How to Choose the Right Summer Program for Your Teen (And What to Avoid)

Teen volunteers feeding donkeys on a farm overlooking the ocean in the Azores

Finding the right summer experience is more than just picking something fun. It’s about choosing a program that fosters growth, independence, and lifelong memories—without falling into common pitfalls. Here's how to make a confident choice:

What to Look For in a Summer Program

1. A Balance of Challenge, Purpose & Reflection

Ensure the program mixes physical activity, cultural or environmental service, and guided reflection. Programs like Alaska: Midnight Sun combine wilderness skills (like kayaking and rafting) with meaningful conservation work—plus intentional downtime to process and reflect.

2. Real Service With Local Impact

Your teen should be working directly with local organizations and making tangible contributions. In Puerto Rico: Reefs to Rainforests, middle schoolers help restore native ecosystems and rebuild community infrastructure following Hurricane Maria—concrete service that matters.

3. Age-Appropriate Adventure

Choose programs matched to your teen’s maturity and comfort level. For high schoolers, Hawaii: Island Explorationoffers surf lessons, snorkeling, and land-based ecological service. For younger teens, Costa Rica: Journey Through the Jungle provides rainforest exploration and cultural exchange.

4. Unplugged & Immersive

Technology-free experiences—where phones are collected at the start—allow teens to be fully present with their surroundings and peers. Every RLT trip follows this technology policy, enabling deeper connection and mindfulness.

5. Safety, Guidance & Small Groups

Look for programs with experienced leaders, clear safety protocols, and groups of about 10–14 participants. This structure ensures both personal attention and authentic community-building.

What to Be Careful Of

There are a lot of programs out there that sound great on the surface—but don’t always deliver the kind of experience that lasts.

  1. Overly structured tours: Some trips feel more like sightseeing than true engagement. Teens need more than a packed itinerary—they need room to explore and reflect.

  2. One-size-fits-all activities: Programs that lack depth (think museum visits or general volunteer days) often miss the mark on impact.

  3. Tech access throughout the trip: Constant phone use can get in the way of connection—with peers, the place, and even themselves.

  4. Big, impersonal groups: When there are 30+ participants, it’s hard for anyone to feel seen, heard, or truly part of the group.

A Few RLT Trips That Stand Out

  1. Alaska: Midnight Sun – Teens kayak glacial waters, bike coastal trails, raft the Matanuska, and partner on environmental restoration in Peterson Bay.

  2. Hawaii: Island Exploration – Surf, snorkel, and support native planting and marine cleanup on Maui’s west coast.

  3. Puerto Rico: Reefs to Rainforests – Middle-schoolers kayak glowing bioluminescent bays, zipline, snorkel with sea turtles, and help rebuild after natural disasters.

  4. Costa Rica: Journey Through the Jungle – Younger teens raft the Pacuare, explore cocoa farms, and engage in permaculture projects alongside community partners.

These trips showcase RLT’s signature blend of adventure, authentic service, small-group dynamics, and intentional unplugged reflection.

Want to see more? Explore all RLT summer adventures.

What Parents Are Saying

“She came back more grounded and confident than I’ve ever seen her.”

– Parent, Colorado Expedition

“The perfect mix of service, fun, and reflection. Teens learn real skills here.”

– Parent, Hawaii: Island Exploration

Teens hiking across a snowy mountain trail during a summer expedition in Norway

Ready to Help Your Teen Thrive?

Choosing a summer program isn’t just about keeping them busy—it’s about helping them grow, serve, and return home changed. Our team is here to help you find the perfect fit.

→ Schedule a quick call and let’s get started on finding a transformative summer for your teen.

Laura Dunmire