AAVE: Australia Program Overview & Recommendation

About Us | Info for Program Directors

Expert Camp & Trip Recommendations
Call 617-264-0939

Choice Camps Recommendation of AAVE: Australia

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

Your trip starts with a five-day PADI SCUBA course including nine dives on a live-aboard luxurious dive boat! Experience unparalleled beauty and exotic creatures on the largest living reef system in the world. The aqua adventure continues as you whitewater raft Class 3 & 4 rapids on the Tully River in the stunning World Heritage Rainforest.

A day of sailing and snorkeling in the Whitsunday Islands takes you to one of the top ten beaches in the world! In the Outback you enjoy a homestay on a working ranch. Milk cows, ride a horse, 4WD and sleep under the twinkling stars of the Southern Cross! Next stop is the world famous Australian Zoo to see koalas, kangaroos, and of course, crocs!

You catch a ferry across to Fraser Island to 4WD beach-cruise and swim in one of the 200 freshwater lakes. Teeming with bird and animal life, washed-up shipwrecks and the occasional remote settlement, Fraser Island is a natural paradise.

Surf's up! Enjoy the historical surf spot in the town of 1770 with a three-day surf school. In the afternoons you give back to the beautiful places you have seen.

All students must pass a thorough SCUBA diving physical and cannot have used an inhaler or suffered from asthma in the past three years. For those not wishing to SCUBA dive, alternative water activities are available.

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 Australia participants enjoy adventure camping, boat, and hostel accommodations.

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.