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.

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.

"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.

Surrounded by more than 5 million acres of the White River National Forest, our summer camp is nestled at the confluence of the Colorado River and Sweetwater Creek just 50 miles northwest of Vail, Colorado. This location is superb for an exciting outdoor adventure camp. With our summer camp on the Colorado River we are able to provide daily rafting trips. Plus, the White River National Forest provides a majestic setting for many fun-filled days of horseback riding, mountain climbing and backpacking. In fact, our summer camp has access to most of the scenic wonders and adventures available throughout Western Colorado and Utah.

Our Colorado adventure camp programs have non-stop activities. Campers choose morning and afternoon activities including horseback riding, white water river rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, rappelling, trap shooting, fishing, archery, climbing wall, ropes course and hiking.

The summer camp experience kicks into high gear. Each camper goes on a number of overnight trips and all-day trips. The first trip each session is a three-day cabin camp-out. This trip is not co-ed. Another trip is a 4 or 5-day extended trip. Each camper makes an individual choice according to his or her interests. The extended trips choices include of caving, mountain climbing, horseback riding and white water rafting