6 Best Summer Programs That Help Teens Build Confidence, Purpose, and Independence
Not all summer programs are created equal. Some are just fun distractions. Others are designed to push teens in all the right ways—building confidence, developing purpose, and giving them space to grow into more capable, grounded versions of themselves.
At The Road Less Traveled (RLT), we believe teen travel should do more than entertain. It should stretch kids. It should expose them to new perspectives. And most importantly, it should help them understand who they are and what they’re capable of. Every program on this list is part of our RLT family—not because we’re biased, but because we’ve seen firsthand how these experiences change lives.
If you're a parent looking for something more than just another camp, and you want your teen to grow in confidence, purpose, and independence—here’s where to start.
Peru: Mystic Mountains (The Road Less Traveled)
Best for: Building confidence through service and outdoor challenge
In the heart of the Andes, teens spend 16 days working on water access and education projects in rural villages, then hike to Machu Picchu and scale cliffs on a via ferrata. This trip challenges teens physically and emotionally, while grounding them in a deeper sense of purpose.
Norway: Peaks and Valleys (The Road Less Traveled)
Best for: Independence and self-awareness through solitude and team challenge
This 3-week wilderness expedition blends multi-day hikes, fjord kayaking, and backcountry camping. There’s no service component—just the kind of growth that happens when teens unplug, push themselves, and discover their own inner strength.
Morocco: Desert Nights (The Road Less Traveled)
Best for: Cultural connection and finding purpose through service
From working in Amazigh mountain villages to camping under the stars in the Sahara, this trip shows teens a world that’s both unfamiliar and deeply welcoming. It’s a chance to see life from another perspective—and to learn how to contribute meaningfully within it.
Thailand: Elephants, Education, and Cultural Exploration (The Road Less Traveled)
Best for: Responsibility and empathy through cross-cultural service
Spanning 21 days, this program includes English teaching in Bangkok-area schools, conservation work with elephants in Chiang Mai, and reflection time on a quiet island. With over 40 hours of service, this is a journey that builds deep empathy and global awareness.
Greece: Coastal Conservation (The Road Less Traveled)
Best for: Purposeful travel through environmental impact and adventure
From sea kayaking the Ionian Islands to monitoring sea turtles in Kefalonia, this trip blends outdoor adventure with meaningful conservation work. Teens learn about marine ecosystems, contribute to scientific research, and gain confidence in completely new environments.
Colorado: Call of the Wild (The Road Less Traveled)
Best for: Hands-on service and building grit in the outdoors
In this 14-day trip, teens partner with a wolf sanctuary and take on wildlife service projects in the Colorado Rockies. They hike, camp, and reflect in the wilderness, gaining a deeper understanding of their role in protecting the natural world—and discovering their own resilience along the way.
Final Word
We’ve worked with thousands of teens over the last two decades. And we’ve seen what happens when they step away from screens, routines, and comfort zones and into something bigger. Travel isn’t just fun—it’s formative. And when done right, it can be the most powerful learning experience of a teen’s life.
If you’re not sure which trip is the right fit, scheduling a call is a great first step. Our team knows these programs inside and out—and we’re here to help you find something that matches your teen’s interests, needs, and goals. Whether you have a specific destination in mind or just want to talk it through, we’d love to connect.