Ideas for post GCSE summer - organised travel without parents

[Racerider]

Anyone know any ideas for a teen trip post GCSE - am looking for something to make him grow up a bit and away from home and local friends. Something out of comfort zone! Am thinking organised adventure trek designed for 16 year olds, exciting and physically challenging, lasting several weeks. Otherwise what do they do all summer with no structure ? I'm not keen on him staying round home and getting a temp job due to previous problems with friends/ drugs etc. School work is currently the only thing keeping him in check.

[ISingSoprano]

Does sailing appeal? How about this:

tall ships

[Racerider]

Thanks for that idea- it is the sort of thing I'm thinking of, but land based as he's got no interest in water sports. Anyone else?

[ISingSoprano]

outward bound do different types of land based courses.

[BackforGood]

The Challenge was fab for after GCSEs and a LOT cheaper than anything commercial you'll find.

[AlexWoodford]

I would really recommend British Exploring (www.britishexploring.org/). I went on one of their expeditions to Svalbard when I was younger and, cliché as it sounds, found it to be a life changing experience!

[Racerider]

Thanks alexw. Will look it up now!

Any tips on how to sell such a trip to a 15yr old boy who would prefer to hang around his hometown with his mates all summer????

[Racerider]

Just Looked at website. It is EXACTLY what I had I mind. I am so grateful for the recommendation - what an opportunity ! Where did you go and at what age?

[chocoluvva]

I would recommend the Scripture Union summer activity camps. You don't have to be a Christian to go on them - although there is obviously a Christian ethos, prayer etc.

I think the National Trust offer volunteering holidays possibly?

[AlexWoodford]

I went when I had just turned 17 to Arctic Svalbard, an amazing destination, and not as cold as I thought it would be (I came back with a tan)!
In terms of selling it I would emphasis how unique an experience this is and, depending on what he is intrested in, push the adventure, science or media aspects of the trip. If he is still reluctant maybe mention the fact that it won't take up the whole summer so he will be able to see friends when he comes back as well as gaining a whole new bunch of friends while on the trip!
Hope this helps :)

[blinc]

Hi, I'm new to mumsnet, but hope someone can help please...my daughter is very keen to go on an exciting trip this summer (she will be 17 in June): she loves the look of Costa Rica. We have considered a group trip with 'Frontier', (where she would travel alone but be met there), but for various reasons, I don't feel 100% happy (although she is very sensible, she is very young!)...she is very incredibly disappointed! She has her heart set on Costa Rica (animals/conservation). I am now looking at a company called ' Projects Abroad' which seems has trips specifically geared towards under 18's. The reviews are outstanding, but a family member is so suspicious, and thinks these companies get people to write these reviews! Does anyone have any experience of 'Projects Abroad' before I delve further? VSO & Raleigh International are the obvious choices in terms of assured credentials, but both seem to be for longer trips than she wants to go for at this stage (around 2 weeks, perhaps 3). Any advice would be very much appreciated!

[Deeplysatisfied]

Have you considered a music festival? My 16yo DD is going to one this summer with friends.