How is safety managed, and where do students stay?
Rustic Pathways prioritizes student safety with a written risk management plan for every program. Students stay in Antigua, around Lake Atitlán, and in Guatemala City.
Supervision and safety
- Supervision Median 4.37:1 student-to-staff ratio, maximum 7:1. Program Leaders are housed on site and available overnight.
- Emergencies Enrolled families receive a 24/7 emergency number for use during programs and travel days.
- Medical Dr. William R. Smith, a board-certified emergency physician, supports leaders and families. Teams keep lists of medical facilities for every major program location.
- Program Leaders Background checks through Sterling, more than 80 hours of training (40+ in person), CPR and First Aid certified. Rustic Pathways staff members completed Viristar’s month-long Risk Management for Outdoor Programs certification course.
Where they stay
Three nights in Antigua, three at Lake Atitlán, and a last night in Guatemala City.
- Antigua · 3 nights A hotel in Antigua, two students to a room, with private bathrooms.
- Lake Atitlán · 3 nights A hotel at the lake, with shared bedrooms and private bathrooms.
- Guatemala City · 1 night A last night together before flying home.
- Gender-separated rooms
Accommodation can change by session and availability. We confirm where each group stays before departure.
Who is the Summit for?
The Summit is built for Climate Leaders Fellowship alumni who want to take their work further alongside other Fellows.
A great fit if you
- have completed the Climate Leaders Fellowship
- want to present your project and learn from what other Fellows built
- want hands-on service and time with the people doing this work in Guatemala
Maybe not if you
- have not joined the Fellowship yet. Start with the Climate Leaders Fellowship
- prefer unstructured travel
- need a schedule that cannot shift with weather and partner logistics
What’s included
Flights to and from Guatemala are not included in tuition.
Included in the price
8
- $100 enrollment fee
- 7 nights of lodging
- All meals
- Airport transfers and ground transport in Guatemala
- Scheduled activities
- Gratuities
- Program Leader supervision
- 24/7 emergency support line for families
Not included
4
- Flights to and from Guatemala
- Medical insurance with coverage in Guatemala (required)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Spending money ($150–$200 a week)
Before you enroll: what parents ask
Most asked
Who can attend the Summit?
The Summit is built for Climate Leaders Fellowship alumni ages 14–18. New to the Fellowship? Start with the Climate Leaders Fellowship, an eight-week online program.
When is the next Summit?
Dates are not scheduled yet. Select Notify Me When Dates Open and we will email you when dates are announced.
Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?
Yes. Rustic Pathways alumni come from 53 countries. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.
What is the student-to-staff ratio?
Rustic Pathways maintains a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1).
Are rooms gender-separated?
Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.
Cost and flights
Are flights included?
No. Flights to and from Guatemala are not included in tuition.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?
Yes. Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid
How much spending money?
$150–$200 a week is recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program tuition.
