The staff is phenomenal, extremely well trained, attentive, maintains a high standard for participant behavior and makes sure that group cohesion is developed and maintained. Participants grow through active problem solving, leadership is encouraged and leaders are well-trained in fostering teen experiences and growth. The office staff is exceptionally attentive and answers any question or concern, no matter how small, is care and attention to detail. You will not be disappointed if you take any of their trips.
Our 14 year old son's trip to Costa Rica was a life changing experience. In his words, "I had the time of my life". He loved all aspects of the trip from the hard work rehabbing a school, living in a tent, learning to surf, seeing the smiles on the children's faces when they saw their school upgraded school, and of course the famous oatmeal mixed with peanut butter for breakfast. He gained a more worldly perspective and a broader appreciation of his own life. The trip exceeded his expectations and ours. RLT is an awesome organization and team that is truly making a difference.
Our daughter’s trip to Costa Rica with RLT exceeded her (and our) already high expectations. The experience began well before the actual trip and extended beyond, with thoughtful, meaningful outreach before and after the trip. The trip itself was a purposeful, service and education oriented experience geared towards personal growth…with plenty of fun along the way. The skilled instructors did a terrific job at bringing the group together, leading and encouraging thoughtful discussion, and generally enhancing the experience. RLT it seemed clear to us is a highly experienced organization with high standards marked by a carefully considered ethos and a well-executed program.
my daughter just returned from her RLT adventures. She had incredible experiences hiking, climbing and rafting. the safety was top notch. the kids on the group were great and the leaders worked hard to make sure the team gelled. also appreciated that the trip was rugged--clean living. unplugged. simple.we will definitely do another trip.
Road Less Traveled is a special place to work and reflects the values of a small and family-run company committed to creating exceptional outdoor and service-oriented experiences for participants. As an employee this means that you have regular and direct interactions with Donna and Jim as Directors, know everyone who works in the office and have a personal support network available throughout your trip. Donna and Jim have been two of the best bosses I have had in my career. As managers, they demand excellence and create an environment where trip leaders can explore their own leadership skills, hone their technical skills, and go go into the field to create a powerful learning experience for participants. Having the opportunity to be a trip leader has been the best job I have ever had. In my five summers of working with Donna and Jim, I have been blown away by their commitment to employees and it has been a pleasure to work with them.
I went on an RLT Trip, Water and Rocks, when I was a teenager and ended up working in the office for over two years. I saw first-hand the time and energy that Donna and Jim spend in making all of their programs meaningful, exciting, safe and fun. One of their greatest strengths is that they are outstanding people leaders. They have the ability to connect with their employees and help them to be and do their best which contributes to making RLT programs so fun and satisfying. The Steins have their finger on the pulse of today's youth and instinctively know what makes a successful program for young adults.
Best summer of my life. Sure you get angry with living outside or not having perfect housing, but when you get home you feel empty without your RLT family. Everyone should do it.
RLT is a spectacular organization from top to bottom. Every year that I feel more and more like I have been able to work with the company and the owners and not simply for them. Regardless of where I have traveled with RLT, the students and the people that I have worked with have always been fantastic! All of the planning and work that goes into every RLT trip really shines through while out in the field and I have never ceased to be impressed by the contact and help that I have received as a leader in the field when getting in touch with the home office. While no trip is ever perfect, I can't think of anyone who comes closer to providing a perfect, safe, and memorable trip for staff and students alike!
Donna and the Stein family have been close friends of mine since my first season working for The Road Less Traveled 5 years ago. The Road Less Traveled is truly a family owned and operated organization in every sense of the phrase. Jim and Donna treat every client, instructor, and support staff member as if they were a member of their own family, sharing wisdom, providing direction, and fostering a wonderful environment to learn and grow.
This is a great wilderness adventure/community service company. There are quite a few trips to choose from, including international trips. Participants sleep in 4 person tents, with usually 2-4 people in each tent. Campsites are mostly pre-choosen, which usually adds to the comfort, if there is any. The staff is great, and the staff to participant ratio is low. These trips are NOT for kids who do not like "roughing it". Also, the participants cook and plan their own meals. Most activities are challenging, so be sure to be in good to great physical shape. One thing that this company adds attention to, which most other companies don't, is the psycological aspect to the trips. About twice to three times during the trip the staff (usually 2 or 3, maybe 4?) will ask the participants to reflect on goals for the trip, and this for me made it a more enjoyable experience. I learned a lot of new skills, and I highly recommend it, but not to kids who dont want to "Rough It".
