one of the best gifts we could have given them. They are more prepared to make the big step into college and the ‘real world’ because they were put into situations that challenged them, met people with different backgrounds, and were able to partner with them to achieve goals. In the great outdoors! Without phones!!!!! And they survived, and flourished! AT is one of the best decisions we’ve made as parents.” – Michelle and Wade Eichhorn

“Final advice: Keep an open mind. You’ll meet lots of different people and you’ll want to try to get along with all of them. The same goes for the challenges you face: Stay optimistic, because the happier you are, the easier everything gets.” – Gibson D.

“Just go have fun and be yourself! You’ll be with the same people for the next few weeks, so there’s no point in being someone else. And keep a positive attitude! It really brings the group down to be negative when things get stressful. And take lots of pictures and videos!” – Audi E., student from Ely, IA (5 trips)

“When you come to AT without a friend, don’t look at it like no one here knows you. Look at it like it’s a chance to see how many friends you can make.” – Sky W., student from Willard, UT (2 trips)

“All three of our daughters have caught the AT bug. As parents, our summers are spent with the certainty that the kids are having an amazing time. We check photos and blogs we receive on a constant basis and feel so happy when we find them on a picture that shows them smiling and connecting with nature. My husband and I also love to spend time with each other and travel a bit when our house will be an empty nest. When they come back full of memories, stories, and friendships, we know their summer has been a success. Just beware, you will drop one kid off at the airport and pick up a better one at the end of each trip.” – Hildegard Vasquez

“1: Be a yes person. Say yes to anything that comes your way (unless it breaks the rules). 2: Cherish the amazing memories you’re about to make, good and bad. 3: Stay in the moment. 4: Don’t freak out when you meet your fellow students. 5: Try your absolute hardest to keep in touch with the friends you’re about to meet. 6: Write your college admissions essay about your experience (it will only help you get in). Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!” – Ian M., student from New York, NY (3 trips)

“First, fully embrace who you are and don’t hold back. Push yourself—physically, mentally, emotionally—to do things and connect with people far beyond what you thought you were capable of. There is truly something special about the AT community and environment that fully embraces you, so fully embrace yourself. And second, go through the whole experience with an open mind, an open heart, a thirst for adventure, and a drive to always be putting yourself out there, helping out, trying something new, and making the best memories out of every moment.” – Kate W., student from Erdenheim, PA (3 trips)

“Just be yourself! Don’t be afraid to try something new… if you don’t like it, you don’t like it. That is totally fine! Plus, everyone at AT will be there every step of the way experiencing the same stuff. You’re not alone!” – Remi M., student from Columbus, GA (2 trips)

“Remember, there are a lot of other people that will be in the exact same situation as you! If you’re nervous about a specific activity, like mountain biking or backpacking, I completely understand. Mountain biking is terrifying to me! The instructors are there to help you get through the activities, and I learned you don’t always have to be the best at everything. I hope you guys have an amazing trip with really good instructors and activities!” – Krithi D.

The decision to open Adventure Treks this season has been the hardest one we’ve made in our almost 30 years of working in youth development. The decision was made after many sleepless nights trying to figure which option was the best… out of no perfect options. It’s a decision made not from hubris, but with clear eyes and the belief in our mission of Adventure Treks as an important educational institution. We feel a sense of duty to serve our families when kids need community and outdoors the most.

Of course, safety comes first at Adventure Treks, which puts pressure on us as directors to work tirelessly to mitigate the risks to the best of our ability. This summer, Adventure Treks won’t exactly resemble the program we all know and love, but we firmly believe it’ll still be the fun, growth-oriented, and community-minded experience we promise every year. We’ll still have all of our great activities available, and our instructors and directors are more excited than ever to see each of our students. Bonus: By being headquartered in NC, every one of our directors will get to meet every one of our students and their parents!

How can we run Adventure Treks safely?

We’ll be opening in partnership with the Henderson County Health Department, with permission from the state of NC, and with the support of our local government. We have (exhaustively) studied the guidance from the American Camp Association and NC Department of Health and Human Services. We have diligently pursued the best information we could find.

At first, we were slightly daunted; could we simultaneously adhere to the guidelines while keeping Adventure Treks a fun, exciting, and magical place to be with friends?

We meet the CDC requirements to operate based on their decision tree. We’ve had countless discussions and brainstorms with our medical director (Dr. Andrew Morris at Blue Ridge Community Health), other directors in our industry, and members of the health department, and we’ve run through endless “what if” scenarios to leave no stone unturned.

Adventure Treks has always been a small-group program, meaning our students already spend the majority of time in groups of 30 or fewer people. This year, we are reducing group size to 16 students and five instructors, with backcountry groupings of eight students and two instructors. This also means that under the new guidelines, the changes we’ll have to make are far less radical than the changes other, larger organizations would have to implement.  Our trip groups have always essentially been quarantined in the wilderness from the outside world, anyway!

After all this… we realized that we can meet those guidelines, and of any program we can think of , it won’t be that hard to make Adventure Treks still feel like Adventure Treks. Only the scenery (and the humidity) will change, as we will only be operating in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.

Why not just close for the summer?

We have sheltered in place, continue to wear face coverings in public, and have deep respect for the consequences of COVID-19. We know people who have gotten sick with mild symptoms, and others who fell extremely ill. We have friends whose relatives have died from the virus. We take COVID-19 very seriously.

But we have also seen the mental health effects that this pandemic has brought on kids, and we’ve reviewed disturbing data about double-digit increases in societal anxiety and depression. (See this Wall Street Journal article and these Kaiser Family Foundation stats.) We know how much the Adventure Treks community means to our students, and for this age group (at least, looking at what my family needs), the benefits of Adventure Treks outweigh the risks.

Adventure Treks is a magical place for teens to just be kids, have fun, and disconnect from the pressures they face every day. We feel obligated to use the outdoors for their betterment. We believe we can create a carefully isolated “Adventure Treks bubble” that’s separate from the outside world, where for 10 to 23 days kids don’t have to worry about COVID-19. They can explore the outdoors, learn from caring role models, and greet old friends and make new ones. While no one can guarantee a place free from COVID-19, we think we can create a place that’s safer than most, if not all, typical summer alternatives (like beaches, amusement parks, campgrounds, even sports tryouts).

We know life isn’t returning to normal anytime soon; we don’t even know what’s going to happen with schools this fall. It’s very possible we could be facing this same decision about opening AT in 2021… if we don’t take the initiative now to figure it out.

Taking reasonable risks

The easiest decision, in terms of eliminating all risk, would be to close AT for summer 2020. But we don’t think that’s the best or ultimately the safest decision for our students. Risk is an inevitable and unavoidable part of life. Acceptable and reasonable risk can only be defined in relation to perceived benefits while weighing the alternative risks of different courses of action.

We have been mitigating outdoor risk all our lives. Some activities we do on a regular basis (driving in Washington state, rafting the Middle Klamath River, and mountain biking in Oregon, for example) are statistically more dangerous than the current probability of consequences from COVID-19, if contracted by those in our students’ age group. While we realize there is far greater uncertainty with COVID-19 than, say, influenza, when we compare risks and benefits for kids who love camp, we would always choose letting our kids participate versus stay at home. (Here’s a WSJ article on the evidence of kids and COVID-19 and another on influenza vs. COVID-19.)

We didn’t make this decision rashly. And with the programming modifications we’ve made thus far, including operating later in the summer, significantly reducing overall capacity to 35 percent, and testing and quarantining our instructors and directors for two weeks, we can reduce much of the risk at Adventure Treks.

What’s next?

We are moving ahead carefully. We are well-connected within the camp and outdoor industry. Many traditional summer camps in the South will open an entire month earlier than us, so we’ll watch them carefully to learn from their successes and failures. If at any time we feel that the risks become too great, we will change our decision. We are also continuing to watch the outside world and data from the state of North Carolina. We hope to be in phase three with fewer restrictions when AT opens. Should numbers in NC take a turn for the worse in the month ahead, that may affect how we move forward.

The choice of whether to attend AT this summer (and the reasons behind that choice) will be unique to each family. We respect whatever decision families make, and we know coming to Adventure Treks may not be the right choice this year for some of you. (And if that’s the case, we’ll welcome you with open arms in 2021.) For those of you joining us in 2020, we will rely on an enhanced partnership with parents that begins with the shared belief that life and AT can never be 100 percent certain, and that this year there are more unknowns than ever. In short, we believe that every family has different circumstances and must weigh the benefits and risks to decide if AT is a “reasonable risk.”

We promise to do our very best, but again, even if we could test every student several times, no system will be foolproof. We are counting on parents to do all in their power to bring healthy students to us. The biggest risk may come after AT, and keeping AT students away from vulnerable populations for two weeks once they return home is a critically important responsibility

We will continue to study the science and run the best possible program while mitigating as much risk as we can. We are working incredibly hard and doing all in our power to continue to create a special place for our students. If you missed it, you can view our new 2020 Standards of Care here. We encourage you to read both thoroughly to understand what we’re doing differently this summer. We are here for you; call us anytime at 888-954-5555 with questions.

Making the decision to embark on an Adventure Treks trip for the first time can be a little unnerving and scary; after all, many of our new students have never done an outdoor trip before! We applaud our students’ choices to step outside of their comfort zone to do something completely new, including meeting new people from all over the country and world; trying outdoor activities like mountain biking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and backpacking; and living in a close community for two to four weeks at a time.

We recently asked our returning students and parents and alumni for their best advice for new students coming to Adventure Treks for the first time. As usual, they delivered with heartfelt, thoughtful comments! Below is part 1 of our advice series.

Any general advice for students (or their parents!) who might be a little nervous about attending AT for the first time?

“Going to Adventure Treks [in 2019 for the first time], I had many of these same worries. Don’t make any assumptions on what an activity or people will be like. For example, last summer I was not excited for the rafting trip because my family rafted once and it wasn’t very fun. At AT, though, the rafting was one of my favorite activities, and I wished that I didn’t dread it the whole trip because it totally was not what I expected.” – Alex F., student from Winnetka, IL (2 trips)

“The first day can be kinda awkward, especially when you don’t really know anyone. But don’t be afraid to put yourself out there to make a new friend—it’s totally worth it!” – Serena G., student from Erie, CO (1 trip)

“Like all first-timers, our granddaughter was apprehensive about what to expect the first time. But rest assured, the Adventure Treks team—in the office and on the ground with the kids—really know how to assure that each and every teen has a wonderful experience. Your children (and grandchildren) will come back to you so much more grown-up, self-assured, and independent—and the growth each year is a wonder to see. The most difficult part of the trip is the first few days when they return; it is an adjustment coming back to reality and, of course, they miss their friends. Our granddaughter most of all loves the lasting friendships she has made, the instructors being a close second to her peers; she also finds the beauty in the wilderness, the challenges that come up, and working together as a team so fulfilling. And, she barely misses her cell phone! Her grandfather, mother, and I can’t say enough good things about this program and can’t wait to hear all about her California Challenge this year!” – Susan Norwalk, grandparent from Norwalk, CT (3 trips)

“It is perfectly normal to be nervous! The first day at AT may seem overwhelming, but remember that everyone is nervous. Everyone there is looking to make friends, so reach out—and before you know it, you will have met some of your best friends!” – Claire T., student from Nashville, TN (5 trips)

“The first thing I would say to any new AT parent is that your kids are stronger and more resilient than you realize. This is the moment for them to try new things, test new skills, and have their own adventures. They need to do this without us always looking over their shoulders. We need to love them enough to let them make their own mistakes and have their own success. It is also really important for teens to see life beyond the bubble they usually live in, beyond their comfort zone. The experience reminds them that there are many ways to live, and they are strong and capable of adapting and flourishing! Finally, AT allows kids to join a new community with no preconceived notions about who they are or who they are not. They have the chance to meet and bond with kids and instructors in a neutral setting that allows for real friendships to evolve. AT is a great reminder that life is about more than stuff. It is about who you are and not what you have.” – Laura Cattabriga, parent from Miami Beach, FL (4 trips)

“I have met some of my best friends at AT, and I still talk to people that I met on my first trip three years ago. Also, I have had many reunions with some of my best friends, and I FaceTime the ones that live far away. I can’t imagine my life without some of my friends from AT. And each summer I get to reunite with my friends with previous trips. Running up to your best friends and hugging them after not seeing each other for a year is an amazing feeling. I can’t wait to see some of my friends in Alaska this summer!” – Megan S., student from Franklin Lakes, NJ (4 trips)

“First off, it’s normal to be a bit nervous for first-time adventures—we certainly were. But rest assured, the AT staff have the travel stuff VERY well organized. From the moment your child gets on the plane, they are tracking flights; they give great directions regarding flight times, travel tips, and how and when the instructors will meet your child. They make sure your child checks in with you via phone when they are all together so that you can rest assured they aren’t wandering the airports. When our daughter went on her first trip with AT, I traveled with her to the Denver airport. As soon as we got off the plane, we met up with one of her instructors and then she was on her way. I was able to fly back knowing that she was in good hands, and confident that she was beginning a trip of a lifetime. In this day and age, one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids is to provide safe, guided challenges—getting to know strangers in the wilderness is just one of those challenges! As our daughter leaves for college this fall, I have no worries about how she will do in a setting with new people she doesn’t know.” – Michelle and Wade Eichhorn, parents from Ely, IA (6 trips)

“My general advice if you’re feeling nervous is that it’s way easier to integrate into Adventure Treks than you think; you have no need to be worried because everyone else might be worried, too.” – Gibson D., student from Madison, WI (4 trips)

“You might be a bit nervous about people not liking you and the activities being hard or boring, but you should keep in mind that everyone else is giving you a chance—so you should give them a chance, too. The activities are not meant to be easy… they are meant to help you grow, and once you’re done with them, you will be so glad you did an AT trip.” – Sky W., student from Willard, UT (2 trips)

“Just jump in! I remember that at my first year of being at Adventure Treks, I was nervous and didn’t say much for the first few days. But I think if you walk in being yourself, you’ll have nothing to worry about! Just go have fun and be yourself. You’ll be with the same people for the next few weeks, so there’s no point in being someone else. And keep a positive mindset! It really brings the group down to be negative when things get stressful. Take lots of pictures and videos!” – Audi E., student from Ely, IA (5 trips)

“We found AT via an internet search. Our oldest daughter wanted to have an outdoor summer experience, and we were scared she would go on any trip and call us a day later to ask to be brought home. I wrote to AT just because I liked their website (truly). They called me the next day and explained the whole program. I was relieved to know that my daughter did not need to be a star athlete and that trips were gender-balanced so that she would not be the only girl on the trip. In terms of safety, to be honest, explanations were so clear that I never doubted she would be safe in their care. As the trip approached, all she had was great anticipation for what has become a way of life for her. She went on five AT trips throughout high school and has made lifelong friendships. I remember one summer where I told her that maybe as college applications were approaching, she should try a college prep summer camp. She just looked at me and said, ‘How many girls do you know have climbed Mt. Shasta?'”– Hildegard Vasquez, parent from Panama (10 trips)

“Even though our daughter grew up around Adventure Treks [as I am a former AT instructor], she was very nervous about attending her first adventure. But she found all of the online videos, blogs, and other information very helpful to ease concerns. She was also very concerned about navigating an airport on her own for the first time—we found studying online airport layouts and signs for concourses, gates and baggage claim was helpful.” – Kyle Graham, parent from Erie, CO (1 trip)

“I was lucky enough to have my older sister to give me tons of advice for my first trip, and I’ve been so lucky to find lifelong friends from all over the world! Remember, there are a lot of other people in the exact same situation as you. If you’re nervous about a specific activity, like mountain biking or backpacking, I completely understand. Mountain biking is terrifying to me! The instructors are there to help you get through the activities, and I learned you don’t always have to be the best at everything.” – Krithi D., student from Berkeley, CA (3 years)

“If it’s your first time attending AT, don’t get too nervous that it stresses you out. Once you get there, you’ll realize how amazing it is. Try to enjoy every single thing. Even it’s just a van ride or staying up late in your tent, those are honestly some of my favorite memories. Also, try to talk to every single person, and soon your trip will have inside jokes and everyone will be really close.” – Lexi S., student from Mooresville, NC (3 trips)

“James started at Adventure Treks when he was 13; he was born and raised in the same small town, in the same house, with the same people. He had never done anything outside of the family, his circle of friends, or his sports teams. When I was 13, I went with a group of about 14 kids my age (that I did not know prior) on a road trip from Virginia to Canada and back. We camped, backpacked, and whitewater rafted at many stops along the way. It had a huge impact on me that I have never forgotten, and I wanted my son to have the same experience. I researched outdoor programs on the internet and found Adventure Treks. Comparing AT to the other programs, I liked their philosophy best. The reviews almost seemed too good to be true. It was not an easy decision, and it was a monetary sacrifice. But I pushed forward and got my wish. Putting him on the plane by himself led me to wonder if I had any idea what I had done. He arrived safely, so I got over the first hurdle. The next day we received a picture of James in his new AT group. It was a little painful to see him standing apart from the group, so stiffly, hiding behind his bucket hat and sunglasses.

The next few weeks were long and lonely. However, my fears subsided each time I heard his voice on the phone. He was having such a good time that I don’t think he missed us a bit. It felt bittersweet. But when we picked him up from the airport, I knew we had made one of the best decisions for his life. He got off the airplane happy and confident… ready to take on anything. Over the next few months, conversations opened up about his adventure, the people he met, the insight he shared from his journey, and what he wanted from himself and us.

James has gone every year to Adventure Treks since then. And each year was a bigger step. The first year was to the Smokey Mountains in NC, a two-hour plane trip away. The next year was to British Columbia, his first time out of the country (he was excited to get a passport). The year after that was to the Pacific Northwest (first time having to switch planes by himself).And last year, at 16, he flew to Alaska. He switched planes three times with 3- to 5-hour layovers. I kept calling him each time he landed to make sure he made the next plane, but he said, ‘Mom, I got this. This isn’t the first time I’ve flown.’ Leadership Summit will be his last trip before heading off to college. He wants to major in mechanical engineering and design and produce outdoor gear and equipment. He found his passion!

It is humbling to realize that there was something my child needed that I could not do myself. He had reached an age that a parent can not follow. All I could do was provide him with a positive experience that provided growth and opportunity. I had to TRUST: trust that we had given him enough to make the trip alone, trust our son to grow in a positive direction without our suggestions and nudges, and trust AT to do what they do best: guide young minds into becoming the best version of themselves.” – Diane Parana, parent from Berlin, MD (5 trips)

“First of all, I know flying alone can be scary; on my first trip, I had to fly alone, and that was the main thing I was nervous about. But when you get to the airport, your parents can walk you all the way up to the gate, and when you get off the plane, one of your instructors will be there to pick you up. Also, be yourself 100 percent because you will have so much more fun. I know it can be scary putting yourself out there, but it is so worth it. I would encourage new students to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Your summer with AT will be the best summer you’ve ever had, and you will want to keep coming back every year, so have fun and live it up!” – Zoey G., student from Apex, NC (4 trips)

“New parents should know that their children couldn’t be in better hands. Because I know you do everything as if it were your own children traveling on these adventures, I can rest easy knowing that Tyler is safe, secure, and active. I have watched Tyler grow with you over the years, first at Camp Pinnacle and now through three different trips with Adventure Treks.” – Marni Eisner, parent from Winston-Salem, NC (4 trips)

“Don’t worry too much about anything, because as long as you follow the packing list and AT’s recommendations on how to prepare, you will be well prepared. Once you arrive at AT, all the things that you were worrying about will seem nonexistent because you will be having so much fun and making lots of new friends.” – MacKenna M., student from Durham, NC (2 trips)

“On my first trip, I was super nervous and worried that I was not as experienced as other students going, as I live in a city and had never been backpacking—let alone camping before. However, I quickly realized everyone was so kind and helpful, and I wasn’t alone! I learned many new things and made friends instantly. By the second day of backpacking for the first time, I felt like a pro and had the time of my life!” – Natalia M., student from New York, NY (3 trips)

“I remember the first time I went on an Adventure Treks trip. The night before, I was researching everything I could find about planes because it was the first time I was going on a flight by myself. It is OK to be nervous and even more OK to do whatever you need to do to calm those nerves.” – Ian M., student from New York, NY (3 trips)

“I would say even though new students are nervous, a lot of other people are, too—even people who have been before—so just be yourself, and you will make friends really fast.” – Sophie H., student from Pinecrest, FL (3 trips)

“My daughter had never been a real ‘outdoorsy’ kid, having lived in the city her whole life. She’s active and likes a challenge and to be with other teens, but that first summer I was worried that she would not enjoy being outdoors and so disconnected from the city. We figured she’d give it a shot for one summer anyway because she had aged out of overnight camp, and I wanted her to have one full-on outdoor experience while she could.

When she called home after the first week of her California trip and told me they were sleeping outside without tents, I started profusely apologizing. She stopped me and started telling me how much fun it was, how she was enjoying the group a lot, and that it was a great trip. She never said it was easy, but she’s always valued the experience and has returned twice now. I could never have imagined that my iPhone-connected, Shake Shack–loving, nail polish–wearing teen could be so deeply engaged in the AT outdoor life.” – Julie Kay, parent from Brooklyn, NY (3 trips)

“It’s OK to be nervous! Going to a place where you don’t know anyone or the place can be scary. But all the students and instructors are very nice and welcoming. After that first long car ride to the first campsite, all your nerves will leave and you’ll be ready to have the best summer yet!” – Remi M., student from Columbus, GA (2 trips)

“You won’t understand how amazing the experience of an Adventure Treks trip is until you’ve lived it. But the second you say goodbye, you’ll understand that you’ve had an experience that has changed you in so many incredible ways. Whether it’s the best friends you’ve made, the confidence you’ve gained in yourself, or the newfound passion for adventure, you’ll leave changed in some way. So although it may be a bit nerve-wracking leading up to your first day, focus on all of the amazing people you’re going to meet, activities you’re going to do, and memories you’re going to make. Focus on all the ways you’re going to surprise yourself, all the songs you’re going to sing in the van, and all the laughs you’re going to share over the littlest things. Trust that it’s going to be the best summer of your life, and go into it ready to live every moment in the present.” – Kate W., student from Erdenheim, PA (4 trips)

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Stay tuned for our next installment of advice, to be published on Monday, May 18!

While backpacking in Washington’s Goat Rocks Wilderness, long days on the trail are unavoidable. The sub-alpine meadows and harsh, igneous cliffs provide a spectacular visual stage for backcountry travel, but the steep ridge climbing and above-treeline exposure puts even a low-mileage itinerary into a test. It is beautiful, challenging, and ultimately rewarding—in other words, a perfect setting for life lessons.

It was July 2015, a drought year in Washington, and my group of Leadership Summit students and I were at the end of a very hot, difficult, and gloriously clear, blue sky day in the Goat Rocks. Long, dusty miles had come and gone between water sources and shade that day, but finally we found ourselves at a lake as the sun was setting. When we hiked up and over the final scree pile, we saw the tents of other hikers, unoccupied sites for newcomers like us, and the staggering shock of the aquamarine lake, set like a blue diamond against the slate gray rocks. It was a paradise oasis. We all hooted with triumph, laughed out of exhaustion and relief, and set our packs down to sit in the cool glow of the water. The soft, warm light of the setting sun reflected off the snow on three different Cascades volcanoes, and I thought to myself that I had never been anywhere more impressive.

We started to get busy with the night’s necessary tasks: Students set out sleeping bags and pads to sleep under the stars and began boiling water for dinner. As the bustle of camp life hummed in the background, I pulled the map out to look at our progress and start planning for the next day. Instantly, labels on the map started jumping out at me, and a panic settled into my chest before my mind could fully register what I was reading.

A small note next to our lake indicated that the Forest Service had designated special circumstances for this lake and the campsites that surrounded it. Words like “protected” and “restricted” stuck out in stark relief, and I felt myself beginning to understand. Adventure Treks’ permits outline very specific guidelines for where we can and cannot camp, and it was quickly becoming clear that we were in a “cannot camp” area. My heart sank as I realized we had to leave, and I became very aware of how tired my legs and mind were.

I explained to my students that we had to pack up and continue hiking after dinner—that we had to go another few miles to reach an area that we were allowed to camp in, and even though we were all exhausted, we would not be able to stay the night here. They were visibly horrified, and many of them thought I was joking. After convincing them that I was not, they began complaining and trying to reason with me.

“Jack, are you sure?” “It probably just means you can’t stay more than one night. We’ll be super clean, and we’ll leave early in the morning.” “No one will ever know we were here.”

It took several minutes to help them come to grips with our reality (I had to convince myself as well), and finally we began packing up and slowly, miserably preparing to hike again. When everything was back in our backpacks, we clicked on our headlamps and began walking. The moon was out and it was a clear night; we had no trouble seeing. The red of the setting sun on the snow-covered mountains was replaced by the moonlight and an uncountable multitude of stars wheeled overhead.

With the moon illuminating the landscape, I began to see some very clear benefits of hiking at night. Seeing the world by night is different; it is new, unknown, unexplored, and gorgeous. With the sun gone, the air was cool and pleasant; only the slightest breeze blew, giving a blessed break from the ever-present thirst and heat of the day. At the back of the line, I stopped and took a deep breath, watching the string of headlamps slowly bob down the trail, a lazy flock of fireflies, and I smiled.

While working at Adventure Treks, I have had to explain the difference between hard and bad many times. It is so easy to lump them together, and the two words are often used interchangeably. However, they are different, and understanding that difference has been so useful—not only at Adventure Treks, but also in life at home. Having to leave the lake was hard, yes, but it was not bad—it was just reality. When I learned to separate the idea of a difficult thing from the idea of a bad thing, I realized I could actually like my reality.

This is a lesson I have come back to again and again during the COVID-19 lockdown. The difficulties of my life due to the new restrictions are fewer than many; I work from home, take walks in my neighborhood, and talk to my family on the phone, but with all change comes challenges. I know that I am very lucky to not be subject to the truly bad parts of this pandemic; the challenges I face are the small things that many of us are dealing with. Adjustments to a new normal, fears about the health of family and friends, the cancelling of anticipated events—all have imposed hardships on my life that I can imagine not having to think about if we did not have this coronavirus to deal with.

But then I see that this challenge is just the reality. I remember my time in the Goat Rocks (or any number of experiences with Adventure Treks) and I stop and take a breath; the stars are out there if I just look up.

My long hours in the house, anxiety in public places, and lack of socializing has been difficult, but my life is far from bad. I spend a lot of time at home, which means I can work on creative projects, something that I am always wanting more time for. I feel anxious when I am in grocery stores and other public places, but I am thankful of my body and mind for keeping me vigilant and aware. I haven’t spent time with friends right now (like going out to eat, mountain biking, or potlucking), and that just means I spend lots of time with my partner, who is a wonderful person and someone I love being with.

So I’ve learned to see that the things that challenge me are not negative—they’re just hard, and they take effort. We are going to the next campsite; this is our reality, and we can’t change that. We’re not staying at this lake, no matter how amazing and easy that would be.

So what do we make of our current reality, and how do we meet the moment? Sometimes that is all that separates hard from bad. We cannot change what is, but we can choose if we smile.

Adventure Treks is grateful to form and maintain long-term relationships with all of our families; in fact, we still keep in touch with families whose kids came to us on our very first adventures in the early 1990s! Since our inception, we’ve seen firsthand the positive impacts of outdoor adventure and community living on teenagers.

We reached out to a few families whose kids have done multiple Adventure Treks trips over the years to find out what kind of lasting impression community living and outdoor adventure have had on their kids. We were fortunate to receive many enthusiastic responses! Below, read the interview from Gregg and Katie Davidoff from Steamboat Springs, CO. Their 10th-grade daughter Emily is signed up for her 4th trip, and their 7th-grade son Jake is signed up for his 1st trip.

Our next interview will be published on Friday, May 1! If you’d like to be interviewed about your family’s Adventure Treks experiences, please email Amanda at info@adventuretreks.com—we’d be happy to hear from you!

How has AT impacted your family?

It is difficult to describe in words the impact AT has had on Emily. Her experiences from AT define her, and she lives her entire school year anticipating the next AT trip. Emily has learned life skills that will stay with her far beyond any lessons she has learned in a traditional classroom setting. She is independent and adventurous because her AT trips have challenged her and pushed her outside of her comfort zone in a safe and healthy way. Emily has an ability to work and socialize with a group of people that is certainly strengthened from the AT community living model. She knows when to lead and to support. The value of being part of a community where there is no pressure of social media, where she feels safe taking risks she would not otherwise in her everyday life cannot be overstated. As parents, we are so grateful for these invaluable experiences and relationships that Emily will no doubt carry with her through college and beyond.

We are thrilled that this summer Emily’s younger brother Jake will experience his first trip and all of the lifelong benefits that come with it. For our family, AT has become a required piece of our children’s education. Our 9-year-old already asks how long until he can take an AT trip!

What has been most valuable during Emily’s time at AT?

The relationships and friendships Emily has built with people (students and instructors!) from all over the country. The community living and outdoor adventures bond the AT community in a special and unique way. Unplugged, technology-free living creates an atmosphere where she can relax and truly be herself. It is not unusual to hear Emily say, “I didn’t even miss my phone!” when she returns home. Emily and her AT friends spend weeks backpacking and adventuring which bonds them in a way that seems like they’ve known each other forever. (On the flip side, staying connected with AT friends during the school year is a benefit of social media!) AT relationships extend beyond the kids as well! Gregg and I recently connected with some other AT parents when their families vacationed in our Colorado mountain town.

What advice do you have for first-time AT parents? 

Don’t sweat the small stuff. I remember feeling a tad overwhelmed by the packing list, so we started prepping weeks in advance—double- and triple-checking with pen and highlighter marking up that packing list. Ha! Your child will have everything they need; if not, the trip leaders and instructors will support them to find a solution.

Your child will come away stronger and more confident in their ability to handle challenges independently. I wish I had a better understanding of how emotional re-entry, or return to the “real world,” can be. Give yourself and your child grace and time to readjust! As parents, we can’t fully understand our child’s experience, but we have learned that we need to give Emily time and grace to transition from her AT community back to life at home.

If you could do an AT trip, what trip would you want to do?

Do we have to pick just one? Gregg and I would go on any AT trip, but we have to say Alaska would be high on the list! (Maybe you should start offering AT for parents!)