About Unschool Adventures

"Unschool Adventures is good to the degree of ten. If you like brainstorming, speaking your mind, trying new things without being pressured, meeting cool people, or being responsible for yourself, you should consider a trip."
Maggie G. (Argentina 2012)

"This trip completely changed my life! As a traditional high-schooler, being in such a close-knit group with people who have had completely different learning backgrounds than I have opened my eyes to so many more academic and carreer options for my future."
Julia S. (Argentina 2012)

"I feel like I found some kind of direction while I was here - I had enough introspective time on buses and enough good conversations with people that I was able to realize some of my passions."
Josie M. (South America 2011)

"I LOVED the Writing Retreat! The experience of being trapped in a hilltop in winter with 20 other teenagers is possibly the most fun I've had in all my life. The joy of waking up and walking sleepily up the stairs to a room filled with the smell of bagels and Nutella, packed full of people rocking out to music, writing, typing, talking, clanking away on typewriters—I can't think of what wasn't fun. "
Brooke B. (Writing Retreat 2011)

"The activities you planned were all stimulating, and I loved the great pace we had. I enjoyed our freedom to push back morning activities when we were all tired, or to skip activities when needed."
Allen E. (Argentina 2008)

"This trip added direction to my life and introduced me to people who share a passion for life and learning and who encouraged and intrigued me. I learned so much and I can't wait to go on another trip with you guys!"
Anonymous (Writing Retreat 2009)

"This trip was freaking stupendous. Not only have I gained skills and confidence, I have been inspired by y'all to do some independent traveling. I definitely think the trip mission was accomplished fully."
Quincie S. (Argentina 2008)

"This has been a great experience--better than I could have ever imagined. Going into the trip I didn't really expect it to be that beneficial for me. I didn't think I would be able to come up with apprenticeships that I would be interested in doing, and I didn't have much motivation to try to come up with anything. But when I got to the retreat, the inspiration started forming. The motivation came and I had all of these ideas of what I wanted to do. The staff pushed us just the right amount and gave us so much support. This has been a life changing experience. "

- Bekka Z. (Spring Retreat 2010)

"Wonderful experience! Life changing, skill building, and friend making time. I will definitely be coming on another one of these retreats in the future. I feel I have the tools now to make my dreams come true and to accomplish my goals."

- Josh B. (Spring Retreat 2010)

"This has been a completely new experience for me, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Personal challenges, new environments, and a very warm and welcoming group of people are what made this retreat such a blast for me. I would recommend this program to any teen looking to push their boundaries a little bit and have a great time." - Christie W. (Spring Retreat 2010)

"I reflected for a while on the retreat and everything that I got out of it, and also on who I was and what I wanted before spending those six weeks in Ashland. I don't think I would be so ready to go to college if not for your retreat, nor would I be nearly as undaunted by the future as I am now. The world doesn't look like a vastly terrifying place full of creepy people... Would I have explored that territory if you hadn't given me and everyone else that push? Probably not, at least not for a while. Not to mention my self-motivation has increased very noticeably. I still find myself making lists and outlines of my goals, to this day.

Mostly though, I feel less like an ignorant kid who has no idea what she wants, and more like an actual person pursuing her goals. I feel safer in my choices, because like you've talked about many times, my goals are actual goals, and not just vague ideas of what I kinda want to do. [...] Thank you for helping me realize that it's absolutely possible to create my own life."

- Amber N. (Fall Retreat 2010)