Teen Treks
           Overview--Summer Bike Trip Program

Can You Imagine Yourself…….

--missing your turn and ending up right where you started from that morning
--being outwitted by a hungry raccoon, and having to cycle to town for breakfast
--asking directions in a foreign country using only sign language
--being on a trip with a 24-hour off tune whistler
--eating chili for dinner after having spent a lifetime refusing it
--sleeping in a tent with someone who snores
--spending a night in a farmhouse and being awakened before the crack of dawn to tend to the morning chores
--sharing the last cookie, even though you wanted all of it
                              …. AND LIKING IT!

Our Groups

While the scenery you pass may be spectacular, and the physical exercise invigorating, your experience as part of a group will probably be the highlight of your trip. You may be surprised how close you'll feel to friends who were new faces just a few days before. You'll be traveling with 8 - 10 people and 2 leaders on a low budget and a high sense of adventure. In a small group each person adds his or her own flavor: one person may be a great storyteller while another a gourmet campfire cook. Ideas and input are also essential; each individual's contribution enhances the group as a whole.

Flexibility and cooperation are key elements in our group experience. A lot of give and take is needed to make a group run smoothly -- like when there are nine or ten different opinions, or when one bike breakdown holds everyone up for the day! It is important to be open to the ideas, experiences and feelings of other group members, and to be willing to abide by group decisions. You will have your share of hostel chores, and food and group equipment to carry. The richness of experiencing cooperative group living and self-sufficiency is one of the added dimensions which make Teen Trek trips much more than just a few weeks on your bike.

Our Leaders

If you want a leader who will cook your breakfast and fix your flat tires, look elsewhere. Our leaders provide the ingredients and tools, but they'll encourage you to tackle the job on your own. They're fun to be with, and when times get rough their warmth, strength, and guidance wily help bring the group together.
Our leaders are teachers, human service professionals, graduate students, college seniors, and travel/hospitality professionals.  Each leader has been carefully chosen and trained by our Leadership Department and is required to successfully complete a personal interview and participate in our Leadership Training and Evaluation Course. Each course is run as an actual biking, camping, hostelling trip.  Emphasis is placed on the skills necessary in leading a trip such as group dynamics, first aid, bike repairs, camping skills, hostel customs, environmental awareness, meal planning, games and sensitivity exercises.