<p>Does anyone have any experience with the summer travel programs done by either Putney Student Travel or National Geographic Student Expeditions? (and yes, I know there's a separate forum for summer programs, but I wanted to ask this group of parents rather than the whole CC community at large).</p>
<p>I'm looking for a 2-4 week travel opportunity for SoxKid -- he wants something far away (Australia, Asia, Africa, etc), not a language immersion program, and not focused exclusively/strongly on community service. He'd be perfectly happy to do some community service, but doesn't want to do a trip where that's the main activity. So really just a travel, exploration, adventure type program. Major bonus points if there's an emphasis on photography, though not required. Putney and Nat Geo both seem to have programs meeting these criteria, and I know they're reputable organizations, but I'd love to hear about anyone's experiences with them, or any other programs I'm missing. </p>
<p>In particular, I'm slightly anxious about the fact that many of these programs seem not to differentiate groups by age (beyond limiting to high school students). My son will have just turned 15, and there can be a pretty big gulf between 15 year olds and, say, 17 year olds. I went on a bike trip across Europe the summer after high school graduation and we spent most nights in bars and nightclubs. Maybe fine for 18 year olds, but not so much for a 15 year old. I think he'd handle that ok, but I want to make sure he gets the most of a program that he can, given how expensive these things are.</p>
<p>No direct experience but I know one kid who did a National Geographic trip several years ago and seemed happy with it. I’ve heard good things about Rustic Pathways. They have several trips with a photography focus - India, Laos, Cambodia, Morocco, etc.</p>
<p>My D loved the Rustic Pathways programs in New Zealand and Australia - she went for several years. Well run and focused on experiencing local peoples/culture with some service and great “non-touristy” experiences.</p>
<p>My kids went on several Rustic Pathways programs and not only enjoyed the experience, but were safe. The Wheretherebedragons has homestays that are not always quite what they seem. Beware</p>
<p>Thanks for the input on the Rustic Pathways programs. There were some not so good comments about it on the summer program forum, so I’d sort of crossed it off the list, but maybe I’ll give it a closer look.</p>
<p>What I’ve heard about Rustic pathways, is that the trips are usually broken up in one-week increments, so you may not get a cohesive group for the whole time. This depends on the trip of course, and also who has signed up (and for how long). When I spoke to them last year, they were very up front about this and helped steer us toward a group that would remain intact for 3 weeks. This may not be what you want, but it’s something to consider. DS didn’t end up going, but had a friend who went to Thailand with RP and loved it.</p>
<p>@soxmom. Look at Broadreach. They are a Raleigh NC Co. They offer very exotic trips w/ a little community service w/ each one. You can go on sailing/scuba intensive trips, fiji shark studies, wildlife studies in Africa, Caribbean Marine science studies, Central America exploration trips, Thailand diving trips, ETC. I went on the Advanced SCUBA/sailing trip to the Grenadines last summer for 3 weeks and LOVED it, not to mention obtained 4 levels of PADI certification in the process. They’ve been doing student summer travel experiences for 30 years-very safe. gobroadreach.com. Good luck.</p>
<p>Consider me another reference for Broadreach. I’ve sent two kids on their scuba programs and my third will go out with them this summer. Very well run program. Kids are supported but not coddled. The trips are expensive but of excellent quality.</p>
<p>Edit-
Just got on the Broadreach site and did a quick search. Came up with two intriguing possibilities-
PANAMA PHOTOGRAPHY EXPEDITION
Explore the art of digital photography and master composition, lighting and exposure techniques. Hike through cloud forests, raft the dynamic Chiriqui River and learn to surf as you build a portfolio of professional images. Discovery Level21 Days</p>
<p>THAILAND JOURNALISM EXPEDITION
It’s a photojournalism adventure in Asia’s most mysterious country. From visiting monks to working at an elephant sanctuary, you’ll learn the art of writing, photography and crafting original and compelling multimedia presentations.Explorer Level24 Days</p>
<p>This is a question about a domestic summer program. Does anyone have any experience of the Woods Hole SEASCape program (formerly Summer at Sea) for high school students (a 3-week marine biology/oceanography program). Wondering if it’s worth its price tag and if the quality is there…My kiddo - albeit a good candidate - received notice of his acceptance about 24-hours after submitting his application. My DS has had an abiding interest in marine biology and oceanography for years and would love a truly immersive program. There doesn’t appear to be all that much out there at the high school level - in this case, for a finishing freshmen. Recommendations on this or other programs/avenues for this or future years welcome. Thank you!</p>
<p>I am a marine biologist. I did SEA ‘Semester at Sea’ during college out of Woods Hole many years ago and it was awesome! I don’t know if SEA (Sea Eduction Association) is operating this high school program. If they are, I would recommend it. We did some really interesting research on our trip, traveling to Grand Banks and Georges Bank, Canada. </p>
<p>Have you looked at Johns Hopkins CTY marine science offerings? They have a three week domestic program on whales and estuary systems out of Bristol, RI. There is an 8 day field component on a research schooner. The CTY programs my daughter has participated in have been incredible. </p>
<p>There is also SEACAMP in Big Pine Key Fl. My daughter did that 2 summers ago and liked it. Less academic but still fun for her. </p>
<p>Duke TIP has a 3 week program at the Duke Marine Lab in Morehead City, NC (where we live). They have an estuarine studies class and an oceanography class. I can speak personally to the quality of this program. I know several PhD’s who are active in the course. My daughter couldn’t do it this summer bc/ of a conflict. It is only being offered first session. I also have a budding marine biologist. </p>
<p>I have researched these summer programs extensively and these are the most immersive ones I have found. Maybe someone else will post with other suggestions.</p>
<p>Thanks so much Msclvr. I really appreciate your insight. SEASCape is indeed run by the Sea Education Assoc, so it’s great to learn of your past experience with the organization. I’m eager to look into the CTY and Duke programs, too. One of my other children has attended CTY in the past and, like your daughter, just loved it. Was not aware of their marine science offerings. Thank you again.</p>
<p>This is an old thread but (not school-affiliated) Wilderness Ventures is great. They offer trips ranging from thirteen days all the way up to an eight week continental bike trip. They have bike trips, community service, and exploration trips (these have a range of activities like rafting, climbing, SCUBA, backpacking, etc), international and crazy-amazing domestic. International trips might not be better than to Alaska or Hawaii! They’re arranged by age groups and demand with all-girls and co-ed options, led by two highly-trained college students. It’s a wonderful program. Another similar program is Outward Bound.</p>
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
Mussels has not been active for a couple of years, so an answer will not be coming. Old threads should be for research but should not be revived. Closing.