Call our references or join us to find out for yourself. The Venture Europe/AAVE way of life is mature and incredible, fantastic and phenomenal. Over and over teenagers tell us that the friendships, activities, goals and motivations everyone shares on Venture Europe/AAVE are crystal clear. Our goal is that after just a short time on Venture Europe/AAVE, your Venture Europe/AAVE trip will become the best decision of your life.
Venture Europe/AAVE rules are the foundation of a safe, healthy and enjoyable summer. Venture Europe/AAVE is absolutely not geared to correcting behavior problems. Participants unable to abide by these rules should not enroll. Breaking these rules will result in dismissal without refund.
We hope you are open to new social interaction, adventures and cultural experiences, which you can’t get at home. The use of cell phones and personal electronic devices (i.e. music or games that cannot be shared by the whole group) get in the way of the group experience. If you bring a cell phone or electronic device for use on your arrival/departure flights they are only to be used at that time. Your cell phone may also be used when it is an appropriate time to call your family. If you abuse this policy your phone or electronic device will be mailed home. We encourage you to bring books, games and instruments that can be shared with your new friends!
Venture Europe/AAVE is not for everyone; an extremely low percentage of Venture Europe/AAVE participants do not complete their trip. If you have problems with alcohol, drugs or tobacco, or you arrive with a negative attitude, chances are you won’t enjoy your experience. But we exceed the expectations of the vast majority of our customers.
All you need is a willingness to try and the desire to make friends. You should speak with one of our office leaders to match your readiness and age with the right program. We encourage you to expect a lot of Venture Europe/AAVE and your leaders because we are going to expect a lot from you!
The challenges of Venture Europe/AAVE can be demanding. We recommend regular aerobic exercise for at least a few weeks before taking any of our trips. Walking, jogging, swimming or riding a bike are all good ways to increase your fitness, so you can get the most out of your Venture Europe/AAVE experience.
You should bring $75 for every week you’ll be traveling. This will cover gifts, film, personal items and impulse purchases. We recommend you bring traveler’s checks, cash, or an ATM card. We will assist you with currency conversion upon arrival.
A passport is required for all international trips, including Canada and Mexico. Make two copies of your passport. Leave one at home and carry one tucked away in your luggage. Visa requirements vary by country and Venture Europe/AAVE will notify you if one is required. Non-USA students must check local visa requirements.
Contact your family physician or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information. We will tell you about any required vaccinations or precautions for the country that you are visiting.
Do you have to be an American to participate? Hardly. Global diversity of staff and campers is a valued part of Venture Europe/AAVE. However, English is the primary language of Venture Europe/AAVE (with the exception of our language trips of course.) Internationals join Venture Europe /AAVE to improve their English skills; but English language fluency is not required. The more open you are to using and learning even a bit of the local language, the better your experience will be. Don’t worry, at least one, but usually all Venture Europe/AAVE leaders are fluent in the local languages.
Yes we do; trip highlights are a broad outline, not a precise description. But any changes made will be clearly communicated with you and your family and will only be made in the interest of safety or a more successful trip.
We are certified by all state and local agencies and accredited by the American Camp Association. We have voluntarily met or exceeded over 300 standards including leader qualifications, first aid, emergency procedures, vehicle safety, etc.
Venture Europe/AAVE embraces stewardship for our public lands. Venture Europe/AAVE operates in the Arapaho, Roosevelt, Gunnison, White River, Grand Mesa, Routt, Pike, San Isabel, Uncompahgre, Medicine Bow, San Jaun, Rio Grande, Ashley, Wenatchee and Olympic National Forests under Special Use Permits from the US Forest Service, USDA. Venture Europe/AAVE also operates under a commercial use license in the following National Parks: Olympic, Yosemite and Volcanoes. In Alaska we operate in the Denali and Chugach State Parks. In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, America’s Adventure is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination; write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD) USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Your family will know when you arrive in your destination because you and your trip leaders are required to call your family within two hours of arrival using a calling card. You are then encouraged to call home only about once a week so you can concentrate on your Venture Europe/AAVE experience and bonding with your new friends. Of course we will move heaven and earth to call your family in any sort of emergency; but no news is good news in our book.
Contact us for payment instructions.
Prior to May 15, all tuition, minus a $400 fee, is fully refundable but you must make your cancellation in writing. After May 15, there are no refunds unless you separately purchase the optional tuition insurance from Venture Europe/AAVE. Campers sent home for medical reasons or at the discretion of the camper, family, trip leader or Venture Europe/AAVE will not receive a refund unless covered by insurance. Your parent or guardian will have to pay for your trip home and that payment will not be administered by Venture Europe/AAVE. Campers sent home for breaking any of the Venture Europe/AAVE rules are not eligible for a refund even if they purchased optional tuition insurance. Venture Europe/AAVE reserves the right to cancel any trip before the date of departure. If cancellation does occur, you have the option of receiving a complete refund or a transfer to another program.
Three types of insurance are available to all Venture Europe/AAVE campers: 1. Optional Tuition This insurance is highly recommended and can be purchased directly from Venture Europe/AAVE to guarantee your tuition against ANYTHING not covered by other insurance AT ANY TIME, with one exception. Campers sent home for breaking any Venture Europe/AAVE rules are not eligible for a refund even if optional tuition insurance was purchased. 2. Travel Insurance This insurance is purchased for all participants traveling out of their own country and protects against major medical injuries and evacuation. 3. Medical Insurance All participants are required to carry personal medical insurance. Check your carrier to be sure if coverage is in effect while on vacation. Medical or dental treatment will be accessed in a reasonable amount of time at the nearest facility. Payment for treatment or emergency transport is the responsibility of your insurance company or family.
Our scholarship program allows teenagers from every type of background to enjoy Venture Europe/AAVE. Contact our office for a financial aid application.
CAN ANY OF MY FRIENDS COME WITH ME OR SHOULD I COME ALONE?
We strongly suggest you come alone; 85% of our campers do. Venture Europe/AAVE will not accept more than three people in any group who know one another.
Accommodations, activities, transportation during the trip, travel insurance to international destinations for USA students, meals, laundry, helmet, skis/boards (Ultimate Alps provided at an additional cost), tents, etc. You should be able to fully participate without any additional expense.
Airfare to the start point, your return ticket home, personal insurance, e-mail access and personal items listed on the equipment list are not included with the tuition cost.
Our Colorado office is reachable by phone and e-mail 24 hours a day. All problems are handled immediately and the family is always contacted directly. Most trips include 1-2 mail stops or e-mail access at your expense.
Activities that require instruction are led by professional guides. Guides join our group with the expertise and equipment necessary to provide a high level of demanding, fun and safe instruction suitable for different levels of experience.