AAVE Trip BLOG » 2008 » February
February 6, 2008
Mom Praises AAVE Teen Summer Camp!
Posted by AAVE Parent in : General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Abbott,
Thank you for the raving review on Scott. I credit his many fine qualities to his wonderful camp experiences, starting with Sanborn and then his amazing worldwide travels with AAVE to complete his teen life. I remember the year he didn’t want to go to Sanborn and just wanted to “stay home for the summer and hang with friends.” It was then we discovered AAVE. This has been such a great fit for both Scott and Beth and helped make them both responsible, caring and dependable. I think AAVE helped to make my years with them as teenagers a breeze. We enjoy them so and feel that all of their experiences help to shape them, but particularly their camp experiences. I know I have said this before, but I will say it again and again. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of my children, thank you for helping to shape and mold them and thank you for giving them a worldwide view of life. Keep up the good work and we hope to see you in the summer of 2009 with Bradley #3, our daughter Kate and maybe even Bradley #4, Eric.
If there is ever anything we can do for you or your family, please let us know.
Sincerely,
Karen Bradley
February 2, 2008
Teen Adventures in Thailand
Posted by AAVE Parent in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Thailand , add a comment
Kailey got to experience a different culture and meet some new people. I think this was a very successful program.-Karen Raymond, parent, TI
Adam loved the whole trip, the country, the kids and the leaders!-Jodi Raphael, parent, TI
The kids were great- the group leaders were awesome and we had a good time!-Adam Raphael, camper, TI
Oliva, who is already pretty confident and appreciative, came home an even more confident, appreciative and worldly person. She was the youngest person in the group and enjoyed their more mature concerns and sense of responsibility which gave them more freedom. She loved Thailand and the full range of experiences she was able to have on this trip including the leeches and the storm at sea. The children at the orphanage and the Tribe Trek village made a big impression on her. She also enjoyed learning how to cook the traditional Thai dishes and we have been treated to her Green Curry Chicken which was great. We were impressed! The islands were her favorite part though. The most important aspect of her travels with you is that she is allowed to feel independent while experiencing another cultures on the other side of the world and this affords a great sense of strength, humility toward appreciating how other people live, seeing the beauty in the country and the faces of the people and knowing that she can live in this world and know what is inherently good in people. It requires trust and team work to live a life worth living. She is more able to see what is good and what needs changing in her own culture now. We’re very happy for her and proud of her for wanting these experiences. The world is shrinking and we all need to be making friends with and understanding each other.-Sandra Michaels, parent, TI
I thought that my trip was very successful. I saw the best parts of an amazing country and I loved it all.-Tracy Feldman, camper, TI
In our opinion the Thailand trip was an unqualified success! The communication from Shaun was excellent. He kept us up to date and well informed. He seemed to really enjoy the kids and their adventures. Alison had a wonderful time and still mentions something memorable about her trip on almost a daily basis. She had some wonderful new friends that she keeps in touch with. They are trying to plan a get together over one of the school breaks. I know that the bonds that were made and the memories will last long after this summer is over. Your organization is is top notch and we have, and will continue to recommend you to our children’s friends and their families. We our thankful that we found AAVE.-Barbara Molnar, parent, TI
Overall the trip was a success. The itinerary is great and it really gave a great overview of the country. I loved how we had city time, beach time, and jungle time. It was nice to have free time some of the afternoons. Some of my highlights were the rafthouse, the elephant ride, and going down to the island. I really liked camping on the island. Generally, it was fun to spend three weeks with a group and really bond with them. Some days we had a lot of traveling to do which got a little boring but I guess it had to be done. The accommodations were great! I loved Bill’s resort on the island. Going to the orphanage on the last day was really fun! You guys should definitely add that in for next year.-Caitlin Oriel, camper, TI
I was very pleased that Shaun kept us informed. This took alot of worry off our minds. I also liked that they had access to email every now and then. Caitlin came back more mature and self assured and I felt it was a very good experience for her and thank you for providing that opportunity, I also felt it was a safe trip as far as water, food, travel and lodging etc and appreciated that part very much.-Bonnie Oriel, parent, TI
We have heard a lot about the trip from Scott, and it sounds like they had a good time. We enjoy having our son do AAVE trips and look forward to working with you guys more.-Susanne Lucas, parent, TI
Shawn had an absolutely awesome time on his trip to Thailand! The trip was planned perfectly, the leaders were fantastic and all of the kids got along great! He had only great things to tell us about his experiences there— and will definetly be back next summer with AAVE on another adventure!-Tracy Franklin, parent, TI
February 1, 2008
Teen Adventure Camp in the United Kingdom
Posted by AAVE Parent in : England-Ireland-Wales, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
“Jeremy had an outstanding time on the trip and came back very happy and with a feeling of great success. Thanks for all you and your team did to make this happen.”
-David Lyons, parent, WI 2006
“‘Exceeded expectations’ is such an understatement. We were so impressed with how the leaders organized the group and allowed the kids to do things themselves (and sometimes fail and then laugh about it), with the leadership opportunities (i.e.- “leader of the day”), and with the wonderful team-building devices. This stuff, plus the music, the kids, the great leaders and the places, made Wild Isles really a trip of a lifetime for Becky. Thank you!”
-Karen Cure, parent, WI 2006
Colorado Classic #2A - Rockin’ Out!
Posted by Jenny at AAVE in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Ultimate Colorado , 1 comment so far
Hey Colorado Classic #2A families!
We just finished a two-day rafting trip - cold water and super cool guides! We are preparing for our 4-day backpacking adventure in the beautiful Never Summer Wilderness outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Sarah: “I’m having a lot of fun! The rafting trip was amazing, only a couple spills! The food is fantastic - macaroni and cheese (kind of mushy, but cheesy), pasta, cheeseburgers, baked potatoes and apple crisp! The rest of the group is really cool, and I’m having a blast!
Emily: “The trip is really, really good! We hiked up Mt. Hope, very difficult but worth the view. We trail-blazed our way down which turned out to be steep and challenging, but fun!”
Dylan: “The van rides are fun - but Josh keeps turning down the volume on the good songs! The rafting was awesome, rock climbing was intense, and we’re looking forward to our backpack tomorrow.”
Anthony: “This trip is super sweet! The rafting was fun, but the water was cold! The hiking is tough, but beautiful! It’s been raining on us now and then, but we’re still having fun!”
Travis: “The trip is awesome, we just took showers and did laundry! We played some pool at our last campsite, and I’m looking forward to our next rock climbing - my favorite activity!”
Angelica: “This trip is awesome, rafting was my favorite part - I fell out of the raft, which was scary, but I’m o.k.! I just wanted to fall out over and over (but the guides wouldn’t let me)!”
Stay tuned for more Rock and Rapid action ….
Josh, Erin and the RR2A crew
the BEST trip EVER!!!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : England-Ireland-Wales, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Wild Isles was, without a doubt, the BEST trip EVER!!! The people, the sites, the incredibly superb tasting food cooked by none other than yours truly (actually, out of our little cooking crew, it was Cody that was the professional chef- totally embarrassing to be outdid by a dude!! Any ways, I can’t express just how close I got to the people on the trip- it was actually kind of surreal in that you think it’s only for three short weeks, but it ends up seeming like a lifetime. EVERYONE got a long and there was absolutely no drama–gasp!! lol (Laugh out Loud). That was actually surprising because all of our personalities were so different, yet everyone just seemed to click instantly. The experiences and memories I have taken from the trip are incredible. I can still see myself trying to climb Mount Snowdon with a cramp from giggling so much. THAT was an experience not to forget!! Wow… great times, great times. I can totally vouch for AAVE in being the best and safest program available for teen international travel.
Alexandra Kitterman, Wild Isles Camper, 2006
Summer Camp in Ecuador & Galapagos!
Posted by AAVE Parent in : Ecuador & Galapagos, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
AAVE is a FANTASTIC post-camp experience! Ben went to Ecuador & Galapagos with them and it was a MOST impressive, well-run, generous trip. Incredible AAVE staff supplemented with experienced South American guides. College boy Ben wanted to go to Thailand or China with them this summer however, high school senior summer is the limit! We were very disappointed that we had not found out about them earlier in high school as this company for summer travel is a winner.
Best regards,
Janet Marks (aka Ben Sann’s mom)
Summer Camp in Africa Exceeds Expectations!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : Africa, General AAVE Trip BLOG , 1 comment so far
It was perfect as always. Communication was above par. The grouping of kids and leaders could not have been better. The “hand-holding” before the trip between the main office and us calmed all of our fears.
-Parent, Lisa Chriss-Swiedler, AF
My summer with AAVE in Africa was amazing! My trip leaders Cory and Juliandi were amazing and all of the other kids that I met were great. I learned a lot and experienced a completely opposite lifestyle. The food was better then I thought it would be, but having gone to Colorado with AAVE last summer I knew exactly what to expect: fun, fun and more fun. AAVE has given me another incredible summer that I will never forget!
-Camper, David Swiedler, AF
Everything this summer was so successful with AAVE on both of my trips (Africa 1 and Ecuador 2), but I especially found group bonding on both trips to be the most successful.
-Camper, Allison Reid, AF & EG
Extremely successful summer full of memories to last a life time! Great cultural immersion and group bonding!
-Parent, Mary Ann Guzy, AF & EG
I don’t think that I can say one negative or unsuccessful thing about my trip to Africa this summer with AAVE. It was mind-blowing to be in Africa in the first place, but I have to say that the rest of the teens I met this summer ultimately made the whole trip successful. I feel extremely blessed to have gotten to visit such a beautiful, unique, and diverse country. The people, the culture, the wildlife, the surrounding environment, everything was truly incredible. The experience was surreal. The trip leaders made the trip so much fun. I am ecstatic that I was able to meet such amazing people, and furthermore that I was able to do so in an amazing country as Africa. AAVE was able to give me an unforgettable summer, and if I could do it all over again, I surely would in a heartbeat.
-Camper, Cailee Gonzales, AF
It was successful in the sense that Cailee went and came back safely. The preparations prior to the trip were very organized. The personal calls from the trip leader, Cory, were very much welcomed and appreciated.
-Parent, Cynthia Gonzales, AF
The summer of 2007 was my favorite AAVE trip that I have ever done. All of the activities were planned with great concideration and each leader was absolutly amazing. And we also couldn’t have had a better group. Everything went perfectly on my trip this summer.
-Camper, Beth Bradley, AF
A #1 as always! Beth came back with raving reviews about all aspects of her trip. The “kids” were all great, the leaders exceptional and the place was absolutely amazing. This was her favorite of all her trips and she is threatening to go back next summer.
-Parent, Karen Bradley, AF
I think the way in which the leaders encourage teamwork and group spirit makes the trips and summers succesful and also the fact that the groups are not very big.
-Camper, Carlos Dexeus
This was a big deal for us, letting Hannah go to Africa at 15. AAVE made me feel comfortable enough to trust your leader and organization to take good care of her. When we were deciding if we needed to get her an escort at the airport to navigate from international to domestic, AAVE was very helpful in coordinating this with Cory so that Hannah could have a buddy and navigate the situation herself. Thank You Noah for watching out for her! We are very happy that Hannah took this trip and know her experience will unfold within her for a lifetime.
Parent, Nancy Kilham, AF
Matt had an amazing experience in every way on Africa trip #2. From the trip leaders to the kids themselves, Matt made many warm friendships. The photographs he has as lifelong souveniers (both in his own mind and on paper) bear testimony to the life changing journey he took. Every wish we had for Matt on this trip was granted…………..and then some! Thank you AAVE!
-Parent, Walter Jackson, AF
