AAVE: Africa Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of AAVE: Africa

Since 1976, more than 10,000 students from 48 U.S. states and over 40 countries have enjoyed AAVE trips throughout the world. AAVE programs combine adventure travel with service work, language study, and wilderness skills through carefully-crafted itineraries. All AAVE programs include community service projects which contribute to the environment and communities visited.

The "All About Visiting Earth" community consists of teenagers who choose active participation, individual responsibility, and who respect and care about one another. AAVE trips are led by top-notch trip leaders who teach skills that lead to a lifetime of exploration, friendship, enjoyment, and personal growth. For families looking for a summer that will exceed their expectations for leadership, safety, adventure, fun, and depth of programming, AAVE may be the perfect choice.

Trip Description

South Africa:
Your trip begins and ends in one of Africa's most exhilarating and progressive countries, South Africa. This country is full of energy, history, exotic wildlife and adventure. Your service project takes us to the heart of Zululand where you volunteer at a local orphanage while you sing, dance, laugh and play games with the children. You also visit the Apartheid Museum, which illustrates the rise and fall of a unique part of South African history.

Wildlife Safari:
You explore Africa's magnificent wildlife by kayak in St. Lucia Wetlands Park and by land in Hluhluyou Game Reserve. You volunteer and explore in Kruger National Park, Africa's largest game park and home to countless rhinos, elephants, zebras, lions and giraffes. A full day of adventure awaits us as you raft the third largest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon.

Swaziland:
In the Lebombo Mountains you discover the African way of life and interact with the local Swazi people who give insight into their culture. You eat local delicacies and enjoy traditional campfire dances with the villagers.

Mozambique:
Your adventure continues on the stunning white sandy beaches of Praia do Tofo and Xai Xai. You spend your days surfing, snorkeling, sea kayaking, quad biking and partaking in the experience of a lifetime, an underwater Ocean Safari!
Your journey can't end without saying Hamba Gashle Umgani, "Go well, your friends", until you meet again!

Staff Overview

AAVE trip leaders are highly motivated role models with extensive experience working with teenagers in adventure environments. All Trip Leaders are certified in the highest levels of first aid, CPR, and lifeguard training. AAVE Trip Leaders are at least 21 years old and are current college students or graduates.

Setting & Accommodations

AAVE Africa participants enjoy 9 nights camping, 8 nights in hostels/lodges, and 3 nights in bush huts.

Safety Standards

AAVE Trip Leaders have a minimum certification of Wilderness First Responder or Advanced Wilderness First Aid. Many are certified Adult Wilderness EMTs and life guards.

AAVE is accredited by the American Camp Association and meets more than 300 safety standards set forth by the organization.