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Summer Programs for Teens · 2027

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 averaging 15 students, with certified Program Leaders
  • 8-23 days, June through August 2027
  • Programs 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
Student-to-staff ratio
June-Aug
2027 summer sessions
2027 Programs

Summer Programs for Teens in 2027

From 8-day introductions to 3-week expeditions: all fully supervised, all-inclusive in country, 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

The perfect first service trip: work alongside local families and explore Costa Rica's natural beauty.

8 days From $2,495 Ages 14-18
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Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture
Belize: Caribbean Reefs & Mayan Culture

Snorkel the world's second-largest barrier reef, then head inland to Mayan villages and jungle ruins.

8 days From $2,795 Ages 14-18
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Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation
Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation

Night patrols, nest relocation, and hatchery fieldwork on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

8 days From $2,895 Ages 14-18
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Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service No Passport Needed
Hawaii: Surf, Snorkel, and Service

Learn to surf, snorkel coral reefs, and give back to island communities. No passport required.

8 days From $3,395 Ages 14-18
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Japan: Tokyo Fusion (Middle School) Middle School
Japan: Tokyo Fusion (Middle School)

Built for middle schoolers: Tokyo street food, temples, pop culture, and a homestay welcome.

8 days From $3,495 Ages 12-14
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Greece: Island Turtle Conservation
Greece: Island Turtle Conservation

Protect endangered loggerhead turtles on a Greek island, with beach patrols and nest monitoring.

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

Two weeks in the Fijian islands: village service, snorkeling, and a second family.

16 days From $3,995 Ages 14-18
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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 In Country

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
Student-to-Staff Ratio

56% fewer students per staff member than the ACA's 10:1 teen overnight 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.

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!

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Browse All 2027 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 Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Belize, Hawaii, Greece, Japan, Fiji, Morocco, and Thailand. Programs run across Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Caribbean, and the United States for summer 2027.
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 median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1) — 56% fewer students per staff member than the ACA's 10:1 teen overnight standard. 100% of Program Leaders are CPR and First Aid certified, and a board-certified Medical Director is on staff.
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 in-country: accommodation, all meals, all scheduled activities, in-country transportation, 24/7 Program Leader supervision, 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. An average group size of 15 students, a median of one staff member for every 4.37 students, and 24/7 support mean first-time international travelers are well looked after every step of the way.