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Summer Programs for Teens · 2026

Summer Programs That Go Further Than Any Camp

International summer programs for teens in 6 destinations: more adventure, more growth, and more stories than a domestic camp can offer.

  • Programs in Costa Rica, Portugal, Greece, Fiji, Thailand and more
  • Ages 14-18, groups of 12-18 with certified Program Leaders
  • 8-23 days, June through August 2026
  • All-inclusive from $1,995: accommodation, meals, activities, transport
Free Program Matching

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43 Years
Trusted since 1983
29+ Programs
Across 6 continents
4.37:1
Staff-to-student ratio
June-Aug
2026 summer sessions
2026 Programs

Summer Programs for Teens in 2026

From 8-day introductions to 3-week expeditions: all fully supervised, all-inclusive, and designed for teens 14-18.

Dominican Republic: Beachside Service Most Affordable
Dominican Republic: Beachside Service

Tropical vibes and real community work: beach life, service projects, and Dominican culture.

8 days From $1,995 Ages 14-18
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Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service Best for First-Timers
Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service

Perfect introduction to international programs: service work, jungle hikes, hot springs, and local culture.

8 days From $2,495 Ages 14-18
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Portugal: Lisbon and Surf Culture Summer Camps in Europe
Portugal: Lisbon & Surf Culture

Colorful Portuguese cities, Atlantic surf breaks, and vibrant local culture. A classic European summer.

8 days From $3,395 Ages 14-18
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Greece: Island Turtle Conservation Summer Camps in Europe
Greece: Island Turtle Conservation

Sea turtle conservation on a Greek island in the Mediterranean: monitor nests, protect hatchlings, explore Kefalonia.

9 days From $3,495 Ages 14-18
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Fiji: Sun, Sand, and Island Service Popular
Fiji: Sun, Sand, and Island Service

Fiji island living, snorkeling, and community service: one of the most iconic summer programs in the Pacific.

16 days From $3,995 Ages 14-18
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Thailand Adventurer Adventure
Thailand Adventurer

Temples, beaches, and elephant encounters: one of the most popular teen summer adventures in Southeast Asia.

16 days From $5,495 Ages 14-18
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Browse All 29+ Programs for 2026
Why Rustic vs. Traditional Camp

More Than a Summer Camp

See why families choose an international program over a traditional domestic camp experience.

Traditional Summer Camp

The Standard Experience

  • Single domestic location
  • Same activities every session
  • No meaningful cultural exposure
  • Limited to 1-2 weeks
  • Generic experience, common on resumes
Rustic Pathways International Program

The Standout Alternative

  • 29+ programs across 6 continents
  • Real adventure in a new culture every day
  • Deep cultural and community immersion
  • 8 to 23+ days, flexible scheduling
  • A standout experience for college applications
All-Inclusive

Everything Included in the Price

No hidden costs. Every Rustic Pathways program covers all of the following.

Accommodation
All Meals
All Activities
In-Country Transport
Travel Medical Insurance
24/7 Program Leaders
Airport Transfers
Pre-Departure Support

International airfare is not included. Program advisors can help with flight recommendations.

During my short trip to Costa Rica, I learned many skills that I know I will continue to use throughout the rest of my life. I gained self-confidence from trying new and unfamiliar activities and learned how to forge relationships with new people.
Caroline Bae, Massachusetts  |  Surf and Service in Costa Rica, 2021
Safety First

A Summer Program With Safety Built In

43 years of operation, a published safety record, and industry-leading staff ratios give families confidence to say yes.

4.37:1
Verified Staff-to-Student Ratio

83% better than the ACA camp standard. Every student has a staff member close by, every day.

43 Years
Operating Since 1983

Published safety record: 1 serious incident per 6,962 travelers. Transparency you can verify.

100%
Staff CPR & First Aid Certified

All Program Leaders CPR and First Aid certified. Board-certified Medical Director on staff full time.

Get Matched

Ready to Find Your Teen's Summer Program?

A program advisor will send personalized picks in 1 business day.

  • 29+ programs to match your student's interests
  • Programs from $1,995, flexible payment plans available
  • No pressure, just real guidance from an expert advisor
  • Trusted by families since 1983
Free Program Matching

Find the Right Program

Fill in a few details and we'll send personalized recommendations.

Please enter a first name.
Please enter a last name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please select a role.

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You're all set!

Thanks! A program advisor will reach out within 1 business day.

Browse All 2026 Programs
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything families ask before booking a summer program.

Traditional summer camps are single-location domestic experiences with recurring activities each session. Rustic Pathways programs take teens to real international destinations, where every day brings a new cultural encounter, service project, or adventure activity. Students return home with a global perspective, genuine friendships, and a story that stands out on college applications and beyond.
Rustic Pathways summer programs start at $1,995 for 8-day programs and range up to $5,495+ for 16-day programs in Asia and the Pacific. All prices are all-inclusive: accommodation, meals, activities, in-country transport, and travel medical insurance are covered. Airfare is additional. Payment plans and financial aid are available.
Rustic Pathways summer programs operate in destinations including the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Portugal, Greece, Fiji, Thailand, and many more. Programs run across 6 continents with 29+ options for summer 2026, spanning Europe, Central America, South America, Asia, Oceania, and Africa.
Yes. Rustic Pathways has operated for 43 years with a published safety record of 1 serious incident per 6,962 travelers. The program maintains a verified 4.37:1 staff-to-student ratio, which is 83% better than ACA standards. 100% of Program Leaders are CPR and First Aid certified, and a board-certified Medical Director is on staff full time.
Most Rustic Pathways summer programs are designed for teens ages 14-18. Programs are grouped by age range so students always travel with peers at a similar stage. Some programs welcome students as young as 12 or as old as 22, depending on the program format.
Every Rustic Pathways program is all-inclusive: accommodation, all meals, all scheduled activities, in-country transportation, travel medical insurance, 24/7 Program Leader supervision, airport transfers, and pre-departure support. The only major cost not included is international airfare.
Absolutely. About 75% of Rustic Pathways students travel without knowing anyone else on their program. Programs like Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service and Dominican Republic: Beachside Service are designed as ideal first international experiences. Small group sizes of 12-18 students, certified Program Leaders, and 24/7 support mean first-time international travelers are well looked after every step of the way.