Adventure Treks was such an amazing experience! William enjoyed the beautiful outdoors in the Pacific Northwest with such a wide variety of activities in a safe but challenging setting. His sense of responsibility and confidence as well as his ability to communicate in an electronics-free environment is always seen when he returns from camp. He felt a strong friendship with many of the other students; they’re all staying in touch still.

I do not think there is a way to describe Mary’s adventure. She grew as a human being. She learned to take care of herself and, more important, to take care of others. That group of young adults left with a bond that we do not understand. They respect each other and left with no “guards” up. They got to know people they would not always know in the real world and did not want to leave them to come home. No one was judging them or cared what they did back at home—it was all about the time there.

We worried we would never see our daughter again because she was so extremely happy in the mountains! She said the people were the best part of the whole experience. Every time we ask what her favorite part of the trip was, she starts with one thing and then it becomes 10 favorite things.

The trip this year served as an amazing transition to high school for my 14-year-old. She had time to reflect on who she was in middle school, challenged herself connect with like-minded friends, and thought about who she wants to be in high school. There is nothing like 20 days in the wilderness to help a teen be clearer in their priorities… away from school pressures, away from social media and phones, and away from us, their parents! I knew our daughter would be changed. I’m so pleased with the small changes I’ve observed in her: community-minded, loving the outdoors even more, enjoying cooking, and using her phone less!

Adventure Treks is the best money you can spend on your child! Not only did my daughter see some spectacular scenery, but she grew as a person in every way—from the huge sense of accomplishment they get when they reach the summit after a hard hike, to the amazing support they get from the instructors, to the strong bonds they build with other students. She came home feeling sad because she was camp-sick and missing her friends, but she had a new sense of confidence that I’ve never seen before.

Aidan came back with a greater appreciation for us, the environment, establishing independence, and acknowledging and seeing the importance of responsibility. He said his community was amazing, incredible, loving, supportive, open, and fun.

We are so happy to have found Adventure Treks. George’s time in the Pacific Northwest was challenging yet fun. He met wonderful friends and saw beautiful sights. I love that he was outside for three weeks.