Adventures Cross Country: Southern Europe Leadership Adventure Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of Adventures Cross Country: Southern Europe Leadership Adventure

Since 1983, Adventures Cross Country has provided students with unique and unforgettable service, language, leadership, and blue water adventures. With destinations all over the world, ARCC students embark on intimate, authentic encounters with the people, cultures, and lands they visit. ARCC groups are co-ed and generally comprised of 8-15 participants of comparable age.

Travelers should not expect a catered vacation – students are involved in all aspects of the group’s adventure from cooking and cleaning to teaching classes and leading the group. Participants will occasionally wake up at dawn and may not have access to showers on a daily basis. Students, however, can expect a life-changing adventure to the world’s most beautiful, exciting, and enriching places. Most importantly, the ideal ARCC participant is looking for a challenging adventure within a fun, supportive, small group atmosphere where curiosity and exploration thrive.

Trip Description

A mosaic of cultures and languages add texture to our unique journey through southern Europe. Dip a paddle in the cobalt blue water that hugs the shore of an Italian isle, and straddle the border of France and Switzerland on a panoramic mountain pass. Feel the presence of long-gone gladiators in the shadow of the Coliseum, savor rich chocolates and luscious fondue, hear the clang of cow bells in the Swiss alpine air. Traverse Tuscany’s lush green hills, follow a footpath between seaside villages that allow no cars, and raft a sparkling river that tumbles from the Alps. Savor the delightful wonders of Europe on this extraordinary adventure.

Trip Highlights Include:
• Explore Historic Rome
• Sea Kayak an Italian Isle
• Leadership Development
• Hike in Tuscany and Cinque Terre
• Whitewater Raft the Isère River
• Backpack the French, Italian & Swiss Alps
• Discover the Sights of Paris
• Classes in Leave No Trace, Navigation & Expedition Behavior

Staff Overview

Ranging from 21-32 years old, Adventures Cross Country leaders have extensive experience in team leading, adventure travel, marine biology, service, and language. Each ARCC program is led by one male and one female leader as well as local guides in many foreign countries. Trip leaders also enlist the help of local experts during adventure activities such as rafting, rock climbing, sailing, and SCUBA diving to ensure the highest level of instruction and safety.

Prior to departure, all trip leaders are required to attend a nine day intensive staff training session which focuses on safety, group dynamics, logistics, communications, protocols, and emergency procedures. ARCC boasts an impressive 50% staff retention rate which speaks to the quality of the program and instruction.

Setting & Accommodations

Lodging varies by program and location. Some adventures stay in small hotels, hostels, or on sailboats. Other programs spend nights in dome tents on a beach, alongside a mountain trail, or next to a river. Many adventures, especially those traveling through remote areas, combine camping with stays in small hostels and hotels.

Like lodging, food varies by program and location. Depending on the program, the group may be cooking their own meals or eating in restaurants. Many trips can expect a combination of the two. Even in remote locations, ARCC can accommodate vegetarian and most dietary restrictions.

Safety Standards

Adventures Cross Country boasts an impeccable safety record – in more than 27 years of operation, no ARCC student has suffered an injury requiring an overnight hospital stay.

Each ARCC leader has a minimum of 80 hours of training in Emergency Wilderness Medicine and many leaders are Emergency Medical Technicians with over 120 hours of emergency medical training.

Adventures Cross Country: Southern Europe Leadership Adventure Session Dates

Session Name	Dates	Ages	Tuition	Get Info
Full Session	6/30/10-7/27/10	12-18	$5,295

Trip Overview

Program Overview

Theme: Teen Tours
This Trip has Multiple Themes:
- Language Immersion
- Hiking and Backpacking
Trip Gender: Co-ed
Group Size : 15
Camper-to-Counselor Ratio: 6:1
Religious Affiliation: None