Academic Treks: Wilderness and Traditional Medicine Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Academic Treks: Wilderness and Traditional Medicine

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

Thinking of someday becoming a doctor or health professional? Whether you’re destined to be pre-med, intrigued by traditional healing methods or interested in learning life saving wilderness medical skills, Belize is the perfect place to study medicine and volunteer on a remarkable Central American adventure! This small former British colony is at the crossroads of modern western medicine, the ancient methods of Mayan healers and the folk healing techniques of Belize’s diverse cultural groups. Witness the blending of ancient and modern remedies in Belize’s public health care system. Become a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and put your new knowledge to use by participating in outreach programs and working alongside local health providers. Along the way discover this extraordinary country’s rich traditions, kind people, spectacular tropical jungles, exotic wildlife, beautiful rivers and mysterious Mayan ruins.

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

For most of the trip, students will be staying in rustic lodges or cabins. For a few nights at the beginning of the program, students will camp out in tents under the stars.

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.