SUMMER TRAVEL PROGRAMS FOR TEENS

Explore Colorado and earn your Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification with NOLS – the leader in wilderness medicine courses.

• Hone your Wilderness Advanced First Aid skills and earn your WAFA certification
• Discover what kinds of preventative health measures can be used to save lives in the great outdoors
• Shadow and learn from community members and experts in the field
• Enjoy hikes in the Colorado wilderness, a bucket list item for nature enthusiasts
• Take to the water on a kayaking or river rafting excursion
• Designed for teens ages 16-19

On this program you will learn how Wilderness Advanced First Aid can make a meaningful difference for those who travel into remote environments, all amongst the beautiful panoramic views of Colorado. Earning your Wilderness Advanced First Aid certification is a perfect stepping stone to those who want to enter into the health field. Not only does it provide you with basic life skills to care for yourself, but also educates you on health concepts in a very hands-on way. Going through this certification experience on-program is as enriching and empowering as it is challenging. This opportunity is ideal for those who want to travel or work in the wilderness in the future and stay healthy while traveling.

Journey to tropical Hawaii, where you’ll learn to protect its abundant ocean life and discover a traditional Hawaiian culture that is very much alive today.

• Visit Haleakala National Park, home to the world’s largest dormant volcano
• Snorkel and sail in the clear waters of the Pacific
• Learn to hula dance and participate in a traditional luau
• Protect endangered sea turtles where they nest through participating in data collection, tracking methods and habitat restoration alongside biologists
• Journey along the iconic Road to Hana and take in the sights along the way
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will explore a side of Hawaii that most will never see as you work to preserve some of the world’s most threatened wildlife. The island of Maui is home to five of the world’s seven species of sea turtle, most of which are classified as endangered. Poachers, habitat destruction, and climate change have threatened the “honu” (the Hawaiian name for sea turtle) as well as other ocean creatures that rely on the delicate marine ecosystem for survival. Learn all about these creatures as you help to restore their home and pave the way for future generations.

Marine wildlife faces threats to their habitat, including whales, sharks, seals, turtles, manatees and sea lions. It is up to us to protect them.

• Be immersed in Florida’s many unique ecosystems
• Contribute to service projects supporting coastal areas and abundant wildlife
• Get up-close with manatees on a snorkeling adventure
• Learn about sea turtle conservation and research
• Enjoy a camping excursion to the island of Cayo Costa
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will work on projects on and near the Florida coast with organizations and individuals that have been in the region for decades. Expected to face some of the most severe impacts of sea level rise in the coming decades, wildlife and habitats here need your help! Central Florida provides unique opportunities for students to study the effects of climate change on the oceans, as well as the how challenges such as invasive species, agricultural pollution, overfishing and water quality lead to threatened species. And don’t forget to have some fun too while you’re in the Sunshine State. Beautiful beaches and palm-tree lined streets await you at every turn.

Designed with thrill-seekers in mind, with a mix of meaningful community service and pulse-pounding adventure.

• Explore picturesque Utah, spending half your time rafting and camping
• Support service and restoration efforts along the Colorado River
• Work on the famous ‘Whole Enchilada’ bike trail, a one-of-a-kind mountain biking route with international recognition
• Hike through Arches National Park, famed for its more than 2,000 stunning natural stone/rock formations
• Go on a multi-night river rafting expedition
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will experience the myths and modern day realities of the American West. During your time in Utah, you’ll discover not only what a unique state this is, but how immensely its ecosystems have shaped its world-famous landscape. From an excursion to Arches National Park to days on end spent alongside the Colorado River, you will be outdoors for a good portion of this program, and be exploring every nook and cranny of the Utah wilderness. Support environmental stewardship projects, assist with ADA-compliant access to trails and facilities, and begin to develop your own personal leadership style by facing challenges in the great outdoors.

Journey to the Last Frontier and explore Alaska’s great wilderness while immersing yourself in learning about the 49th state’s majestic wildlife and participating in wildlife conservation activities.

• Get up close and personal with unique Alaskan wildlife
• Visit wildlife conservation facilities featured on the TV show “Alaska Animal Rescue!”
• View wildlife during hiking, river rafting, a marine cruise, and a backcountry train ride
• Become a citizen scientist for an endangered species
• Learn about traditional customs of Alaska’s Indigenous Natives
• Designed for teens ages 14-19

On this program you will be immersed in experiences involving many of Alaska’s iconic wildlife species. See and learn about a large variety of terrestrial and marine wildlife, their biology, and the threats they face. You will also help in animal care and habitat restoration activities in this largest U.S. state (so large, in fact, that if it was divided in half, each half would still be larger than any other state). Because it’s so big, we’ll keep our trip focused on exploring the southcentral region. Hike to a glacier, raft a river, take a wildlife cruise, ride a train, pan for gold, and meet some sled dogs!