ActionQuest: Darwin

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Choice Camps Recommendation of ActionQuest: Darwin

For more than 30 years, ActionQuest has offered water-based adventure training programs for teens around the world. The AQ experience is centered on small, co-ed, age appropriate groups of 8 to 20 teenagers. This encourages close friendships to form while fostering unique, hands-on experiences. Programs are non-competitive, adventure-based, and most are run full-time aboard sailing vessels.

From introductory to advanced sailing and SCUBA, water sports, land excursions, cultural immersion, tropical marine biology and community service – ActionQuest delivers fast-paced action for every experience level and adventurer. All ActionQuest programs and certification courses are performance-based as instructors work one-on-one with travelers to help them master a variety of skills. For teenagers looking for a high action, life-changing adventure that promotes personal growth, teamwork, and leadership, ActionQuest may be the perfect experience.

Trip Description

The main focus of the Darwin voyage is on travel, adventure and community service with an environmental and naturalist twist. Arriving in Quito, participants spend a total of 10 days of the program in Ecuador and 10 in the Galapagos. In Ecuador, students explore the towns and visit the local markets, join a two-day white water rafting trip and head up the river on a dugout canoe for a three-day rain forest experience. Next, students fly to the Galapagos Islands and head off for a 5-day educational cruise around this naturalist wonderland aboard an expedition motor vessel. The final five days is spent ashore in Santa Cruz with ActionQuest’s service team.

Staff Overview

With an average age of 27, ActionQuest staff members are young, dynamic teachers who live aboard with travelers 24/7. Most of the core operational staff work full-time as educators with Sea|mester, ActionQuest’s college-level marine science program. Others are traditional teachers and specialists during the year. More than 75% of AQ staff members return each summer and 56% were once shipmates themselves.

Every ActionQuest team member possesses the essential abilities for their particular area of expertise, yet most are multi-talented, combining the many skills necessary to operate a mobile live-aboard training program. Team members include U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains, IYT/RYA Yachtmasters, PADI scuba instructors, marine scientists, Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and other water sport instructors. All staff members are trained first aid responders. During pre-summer, staff members complete an intensive training program encompassing safety procedures, risk management, equipment maintenance and operation, itinerary planning as well as instruction in teambuilding and communication facilitation.

Setting & Accommodations

Participants typically stay in hotels or hostels in all of the locations they are visiting. During the period aboard the boat, cabins are split between the boys and girls.

Safety Standards

The US Sailing Association, the national governing body for sailing, requires all crew to wear US Coast Guard approved PFD’s (personal flotation devices) whenever training vessels for youth are in motion.

ActionQuest is a partner of PADI, International Yahtmaster Training, American Sailing, US Sailing, American Water Ski Association, American Red Cross, Divers Alert Network and the United States Windsurfing Association.

ActionQuest: Darwin Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition	Get Info
Trip One	6/24/10-7/14/10	15-18	$5,770

Trip Overview

Program Overview

Theme: Teen Tours
This Trip has Multiple Themes:
- Hiking and Backpacking
- Community Service
Trip Gender: Co-ed
Group Size : 14
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 5:1
Religious Affiliation: None