I have been on two ARCC service trips- Costa Rica and Peru. It was an amazing experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. I was exposed to a totally different lifestyle than I'm used to. The problem is, ARCC is very expensive, which means a lot of kids on the trips are pretty used to being pampered, and not great company during the portions of the trip where you have to rough it a bit more. Socially, it was a miserable experience. However, I think I learned a lot and I'm very proud of the work I did. I'd recommend ARCC over other similar programs (ie Rustic Pathways) but don't think that this is a wholehearted endorsement.
My daughter traveled with Adventures Cross-Country last year (California Service) and it was such a phenomenal experience! I was so impressed with ARCC's communication, program highlights and the level of quality leadership and guidance from her leaders. I saw the review above about the quality of food and my daughter not only enjoyed the food but also came home ready to show me the things she learned how to cook on her California Service program. We researched programs for several months and every step of the way it was obvious that ARCC provides something special that can't be compared. We are excited to send our daughter on the Hawaii Service program this year!
Time of my life! Everyone in Thailand was so friendly, even when plans fell through it was still fun. Though not everything went according to plan, that just made for good memories. Regardless I still think of it as the best month of my life!
Have been on two ARCC trips - one Blue Water and one Service. Both were fantastic. GREAT counselors. Very organized and reputable organization. Highly recommend.
paid alot of money, son went to italy and greece. never ate at restaurants and was fed ramen noodles etc. very poor travel organizing, re-routed and sent on bus and ferry for multiple hours after international flights without hotel/hostel to save money. this company is all about taking your money and saving it for themselfves.
When I went, everything was good- it was planned great, the staff was nice and the activities were good, but the kids I was with were really horrible. but, I would still go back (I actually am) but you have to be prepared to meet a few spoiled brats, especially if you do a trip to a "vacationy" spot that doesn't involve a lot of manuel labor.
