High Schoolers Go On Adventure of a Lifetime

Several teenagers needing travel vaccines have come through Passport Health Los Angeles talking about impending adventures to faraway places. Some talked of doing community service. Some talked of confidence building exercises. All were going with an organization called Rustic Pathways. I wanted to learn more so I contacted the national sales director and trip guide, Chris Stakich.

Chris let me know that Rustic Pathways was started in 1983 by a man who had fallen in love with the Australian outback and wanted to bring this type of adventure to high schoolers in the United States. The job appealed to Chris because it entailed being so much more than a tour guide. He is a combination guide, teacher and coach who inspires youth and shapes the lives of future leaders. The concentration is on developing global compassion and sensitivity thereby creating global citizens.

70% of the trips that they offer involve community service in 17 countries. There are over 125 programs available including home stays in small villages, elephant conservation, leadership and Spanish immersion. There are also high adventure trips that involve jumping out of airplanes!

These trips can be revolutionary for some kids. Chris recalled one student who travelled around the world for 8 months to 26 countries. He was able to see the Dalai Lama in India and ride across the desert on a camel among many other adventures. He just graduated Harvard where his studies had an international focus.

Chris feels that the programs really allow kids to appreciate their lives in this country. Their problems often become trivial compared to the issues kids face worldwide. He can see their attitudes soften and compassion grow.

There is a foundation you can read about at rusticpathways.org . They offer limited scholarships each year. Chris’s e-mail is: chris@rusticpathways.com.