AAVE Trip BLOG » European Bike Trip for Teens
January 26, 2008
European Bike Trip for Teens
Posted by AAVE Camper in : Bike Amsterdam Paris, General AAVE Trip BLOG , trackback
Celebrating our Success!
My son had a great time on his BAP2 trip! He really enjoyed the leaders as well as the other participants. He seemed to gain a lot from the experience, and adored everyplace he went. I appreciate the fact that you gave us information on other participants before the trip, so that they could contact each other. Your packing advice (the list) was great–I don’t think there was anything my son was missing, and he used just about everything, even the long underwear was needed though it was summer. I felt I could call your office when I had questions, and the staff was receptive and helpful. We were very happy that a blog was posted about mid-way through the trip! This is very important to parents! Since this was his first trip, we didn’t know what to expect, but when we saw the photo posted and read the blog, we absolutely knew he was having fun. I like the fact that your trips have a limited number of participants–this way the kids can really bond, I think; they can have some flexibility and not feel herded around by the leaders. Thank you for giving my son such a wonderful experience.
-Parent, Paul Flood, BAP
I think almost everything about the trip was successful, a little more freedom would be nice, but other than that the whole trip was a success, I met amazing people and saw some fantastic places; overall a great trip!
-Camper, Tim Flood, BAP
Ruth came home from the Bike Amesterdam Paris Trip filled with stories about her thoroughly enjoyable experience she had on AAVE. I was very happy with the care and attention each camper was given and would most definatley send her on a trip again.
-Parent, Jane Thompson, BAP
My summer with AAVE had so many highlights, too many to mention!
-Camper, Ruth Thompson, BAP
I think the trip was a wonderful experience for Micah. He developed confidence in the physical requirements (i.e. he could keep up with the biking each day) and he enjoyed the social aspects. The destinations, particularly Holland and Belgium were spectacular. I think Paris was a little disappointing (maybe because Micah was a little young and the big city felt too dirty and expensive for him to fully enjoy in only a couple days). The leaders were great - even though Micah and Henry were the youngest of the group, the leaders did a good job integrating them in. They didn’t make them feel like little kids, so Micah was able to rise to the occasion and be more grown up. In fact, he noticeably matured over the few weeks. Also, he had a lot of just plain fun during the down times. The people in the office were very helpful as we prepared for the trip, always willing to answer my neurotic questions! The weather could have been better, but I can’t blame AAVE for that. Overall a very successful experience!!
- Parent, Linda Loewinger, Bap
It was great! Totally successful. From the first phone calls we knew that we were dealing with experienced and serious people whic was crucial when we made the decision on which camp to choose for our son. We will for sure use you in the future, Holden is the oldest of three brothers and we will be planing our future summer vacations around the camp dates.
-Parent, Celina Benon, BAP
Wonderful biking trip. I wanted to stay another 2 weeks! Great program!!
-Camper, Brett Glosser, BAP
My summer with AAVE was super successful. From the biking, camping and cooking to meeting new people and visiting sights, I had a blast! I made great new friends from all over the world, many of whom I hope to keep up with. I enjoyed pushing myself on the really hard days, and then appreciated the more relaxed times. I grew a lot this summer with AAVE. I saw how much I was capable of doing on my own and the trip forced me — in a good way — to go outside my comfort zone. It was so much fun — I’m sad it’s over. I really can’t think of anything that was unsuccessful about my summer with AAVE except that I didn’t really like the way the t-shirt fit!
-Camper, Cory Berg, BAP
Our experience with AAVE was incredibly wonderful. AAVE is a very well run organization and I felt secure sending my child to Europe with it. Between the website and the staff, all my questions — of which I had many — were answered completely and honestly. I found the staff very responsive. My only suggestion to improve communication would be to make sure that something is posted on the blog within a day or two of the kids’ arrival to relieve parents’ anxiety. While I realize it was difficult for the group to find the time and place to get on the internet, a more active blog would have been nice. Cory’s experience on Bike Amsterdam exceeded our expectations. She loved the biking, the camping, Europe, the way things were organized (with responsibilities rotating through the kids), the leaders, and her group. Cory has had many great summer experiences, from 4-weeks at overnight camps and weekly sport camps to college programs; nevertheless, Bike Amsterdam was by far the one she has enjoyed the most. As parents, we appreciate not only the good time she had, but what this experience has meant for Cory’s development. Cory came back a more independent and confident kid. We couldn’t be happier!
-Parent, Ellen Berg, BAP
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