How to Find a Safe and Trustworthy Summer Teen Travel Program

A group of teens hiking together through a wooded trail, smiling and enjoying the outdoors on an RLT program.

When it comes to sending your teen far from home, safety is non-negotiable. But with so many options out there—from international volunteer trips to outdoor adventures—it can be hard to know which programs are actually equipped to keep teens safe, supported, and growing in the right ways.

Here’s what to look for (and why we take it seriously at RLT):

1. Accreditation and Standards That Actually Mean Something

A strong program starts with strong structure. Look for accreditations like the American Camp Association (ACA) or guidance from the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA). These organizations outline everything from health and hygiene to emergency planning. RLT meets and exceeds those standards, including running every program through our own multi-point safety review.

2. Leader Training You Can Trust

The right leaders make all the difference. RLT trip leaders are certified in Wilderness First Responder, CPR, lifeguarding, and Mental Health First Aid. They also go through a two-week training with us before the summer even begins—and we run full background checks, driving records, and behavioral interviews.

3. Clear Emergency Planning

We don’t just hope things go smoothly—we plan for the moments that don’t. Each RLT trip has a detailed Emergency Action Plan, 24/7 access to licensed medical professionals, and direct support from our HQ team. We also pre-scout every location and run dry runs of emergency routes and protocols. You can read more about our safety systems here.

4. Group Size and Supervision That Works

More isn’t better when it comes to teen travel. That’s why RLT limits group sizes to about 10–14 students with three highly trained leaders. This kind of structure allows for strong supervision, deeper connections, and the ability to respond to every teen’s needs. It’s also why our trips feel more like tight-knit teams than tours.

5. Transparent Communication and Real Accountability

Before a trip begins, we provide families with detailed packing lists, day-by-day itineraries, and contact information. During the trip, we stay in touch with weekly updates and photo shares. Leaders carry emergency phones and stay in close communication with our home office. And when the trip ends, we follow up with every family to hear how it went.

6. A Culture of Safety

From sleeping arrangements to local partner vetting, every decision is made with safety in mind. Leaders sleep in the same vicinity as students. Our housing and transportation partners are vetted in-person. And we maintain strong relationships with local health providers in every region where we operate.

Teens standing in silhouette on a beach at sunset, celebrating the close of a meaningful day on a summer travel program.

What This Means for Your Teen

Safety isn’t just about first aid kits and rules—it’s about creating the kind of environment where teens can be themselves, take healthy risks, and stretch into the people they’re becoming. We design every trip with that in mind. That’s why RLT has a spotless medical record and why so many families come back year after year.

You can explore how we approach safety here, or if you want to talk through your teen’s specific needs, schedule a call with our team. We’ll walk you through how we approach safety, supervision, and growth—so you can make the decision that’s right for your family.

Laura Dunmire