OUT NOW: TeenLife’s Guide to Gap Year Programs 2024!
If you long to climb a mountain, sleep under the stars, hike through a national park, or learn outdoor survival skills, these outdoor and adventure summer programs will fit the bill. Some are based in traditional summer camps, others take give teens a chance to explore the backwoods of states as diverse as New York and Hawaii. Wildness adventures will help you develop skills like leadership and ingenuity that will serve you well in college, while you’re making new friend and having fun.
At Keala Foundation, our Teen Initiative Adventure program is designed to provide impactful experiences that allow children to explore their personal potential while becoming capable and confident members of the world. Our Program offers teenagers between the ages of 13-18 who are looking for an experience of a lifetime, to serve and learn about a culturally driven community. ..(more)
For 12+ years, Breakwater Expeditions has been a beacon of transformative experiences for families and teens, offering tailor-made outdoor programming. Our unique summer teen trips invite teens to explore the untamed wilderness alongside their peers, guided by skilled professionals. Teens are empowered to learn how to work as a team within a new environment. A journey of self-discovery, resilency, and adaptability happens organically while friendships are built to last forever...(more)
For over twenty six years, Broadreach has taken middle and high school students on life-changing learning adventures all over the world. What makes Broadreach really special are the things you’ll learn and the changes you’ll see in yourself...(more)
The Montana Wilderness School is a 501(c)3 nonprofit outdoor education organization based in Bozeman, Montana, providing multi-week transformative and empowering wilderness expeditions for youth ages 14-18...(more)
Quaystage Sail Camps are more than just another summer camp! Created by a team of experienced teachers and sail trainers, our high-imapct sailing adventures for teens are designed to educate, challenge and empower young people!..(more)
Travel to Oaxaca, Mexico for a transformative adventure! Hike in the cool cloud forests of the Sierra Sur mountains. Stay in log cabins and learn about the forest from indigenous guides. Attend surf camp in world-famous Puerto Escondido. Learn to surf or perfect your skills. Participate in other aquatic activities...(more)
Arcos Journeys Abroad, a division of Arcos Learning Abroad, is dedicated to working with and serving participants 14-18 years of age. The Arcos family of programs is a global education community committed to positive change through transformative international education experiences. We provide intentional study-abroad programming with the participant at heart. ..(more)
Build your leadership and wilderness skills by exploring the untouched wilderness of America’s “Last Frontier.” Backpack through the backcountry in the shadow of snow-peaked mountains. Visit multiple national parks and spot moose, grizzly bear, orcas, and humpback whales in their natural habitat. Make lifelong memories with new friends while whitewater rafting and ice climbing on a glacier! Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime!..(more)
Trek across the striking landscapes of Galicia in northern Spain. Experience this centuries old pilgrim’s path. Hike village to village through the countryside before arriving to Santiago de Compostela and the shrine of St. James. Explore ancient churches and monasteries along the way. Sync mind, body, and spirit as you walk your Camino!..(more)
Mountains, beach, and Spanish culture! Summit the Mulhacén, the tallest peak on the Iberian peninsula. Go canyoneering in the slot canyons of the Rio Verde. Mountain bike through centuries-old olive orchards above the Alhambra palace. Try your hand at rock climbing and participate in aquatic activities on Spain’s stunning Mediterranean coastline...(more)
A Raleigh Expedition in South Africa is a truly unique international experience for 17-24 year olds. Join young volunteers from across the world and gain skills, experiences, and friends that will last you a lifetime. To date we have sent over 55,000+ young people on a Raleigh Expedition, this includes people like Prince William and Princess Kate, and the British Astronaut Tim Peake. ..(more)
Explore magnificent rock formations of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, uncover ancient history in Mesa Verde, surf towering dunes of Great Sand Dunes National Park. Challenge yourself with exciting activities like climbing, canyoneering and rafting in Moab and learn about the important role of wolf conservation and the efforts being made to protect these magnificent creatures. Hike to new heights in the mountains of Colorado!..(more)
Founded in 1973, Wilderness Adventures provides teenagers with the opportunity to travel to the world's most pristine destinations with outstanding leaders, participate in once-in-a-lifetime activities and develop leadership, self-confidence, self reliance and lasting 21st century skills...(more)
A Raleigh Expedition in Costa Rica is a truly unique international experience for 17-24 year olds. Join young volunteers from across the world and become part community of a 55,000+ strong Raleigh Alumni. ..(more)
Travel to Patagonia for the peak of South America’s ski season. The program is based at Cerro Catedral in Bariloche. This is a premiere winter sports destination. Participants will have daily ski and snowboard activities. The program includes a Buenos Aires excursion for some culture and city life before hitting the mountain slopes!..(more)
