Rustic Pathways Health and Safety Measures
We take students to remote destinations, expose them to unfamiliar surroundings, and encourage personal growth through exploration. When conducted responsibly, these experiences transform students in ways that are impossible to replicate inside the classroom, and for this reason, the health and safety measures we take are a fundamental part of our travel programs.
Food and Water
Rustic Pathways chefs and cooks prepare meals and are trained to make necessary adjustments for specific dietary needs and allergies. Some meals will take place at trusted local restaurants. All water is bottled or purified.
Program Leaders
Many of our Program Leaders have backgrounds in teaching, experiential education, or international development. All full-time leaders are Wilderness First Responders and seasonal staff are First Aid and CPR certified—at a minimum. All Program Leaders receive additional specialized training annually in country before each summer travel season begins.
Our Program Staffing Team also conducts a four-month vetting process for applicants to identify the most talented and passionate Program Leaders.
Vendors and Partners
Rustic audits all external vendors and partners regularly to assess whether they’re reputable and safe. We review business infrastructure, hiring and training processes, and emergency management systems. All accommodation, transportation, and activity vendors and partners meet Rustic’s safety standards.
COVID-19 Safe Travel
To develop our guidelines for COVID-19 in particular, and disease management in general, Rustic Pathways relies on international and federal agencies such as the WHO and CDC, and state and local agencies such as departments of public health. We also consult medical advisors and peer organizations. Learn More
Child Protection
We work to create a safe environment for children and young adults and to protect them from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation in any form. All staff undergo comprehensive background checks and receive our annual child protection policy training. Rustic students also learn about child protection and how to interact with local children during their programs.