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Comments
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4/16/23 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My son attended the Colorado Bold trip in the summer of 2021 and had an amazing experience! He met teens from all over the country, visited several national parks, did community service doing trail maintenance, hiked, camped, mountain biked, white water rafted and most importantly grew and matured exponentially. The instructors he had were wonderful and did a great job of keeping parents informed during the trip. My quiet and reserved son came back with so many stories of the fun he had on his trip. Bold Earth really brought out his sense of adventure and he has been a lover of travel and a true outdoorsman ever since. We had a great experience with Bold Earth and highly recommend it!
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11/1/22 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I really loved this trip because we saw some amazing things an built an amazing community. I hope to go back this year!
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12/17/21 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've worked for Bold Earth for seven summers, and can honestly say that this company cares. After nearly a decade working for various companies in wilderness therapy, trip leading, and outdoor education, I've been nothing but impressed by the trajectory of Bold Earth's dedication to their families, students, outfitters, safety, itineraries, and self-growth. Staff training is inclusive and addresses important diversity elements that often get skipped in outdoor ed. As a trip leader, I've watched hundreds of kids develop confidence, create connection, grow, and try new things. I scuba dived for the first time on a Bold Earth trip (they use amazing local contacts and professional outfitters for specialty activities), and to experience something like that with my students experiencing it too was a life-changing kind of experience. I can't recommend Bold Earth enough, and I'm really grateful to have ended so many days of my life in a Bold Earth evening meeting. Beautiful company.
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*
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8/23/21 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I sent my daughter on the California trip this summer, and couldn't be more pleased with the Bold Earth experience! After a year of lockdown I was nervous to send my kid with a group of strangers. The office was easy to contact and connect with, and I felt very comfortable before she got on the plane. Coming back was the big difference, I've never seen her so happy! She made great friends, learned to cook for herself, and got challenged a lot too. 10/10, will be back next year (fingers crossed for Iceland)!
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*
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2/1/21 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Honestly best summer of my life. I wish I could re live it a thousand times over. I am not usually outdoorsy so it surprised me how much fun it was. It's crazy how fast you bond with other kids on the trip and the trip leaders are awesome- very supportive and helpful. This is really not like a camp- it's an adventure and an experience that you will remember forever.
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1/31/21 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I cannot say enough about Bold Earth! I sent my daughter (15 years old) to Hawaii. I was very nervous, she had never been so far away from home. She came back raving about the experience, the counselors, the friends she made, etc. From my perspective as a parent, the office and leaders were professional, communicative, and very kind. Highly recommend, I will be sending her again!
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6/29/20 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
I went on the "Bold Alps" trip last summer in 2019. This was not my first trip with Bold Earth. However, the description on the Bold Earth website does not accurately detail what the trip looks like. The counselors were irresponsible and were neither mentally or physically there for us. The other kids were spoiled, entitled, and had many other issues that sent one of them home. I was very disappointed and upset. I recommend taking a family trip that will enable you to bond with your children and have a fun time, rather than hope your child is in good hands.
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2/13/20 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
My mother-in-law sent both of my daughters on two different trips ... one to Costa Rica and one to Europe. Frightening. Dangerous. Little to no adult supervision. Still scares me to think about. My daughter in Costa Rica fell, slammed her head on a tile, and no one did anything for her and she still has health problems from that fall. The Europe trip - the ‘leaders’ were nothing but college kids and got the group lost multiple times. Horrible experiences! Go on a FAMILY trip - be WITH your kids!!
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10/23/19 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
My daughter went on the Costa Rica trip. The tour guides and activity companies are shady and not screened. No supervision. Would not recommend.
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*
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4/9/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Great summer camp, my son enjoyed activities, made friends with great camp leaders and team, he is going again this summer. HIghly recommended!
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4/5/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Best trip I have had in my life yet I wish I could relive it!!!
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4/2/14 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I felt it was a very good experience for my son. It's definitely a character building experience, where one is pushed out of their comfort zone, including the comforts of home. It's roughing it in a way they would never experience on their own. The guides were excellent and a major reason for the trip's success.
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3/27/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
Was worried at first, but it turned out very fun!!
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3/18/14 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
They did a very good job organizing travel for the group and keeping the parents updated on what was going on. The trip leaders were energetic and enthusiastic.
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*
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3/12/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My Daughter went on the Bold Earth Adventure that put her on a bike from Paris to Amsterdam and she loved it. She grew so much on that trip and it planted the seed of travel and adventure that will last a lifetime. I personally and highly recommend the Bold Earth program to any parent looking to provide something great for the young adult in their life.
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2/26/14 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My Bold Earth experience was great! Although there were a few times when the counselors were mad at us unjustly, I had fun. Thanks again for a great summer!
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2/22/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I loved it! I had the best summer of my life. Our fearless leaders were enthusiastic and super nice. I can't wait to begin a new adventure next summer.
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2/21/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This was the best trip I've had. I'm going on another trip this summer and can't wait to go!
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2/17/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I had one of the best summers of my life on Costa Rica Adventure.I have always been a spanish and nature lover so this trip was just perfect for me. Every day was filled with exciting and interest activities that really enriched my life and made me more globally aware. Coming back from the trip, I love being able to tell people about all of the different activities I took part in, from horseback riding, river tubing, and rafting, to jumping off a platform in the jungle as part of our zip line canopy tour, this trip was just amazing. Costa Rica is such a beautiful country, and the itinerary could not have been better. My two counselors were equally perfect, Sara, our American guide was fun and personable, while Johnny our Costa Rican guide was INCREDIBLYKNOWLEDGEABLEand great to talk with. My only complaint is there was a small number of kids who signed up for my program, and they were all younger girls when I was a guy. I wish they made sure there was a nice group before committing.
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*
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2/4/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Our daughter went on 2 trips, ultimate Hawaii and epic Africa. Both were amazing trips. Company did a good job, very attentive. Counselors were the key and she had excellent counselors.
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5/7/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I had the best summer out in the wilderness in Alaska ever!! The guides, camping, sites, and activities were so much fun! We were all like sisters and brothers by the end! We had such an amazing time and i wish i could go back!! Bold earth is awsome!
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5/2/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I went on Epic Africa and it was a blast! I learned so much and got to do a lot of meaningful service work. The safaris were amazing and I would go on another Bold Earth trip in a heartbeat!
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4/21/13 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My eldest son Blake attended this camp after completing eigth grade. He loved the refting and really enjoyed helping rebuild the fence for a "real cowboy" and then sitting down that night and eating a steak with all the cowboys and ranchers. He made so many new friends, enjoyed sleeping in the tents every night and looked forward to the next planned activity. It was not too long or short but just the right amount of time for a 14 year old to be away. Thanks Bold Earth!
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SYSTEM: Name changed from Bold Earth Adventures to Bold Earth Teen Adventures |
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SYSTEM: Name changed from Bold Earth Adventures (AAVE) to Bold Earth Adventures |
*
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1/18/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Liz and Ian were very much on top of what was going on with my child during his 3 week time away (early homesickness feigned as he just didn't like anyone there) & eventually made his experience one that he won't forget. They were both great at working with the kids, and together kept the kids engaged with age-appropriate activities. Typical cost for a summer program.
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*
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11/29/12 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This was the first time my daughter went on a Bold Earth trip. My nephew did the Greece / Italy trip 2 years ago so that is the one we picked. We all had a wonderful experience. The trip was amazing. My daughter takes Latin in school so Greece was special. All the Teens loved the team leaders. You really could tell in the photos. They really learned a lot about each other and themselves. We loved the blog posts. That site was the best for us parents. The pictures and the posts were written by the kids.We plan on another trip this summer. She is so excited. Skipping the sweet 16 party for another adventure! It's money well spent. I thought it was well organized and they made sure your kids were safe. My child has a nut allergy and they stayed on top of it. Read over the trips and let your kids go on a wonderful adventure.Open them up to the world.
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*
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11/19/12 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
First of all let me start off, im not going to lie about my bold earth experience, although most these reviews are very similar, they are very true... I've been to 4 different camps and have never found the one that suited me, my fifth camp,bold earth, was the experience of a life time. The adventure experience allowed me to test my inner strength because I over came so many fears including my biggest fear of hieghts... I had so much fun and made the most amazing friends, I would consider us family, I still talk to some of them daily. The community service part of the trip allowed me to realize how much I have and I was able to become very thankful for what I have. I was able to really help a community and I am so happy I was given this experience. I would recommend a bold earth trip to anyone because it allows you to be a new you and leave your regular self at home.
Moral of story: GO TO BOLD EARTH! IT'S AMAZING!
Sydney
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10/24/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
If you are even considering going on a Bold Earth trip, I highly advise it. I went on the Ultimate Hawaii trip and it was better than any camp experience I had ever had before. Prior to my trip, I went sleep away camp for 5 years, yet the 3 weeks I spent in Hawaii with Bold Earth were better than all of those put together.
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*
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10/24/12 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Bold Earth has given me the most amazing summers I've ever had. The staff is what really makes this company great. They are really fun, really kind, intelligent, responsible, helpful and all around great people to look up to. Out of the 5 that I've had as trip leaders, and the 3 that my brother had, I have only good things to say. The facilities are great except for that when I went on a trip later in the summer, some of the tents were a little broken, but otherwise, everything else (van, cooking supplies, group gear, activity gear) was fine. The activities are so fun and engaging and local professionals are often hired to help out. Not only the planned activities were great, but also the little games we play while waiting for food, the meaningful evening meetings, and all the things on the side, like playing in the snow in Alaska, or driving up to Mauna Kea to see the stars in Hawaii. Also, the price is pretty cheap compared to most other summer camps and it's totally worth it.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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10/17/12 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
Bold Earth was the second adventure trip company I had spent my summer with, and I can say with certainty that it was the most rewarding and challenging experience I have encountered. Hiking was a section of the trip broken into two groups that really allowed us to get to know one another on a more personal level. Being in a group of all guys I felt like everyone was much more open with one another from the start. While I can't say backpacking is my favorite activity, getting to spend days on end in the wilderness living on only what you can carry on your back is incredibly rewarding, and the struggles you encounter certainly (as parents would like to hear) build character. The Counselors are well qualified, young, and extremely fun to hang out with and get to know. Not once did I feel that they were too bossy or too passive- it felt like they were really part of the group. If you are new to outdoor adventure trips this is the perfect company for you, and hopefully you enjoy it!
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*
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10/17/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I did the Hawaii trip this summer and it was the BEST experience of my life. My trip leaders were fun, loving and extremely qualified. I loved all of the camping aspects and I had the time of my life! I met so many new friends who I still keep in touch with regularly.This company is truly special. I recommend Bold Earth trips to anyone who is adventurous and loves to have fun. I can't wait to do another trip next year!
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*
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10/12/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I have been with many driffrent teen travle agencys and Boldearth/aave is by far the best. I have done multiple trips with them, being Ultimat Alaska, Colorado, Italy and europ, and the costarica trip. And i loved tem all The kids are always nice and fun to be around and the Trip leaders are always kind and know that they are doing.
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*
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2/16/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I had the most incredible experience on Bold Earth Epic Africa. The people, activities, and sights were all amazing and I wish I could go back again. I look forward to my Bold Earth trip this summer.
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*
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1/25/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I went on the Ultimate Alps trip and probably had the best three weeks of my life. The trip leaders were amazing and everything we did was such a great experience. The trip is built around skiing but is really so much more. We stayed in nice camps sites and there is really nothing that I didn't enjoy about the three weeks.
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*
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1/22/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This is the most amazing camp ever! I recommend it to everyone! You will make unbelievable and unforgettable memories with amazing new friends! The counselors are friendly and nice and help you throughout all the amazing activities we experience! I love Bold Earth!
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*
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1/21/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Both trips I have been on were actually nothing but amazing and entertaining. Not a day went by where we didn't cause a scene while laughing hysterically or playing games in public. The staff was great, campsites safe, activities fun, we got to know the trip leaders and vice versa, and I honestly feel every penny was worth it. All in all, this camp is the best!
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*
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1/19/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My daughter went on the Hawaii trip. She had an amazing adventure. She tried so many things she had never done before! The leaders were fabulous and caring adults. People at the main office always responded quickly to questions. It wasn't inexpensive when you factor in the cost of the supplies BUT it was worth it. She will never forget this trip and the friends she made. I would definitely send her or my other child on a Bold Earth trip.
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1/18/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I truly mean it when I rate this camp with all 5's. I went on my first trip this summer and had the time of my life. I had the opportunity to make very close friends from all over the globe, as well as visit some breath-taking sights in the West of the US. My counselors were so sweet and made sure that we had an amazing summer that we would never forget. They made sure we were always having fun, and that we were remaining healthy and safe while doing so. The activities were OUTSTANDING. We went on some great hikes, rock-climbed & repelled off the cliffs in the Sierra National Forest, surfed the radical waves in Santa Cruz, and went white-water rafting down some pretty sweet rapids. We also completed some community service in San Francisco, and the list of fun goes on and on. I think about my summer with Bold Earth each and everyday and how it has really changed me into becoming a much more confident person. I highly recommend choosing this company if you are looking for an amazing time
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*
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1/18/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Had the best summer ever with Bold Earth! Also the staff was extremely kind and funny. Bold Earth chooses the absolute best activities to do at all of the locations they travel to. I highly recommend attending!
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1/17/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Had a great time. Highly recommend. I would love to go back. My plane fare was the expensive part of the trip. It was more than the trip.GO BOLD EARTH!!!
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1/17/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
BEST SUMMER EVER! I LEARNT SO MUCH AND I NOW APPRECIATE NATURE AND TEAM WORK SO MUCH MORE!
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1/17/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Bold Earth provides the most amazing experiences and adventures. I saw my shy teenager blossom into a confident leader full of amazing stories and memories. If your child loves the outdoors and has a sense of adventure this is so much more than the typical summer camp
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SYSTEM: 3 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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1/13/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
This was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I was on the Africa adventure.
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1/12/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Our oldest son, now 20 went to Colorado and Utah with bold earth. Our 17 year old son went to Hawaii and our youngest son went to Colorado. He cannot wait until next year to go on the Hawaii trip. The only child who has not done a trip with them is our daughter who is too young. It was the best experience my kids have had. Our oldest was having a bit of homesickness, hard to believe now that he is a junior in college but the staff at AAVE/Bold Earth helped him and us through it and he says he is a better man for it. He found out that he was a leader with his outdoor skills and shared that once the guides helped get him passed the sad/quiet times while he was hiking. It was worth every penny spent.
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1/11/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My son went to China with Bold Earth. He had a great experience and made lasting friends. It was a well organized and the leaders were very qualified.
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1/11/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Best camp I've ever been to and plan to return! Awesome!
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1/11/12 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
Incredible trip, my summers got so much more exciting ever since i heard about bold-earth, its truly an amazing experience, no matter where you go.
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1/11/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My grandson has gone twice now--once to Colorado, Once to Alaska.It was really good for him, and I know he enjoyed it. He is growing up to be a fie youbg man, and I know his Bold Earth experience will help him face the challenges ib the future.
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1/11/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Best adventure company ever.. we have tried many these guys know what they are doing
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1/11/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
The Costa Rica trip was great and all the activities were so much fun! Bold Earth did a really good job with it.
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1/11/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My son went on two trips with Bold Earth and he smiles every time he thinks about the staff, friends and experiences. The stories keep coming, even months later! The staff are unbelievably special; very qualified and relate well to the campers. This was the best gift we could have given him. I highly recommend this as a summer choice for those who love the outdoors and adventure.
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1/11/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My daughter went on the Boots, Paddle, Saddle trip in 2009 and the Spain trip in 2010. They were wonderful, life-changing experiences. She was exhilarated by, and proud of, the freedom she was given. These ARE adventure trips, so only choose this organization if adventure is what you are looking for. The trips aren’t cheap, but the organization does have to pay two experienced, talented, fun young adults to be with a handful of lively international kids 24/7. My daughter loved every aspect of the trips, including the leaders, especially Tyson, and her fellow campers. The trips made her think big and helped her learn how important nature is to her, how much she enjoys service, that she is a leader, and that when taught the right way, she even loves Spanish—a subject she never much liked in school. She got into her top-choice environmental college, thanks in part to the great essay material these trips provided, and she hopes to be a counselor for Bold Earth when she's old enough.
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1/11/12 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
4 |
I went to Costa Rica and it was awesome, not perfect, but I definitely got a ton out of the trip! One of my leaders was amazing, a great role model and easy to talk to, while the other was pretty distant and didn't really make an effort to get to know anyone- he was more of a tour guide than anything else. The home stays were really eye opening- an amazing once in a life time kind of experience. It was a great balance of cultural emersion and adventure- probably more on the emersion side.
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1/11/12 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
amazing summer camp I would recommend it because the people are great and they are a ton of fun! each trip is unique in its own way and is a fabulous way to spend the summer abroad.
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7/16/11 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
My leaders for my trip (Bike Amsterdam Paris) were great! However, some of the camp sites and hostels we stayed in (particularly the hostel on the outskirts of Paris) were a bit shady. Some of the other camp sites and the hostel in Belgium were great though. Personally after biking through country side for about 5 days, things got a little repetitive; more time in the larger cities would have been better. I also question were exactly my money was going. Most days we spent simply biking and visiting little cities, which is nice and all but not expensive. The trip is self is still about half the cost of a People to People trip or an ATW trip, so that is a plus. There were some problems with organization, the company scheduled the Louvre visit on Tuesday and its closed every Tuesday. All in all, I enjoyed my trip and would recommend it, but there could defiantly be some improvements.
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5/6/11 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Fantastic camp; I recommended it to everyone (I went on the Rock and Roll trip) No complaints whatsoever. The best week of my life. The staff was friendly, fun, encouraging, insightful, very well qualified, and i loved them. I signed up knowing I was in for a camping trip, and that was fine with me. Nice campsites, nice tents. Note: if your trip is at elevation, expect cold nights. The temperature plummets. The activities were just the right challenge. There was constant encouragement, but when summiting the "fourteener," I got sick, and a counselor came down with me. Very good. Personal attention was great, with an awesome camper to counselor ratio. Monetary value was also excellent; I am saving up to go again this summer.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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12/24/10 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
The facilities were disgusting, the staff didn't watch the kids at all. my daughter said that the activities were difficult, and the staff wasn't much help. her trip to africa cost way to much for what she got out of it.
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9/27/10 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Aave is a well organized fun and safe trip... i went on the costa rica trip and had the best summer i ever had. i cant believe what the other comments said. the food was good and they were always making sure are needs were fulfilled. I highly recommend it to anyone
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10/22/08 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I can't believe the previous comments about AAVE. I experienced the camp first-hand and also went on the Hawaii trip. It was one of the best experiences of my life. The leaders were wonderful and very careful about students, the food was excellent, and we camped every night because it is an OUTDOOR adventure program. Camping is one of the best things ever. Parents belittling this fantastic company are clearly uninformed, as it was a super fun and safe trip and one of the best summers of my life.
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9/22/08 |
2 |
1 |
3 |
1 |
4 |
Inexpensive, poor and lack of suitable supervison, not enough staff, dangerous activities, too much camping, inadequate facilities- no bang for the back and too few site choices.
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9/21/08 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
Ok if you want your kids in danger much of the time. Little Supervision, horrible food and camping facilities- our son did the Hawaii trip- an awful experience. Look someplace else like Rein or ATW.
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