You did it! You took the first leap by signing your child up for Adventure Treks 2025. What an AWESOME adventure we’re all going to have this summer.
As a first-time family, it can be a little nerve-wracking sending your teenager on a 13- to 30-day trip with a new group of peers and instructors. So we asked a few returning families for advice and tips for our new families to help ease any nerves and get everyone as excited and prepared as possible. Here’s what they said!
What advice do you have for parents or students who might be a little nervous about attending AT for the first time?
“Taking advantage of the opportunity to go outside of your comfort zone, to experience the thrill of the unknown, and to explore new parts of the continent is seldom afforded to today’s youth. Being a little nervous is perfectly OK and normal! Just know that AT prioritizes safety and has super-experienced staff. And they have always focused on matching up participants with lots of other first-timers so that every kid is similarly inclined to make new friendships.” – Jeff Berger from Cabin John, MD (10 trips between 3 daughters)
“Try to relax. This trip is a dream! Call an AT family to help you relax.” – Brittany Schwartzwald from Atlanta, GA (3 trips between 2 kids)
“If you have a child who is nervous, I won’t say don’t worry (because we parents always do) but know that the instructors are AMAZING and will have your kid playing cards in the airport with other kids in five minutes. My son called to tell me he had arrived and was “under adult supervision” (as he put it jokingly) but had no time to talk to me because he already had new friends to hang out with. We are on our second trip with AT because they do such a great job. Trust their experience!” – Sarah Tueting from Naperville, IL (2 trips)
“I was so nervous about my two boys embarking on their first adventure with Adventure Treks last year. My husband had done the research, and I had talked with AT parents and the supportive directors Amanda and Dave, but still, at my core, I was just questioning if we were doing the right thing. 18 days with essentially no communication… what if they hated it, what if they were lonely, what if they didn’t get along with everyone… the worry and concern that I had didn’t stop. My husband was adamant that this would be a great adventure and would be a critical part of their adolescent development.
WOW, was he correct! The boys (age 12 and 15) had an amazing trip. They had so much fun with the group and the instructors that they literally got off the plane and asked to go back!!! I honestly couldn’t believe how much they gained from the experience. They both got out of their comfort zone and did something that they hadn’t done before. I believe that this built some confidence and some resilience within them that they will lean upon in tough times. From beginning to end, the staff at AT has been great. They are so professional and supportive of the kids and the families. They truly believe in giving our kids real experiences, without electronics, without preconceived ideas, and without judgment. From all walks of life, the kids and instructors work together to create a truly magical and meaningful trip, and I am just so incredibly grateful that we found AT and that our boys are blessed to experience another trip with them this summer.” – Amy Morosoff from San Clemente, CA (2 trips between 2 boys)
“Adventure Treks goes above and beyond to create a supportive and welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds and experience levels. From our very first experience—two weeks in Rocky Mountain National Park three years ago—my son came home already counting down the days to his next trip. If your child enjoys being outdoors, is reasonably active, and is open to being part of a team, they’ll do great. The instructors are incredible at helping everyone feel comfortable, included, and challenged in the best ways.” – Jodi Eppler from Conifer, CO (4 trips)
What lessons have you learned about packing for AT?
“You’ll never have everything you want, but you’ll have everything you need. Bring flair for special occasions! Hiking poles can be helpful.” – Jeff
“Start early. And thrift / resale/ “buy nothing” groups are your friends. You absolutely want merino wool and good waterproof things. Break in your hiking boots.” – Brittany
“Follow the packing list exactly!!!! It is perfect—my son was well prepared with what is on the list, and we followed it to the letter. We bought a lot of REI branded gear (it doesn’t have to be super pricey Patagonia), and it was great. He particularly loved the pants where the bottoms zip off into shorts. The only thing he said he would add is a camping pillow, which is a luxury, not a necessity. AT has this down to a science, and if you follow it, your child will be totally set!”
“We’ve followed the packing list each year and found it to be spot-on. With a teenage boy, I can confirm there are always a few things that come back untouched—usually extra socks and underwear! The most important things to get right are quality rain gear and solid mosquito protection. Also, duffel bags are definitely the way to go—no need for suitcases. And prepare yourself emotionally for a few lost items along the way… we’re currently down two cameras over three summers and countless pants with new holes in the knees, etc.” – Jodi
Any advice for opening day and flying to AT?
“Your AT adventure actually begins when your parents drop you off at the airport to navigate layovers and terminals. Practice leading your family through the airport, if possible, on a family vacation. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from a member of the airline staff and give yourself plenty of time. Pro tip: ask AT administrators to see if anyone from your area is on your trip and try to coordinate flights with a future friend.” – Jeff
“It’s a little stressful because everyone is feeling all their feelings. I recommend sending your most stoic adult for drop-off (not me). The most feeling parent (me) went and picked my kid up, and I loved that because I got the full download on the plane.” – Brittany
“My son prefers to arrive on the early side of the arrival window and depart in the middle of the departure window—he likes settling in early and having a little breathing room on the way home. If your child is flying, you can rest easy knowing AT staff are true pros at making travel days smooth and stress-free. On opening day, goodbyes tend to be quick by design, which actually helps the kids shift into ‘adventure mode’ and start bonding right away.” – Jodi
Any tips for how parents should spend their time while kids are away at AT?
Any tips for how parents should spend their time while kids are away at AT?“My wife spends her time looking at pictures from AT on the website, but I don’t recommend [only doing] that…” – Jeff
“Go take your own adventure!” – Brittany
“Know that no news is good news while they are away… it means your child is having a blast and doing awesome.” – Sarah
“Our son has been going to sleepaway camp since he was in first grade. So sending him off to try a new adventure with new people is secondhand for us. And we find ourselves enjoying camp prep. He looks forward to the break to travel and try new things with new people… to escape the stress and anxiety of middle school. We spend the time recharging as parents and giving our other son some undivided attention.” – Katie Porwick from Normal, IL (2 trips)
“This is probably the hardest part—for us, anyway! Even after three trips, we still anxiously wait for photo and blog updates just to catch a glimpse of our son. It’s totally normal if your child’s group doesn’t post as many pictures as others; every group is different. And try not to read too much into the photos—if your kid is standing alone or not smiling in one shot, it doesn’t mean they’re having a tough time (though I know that’s easier said than done!).” – Jodi
Any other words of wisdom?
“Make sure your kid is fit! Prep and do some practice hikes with your kid.” – Brittany
“Our son made some great friends—he is going to visit one of them in a few weeks! And a group of them decided to take this summer’s trip together. I totally underestimated the power of no names or contact before the trip so that the kids can just meet each other and get to know each other at face value, without the social media definitions that seem to follow us everywhere. It’s fantastic because they can just be who they are and make friends ‘old school’—just by hanging out and talking.” – Sarah
“One thing I would strongly encourage: Help your child be physically prepared before the trip. These adventures are physically demanding, and we’ve heard of trips being cut short or adjusted because a few students weren’t quite ready for the physical challenge. Being in shape makes the experience more enjoyable—not just for your child, but for the whole group.” – Jodi
The moment students enter high school, the pressure to start “preparing for college” is on. Between AP classes, SAT prep, extracurriculars, and summer programs, teenagers are often overwhelmed by how much they’re supposed to do just to compete in today’s crowded admissions landscape.
So how can students rise above the noise?
By showing up as their authentic, passionate, and resilient selves.
What colleges are really looking for
We’ve spoken with high school counselors, college advisors, and even admissions officers, and the message is clear and consistent: Colleges want to see more than grades and test scores. They want to understand who students are as people—what drives them, how they handle challenges, and what makes them thrive.
In a conversation with one college advisor, we learned that:
Admissions officers want students who are consistent, committed, and real. It’s not about cramming your resume with random activities—it’s about showing passion, perseverance, and growth.
Authenticity matters most in essays and interviews, where students can reflect on meaningful experiences. Demonstrating long-term engagement (i.e., consistency) matters, whether it’s through a part-time job, volunteering at the same local food pantry, or returning to a favorite summer program year after year.
How Adventure Treks fits into the college prep picture
Authenticity is where Adventure Treks alumni shine. Our students build strong, authentic communities while engaging in fun outdoor challenges. Every summer, they:
- Collaborate and problem-solve in groups
- Take on leadership roles and support their peers
- Persevere through tough hikes, inclement weather, and new physical and social environments
- Reflect on personal growth and a real sense of belonging
And they love it. Their newfound passions—combined with meaningful growth—translate powerfully on college applications.
Real skills and real stories
Whether it’s summiting Mount Shastina or St. Helens, navigating a Norwegian fjord by sea kayak, or cooking dinner for a group after two days of climbing at Oregon’s famous Smith Rock, AT students dig deep and develop independence, an optimistic mindset, and resilience. They learn to adapt, support others, and keep going even when things get tough—exactly the traits colleges want. And exactly the traits young people need in order to succeed later in life.
Their stories often become the foundation of remarkable college essays. Their essays don’t get lost in the noise because that authenticity of meaningful, real-life experience shines through.
What the experts say
Daniella Friedman, a college advisor and Adventure Treks alumni parent, shared this insight:
“Adventure Treks is a worthy experience in and of itself. Students learn grit, teamwork, and leadership, all while having fun and making lifelong friendships in the great outdoors. At the same time, participating in Adventure Treks can strengthen a student’s college applications in many ways, including enhancing their activity list and college resume, giving them something to write about in their personal statement and supplemental college essays, and obtaining a strong letter of recommendation from an AT instructor.”
She adds:
“Outdoor experiences like Adventure Treks demonstrate to a college that a student is down-to-earth, adventurous, and willing to embrace challenge. But colleges also like to see that students have “stick-to-it-iveness” and real passion. So while one summer spent backpacking with Adventure Treks looks good, several summers spent backpacking with Adventure Treks looks even better.”
View more of Daniella’s advice here and here.
Bottom line
Adventure Treks helps students become the kind of young people colleges want to admit:
- Confident in who they are
- Resilient in the face of challenge
- Grounded in real experiences and communities, not just resume padding
- Authentic in how they express their values and passions
For students wondering how to stand out in a sea of applicants, the answer may be less about adding more activities—and more about going deeper in the ones that really matter to you!