Expeditions · Ages 14–18 · Summer 2027
Summer expeditions for teens in Australia and Thailand
A Rustic Pathways summer expedition keeps a group of high school students on the move for two to three weeks: by kayak to a bush camp in Queensland, Australia, or by road between three Karen villages in northern Thailand with only a carry-on bag.
- 2 programs
- 14 and 23 days
- Ages 14–18
- $6,250 and $6,995 Program Tuition
From $6,250 Program Tuition2 programs · 14 and 23 days
See programs- Programs in 2027
- 2 (Australia, Thailand)
- Ages
- 14 to 18
- Nights in country
- 11 and 20
- Departures
- 3
2 summer expeditions for teens in 2027
Rustic Pathways runs two summer expeditions for high school students in 2027: a kayak and bush-camping route through Southeast Queensland, and a three-week village service expedition in northern Thailand.
Kayak and bush campingAustralia: Queensland Ecosystems and Wildlife ConservationKayak the Noosa Everglades to a riverbank bush camp, then camp by a creek in the Queensland hinterland.14 days · $6,250 Program Tuition
Village service expeditionThailand: Come With NothingArrive with only a carry-on bag, then live four nights in each of three Karen villages.23 days · $6,995 Program Tuition
Program Tuition excludes flights to and from the program and the enrollment fee.
What are summer expeditions for teens?
A summer expedition for teens is a trip of two weeks or more that changes base every few nights, with most nights in camps or villages instead of one hotel.
Rustic Pathways runs two in 2027. Australia: Queensland Ecosystems and Wildlife Conservation moves between three camps by kayak, road and ferry, and Thailand: Come With Nothing moves by road between three Karen villages.
| Expedition and route | 2027 dates | Days | Program Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia: Queensland Ecosystems and Wildlife ConservationBrisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa, the hinterland at Booloumba Creek, then Moreton Island | Jun 16 to 29 Jul 14 to 27 | 14 | $6,250 |
| Thailand: Come With NothingChiang Mai, then a loop through villages, Mae Sariang, and Mae Hong Son, and back to Chiang Mai | Jun 23 to Jul 15 | 23 | $6,995 |
Dates run from the day students leave the U.S. to the day the group leaves the country.
Where students sleep, stop by stop
Each Rustic Pathways expedition changes base every few nights. The stops below run in order, with the nights spent at each.
Australia: Queensland Ecosystems and Wildlife Conservation
14 days · 5 stops · 11 nights in Australia
- Days 1 to 2Fly to Australia
- Days 3 to 5Lakeside camp, Sunshine Coast3 nights
- Day 6Riverbank bush camp in the Noosa Everglades, reached by kayak1 night
- Days 7 to 9Camp at Booloumba Creek, Queensland hinterland3 nights
- Day 10Brisbane1 night
- Days 11 to 13Moreton Island, reached by ferry3 nights
- Day 14Fly home
Activities can change with logistics, weather, or local conditions.
Thailand: Come With Nothing
23 days · 7 stops · 20 nights in Thailand
- Days 1 to 2Fly to Thailand
- Days 3 to 4Chiang Mai2 nights
- Days 5 to 8Village one4 nights
- Day 9Mae Sariang1 night
- Days 10 to 13Village two4 nights
- Days 14 to 15Mae Hong Son, a rest day2 nights
- Days 16 to 19Village three4 nights
- Days 20 to 22Chiang Mai, then forest restoration and rafting3 nights
- Day 23Fly home
Projects are chosen with each community and can change by year, weather, and community needs. In 2026, students built filtered water tanks, painted murals at a school, paved a community center floor, and taught English to local children.
More outdoor and adventure programs
Three more Rustic Pathways outdoor programs for ages 14 to 18, from the Bavarian Alps to the Krabi coast.
Hiking, rafting and via ferrataGermany & Austria: Alpine AdventureMountain hikes, whitewater rafting and a beginner-friendly via ferrata in the Bavarian Alps.10 days · $4,450 Program Tuition
Outdoor adventure and wildlifeThailand AdventurerOutdoor activities, wildlife and culture across the northern mountains, Bangkok and the Krabi coast.16 days · $5,495 Program Tuition
Surfing and coastPortugal & Spain: Culture & CoastSurfing on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, a community farm and flamenco in Spain.12 days · $5,395 Program Tuition
See every program on the Adventure & Expedition programs page.
Is an expedition right for your teen?
Rustic Pathways expeditions suit teens who are happy with simple camps or village living and long, active days.
An expedition fits if…
- Your teen is comfortable camping, or living simply in rural villages.
- Your teen wants two or three weeks away.
- Your teen is ready for physical days: kayaking and bush camping in Queensland, construction and painting in Thailand.
Look elsewhere if…
- Your teen prefers hotels to camping.
- Your teen is not comfortable in the water: Australia students must complete a swim test before entering the water.
- Your teen is not comfortable with squat toilets, bucket showers and floor mattresses, which is how the Thailand villages live.
- Your teen would rather do day activities like surfing, rafting or zip lining from one or two bases, as most Adventure & Expedition programs do.
- Your teen needs constant phone access. Expect limited Wi-Fi in the Thailand villages.
- Your teen wants a multi-day backpacking trek. Rustic Pathways has none in 2027.
What Program Tuition includes
Program Tuition includes accommodation, scheduled meals, program transport and activities, gratuities and donations.
Included
- Accommodation for every program night
- Scheduled meals
- Ground transportation during the program
- Flights during the program, where the itinerary lists them
- All scheduled activities, excursions and entrance fees listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities and donations
- Program Leader supervision and support
- 24/7 emergency support line for families
Not included
- Flights to and from the program
- A separate, one-time non-refundable enrollment fee, starting at $100
- Medical insurance with coverage in the destination country (required)
- Travel insurance (optional, and strongly recommended)
- Passport and visa fees, and health costs
- Personal expenses, such as spending money
See the full guide to what is included and not included in Rustic Pathways programs.
In their words: student takeovers
After the program, students take over the Rustic Pathways Instagram with their own photos and stories. Here is one from Come With Nothing in summer 2026.
“Every week we visited a new village where we taught English to the most amazing and outgoing children, built water filtration systems, painted murals, and connected with the villagers who were so kind enough to take care of us.” Lianna S., on Instagram
“Hi! I’m Lianna, and I recently traveled on the Thailand Come With Nothing program. I began this trip expecting to just do service and tour a country I have never been to, but it was so much more than that. By the end of those 3 long weeks, I made everlasting friendships, created memories that I will never forget, and immersed myself in an unfamiliar culture that ended up being so beautiful.
Every week we visited a new village where we taught English to the most amazing and outgoing children, built water filtration systems, painted murals, and connected with the villagers who were so kind enough to take care of us. Although there was a language barrier, it was not hard to understand how meaningful it was for them and for us to help and experience each other’s company. In between villages, we toured the small towns and cities, being able to further explore the entirety of the Thai culture.
Visiting Thailand opened up new understandings about myself and others. Staying in the villages expanded my perspective on how life is without constantly relying on technology to actually live it, and how the little things are so much more valuable to be truly happy. Not only am I grateful for this, but I am grateful to have been able to experience it with the most awesome group, our amazing leaders Kris and Piper, along with the help of Sue, Chris, Pido, and Kevin. It would have not been the same without any of them, so thank you to them and Rustic Pathways for an unforgettable summer!”
Lianna S., Thailand: Come With Nothing, summer 2026
Questions about an expedition? Ask us.
The Rustic Pathways admissions team answers by email, from what fits in a carry-on bag to how hard the kayak days are.
Scott IngramDirector of Admissions
Prefer to talk now? Call +1 (440) 975-9691.
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Summer Expeditions for Teens FAQ
What is a summer expedition for teens?
A summer expedition for teens is an adventure trip lasting at least two weeks that moves between camps, natural environments, and rural communities. Rustic Pathways offers two expeditions for ages 14–18 in 2027: Australia: Queensland Ecosystems and Wildlife Conservation and Thailand: Come With Nothing. Students change locations every few nights instead of staying at one hotel.
Do students camp on these expeditions?
Yes, students camp on Rustic Pathways’ Australia expedition, but not on its Thailand expedition. In Australia, students stay at three camps, including a riverbank bush camp in the Noosa Everglades reached by kayak. In Thailand, students sleep on floor mattresses in Karen villages, with mosquito nets and fans, and stay in hotels between village visits.
How physically demanding are Rustic Pathways expeditions?
Rustic Pathways’ summer expeditions involve moderate to high physical activity, depending on the program. Australia includes surfing, hiking, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and a two-day kayaking and camping section. Thailand includes construction, painting, and three weeks of basic village living. Students should review each program’s physical demands before enrolling.
Does my teen need kayaking or camping experience?
No. Rustic Pathways does not require previous kayaking or camping experience for either expedition. In Australia, students learn paddling and kayak safety skills before their two-day Noosa Everglades excursion. Students must also pass a swim test before entering the water. Thailand requires neither kayaking nor camping experience.
What does “Come With Nothing” mean?
“Come With Nothing” is a 23-day Rustic Pathways expedition in Thailand where teens arrive with only a carry-on bag. Students stay in three Karen villages and complete approximately 60 hours of community service alongside local residents.
How much does a summer expedition cost?
Rustic Pathways’ summer expeditions cost $6,250 for the 14-day Australia program and $6,995 for the 23-day Thailand program in Program Tuition. International flights cost extra. A separate Student Travel enrollment fee starts at $100 and increases as departure approaches.
Are flights included?
No. Flights to and from Rustic Pathways’ summer expeditions are not included in Program Tuition. U.S. students can join a chaperoned group flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Brisbane for Australia or a chaperoned group flight to Chiang Mai for Thailand. Students can also arrange their own flights.
Two summer expeditions for teens, both in summer 2027.
See both expeditions