British Columbia is Full of Beauty Through Wilderness Ventures’ Lense

 

 

Our neighbors to the north welcomed students this past summer and it was an idyllic vacation up in British Columbia. The students did everything that you could dream up in term of nature exploration.

They got to kayak through the San Juan Islands along the Puget Sound.

You cannot go to Canada without some skiing. Whistler Blackcomb Glacier had some great conditions even for the summer.

 

Took some time to do a mountain bike course to get some quick lessons before going to do some more difficult ones later near Whistler Resort.

Did a bit of sightseeing in Vancouver and they really got a kick out of the attractions.

Heading up face of the The Stawamus Chief. They did an amazing job when some of them were quite new.

It was an amazing trip for sure and we can’t wait until next year.

 

 

Costa Rica and Belize’s Barrier Reef System As Seen By Wilderness Ventures Students

The areas of Costa Rica and Belize are rife  with beautiful environmental features. One of the greatest world heritage sites is Belize’s Barrier Reef.  It is the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere.

The area is not only beautiful, but rich with wildlife and great for activities. Students become PADI SCUBA certified in the waters or can choose to snorkel and look at the diverse aquatic life.

Students get to go through Belize and Costa Rica and learn about the marine lie while helping researchers collect data that can help the area better take care of the ecosystem. They also get to see a hands-on history lesson about native cultures that still have a presene int he area through their art and buildings.

UNESCO Site: Yellowstone National Park is a Wilderness Ventures Classic

Some of the world’s most significant areas are not far from home, and the Yellowstone area is one of those gems that we cannot do without.

Some great facts about Yellowstone include:

• Spans 3,468 sq. miles
• Yellowstone National Park contains half of all the world’s known geothermal features
•  Home to more than 300 geysers including Old Faithful

Wilderness Ventures students can say they’ve been to an official UNESCO World Heritage Site when they take this trip, which may sound like just a title but it actually represents how special the area is to the rest of the world.

 

Wilderness Ventures’ Thoughts Go Out to Yosemite During Fires

The news coming out of California is an act of nature that is dangerous and is making people’s lives very difficult. Right now efforts to put out the fires are very noble and a very brave struggle

The Yosemite area has been very close to many student’s hearts and Wilderness Ventures has always appreciated the area. Out California trips have always been popular and very important for student’s personal growth. It has sparked many people’s love of nature and is always a joy to return to.

The best to everyone dealing with the fires at this time and hope for a quick solution.

Talented Women of Peru Greet Wilderness Ventures Students with Traditional Dance

The people of Peru always welcomes Wilderness Ventures students with open arms. Whenever students travel there they are greeted by both adults and children with traditional dances that impress us every time.

They work hard to put on these shows and it really shows because they are very into the movements. It makes for a vivacious welcome that eases the nerves of the students who may feel intimidated from travelling abroad.

It certainly makes it better for students to get out and explore the country since what they have already seen is so lively and friendly. Thank you, Peru!

Have Fun While You Work with Wilderness Ventures

Whomever said work wad boring has not done some great community service.Whether it’s been going to the depths of the ocean to help preserve habitats or take to the mountains for some train work, there is nothing boring about a days work of doing good.

Just look how happy all of these happy campers are. Get out and make some people happy!

Get a Spot for 2014 Wilderness Ventures Trips

The trips for 2013 are all done, but that does not mean that next year does not have the same great trips with spots still open.

It’s time to apply before the deadline and have something amazing to look forward to before the end of the school year rolls around.

Apply by phone, online or print it out and send it over. WIlderness Ventures is always looking for an enthusiastic young person with a natural curiosity for the outdoors and travel.

There are no excuses now that the trips are over, and Wilderness Ventures have several documents to help you prepare to pack, get healthy and pick which trip works for what you like.

Fridays Are for Surfing with Wilderness Ventures

It’s Friday here and that means it’s time to get some fun in to start off the weekend. Kauai and Maui have been a blast so here are some surfing shots to get you going for the rest of the day:

Thailand Now in the Distance for Wilderness Ventures

The last few days in Thailand were filled with some precious moments. First off, the teens got to have a puppy play session with more than 400 fluffy pals and some large, less fluffy elephants at a sanctuary in Chang Mai.

After washing the elephants and watching some fun tricks, the teens got to act like game show starts and did an Amazing Race-style scavenger hunt. Even with the wrong turns and the foreign language, everyone ended up having a great time.

The last stop was bustling Bangkok. Among the busy streets, the leaders ended up going to the Power of Peace House Meditation Center for some soothing meditation and Eastern rituals.

They got a quick course in the teachings of Buddhism and got to walk the steps of the Royal Palace where they ran into some adorable kittens.

A final banquet left everyone full and happy, but that also meant having to leave. The plane flight over the beautiful country will be the last they will see, but not the last they will remember.

Wilderness Ventures Sails Away From Beautiful Fiji

A whole new pack of teenagers came in as young swimmers and left as strong SCUBA-certified divers at the end of their time in beautiful Fiji.

The last few days were filled with warm people from the mountainous Nakavika Village. After a few games with the local kids it felt like home among the people and their colorful outfits.

Since the village gave us so much warmth and generosity, we started on out community service projects. A new coat of paint for the school and a new sidewalk were the least they could do for letting the villagers house them and share their rich culture.

They ended the trip with a snorkeling adventure and sailing before a really fun dinner that the Hard Rock Cafe.

Now it is time to head back to the United States and give everyone a peace of Fiji with the souvenirs and vivid stories.