<p>My daughter will graduate HS this spring, took all her senior year classes at a community college, will still be 17 in summer. She went on a hostelling program bike trip for a month last summer, would love to do another one, and got a generous windfall from grandma so she could pay for it herself. I don't think she should immerse herself in a group of high school kids again at this point (they'll likely all be younger and she might be 3 yrs ahead of some in school) and she sees my point. Does anyone know of something that combines outdoors, travel, people around her age? Physically strenuous is good and primitive is okay (she was happy sleeping on the ground for the month). Service-oriented also good. All suggestions appreciated.</p>
<p>Outward Bound and ARCC come to mind.</p>
<p>[Outward</a> Bound - Outdoor Leadership Programs](<a href=“http://outwardbound.com/]Outward”>http://outwardbound.com/)</p>
<p>[Teen</a> Service | Teen Travel | Teen Tours | Adventure Camp](<a href=“http://www.adventurescrosscountry.com/]Teen”>http://www.adventurescrosscountry.com/)</p>
<p>[National</a> Conservation Crews | The SCA - Student Conservation Association](<a href=“http://www.thesca.org/serve/national-crews]National”>http://www.thesca.org/serve/national-crews)</p>
<p>I second SCA. You might also check out [Yosemite</a> Institute | NatureBridge](<a href=“http://www.naturebridge.org/yosemite]Yosemite”>Yosemite | NatureBridge)</p>
<p>Where There Be Dragons
Nols</p>
<p>Thanks to all. Do any of you (or your kids) have personal experience with these programs? NOLS, in particular.</p>
<p>YES- NOLS- WFR- wilderness first responder course - D1 age 24 wanted to take it to continue to lead habitat international builds, D2 age 18 just graduated from hi school and went along with her for the fun of it- they LOVED it- the wilderness course is very medical (they had no experience in medicine) and learned lifelong valuable information including BLS. they stayed in a hostel in colorado. well worth the money of like $300 and 2 weeks. They loved calling themselves ‘wolfers’</p>
<p>My S1 loved working at a remote backcountry camp at [Philmont](<a href=“Seasonal Staff Opportunities - Philmont Scout Ranch”>Seasonal Staff Opportunities - Philmont Scout Ranch), the high adventure Boy Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Although it is a Boy Scout ranch, there are women on the Venture crews. Philmont hires both women & men to be backcountry rangers and staffers. They are also required to take Wilderness First Aid courses. S1 taught courses in backcountry Search & Rescue.</p>
<p>I third the SCA idea. I’m currently on a seven-month SCA internship and it’s a great organization. If you have any questions, feel free to PM or e-mail me.</p>
<p>My S had a terrific experience with outward bound after his graduation. Everything and more that you describe, also understand that NOLS is similiar. Three weeks hiking, rafting, camping … can also choose Alaska, on a boat in Maine, etc. Whatever her interest might be.</p>
<p>All very interesting suggestions. I don’t think she’s qualified to work at the Philmont camp - probably not old enough either. Polarscribe, did you ever work on one of the National Conservation Crews for SCA?</p>
<p>S did a 28 day NOLS backpacking trip in Wyoming. It was a great experience. I would highly recommend it. His trip was not a Wilderness First responder course but he did take a weekend Wilderness First Aid course from Nols over a weekend that was excellent.</p>
<p>Update - daughter learned yesterday that she got an SCA placement in Georgia in August. They told us they have fewer crews than before, so she’s very lucky, and thrilled. Many thanks to all who recommended it.</p>