Since 1973, Wilderness Ventures has been conducting exciting expeditions for beginners and experienced young adults, ages 13 through 20. Expeditions visit a variety of wilderness environments in the Western United States, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Australia, Central & South America, and the South Pacific for extended periods. Students learn outdoor and group leadership skills as well as gain an appreciation for various wilderness environments. Activities include backpacking, whitewater rafting & kayaking, mountaineering, biking, sailing, SCUBA, canoeing, sea kayaking, and community service. Participants come from nearly every state and several countries. Enrollment is limited, and applicants must submit school references prior to admission. Previous wilderness experience is not necessary.

"I had such an amazing time. I don't think my friends will quite believe me or grasp the immensity of my experience." Baldwin, Little Rock, Arkansas

Inspiring journeys for young adults in the American Southwest and Costa Rica. A mature and experienced staff (average age of 27) lead small groups of 12 students on a series of expeditions into the rugged and beautiful landscapes of the canyons, rivers, and mountains of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and the rain forests, beaches, and rural villages of Costa Rica. Deer Hill's 4:1 student to staff ratio provides personalized attention and instruction during two to four-week long programs which offer a variety of challenge and a progression of skill development. Activities include rafting, canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, rock climbing, mountain biking, Spanish language study and leadership initiatives. Essential to each group's experience is a service learning project (in most cases applicable to high school credit). Students work on cross-cultural projects with Navajo, Hopi and Zuni people in the Southwest U.S., and homestays in Costa Rica; or conservation projects with the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management. Students have the opportunity to learn new life skills, live within another culture, and make deeper connections with their group, the Earth and themselves. Deer Hill is for young people wishing to expand their horizons through the physical and mental challenges of living in the wilderness, and making new friends in a non-competitive atmosphere of respect and fun. Deer Hill has been reviewed and is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education.

When it comes to unforgettable summers AAVE -All About Visiting Earth has been leading the teen adventure travel industry since 1976. Our vision empowers high school students to feel alive, competent and part of a self-motivated team. Enjoy world class expeditions in rock climbing, white water rafting, backpacking, biking, sailing, kayaking, horse packing and service projects. Our hallmark is responsibility, commitment and inspirational leadership. Phone interview and references are required. Join us in Alaska, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Europe, Colorado, Thailand, Australia, England, California, Washington state, Africa and beyond. More locations. More adventures. Trips of a lifetime.

Surrounded by spectacular wilderness areas and stunning peaks, Big Spring Ranch for Boys and High Trails Ranch for Girls lie at an elevation of 8700 feet in the center of Colorado, 35 miles west of Colorado Springs. The camps own more than 6000 acres of open pine forest, wildflower meadows and rocky bluffs, an unparalleled setting for outdoor adventures. Trips of 1 to 5 days on and off the camp property are an integral part of the camp experience and provide for great fun, adventure and learning.

OWA is a serious program for motivated beginners and experienced participants looking for advanced instruction in a variety of adventure sports. Professional, experienced guides offer top instruction while keeping things fun and interesting. Accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association and The Association for Experiential Education.

Camp Tzivos Hashem is a travel camp, with a central base in Denver, Colorado. During the summer the camp travels throughout the Southwestern United States. While the majority of time is be spent touring Colorado and Utah, the camp also explores other states such as Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada.
Designed for kids between the ages of 10 an d 15, the camp provides a program fit for the age group. Dissimilar to a teen touring program, CTH is most accurately described as being “a camp with wheels”.
Though constantly changing locations, the program focuses on experiencing rather than sightseeing. Rather than rushing in and out of places the camp takes its time to live the experience at each encounter. The activities done are unique to each place traveled, whether it’s rafting on the Great Salt Lake, a Football game in Yellowstone, or Alpine sliding in the Rocky Mountains. The intense flow of summer fun continues day after day. Travel time is usually limited to around two hours a day and will normally not be done at once.
Our day starts early in the morning and therefore we make sure campers get plenty of sleep at night. All weeknights are spent in campgrounds. Campers will sleep in warm, comfortable, and spacious cabin tents with air mattresses or pads. We carry with us a large number of tents; each will house no more than four campers. Counselors’ tents will be in close proximity to campers’ tents and will be marked. This allows for quick counselor access should a problem arise during the night. Campers’ tent assignments will always be members from his bunk to allow for age appropriate socialization. Before bedtime every night we try to have a campfire under the stars to let the days events culminate. The majority of campgrounds that we stay at are equipped with showers and other amenities to take care of individual needs. As we plan to travel through many places and try not to have long travel time during the day, we occasionally will do an all night drive in the bus (this will be done very rarely).

The Girls' Wilderness Program offers courses that strengthen the courage, confidence and leadership skills of teen girls through outdoor skills, expressive arts and solid friendships, in a "girl-positive" environment. Four- to 12-day courses include backpacking, rock climbing, hiking and expressive arts through a curriculum developed specifically for girls age 8-18.

Tuition is $490-$1,420 and includes all gear, clothing and food. Generous full and partial scholarships are available. Mature female staff with safety focus and extensive experience working with teen girls. Courses run June-August, begin in Boulder, and take place in Colorado and Southern Wyoming. AEE accredited.

2009 Girls’ Wilderness Program Schedule includes:

ADVENTURE CAMP for ages 12-13 (or entering 7th and 8th grades). 6-day wilderness sampler courses include rock climbing, a three-night backpacking trip, art projects, and an optional peak climb. Dates: June 10-15, June 24-29, July 8-13, July 13-18, August 5-10.

ADVENTURE DAYS for ages 9-11 (or entering 5th and 6th grades). Four consecutive one-day adventures offer a great introduction to hiking, rock climbing, expressive arts and the wilderness. Dates: June 15-18 or August 4-7.

WILDERNESS EXPEDITIONS for ages 14-17 (or entering 9th-11th grades). 8-day backpacking courses in Wyoming include a wide range of outdoor skills, an introduction to rock climbing and the chance to climb Medicine Bow Peak at 12,013 feet. Dates: July 7-14 or July 27-August 3.

WILD THINGS Expressive Arts Courses for ages 13-16 (or entering 8th-11th grades). Three options:
Wild Art ~ 6-day backpacking course with an emphasis on art and creativity; includes photography, drawing, finding art in nature and stretching your creative energy. No artistic expertise necessary. Dates: June 17-22.

Wild Moves ~ 6-day backpacking trip focusing on self-expression through a variety of physical activities, including yoga, rock-climbing, and dancing to learn to love what your body can do. Dates: June 27 – July 2.

Wild Voices ~ 6-day backpacking course combining music and outdoor skills, focusing on singing, making friends and having a blast. No singing experience needed. Dates: July 17-22.

ROCK CLIMBING CAMP for ages 14-17 (or entering 9th-12th grades). 4-day rock climbing, camping and outdoor skills course at Vedauwoo, a renowned climbing site in southern Wyoming. Dates: July 22-25.

LATINA GIRLS COURSE for ages 13-16 (or entering 8th-11th grades). 6-day outdoor experience with other Latina girls includes rock climbing, art projects, an overnight backpacking trip, and an optional peak climb in the company of other Latina girls and women. Dates: July 24-29.

LEADERSHIP COURSE for ages 15-17 (or entering 10th-12th grades). This 12-day expedition provides a more advanced backcountry experience with a focus on sharpening leadership skills. Includes rock climbing and extended backpacking trip in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness area. Dates: July 31 - August 11.

DAUGHTER-PARENT ADVENTURES for ages 8+. Girls hike with their mom or dad and have fun exploring alpine terrain while practicing basic map and compass navigation, learning how to pack for mountain weather conditions, and gaining skills for future adventures together. Dates: Snowshoeing - February 21, Fly Fishing - June 28 or Rock Climbing - August 8