What a Life-Changing Teen Summer Program Really Looks Like
When a teen returns from a summer program, parents hope to see growth. Maybe a little more maturity, maybe a bit more confidence. What they don’t always expect is what we hear most often: "They came back different—in the best way."
At The Road Less Traveled (RLT), our trips are intentionally built to be more than just memorable. They’re designed to change lives.
What Sets RLT Apart From Other Summer Options?
There are a lot of ways teens can spend their summer: sports teams, academic programs, traditional camps. But those options often keep teens in their comfort zone. They stay surrounded by the same peers, doing familiar things, with predictable outcomes.
RLT is different.
Our programs take teens across the world—into rainforests, fjords, highland villages, and remote coastlines. They travel in small groups, take on meaningful service, and develop leadership in real time. And they come home more confident, more self-aware, and more ready to handle whatever comes next.
What Parents Are Really Looking For
More than anything, parents tell us they want their teen to:
Build confidence without arrogance
Experience the world beyond their screens
Learn responsibility and independence
Understand who they are and what they’re capable of
Our programs are built around those exact goals. That’s why families keep coming back—trip after trip, year after year.
“She came back so much more confident in herself. Thank you.”
– Parent, Alaska: Midnight Sun
“He made new friends, hiked, biked, and helped clear trails—and came home proud of what he accomplished.”
– Parent, Colorado: Call of the Wild
“We wanted a program that mixed service, leadership, and adventure—and RLT delivered exactly that.”
– Parent, Thailand
What Teens Say About Their Experience
Participants consistently describe their RLT summer as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
“No school can teach what I learned in 17 days with RLT.”
– Dhruvad D., Colorado
“This trip allowed me to do a lot of self-reflection. I gained a better understanding of my identity.”
– Maria C., Costa Rica
“I now only have the memories of the happiest days of my life, spent with the greatest people I have ever known.”
– Jordan K., Florida
Whether it’s through team challenges in the mountains, deep conversations with new friends, or stepping up as a group leader for the first time—RLT creates moments that shape who teens become.
A Summer That Sparks Long-Term Growth
Every RLT program includes three things that make all the difference:
Challenge: From navigating new terrain to taking on leadership roles, our trips build real resilience.
Connection: Small group sizes and intentional structure create close, supportive communities.
Reflection: Teens have structured time to process what they’re learning, so the growth sticks.
And because our programs are designed with both safety and intention, parents feel just as confident as their teens do.
See the Full Range of Life-Changing Trips
These are just a few of the programs families are raving about:
Costa Rica: Coast to Canopy (High School)
Service, rainforest exploration, and outdoor adventure
Spain: Connect Through Community
Cultural immersion and food-focused service in rural and urban Spain
Wilderness camping, kayaking, and conservation work
Sea turtle protection, sea kayaking, and sustainable travel
Or browse all of our teen travel programs here →
Not Sure Which Trip Is the Best Fit?
We’re happy to help. Schedule a call with one of our team members to talk through what your teen needs and what kind of growth you’re hoping for.