AAVE Trip BLOG » 2008 » January
January 31, 2008
Teen Summer Camp in Galapagos Sees It All!
Posted by AAVE Parent in : Ecuador & Galapagos, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Both my daughters, previous to this summer, had been on a wide and varied assortment of teen trips. I have to say the feedback from the Ecuador trip was, hands down, the best of any of their experiences. I credit your company in making it such a great time. In particular she thought the two leaders were everything you could look for, fun, enthusiastic, kind and considerate. I thank you.
-Parent, Jessica Fichter, EG
The trip was amazing…Michael forged incredible bonds with a variety of kids, his confidence & self-esteem grew immensely on top of being a tremendous growth experience for him! The combination of adventure & the group experience was fantastic. The leaders were professional & fun (a tough combo to find) & I would whole-heartedly recommend AAVE to everyone!
-Parent, Sharon Morris, EG
Everything about the trip was simply amazing. The places we traveled to were magnificent, but the 13 other kids I met, and our trip leaders were the most important part of the trip to me. Hopefully, I’ve made some life-long friends, and I hope that next summer will be just as exciting. Hiking through bat caves in the Amazon jungle was one of my favorite activities. I can’t really point out any unsuccesful thing on our trip.
-Camper, Michael Morris, EG
The whole trip was a great success! I loved all of it. I didn’t even get home sick I was having so much fun.
-Camper, Katie Dasburg, EG
I felt my daughter Kelsey had a wonderful experience with AAVE. She absolutely loved every aspect of it, and she says wishes it could have lasted for the whole year!
-Parent, Susan Beltz, EG
Absolutely everything this summer was a huge success. I ADORED the counselors, learned so much about Ecuador’s culture, and had the best time of my life!
-Camper, Kelsey Beltz, EG
Katie had a wonderful experience. She met and made new friends who were from other parts of the country and her leaders were knowledgeable and caring. Ecuador and the Galapagos was Katie’s 3rd trip with AAVE and it was by far the most interesting and rewarding. Once again, thank you for providing these opportunities to young adults!
-Parent, Bill Fusco, EG
Ira had a blast. It was an incredibly valuable experience for him. We were very impressed with the organization as well as the team leaders. I took Ira to university this past weekend, in Toronto and I think the confidence he gained onthe trip will be of great benefit to him. I will forward you request to him but I think he is pretty busy with starting at a huge school in a big city. So let me know if you don’t get a response.
-Parent, Joanne Schwartz, EG
It accomplished all of our goals for Kate in that she negotiated her first independent experience which included sickness and injury without us and I attribute that to the group and leader support. She is not an outdoorsy or adventurous girl, preferring NYC and LA to a village in the Andes, so considering that, it was amazing how much she loved the trip!
-Parent, Elise Coffey, EG
Josh came home excited about his entire experience in Ecuador. It was clearly the trip of a lifetime for him. One of the highlights was swimming with sea lions in the Galapagos. Memories of seeing some amazing wildlife in the Amazon will also stay with him always.
-Parent, Eveleyn Eidelberg, EG
I had a chance to challenge myself and do things I never though I would experience in my life time.
Ecuador #2A: From The Equator to the Galapagos
Posted by AAVE Leader in : Ecuador & Galapagos, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Hi Abbott and families,
Just thought we´d catch you all up on all the fun we´ve been having in Ecuador! We have been here in the beautiful Galapagos Islands since Sunday. Our time has been spent snorkeling, hiking, biking, swimming, hanging out at the beach and learning all about what makes these islands so unique. A few of us weren´t feeling too well at the beginning of the week, but after some ¨tranquila¨ time and amazing support from one another we have finally recovered and are ready to continue this second half as strong as ever!
We are spending the next two nights on Santa Cruz, where we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see ¨Lonely George,¨and visit some other historic and natural sites like Tortuga Bay. It will be hard to say bye to all the animals and beautiful sites on the Galapagos, but the Amazon is calling and we will be there next week to enjoy all the rainforest has to offer. Everyone is having a wonderful time and wishes to say hi to all of you back home! Adios!
Thanks for the perfect group!
Heather, Lyn, and all the EG2 chicos
Teen Summer Kayak Camp
Posted by AAVE Camper in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Rock and Roll , add a comment
To be honest, the whole trip was great, I don’t think I would qualify any part of it as unsuccesful. What the trip did succeed especially in was in creating a love for the outdoors that I previously did not have, I now can’t wait to head out once more.-Thomas Manghi, camper, RNR
Sarah had an excellent time. The trip was also very good for helping her develop her sense of independence. The organisation and information provided were good. The activites were also well chosen. Ian, her leader did a good job of communicating with us!-Margaret Krischer, Parent, RNR
The activities were great, the leaders were enthusiastic and friendly, and the kids were all really awesome and made the trip unforgettable.-Andrea Druga, camper, RNR
I was impressed right from the beginning with the staff and the initial contacts that I made with your office. Everyone was professional but cool!!! You all made it easy for me to send my child away without worry. Thank you so much!
My child said that this was an incredible trip. Just so you know, his favorite part about the trip was his counselor Ian so I recommend you keep him.-Mary Sowers, Parent, RNR
Colorado was a completely new experience for me. My goal for the trip was to do something different and that goal was a definite success on my trip.-Matt Sowers, camper, RNR
Isaac had a wonderful time and made friends he will keep, indeed some of which he has already seen again. About kayaking class 3 rapids, which he thoroughly enjoyed, he said, in response to being asked if he had been scared, “sure you’re scared, but you do it anyway.” A wonderful lesson for life!-Liane Strauss, parent, RNR
Rock and Roll was an absolute blast. The activities chosen really required us to venture outside our comfort zones and challenge ourselves. Rock Climbing was a great activity to do first because it encouraged us to trust our other group members. It was truly amazing to me how quickly friendships formed, and how easy it was to feel at home in a Colorado camp ground. These two weeks will not be forgotten.-Samantha Primiano, camper, RNR
Teen Summer Camp Heads to Peru
Posted by AAVE Parent in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Peru & Machu Picchu , add a comment
From the very start we were extremely impressed with the seriousness, responsiveness and diligence with which you sent out information, remained in contact with us and answered our inquiries. I felt very much at ease with Jacob in your care. The supurb organization and forethought were evident each step of the trip. You worked hard to make sure that the kids had a wonderful experience and learned something about the world also. For this we are very grateful. For Jacob, it was a life changing experience. He understands something of others who have so little but are so very gracious. You did a great job!!!!-Josi Hausner, parent, PMP
I had much fun and it really opened my eyes to what happens in less economically powerful countries.-Jacob Abrams, camper, PMP
Casey and Jake had the most amazing summer ever! Each day was a new experience due to the excellent itinerary that was planned. I would have to say that the highlight was the people on the trip, both the other “campers” as well as the trip leaders. From what Casey and Jake told us, the leaders were just perfect. There was not a problem they could not solve, a situation they could not handle, or a request that was not met. I would highly recommend AAVE and Peru/Machu Picchu to anyone who would listen! Thank you for taking such good care of my kids! Thanks again!-Susan Fromm, parent, PMP
The group dynamics were great, and the leaders made the trip amazing. Nothing stands out as being unsuccessful.-Jacob Fromm, camper, PMP
The leaders were fantastic, and I was never concerned with Sara’s safety! One of the leaders came to Portland for a teacher conference, and we had dinner with her. She is such a lovely young lady. Once again, AAVE has proved to us just how much they can make a difference in the life of a teenager.
I went to Thailand summer of ‘06. Had the best time possible, with the most memorable friendships. This summer, I went to Peru. I am speechless because I don’t think anyone who has not been on an AAVE trip can understand just how amazing it is. The experiences are ones that have to be experienced! I learned things about myself that 12 years of school could never teach me.-Sara Sebastian, camper, PMP
Becca enjoyed the trip very much. She went on a trip with another company last year and thought your trip was much better. Well organized, excellent leaders, good mix of activities, service project very interesting. She had nothing negative to say.-Sandra Sebastian, parent, PMP
I loved everything we did in AAVE. I felt it was extremely organized and prepared for anything that could go wrong. Our trip leaders were fantastic and I overall had one of the best summers of my life!-Becca Sigal, camper, PMP
This trip was very successful, even better than the one Sean interpreted last year. The pictures were incredible, the stories were fascinating and everything turned out well. I really do not regret having sent Thomas to this wonderful adventure, its qualities and unforgettable moments will stay in his memories forever.-Niels Christensen, parent, PMP
The AAVE summer trip to Peru and Machu Picchu was amazing. There were too many successful and good things going on to even notice the unsuccessful ones. I have done many trips in my life, but not one so packed and rich as this one: with new things to discover, three amazing and reliable trip leaders, and a group of awesome people (none of which i knew in the first place), i had a wonderful time. Despite the teachers’ protests, traveling around Peru was still very possible and we enjoyed even more. I am so glad I chose this adventure, I will never forget it and it will stay in my memories forever.-Thomas Christensen, camper, PMP
January 30, 2008
Teen Summer Camp Surfs Mexico!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Surf Camp , add a comment
“It was really interesting to be able to experience Mexican culture, eat Mexican food, and speak Spanish in addition to learn to scuba dive and work on my surfing skills; I can’t believe what a cool summer camp this is! I would recommend this to kids who are looking for an adventure and something a little more exciting than your normal sleepaway camp.”
- Sarah Kountz, SSS1
Ultimate Hawaii - truly, the best summer ever!
Posted by AAVE Parent in : General AAVE Trip BLOG, Ultimate Hawaii , 1 comment so far
It seemed as though every day presented a new challenge or a new learning experience - and Taylor embraced them all. She came back exhilarated - truly, the best summer ever. The office personnel have been immediately responsive to any and all questions - even the goofy ones. I wouldn’t hesitate to send Taylor anywhere in the world with AAVE and as far as I can tell from my conversations with her, I imagine I will be!”
Thanks for everything!
Miranda, mother of an Ultimate Hawaii Camper
January 28, 2008
Ireland, Wales, England Teen Summer Camp!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : England-Ireland-Wales, General AAVE Trip BLOG , 1 comment so far
“I’ve been on 3 AAVE trips and have loved every one of them but Wild Isles was by far the best. The leaders and campers were all really fun and cool and we all had a blast exploring the U.K. The whole atmosphere of the trip was awesome and everyone had a really good time. The sites and activities were all loads of fun and there was never a dull day! Out of all the trips I have been on I recommend this one the most.”
- Jacob Wallis, camper
January 26, 2008
Language Immersion Camp in France!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
I had fun making new friends. The International French school was great. Sea kayaking was terrific and of course the shopping was fun!
-Camper, Olivia Kieffer, FC
Sam enjoyed the trip immensely, was motivated to improve his French, and made very good friends.
-Parent, Jim Steward, FC
The activities were fun and the team leaders were very helpful. The homestay was absolutely fantastic!
-Camper, Sam Steward, FC
My daughter had a great time on the France Classique trip. She made some wonderful friendships and enjoyed the activities immensely. Even the homestay turned out positive which was a concern.
-Parent, Marilyn Aliber, FC
My trip was very sucessful. I met many friends that I know I’ll keep up with for the rest of my life. Also, my trip definetly motivated me to continue taking French classes until I become fluent.
-Camper, Rebecca Aliber, FC
Erika had an amazing summer experience. She really enjoyed the French classes at the international schoool. She loved meeting other students from other countries. She also found her home stay surprisingly enjoyable. Being in a home with another AAVE camper made the experience positive. Erika, while a fine athlete, is not a huge outdoor “enthusiast”. She loved the challenge - and subsequent feeling of accomplishment - upon completion of the more rigorous wilderness adventures. Ending her trip on the coast of southern France (for her 16th birthday never-the-less) was a perfect ending to an “amazing” (as Erika will tell you) trip! We are looking forward to receiving the catalog for summer 2008.
-Parent, Susan Romagnoli, FC
My summer with AAVE was incredible! Eveything I did was new, fun, and thrilling. I loved living amongst the French culture, and being able to experience it in homestays and tents! I really enjoyed practicing my French all over the beautiful country. I also adored visitng Monaco at the end of the trip. And most of all I loved meeting so many new people! The group that I was lucky enough to travel with has left me with friendships that I know I will keep for a very long time! Overall, my summer was amazing, and besides one or two group issues that had to be brought up at meetings, my time with AAVE was unbelivably successful!
-Camper, Erika Romagnoli, FC
Spanish Language Immersion Camp, IN SPAIN!
Posted by admin in : Espana Clasica, General AAVE Trip BLOG , 2 comments
It was all successful. I had the greatest time ever. The counselors were absolutely great, the camping was enjoyable, and the whole trip was wonderful.
-Camper, Yvette Gong, EC
It was extremely successful. My daughter loved every minute of it!
-Parent, Lisi Gong, EC
Emily had an amazing time with truly professional trip leaders!
-Parent, Charlotte Drinkwater, EC
EVERYTHING was successful! I loved every second of my trip to Spain. I loved surfing in Santander the most. I also loved the atmosphere of this trip. Everyone was so positive and wanted to achieve the same things as me.
-Camper, Emily Drinkwater, EC
I think that AAVE does a terrific job of matching trip leaders to the specific trips, and also matching the leaders to each other. It was a largely successful summer because the leaders allowed you to grow as a person.
-Camper, Jay O’Donnell, EC
Everything great, good communication when necessary, fortunately communication was not often necessary. Thanks for the great summer!
-Parent, Karen O’Donnell, EC
Your company management of parental paperwork (ie. staying on top of me with gentle reminders) was excellent. Your organizational skills made me feel comfortable that Emily was in a well controlled, well managed teen program. All possible concerns were addressed up front with clear expectations for us as parents and allowed for clearly established expectations of behaviors/goals with our teenager. She came back more independent, confident and had a better defined sense of who she is as an individual. I would recommend your progrm to others with confidence and look forward to sending her younger sister.
-Parent, Anne Leahy, EC
It was wonderful. Amanda tells everyone that it was the best time of her life. She is still in touch with many teens from the trip. As parents we were kept informed and had no worries.
-Parent, Rod Watson, EC
Everything I experienced at AAVE was completely sucessful. We had so much fun in everything we did.
-Camper, Amanda Watson, EC
The AAVE experience surpassed all of our expectations and met our dreams. We said goodbye to our young daughter on her 14th birthday as she boarded the international flight to Spain for the very first time. And 3 weeks later, on July 20th we welcomed back our mature and very evolved daughter. Her growth was evident to us the minute we saw her. She couldn’t stop talking about the entire trip, from what she saw and experienced to her wonderful group and super star leaders. The way in which the leaders mobilized the kids to get to know each other and work as a team was brilliant. Thanks!
-Parent, Amie Ratajczak, EG
Max loved his trip. The most successful outcome was the home stay and his desire to learn Spanish. If you had told him he would love staying with a woman and her middle aged grown son, he would have said “What? Are you nuts?” But it was great and he really learned Spanish as well. He also loved the hiking and is planning a smester at the University of Salamanca when he gets to college.
-Parent, Ruth Harwood, EG
The entire trip was successful from surfing to Spanish classes there wasn’t a bad moment!
-Camper, Jack Greenhouse, EG
This trip to Spain was needless to say my best summer experience ever!
-Camper, Mark Frankel, EG
Spanish Language Immersion is First Class!
Posted by AAVE Camper in : Costa Rica Spanish Intensive, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Everything was successful! The planning, travel arrangements, Leda’s entire experience in Costa Rica, Nicole & Ronald, the families,community service, beaches, volcanoes, rainforest, fun, fruit, shopping, photographs, and speaking Spanish.
-Parent, Fran Grossman, CSI
I made great friends who I miss so much and I have so many memories of exciting adventures that I never would have if hadn’t gone on the trip. The counselors were great and so comforting to me when I was sick. Anytime we needed help they were there and ready to try to do anything to accommodate you. I loved the trip and I miss it so much!!
-Camper, Leda Grossman, CSI
Taylor had a trip of a lifetime! I think the trip was successful in providing the kids with a great experience of getting to know the country, it’s people and the language in a safe, fun and organized way.
-Parent, Chessa Montgomery, CSI
I loved the way that our group leaders managed to make time for all the activities, introduced to all the cultural experiences, taught us plenty of information and interesting facts about the country and the wildlife, and that they made sure we were safe. The things we managed to do in such a short period was amazing!
-Camper, Taylor Montgomery, CSI
Kaitlyn had, once again, a great summer, thanks to AAVE. Her spanish ability has sky-rocketed, she loved the country, adventures, culture, and the organization was fantastic!
-Parent, Karen Smith, CSI
It was amazing..the best summer of my life! I loved the fact that we stayed with families by ourselves. At first I was a little nervous but it turned out to be the best experience of my life! I loved every second of it and the country was beautiful. Once again, a great summer full of adventure, lifelong friends, and unmeasurable growth, thanks AAVE!
-Camper, Kaitlyn Smith, CSI
Absolutely fantastic! The combination of traditional classroom learning, hands on experiences such as salsa dancing, host family stays and practicing Spanish with group members gave Hannah greater confidence in her Spanish speaking and writing skills. The adventures, of course, were unparalled. We were unable to ascertain her favorite because all were shared at the family dinner table or viewing photos with equal enthusiasm, whether detailing white water rafting, zip lining, surfing or touring a coffee plantation. The upbeat and just plain fun personalities of Annemarie & Angelo enhanced every aspect of this trip–both very knowledgable as well. The trip was well organized from the packing list to the itinerary, yet there was a degree of flexibily maximizing opportunities as they presented themselves. The variety of cultural experiences, habitats, and community serives additionally provided a great way for Hannah to really get to know the people and the country of Costa Rica. We would have enjoyed a phone call so we could participate more fully in the excitment, but the e-mails both from Hannah and the trip leaders were great. We have nothing but accolades for this program and would heartily recommend it to other teens. Hannah continues to stay in touch with the great friends she met.
-Parent, Marsha Freedman, CSI
He had the best experience ever! Originally he didn’t want to go and made me feel guilty for sending him away but as soon as he arrived from the trip, he was nonstop talking about it. He wants to go on two trips next year and his Spanish has improve so much….thank you for all your support and we’ll see you next year!
-Parent,Tina Choi, CSI
I believe this was one of the best summers of Erin’s life. It was truly a life changing experience and opened her eyes to all the possibilities life has to offer. It has whet her appetite to travel, to experience and respect other cultures and to appreciate what she has in our own wonderful country. Her Spanish has improved tremendously as well as her self-confidence in speaking another language. She can’t wait to do another trip next year. It is just hard to decide which one. As for the company itself, I can’t say enough about the professionalism I experienced. From the first phone inquiry to her return home, I could not have asked for anything more. Please, please use us as a reference. We LOVE telling other people about her trip.
-Parent, Paulette Walker, CSI
I honestly think that everything about my trip was successful! I had an amazing summer, thanks AAVE! I really liked the layout of the trip, the great people on it, the amazing counselors, and the awesome activities. I tell everyone I see about my trip and I beg them to go on an AAVE trip. So if that doesn’t say enough, just know that I had the best summer of my life!
-Camper, Erin Walker, CSI
I can only say good things about this trip. The leaders were extraordinary, food delicious and the trips were unforgettable. I learned so much Spanish I didn’t want to revert back to English after the trip. What else can I say? IT WAS AWESOME!!
-Camper, Lukas Schulte, CSI
