Teen Travel Programs in Michigan

ADVENTURE AHEAD

From the shimmering lakeside coastline to the towering windswept sand dunes, Michigan is an adventure lover’s oasis. We conquer the river by kayak, sail at sunset on Lake Michigan, and hit the trail by bike as we take in the scenery and wildlife surrounding us. We round out our time exploring Michigan’s fruit belt hand picking what is in season; blueberries, apples, raspberries, and blackberries. Our time on an organic farm is filled with education and information as we learn about this rapidly expanding “field” providing hands on assistance cultivating vegetables. Join us as we journey through beautiful Southwest Michigan!

YOUR WORLD AWAITS

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED MIDDLE-SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE AND ADVENTURE TRIP MICHIGAN: SEEDS OF CHANGE

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE ACCOMMODATIONS:

We stay in a secluded large riverfront home in a wooded, park-like setting located on 20 acres just outside of South Haven. We have total privacy and all the comforts of home along with two large living areas, tennis court, basketball hoop and beauty all around to explore – pine, spruce, maple, ash, beech, hemlock and oak trees. We have excellent access to the charming downtown and many farmers markets while still being distant enough to have that classic camp feeling. Bedrooms will be divided by gender and participants will sleep slumber party style in sleeping bags, rotating available beds nightly. Showers are available; however, we shower every other day or so to conserve resources and support sustainability.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE FARMS SERVICE WORK:

Partnering with a local organic farm we learn the ins and outs of farm life while getting first hand experience. Our farms mission is to grow high quality, nutrient dense organically certified vegetables - all while building strong communities through organic agriculture. On a small, seven-acre organic vegetable farm located in Southwest Michigan we learn about the three primary values that drive food production: community, transparency and integrity. Finding a balance between maximizing food production and environmental stewardship we are educated in what it takes to create a “whole-system approach” to farming. We learn to farm in a manner that protects our fragile environment, while at the same time producing an abundance of food. Focusing on soil health and viability, reducing tillage, using cover crops, farming without synthetic chemicals and remaining certified organic are a few of the ways we learn to accomplish this task. At the end of the week we’ll see how our harvested vegetables go from farm to market and partner with a local chef as she teaches brings her philosophy on cooking to life in the kitchen and shares her dedication to serving food from local farmers.

TELL ME MORE ABOUT VISITING THE WOLF SANCTUARY:

We have the unique and fortunate opportunity to visit a local wolf sanctuary that has made it their mission to provide a lifetime home to many wolves, wolfdogs and exotics that have been mistreated, neglected, or are in danger of being hunted. Here, they consider the animal’s physical requirements as well as their emotional needs while educating the public on the proper care and humane treatment of all animal species. We will learn about the importance of the wolf in the wild and crush the myths that are often heard about their behavior, and have the opportunity to greet them face-to-face. The experience is one most people will never have and one that we will never forget!

TELL ME MORE ABOUT BEE KEEPING:

We meet with Don and Jean Lam who have been keeping bees for nearly 25 years. Don is an officer of the Holland Area Beekeepers’ Association and serves on the board of directors for the Michigan Beekeepers’ Association. We learn about how they provide pollination services and produce honey, and make a field trip to one of their apiaries. Here we learn about the detailed information needed to get started as a beekeeper in Michigan, including the importance and history of beekeeping, bee biology 101, equipment, and demonstrations of bee handling.

WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAMS:

We could not be more happy that we sent him or pleased with his experience. The fact that he was so accepted and had so much fun on his adventures with you guys was a HUGE confidence builder for him. One that I know both he and I are grateful for," Lynne W., Alumni Parent

We were absolutely thrilled with Molly’s experience this past summer. She has only the very best things to say about the experience and, in particular, her trip leaders," Amy K., Alumni Parent

Interested in hearing more? We have hundreds of alumni families who can tell you more about their RLT experience. Please contact our office at 773-342-5200 or admissions@theroadlesstraveled.com for more info. If you'd like to read more about our safety record and our accreditations, click here.

Get READY ...

To bike on the historic and unique Kal Haven Trail
To challenge yourself on the monumental dunes in Saugatuck Dunes State Park
To witness a breathtaking sunset while sailing the expansive waters of Lake Mighigan

Get SET

To make once-in-a-lifetime connection looking into the eyes of a wolf
To learn the important values of organic food production
To taste the fresh fruit and berries you've hand picked yourself

GO!

Exercise your artistic mind creating a one of a kind piece at the Art Barn
Explore 20 acres of Michigan woods and the pine, spruce, and oak trees that call it home
Expand your love and appreciation for the outdoors