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Comments
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12/6/21 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Overland is such an amazing program. I would highly recommend it to anyone. The leaders are attentive and involved in making sure the students have a great experience.
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12/28/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've done 5 Overland trips, and this summer I am planning on doing Field Studies Ecuador and Galapagos as my 6th. Overland is such a unique summer camp where you can experience so many different places, cultures, landscapes, and activities that create lifelong memories. By the end of every trip, the people you have been with feel like family, and I still keep in touch with people from some of my very first trips. The leaders are always phenomenal, creating an environment where you feel like you are safe and belonging, and if you ever need to talk, they are always there for you. Most of my favorite memories I owe to this camp. I 100% recommend this if you are looking for a summer camp for your kid. This will create experiences that they will never forget, create lifelong friendships, and see the world through a lens that will change their perspective and make them appreciate this beautiful planet we live on.
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3/26/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Both our middle son and our youngest daughter have sporadically attended Overland Camps in the past 8 years. Both loved their selection of trips and their leaders. In particular, our daughter, who until recently was hesitant to venture far from home went to Costa Rica for a two week service trip. It changed her whole view on travel and independence and seeing the world. She came back ready to explore and push herself even further. Overland gets high marks for the little things as well, like detailed written evaluations and postcards before and after the trip, etc. While expensive, they are very similar to other trips of the same caliber. The responsiveness of the staff has always been above and beyond when we have had questions or concerns. Highly recommended!
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3/9/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Our child has gone on 2 Overland trips: Alaska & Alpine Challenge. Leaders on both trips were the kind of people you want your kids to model: smart, good at solving problems, cheerful & able to rally a group of kids who are getting to know each other for the first time. The level of training & prep that Overland puts their group leaders through is a fact that some might overlook, but it's critical to the success of their program b/c leaders can make or break a trip. Our child found both trips to be challenging, but appropriately so. Alaska required a lot of backcountry camping, which our kid loved. Alpine follows the Swiss hut system so there are nicer facilities along the way. Did not worry about her safety bc we knew she was in good hands (& I am a worrier!) In each case, our kid made lifelong friends, stretched herself both physically, mentally & emotionally, & had so much confidence on the return that helped her navigate school even better. She adores Overland & we are BIG fans.
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3/2/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Overland adventures last a summer, but the personal growth, development and community from those adventures lasts a lifetime. I highly recommend the program. Our son and daughter completed a combined total of 7 Overland trips (including highest level challenge trips) during their high school years. As parents, we saw how much they loved each experience, but even more, how what they learned during their Overland summers has become an integral and positive part of who they are and how they approach life. The trips are fun, but extremely carefully structured and organized. The program is solidly rooted in core values. Overland trips provide kids with opportunities to get out in nature, learn new skills, learn how to work well in a small group, how to deal with unexpected challenges and work with the group to resolve them. Both of our children have lifelong friendships from Overland. They both love and believe in the program so much they are now part of the Overland leader team.
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1/17/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My daughter had an amazing experience and is looking forward to her next trip. Her leaders took an interest in each camper and encouraged comradery. The group still keeps in touch with each other and she continues to talk enthusiastically about her 3 weeks with Overland.
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1/8/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My daughter wrote this about her most memorable experience at Overland. She will be going on her third trip in the summer of 2020. "A memorable experience I had this summer on my Overland trip was reaching the top of Cadillac Mountain. This was our challenge day, and yet it didn’t feel like nearly the hardest day for me. This proved to me how much I had grown on the trip and made me feel very accomplished and proud of myself. We all celebrated when we reached the top, and it’s a moment I will always remember.
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1/8/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I highly recommend Overland. Two of my children have both attended for two summers. The combination of challenge and support is excellent. My kids have had a great time and learned a lot about independence from Mom and Dad and group team work. Overland is their favorite time of the entire year.
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1/7/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My child has experienced four life-changing summers with Overland. Of most importance is that the trip leaders were well trained in the areas of group work, child development, and experiential learning. My child's experiences have been so impactful that he is hoping to continue his relationship with Overland as a leader!
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1/7/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
My daughter has been transformed (physically, emotionally and mentally) by her Overland trips - I cannot say enough good things about this organization. Her group becomes her family by the end of the journey. But please take advantage of the knowledgeable staff to choose the *right* trip for your child, it is vital that he/she wants to take on a challenge that is appropriate. Overland staff know what they are doing, and picking the right trip makes all the difference.
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1/7/20 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
4 |
Overland Summers has been a life-changing experience for both of my boys. They have stretched themselves in ways they didn't think possible, have seen sights they could only imagine (Vermont, Crater Lake, Rocky Mountains, Tanzania) and have made lasting friendships. The staff at Overland is top-notch and incredibly responsive. The group size is limited to 12 and never more - this is hard to find I believe and one of my favorite elements of this experience. My kids have grown tremendously over their Overland experiences and we are forever grateful for being introduced to the program six years ago. These trips are expensive but you realize they're worth it given the attention to detail during the itinerary planning process , the staffing process (that alone is unbelievable - these counselors are the absolute best we've ever experienced) and the actual trip itself. This is money well-spent and I encourage you to give your kids this opportunity!
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12/30/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I've led for Overland for a few summers now and I couldn't say enough great things about it! They have been the best summers of my life because of what I have been able to experience, but more importantly, because I have been able to witness the profound impact these trips have on the students that partake in them. Overland students are able to have a lot of independence on these trips while also following a detailed, well-organized itinerary and this allows them to grow a lot. I have always been humbled to lead for Overland and would always recommend any of their programs to any middle school or high school student looking for a profound outdoor experience.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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12/16/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I was a student and a counselor at Overland and cannot say enough good things! Their trips are extremely well planned and they truly go above and beyond to support students on incredible adventures. Great place to work and to be a camper!
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11/26/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Overland has made an incredibly meaningful impact on my life. As a student, I went on five trips (1 hiking, 4 biking) and they all helped me grow as a leader and person. The trips made me more empathetic, optimistic, and team-oriented. These trips inspired me to become an Overland leader. I wanted to show other students the power of the outdoors and show them their potential. I have led for Overland for the past two summers (and will be this upcoming summer!). It has been incredible to work with the Overland staff and spend my summers outside. The Overland office staff and my fellow leaders are wonderful – they deeply care about the Overland community and want to make each individual’s summer experience as meaningful as possible. Overland, from the perspective of a student and a leader, has been incredible. I can’t recommend it enough. It is a unique and meaningful way to spend a summer.
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11/26/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I led for Overland last summer and am very excited to lead for them again this upcoming summer. The ten day leader training prepared me to lead trips focused on fun, friends, and safety. Because of the training I was given by Overland, I was able to make sure my students were safe while they had fun and made friends while hiking, backpacking, and rafting. Furthermore, the itinerary was very well thought out and the small group size made group bonding easy.
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11/22/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I spent four summers as a leader with Overland and they were some of the best of my life. I will send my own child on an Overland trip as soon as she's old enough! Incredible kids, amazing trip itineraries, excellent training and support for leaders. Overland is all about 1)safety and 2)creating opportunities for life changing experiences for students. And they are excellent at both. I'm still in touch with students from my trips years ago, and it's the details we all remember: the dessert circles, the amazing people we stayed with on our cross-country bike trip, the snail mail stops, decorating safety flags, and the Overland banner that awaited us when we reached CA! Overland provides experiences hard to come by in this day and age.
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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11/14/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
We honestly feel that the entire Overland outfit is Awesome! Our son has gone on several trips and each trip was Phenomenal and better than the last! He not only learned a lot, but grew and changed in many positive ways with each journey and made lasting friendships. The staff was incredible and Overland's attention to detail is impeccable and can't be beat! Our son is the adventurous type, but I don't think that is a necessary trait. Making the choice to sign him up to participate in an Overland trip is one that we will never regret!
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11/14/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
We had three sons go on Overland trips and they all had wonderful experiences. The communication,logistics and attention to safety are top notch. I was always impressed with the leaders. Its a lot of responsibility for a young person and I think they were well vetted by Overland. My sons really took to the leaders and the adventures at hand. That said, I think your child needs to "want" to go on a trip like this. Its not for everyone.
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11/13/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
As a parent of a former camper and now a 3x summer staff member I can’t say enough about Overland. My son was in 8th grade on his first trip. Every detail of his trip was well planned by the staff. Somewhere on that trip, he left the shy introvert that he was and discovered a natural leader within. He became confident and comfortable with himself. He learned to take risks. He enjoyed planning and learning to cook meals. He was physically and mentally challenged. He learned teamwork. Fast forward to when he was hired to work support staff. The level of training pre-trip, was exceptional. New staff as well as returning staff participate In all trainings. There is excellent communication between the leaders and the office at all times. The trips are very safe. The staff is very responsible. They are not only physically fit but they have excellent problem solving skills. Overland is a great way to spend a summer of adventure. It is best suited for physically active kids.
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11/12/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I am so grateful to Overland, their leaders, and the organization. My two children have gone on trips every summer fora total of ten trips and they have had amazing experiences each time. It amazes me that the trips are able to be so age-appropriate and teach students what they need at each grade. For an intro trip, the kids are appropriately challenged, The same goes for the high school trips. My kids feel a mile taller when they come home. Who should go on an Overland trip? All kinds of kids, but you don't have to be outgoing or confident to be successful. The leaders are so well trained to meet kids where they are and help them navigate. I can't wait for next summer!
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11/11/19 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Our two children have done a total of 11 Overland trips combined, and our experience has been excellent. Their leaders were fun, caring, and terrific role models; our children idolized them. The trip activities - biking, hiking, backpacking, and white water rafting were wholesome and exhilarating, and the trip locations were beautiful. Each summer our children have returned with newfound maturity, confidence, and friendships. They look forward all year long to their summer adventures with Overland.
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10/9/19 |
5 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
They treat their staff like absolute garbage. Do not waste your money on an organization that discriminates against people and exacerbates their mental health issues. They systematically deprive their employees of sleep and coerce them into hurting themselves physically and emotionally.
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8/1/19 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
This is by far the worst camp ever that my children have been to, it is a complete rip off. The campers are starved, they lose 5 lbs at a minimum and my kids are skinny already. The campers are completely sleep deprived, the "leaders" woke them up at 5am daily! The "leaders" had no leadership skills and pitted campers against each other, picked favorites and were mean to the campers, then wondered why campers were cranky?? Only 3/4 of the group completed the trip. They encouraged taddling, etc!
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9/7/18 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
My daughter went two years ago and absolutely loved it - went this past year and had a horrible experience. Your child is at the mercy of the counselors. If they get nice ones they are great but if they get a cranky, moody man who drags them to thrift shops and is only interested in his own agenda... well not really what we signed up for. Very disappointed with our experience. Definitely will not be sending any of my children again. They need to vet their counselors better if they are going to expect people to send their children in the woods with these people!!!
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4/19/18 |
4 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
I'm rating this well because I believe it would be fun for the right kid, but you have to make sure your kid likes this sort of thing. For example, lets take the story of the kid who was forced to go to this camp and lied to by his parents to get him to go. That kid is me. If you don't think your kid is up for this sort of thing, don't make him. It'll only make him want to do it less.
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3/7/18 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
My daughter has participated on three Overland trips and my son has done one. We have had excellent experiences with the leaders and office. Fantastic attention to detail and wonderfully responsive. We love that these experiences challenge our kids, allow them to travel and explore new places, learn skills and develop confidence. My daughter has made great friendships and is still in touch with her leaders. My son (as a fourth grader) had a great time on a one-week introductory trip. They are excited to return for future summers!
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9/28/17 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
The kids' conversations were monitored every second of every day. They were not allowed to talk about anything personal ever and if they were caught doing so, they were harshly reprimanded and told they could only talk about the "O-zone" meaning Overland-zone According to messages from the girls and boys, they were/are afraid of their chaperon and terrified of the consequences of the smallest infractions which in any normal situation, no one would care about.
In one instance, the group was walking through Chamonix sharing stories of school back home. The chaperon interrupted saying "O-zone, guys!" One of the girls responded, "Don't you think we should be able to talk about things back home a little so that we can get to know each other better?" The chaperon took this girl aside; he left the group with the girl. They were away, just the two of them, maybe 30 minutes. When the girl came back to the group, she was reduced to sobs having been browbeaten, accused her of insubor
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8/7/17 |
5 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
1 |
Our son was in a group on a hiking trip with a drug user and a shoplifter. The trip was overwhelmingly negatively influenced by the behaviors of two campers who either stole from local proprietors or coerced kids to join in use of over the counter drugs and nicotine products. Reportedly members of the group lacked motivation to complete the tasks outlined for the service trip. We would never recommend an Overland trip as it was a negative experience overall for our son who left with the best of intentions.
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10/11/16 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Overland summers is one of the best experiences I have ever had. I went on the language and hiking spain, and it was the first time I have gone to Europe. I flew there by myself as an adult and I felt completely safe. Once I got there the group bonded very quickly. On the third day it was like we had known each other for three years. The leaders were amazing, of course one of them had to be the bad guy but we still loved him. My Spanish got way better, and I was well ahead of my pears when I got back to school. The experience is one I will take with me for the rest of my life, and it changed my life I am much more confident and independent. The people on my trip will always be so of my really good friends and we will hopefully stay in touch.
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6/2/15 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This year I am going on my 4th trip with Overland and I am SO excited!! I have done a hiking, biking, and service trip so far and all three have been amazing. While they focus on different activities (which are still great) they all had a few very important things in common; the leaders were more than just mentors- they were our friends, everyone get around our differences and we all became such close friends, the experience always leaves me super excited for the next summer. I am not the most athletic person but being with the Overland and such a great environment made it all worth my while and I wouldn't change anything about it. This year I am going on the Language & Hiking trip in France. French is not my #1 subject in school but I know that this trip will help me improve my skills and foster and environment in which my love for the hiking and the french language. I also wish to continue traveling with Overland and hopefully become a leader when I am in college! OVERLAND IS AWESOME
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11/30/14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I had the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life last summer with Overland. There are infinite ways for a month-long, hyper-intensive teen backpacking trip in the Swiss Alps to go wrong but I didn't experience any one of them. The staff are very intelligent and caring and they always look out for the students. The program creates uniquely strong bonds between the students that last a lifetime. The trips are costly but you do get high quality for high cost with Overland. But, when they rate the difficulty of the program, they mean what they say so don't underestimate the rating. If there's any suggested training, train. Overall, a fantastic experience is guaranteed!
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SYSTEM: 2 positive duplicate or disallowed ratings automatically removed |
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8/13/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Every year I plan out my overland trip for the summer and I look forward to my next trip from the moment I come home from a trip. It is an amazing place. The staff are the funniest, nicest, and most enthusiastic people that you will ever meet. The kids are all very nice. I am naturally a shy person, but I always love my overland group so much. It is very easy to make friends, because everyone has something in common: they love to be outside hiking or biking!! The trips I do tend to be difficult, and yes, sometimes people have to leave, but despite what the person before me said, that is not at all the fault of overland. If you sign up for a trip that is a 10 or a 9, you should be expecting it to be hard. Anyways, overland is the most amazing experience I have ever had, and I recommend it to anyone who likes to be outside.
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6/25/13 |
4 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
2 |
My son signed up for this camp and didn't have the advertised amazing time he is a bit on the shy side but ottherwise a great kid (all a's, kind and considerate) since the groups are so small he often felt excluded socially and always wished he had brought a friend he was often really upset and he said everyday he wanted to go home if I were you I would Definitly send my child with a close friend
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4/13/13 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
This is by far the best summer camp I have ever been on. There are copious opportunities, great staff, and fantastic peers! I love and would recommend Overland to anyone. I've gone hiking, biking and kayaking with them.
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12/14/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
OMG where do I began! I took my very 1st trip last summer and I wish the summer could be tomorrow!! I did a biking trip nova scotia & Acadia and it was awesome! The LEADERS were SWEET! They make the trip like its my trip! The friendship that I make is like a huge family! We do everything together! The very first time that we meet everything is sweet! We try to make a fun name game and we everyones has trouble trying to remembers the names! OMG the food is out of this world! You go to local markets and farmers markets and pick the food and then cook it like a chef! The variety of foods that we eat is awesome I had never had things repeated! We made the best local fish with the locals fresh vegetables! At least the biking is not to hard but the levels system they have is true! The custumer service is great! They call you starting in April and talk about the trip and ask if you have any questions and then they dont stop! OVERALL I would always go back!!! OVERLAND= :)
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8/7/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Overland is a fantastic organization. I have been on 3 trips so far and plan to continue going for as long as I can. The leaders are always tremendous, the groups are small, and you become a true family. I always felt safe and well cared for, the leaders and the organization really have everything figured out. I would HIGHLY recommend it!
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5/19/12 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Overland is the best summer program- ever. period. i have done the cape cod trip and the pacific coast trip- each time i have had fantastic leaders and have made friends with amazing kids. These programs are better than other summer travel camps- they normally don't let you go on trips with a friend (to make it more inclusive). I have learned so much about myself through overland, and have acquired great leadership skills through my trips. The leaders emphasize the importance of teamwork, compassion, and determination, which is why I truly believe this is the best summer program.
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8/7/11 |
4 |
3 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
I did two different trips: blue ridge explorer and pacific coast. My first trip was excellent; the leaders were fantastic and i had a great group of kids. My second trip, while great in terms of activities (biking), lacked good leaders and had less kids that i got along with. The small group sizes (12 campers) can be a positive and a negative; on one hand, you get much more personal attention and get to know everybody really well, forming a tight knit and cohesive group. However, if there are even a few people who you do not like, it can really ruin your experience as there is a lack of other people to socialize with. Also, one thing that can be really bad is the boy to girl ratio. On both of my trips, there have been more guys than girls, which was a bit problematic for me (im a boy) because i tend to make friends with girls easier. I would recommend coming with a really good friend, that way you are guaranteed at least one person who you truly enjoy being in the company of.
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