American Trails West: Headin West Program Overview & Recommendation

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Choice Camps Recommendation of American Trails West: Headin West

Founded in 1965, American Trails West (ATW) has been a perennial leader and innovator in the field of worldwide student travel. Known for premier accommodations, great food, and experienced staff, ATW tours appeal to students throughout the United States and abroad. Each trip offers a unique blend of adventure, sight-seeing, and entertainment. With decades of scheduling experience, each adventure is meticulously paced to give students the opportunity to enjoy every minute of their summer.

Spending a summer with American Trails West gives travelers the opportunity to discover new places while making friends from around the world. Although many teenagers come on their own, few leave without lifelong bonds and connections formed on the road. Complimented by a dedicated and mature staff, American Trails West is one of the safest and most reliable tour operators in the world. To see the world at its best, choose American Trails West.

Trip Description

We'll leave from a convenient departure point in YOUR AREA and begin our great Get-A-Way summer at the Carlisle Sports Emporium. It is the place to play miniature golf or laser tag, roller skate or drive go-karts and have much more fun in between! In its 101st year, Hershey Park, offers great roller coasters, spectacular fireworks, and, new for 2009, the world's largest waterplay structure and expanded Boardwalk! Our mouths will water when we take the Great American Chocolate Tour at Chocolate World. On to Pittsburgh, 'The City of Bridges'. Ride the Duquesne Incline to the top of Mt. Washington for a spectacular view of the city. We'll visit the Carnegie Science Center, home of the Buhl Digital Dome and SportsWorks. RoboWorld, brand new for 2009, will be the nation's largest and most comprehensive permanent robotics exhibition. At night we'll grab a hot dog while enjoying a Pittsburgh Pirates ballgame. Next stop, CLEVELAND... From AC/DC to Z.Z. Top, you'll hear and see music's greatest legends at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Keep an eye out for visiting celebrities, everyone from Pink to Puffy! On to Cedar Point Park, the roller coaster capital of the world! Ride wild west themed Maverick, or Skyhawk, the world's largest swing ride or the 42-story Top Thrill Dragster... if you dare! In ANN ARBOR we'll visit the University of Michigan campus, then spend some time at Top of the Park, a great outdoor summer festival. At night we'll play action-packed Whirlyball, a great combination of bumper cars, basketball and lacrosse. After a visit to the Notre Dame campus, it's on to a great time in CHICAGO 'The Windy City'! Spend time at the hands-on Museum of Science and Industry, with exhibits ranging from robotics to a walk-through heart. Dinner at Ed Debevic's is a retro experience you'll always remember. We'll see the innovative Blue Man Group, which combines comedy, music and multi-media artistry to create a from of entertainment that is totally unique. The next day we tour the campus of Northwestern University, and enjoy the attractions of the Navy Pier (don't miss the Giant Ferris Wheel!) before having dinner at Bacino's home of the original Chicago-style deep dish pizza. At night it's a great Lake Michigan Cruise to see the city in all its lit-up glory.

Staff Overview

Each American Trails West trip is supervised by an experienced director returning for another summer of leadership. All trip leaders have worked as a staff member on a previous trip prior to becoming a director. These directors and their specially-selected staff members—all college graduates over the age of 21—offer youthful participation in all facets of the ATW program.

Every staff member takes part in ongoing training sessions at the American Trails West office over the winter months. In the spring, these culminate in a five-day orientation program of workshops, seminars, and hands-on training. AWT boasts a large number of past campers who return as staff members each year.

Setting & Accommodations

On Headin’ West, you’ll stay in fantastic hotels and resorts. Enjoy the luxury of Marriotts, Sheratons, Crowne Plazas, Embassy Suites and more. All hotels are chosen for security, central location, comfort, and outstanding facilities. Every camper sleeps in an individual bed each night. Whether it’s swimming at a great hotel pool, playing tennis at a popular resort, or working out in the state-of-the-art fitness center, American Trails West campers enjoy the finest accommodations and facilities.
Complete breakfasts, full lunches and delicious dinners, with a wide and varied menu, are provided daily. Campers eat at popular restaurants with no restrictions on the amount of food they can order.

Safety Standards

The senior staff members of each ATW trip are certified in CPR and first aid. Over the years, American Trails West has developed a wide network of doctors, hospitals, and 24-hour emergency facilities in every part of the country, to whom the staff turns should medical attention be necessary. A sick traveler is accompanied by an ATW staff member at all times, and parents are always contacted when a traveler sees a doctor.

Throughout the summer, ATW also maintains a Trip Communication Center where trips are monitored by the company’s executive staff. The center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to field calls from parents, trip leaders, and travelers.