Academic Treks: Sea Turtle Studies Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Academic Treks: Sea Turtle Studies

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

Sea turtles have existed for over 100 million years, traveling in abundance through the earth’s oceans. But today these gentle, fascinating creatures are in danger of extinction, largely due to man’s impact on the planet’s oceans and beaches. This expedition takes students to the beaches of Tortuguero, Costa Rica, the nesting site of more green turtles than anywhere else in the world. Learn about the species and do hands-on work towards ensuring their survival by assisting in research and protection efforts. Then travel to Drake Bay to encounter a wealth of marine mammals in the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Embark on adventures surrounded by spectacular rainforest including rafting exhilarating whitewater and zip-lining through the canopy. This eye-opening journey to the remote and untouched corners of Costa Rica will captivate you and change the way you view the world.

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

The first portion of the trip takes students into the rainforest where they sleep in comfortable three-person tents on platforms. At the biological station students stay in “island style” dormitories in a tropical rainforest setting. In Drake Bay travelers live in beach-side cabanas that are rustic yet comfortable.

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: Sea Turtle Studies Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition	Get Info
Trip One	6/22/10-7/11/10	15-17	$4,780
Trip Two	7/13/10-8/1/10	16-18	$4,780

Trip Overview

Program Overview

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