AAVE Trip BLOG » General AAVE Trip BLOG
November 6, 2008
Video from Wild Coast Discovery Camp
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September 25, 2008
An Amazing Summer Experience! Thank you!!
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Dear Abbott,
I can’t thank you enough for the amazing exepriences my children, Laszlo and Greta Etro, had this past summer with AAVE! They came back BIGGER AND BETTER! Really, they have a deeper appreciation for nature, for America, for diving into new friendships and adventures. I thank you so much for your efficiency and professionalism! You have such an amazing organization, congratulations to you and your team!!!!! We LOVE AAVE and will be back hopefully next year! Meanwhile, we are doing loads of PR for you over here in Italy.
All the best,
Mary Etro
Golden Gate State Park
September 24, 2008
A Summer Adventure of a Lifetime!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Ultimate Alaska , add a comment
Backpacking in the Chugach Range
My summer with AAVE was absolutely amazing. This was one of the best experiences I ever had, and if I had a choice I would do it again. I made great friendships with amazing people and have so many wonderful experiences to last a life time. -Peyton Rosenthal
September 23, 2008
Wilderness Teen Adventure Camp
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Cook Crew waiting for the water to boil!
Melissa’s Alaska trip was completely successful. She said it was the best summer ever. I think that while the activities - the ice climbing, backpacking, kayaking and white water rafting were fantastic- the reason this was such a fantastic trip was due to the kids who were just great, and also because of the fabulous leaders- Abbott, you do a great job choosing leaders, which is why your company is so successful. -Ronna & Mike Benjamin
The Summer of Your Life!!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Ultimate Hawaii , add a comment
This whole trip was extremely successful and we had SUCH a great time. I was really surprised to see that when they say in the brochure “you will have the summer of your life” that you really DO have the summer of your life!! It was so amazing and I couldn’t have asked for more! -Sarah Israel
Heading for the breaks!
September 22, 2008
Summer with AAVE
Posted by AAVE Camper in : Bold West, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
I loved everything about my summer with AAVE! Bold West is an unbelievable and unforgettable trip! The leaders were amazing, I loved becoming friends with people all around the world, the places we went were extraordinary, and there were so many little things, jokes, and memories that made this trip so special and the best experience of my life. I also really enjoyed the nightly meetings and the leader of the day because it brought us all together. Everyone became so close..it was my summer family, and it was so hard to say goodbye. I was crying for days after it ended. I wish the trip was longer..thank you so much Abbott and everyone in this program! I couldn’t be more grateful for the experience I had. -Meredith Abel
Its always fun out West!
Spain Summer Adventure
Posted by AAVE Camper in : Espana Clasica, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
My first summer with AAVE was an unforgettable one. Every activity we participated in was one to remember. Whether we were having our first Spanish lesson in Santander, visiting Gaudi’s Park in Barcelona, or hiking the Pyrenees, we always came out of every experience with our brains filled with new knowledge, and even sometimes having conquered a fear or two. It was no secret that we were all having the time of our lives. I never fully understood what people meant when they would say, “It doesn’t matter what you have planned, it’s the people you’re with who make the trip” until I went to Spain and met the most accepting, interesting, adoring, fun, and understanding people. Each camper had something different to bring to the group. Our trip leaders, Lien, Ernie, and Caroline, were incredible! They made it impossible for us to ever get bored. They encouraged and motivated us to try new things, things that we would never have dreamed of doing. They made sure that we got as much out of our Spanish experience as possible. I learned how to be more independent, how to work productively with the people around me, and how to always keep a positive attitude. Even though there were challenging times, I realized that it was those moments that made the trip that much more exciting and memorable! I am so grateful that I had the privilege to be a part of such an amazing group of people. Thank you AAVE for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. -Julia Balit
Summer Hike in Spain
The Best Summer of My Life!!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : Boot Saddle Paddle, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
The whole trip was a huge success, thank you so much!! I saw some of the most amazing sights that I have ever seen, pushed myself to try new things, found that I can physically exert myself far more than I thought possible and met the most amazing people from all over the world with whom I now have an incredible bond that comes from discovering and accomplishing really wonderful things together. Arriving at Havasu Falls after the intense hike and sitting under the waterfall with everyone, looking out through the sheets of water and spray, was one of the best moments I have ever experienced. I was crying all the 20 hours home. Thank you so much AAVE for the best summer of my life. The experience has really changed me and I will never ever forget it. -Claudia Grigg-Edo
Grand Canyon National Park
September 21, 2008
An Exceptional Teen Adventure Program
Posted by AAVE Parent in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Ultimate Alaska , add a comment
Glisading in the Chugach Range
Dear AAVE Team,
I cannot say enough about my daughters experience. My 105lb, 5′2″, Southern California cheerleader, who has never slept in a tent, wanted to challenge herself. And challenge herself she did indeed. Having been on a previous trip with AAVE to Costa Rica we both felt confident this would be a great trip. It exceeded all of our expectations. She learned so many important life lessons. Lessons on how to live in close quarters with total strangers 24/7 for 23 days. And how each of them depended on each other for everything. She learned how to live with what nature has to offer while respecting all that is has to offer. She learned that there is a vast world to be explored and appreciated and what is truly important in life. Yes, she still likes her designer jeans but knows that in the grand scheme of life they really mean little. Erin was a pretty terrific young lady when she left the comforts of home but I promise your she came back a different wonderful young woman. AAVE gave her memories of a lifetime. AAVE is without a doubt one of the best things that has ever happened to our family. It is not just that they run great trips. It is they help us to grow great kids with great experiences. And who knows where the seeds planted by such great opportunities may take root. Your personal care in each and everyone of the kids and the counselors sets AAVE apart from all the big companies. To think, Erin found AAVE on the internet. When we called we just had a good feeling and took a chance. How lucky were we! Please do not hesitate to use us as a reference. Erin is off to college next year but there is a part of her heart that belongs to AAVE.
Sincerely,
Paulette Walker
Backpacking in Denali State Park
Amazing Summer Camp in Peru
Posted by AAVE Camper in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Peru & Machu Picchu , add a comment
Peru Machu Picchu
My experience with AAVE was incredible. I couldn’t have wished for anything more. There was never a dull moment throughout the day. I am an extremely critical and analytical person and AAVE most certainly surpassed my expectations. I particularly enjoyed spending time with my group and engaging in collective activities. I loved that we reflected on our experiences throughout the day together each night and played games. Traveling to Peru was such an eye opening experience and I believe that I have truly changed for the better as a result of participating on this trip. -Jade Polay