Academic Treks: Caribbean Marine Conservation Program Overview & Recommendation

About Us | Info for Program Directors

Expert Camp & Trip Recommendations
Call 617-264-0939

Choice Camps Recommendation of Academic Treks: Caribbean Marine Conservation

Backed by sixteen years of experience in running educational programs for thousands of teenagers, Academic Treks combines the finest elements of experiential learning, traditional classroom learning, and service learning with wilderness adventure, international travel, and cultural exchange to create extraordinary college-accredited expeditions. Each course includes an important community service component, and the themes of teamwork, leadership, and personal growth are interwoven in each AT experience.

Academic Treks students are fully immersed in an educational experience in a real world setting, gaining a global perspective and hands-on understanding of the topics studied. They also get a head start on college by earning college and/or community service credit and by building a host of skills they will use both in school and beyond. For students looking for an educational and exciting summer experience, Academic Treks may be the perfect choice.

Trip Description

Anyone who has been to Saba can tell you why this trip is so popular. This magical island is home to the Caribbean's best and most extraordinary diving, from coral encrusted walls to breathtaking pinnacles that tower out of the ocean depths. Academic Treks has teamed up with the world-renowned Saba Marine Park (SMP) to offer a one-of-a-kind program focusing on marine resource management and marine reserves, designed to safeguard marine environments while allowing for their sustainable use. Travelers’ studies are intertwined with world-class diving and adventure. Island hopping between St. Barts, Statia and Saba, students explore, compare and contrast three very different marine reserves and their unique approaches to conservation, tourism, research and resource management. Learn Reef Check survey protocols used by marine scientists worldwide and discover pristine reefs, huge wrecks and amazing biodiversity.

Staff Overview

Academic Treks leaders bring a wealth of experience to every program. They share a love for working with young people, as well as a passion for experiential learning and teaching. The average age of AT staff members is typically around 26.

The Academic Treks course design requires the use of several instructors for each program. Two AT staff members lead the trip, providing focus and continuity to the program. In-country outfitters are used to provide the local knowledge and expertise for expedition phases. These additional teachers and outfitters provide a perspective, depth of knowledge and access to resources that could not be obtained otherwise. Formal instruction is given by professional educators with experience teaching young adults through experiential and project-based learning.

Setting & Accommodations

Students live in funky eco-lodges nestled in mountain rainforests and aboard 50-foot yachts. At the Eco-lodge, two to three students are assigned to share a cottage. Each cottage has its own bathroom, hot water shower and loft. On the yacht, students sleep under the stars! There are four to five cabins onboard, but everyone prefers to sleep out on deck to enjoy the cool tradewinds and brilliant Caribbean skies. There is a lot of deck space and plenty of room up top for everyone.

Safety Standards

Academic Treks Course Lead Instructors complete intensive staff training before the program, which includes a focus on risk management, in-country logistics, emergency protocols, leadership training, and teaching students how to integrate experiences learned on program into their everyday lives when they return home. At least one of the course leaders is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with a minimum of 80 hours of emergency medical training.

Academic Treks: Caribbean Marine Conservation Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition	Get Info
Trip One	6/12/10-7/3/10	16-18	$4,980
Trip Two	7/7/10-7/28/10	15-17	$4,980

Trip Overview

Program Overview

Theme: Study Abroad
This Trip has Multiple Themes:
- Sailing and SCUBA
- Community Service
Trip Gender: Co-ed
Group Size : 12
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 6:1
Religious Affiliation: None