Parents
[pl_blockquote cite=”Lori, Rio Rancho, NM”] The impact on my son was huge. The facts, information and overall knowledge of the environment and sustainability was exciting as parents. This style of learning was perfect for my son and he is already talking about changes we can make at home and at his school. He said the trip changed his life and had a huge impact. He is very aware of the food he puts in his mouth and the level of activity (or lack there of). He lost 14 pounds on the trip from eating fresh, no processed food and exercising every day. He found he loved water more than soda and wants to plant a garden with fresh vegetables. I have nothing but positive things to say and was really happy with the program and impact on my teen. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Teresa, Lakeville, CT”] We are delighted that Stella enjoyed the experience and that she met some amazing friends with whom she continues to liaise. From the moment we first spoke, I sensed in Jeff the passion that he brings to the program and that then infuses those young individuals fortunate enough to partake in the adventure. Travel is life changing and is something we very much covet for Stella. Truly her opportunities have helped to mold her into quite a unique woman and I say that not as her mother but as an observer. I know that wherever life takes her, the Sustainable Summer experience will remain. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Kathy, Pleasanton, CA”] Sustainable Summer was a very significant event in my son’s life. He was particularly moved by the bond that developed between the participants. He is even more passionate about sustainability and driven to make a difference. It was certainly memorable. Overall, I think it was an exceptional experience for my son and I am very glad that he had the opportunity to participate. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Debbie, New York, NY”] Josh and I just came back from Asia, where Josh continually would tell me some interesting science facts. I would say “how do you know that” and he would say, “I learned it last summer in Costa Rica!” What’s more, his friend Amber is sitting in my living room sharing her FABULOUS trip experience with Josh. Amber is absolutely radiant in talking about the program, and Josh has grown significantly from the sustainable summer experience, too. So Kudos, to you and your wife for running such a wonderful, fun and educational experience for these great teens. Keep up the great work! [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Elizabeth, Iowa City, IA”] My husband and I both feel strongly that the staff on his trip were truly exceptional. Max felt he could talk to them and clearly was not afraid to show emotion in front of them. My guess is that once Max has processed it all the impact will be overwhelmingly positive – he mentioned that thanks to this trip he was ready now for AP biology (something his biology teacher has suggested but that he’s backed away from). we felt (and I believe correctly so) that our son was in terrific hands and exposed to all sorts of things that in the end will contribute positively to his growth and development. I remember briefly being concerned about Sustainable Summer being a new organization but compared to what I’ve heard from parents whose children have participated on similar programs I feel we selected very well. I am impressed. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Connie, Ipswich, MA”] Andrea had an incredible experience with SS this summer… Life changing from what I can tell and all for the good! She continues to be in touch with others from the group and I hope she will maintain those ties! There is special “chemistry” that happens when people travel and experience something like SS together. Thank you for keeping us posted with your blog entries and pictures. They were much appreciated. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Daisy, White Plains, NY”] My daughter definitely had a memorable summer experience. The program seems to have affirmed her decision to engage with sustainability in the future as a career and life-long passion. She was so sad to have to say good bye to Ecuador and the team. You did a great job in terms of planning the program and organizing it. Everything went smoothly and I was confident that my daughter is in good hands. Thank you! [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Andy, Robbinsville, NJ”] My daughter had a wonderful time and stated that the program exceeded her expectations. She also was very pleased with the quality of the other participants, as well as the instructors. I think that she has a new found appreciation of things here, but most importantly, she clearly benefitted from the international experience and challenge of being in a more rural/rustic environment. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Dawn, Elmhurst, IL”] Sustainable Summer was a hugely positive experience for my daughter. It gave her a great feeling of independence, confidence that she travelled alone and had to be responsible for herself. Also, a great international travel experience, seeing things that she could never see here in Elmhurst, IL. It opened her eyes to a new part of the world, gave her a lot to think about as far as the education/sustainability issues they studied. I know she had the best summer ever and would like to attend another trip next summer. I cannot tell you how much fun she raved about all the leaders/counselors. Erin had a WONDERFUL trip! I can’t say enough good things about the experience she had, your communication while she was there, the competence of the leaders and the local guide, everything was just great. She had the trip of a lifetime. She met some new friends, really enjoyed the company of the leaders, had a great travel experience and lots of fun! It is a trip she will always remember. Your organization is top notch, will recommend to anyone who is interested. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Karen, Phoenix, AZ”] Sustainable Summer was definitely a confidence builder for my son. It was beneficial for him to get out of his usual comfort zone by traveling to an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people, which turned out to be a great experience for him. He returned very enthusiastic and thankful for this opportunity, and said it was one of the most important and memorable experiences he has had in a long time. I appreciated the excellent communication from the staff. I felt like my child was safe and accounted for at all times. I am thankful this fantastic option was available to meet multiple goals from the perspective of parent and participant – foreign travel, Spanish language skill-building, sustainability education, adventure activities, bonding with a small group of peers. Thank you! [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Lourdes, New York, NY”] I think this trip changed the way my son sees the world that we live in. He was very excited when he met us at the airport. He said that he needed to have a conversation with us about reducing our carbon foot print. He said that we can make better use of our reusable water bottles and stop buying plastic ones. he wants us to use the car less and save electricity. He had a very memorable summer. He had an enlightening experience. My son bonded with the group and he made great friends. I would like to say thank you to Jeff and the entire program for giving my son the opportunity to experience the beauty and the calmness of that part of the world. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Karen, Madison, NJ”] We are spellbound by the stories we are hearing! Connor gained clear insight into the fact that environmental, social, economic and political issues are complicated and that there is a need to become educated on these topics. This was a terrific pre-college program as it has sparked his curiosity into becoming better informed and educated. He describes his experience as having an enormously positive impact on him. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Dana, Santa Barbara, CA”] We were extremely impressed with the professional, efficient communication from the time we initially contacted Jeff. Sarah had amazing experiences over the past month. The program contained a great balance between education and adventure. Sarah particularly loved the experience living at Rio Muchacho–interacting with the residents/workers, contributing to the farm culture, learning more about environmental/agricultural issues. The cultural insights Sarah gained through living and traveling in another country have made a huge impact on her. From the workers on the farm to Manuel the bus driver, Sarah loved interacting with local residents and developing her Spanish skills. Finally, Sarah was excited to have experienced so many natural environments ranging from the coast to the Andes Mountains. Sustainable Summer has furthered Sarah’s interest in studying Environmental Science in college and traveling more extensively in South American countries. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Renee, Westchester, PA”] Andrew had a very positive experience with Sustainable Summer. He felt very supported by the staff, and enjoyed the other students from around the country. He learned a lot, grew up a lot, and wants to implement many of the initiatives he discussed with his fellow campers. The program was so professional, great communicators, excellent information, and world class counselors. Well done. Thank you so much for your leadership and initiative for this most important cause. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Leslie, Redford, MI”] Danielle truly enjoyed her three weeks with Sustainable Summer. She has learned so much and is trying to implement some things at home. She has a plan for how she can impact her school’s sustainability program. She definitely has a love for the environment, but your program has increased that love and knowledge ten fold. It was also absolutely refreshing working with Jeff. He took my calls (there were a lot) and patiently answered all of my questions. It was a joy to work with Jeff and I definitely recommend the program. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Eric, Tacoma, WA”] The best part of the program was the independence she felt going alone, international travel and not knowing a single person. Both my wife and I can already see the change. It allowed her the confidence to try new things, meet new people and all in a safe and well organized trip. Clearly she learned a ton, as she goes through pictures and video reiterating the facts on everything from ecosystems, wildlife, fish and fauna. She had an incredible experience. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Ralph, Gillette, NJ”] Jillian said that it was intellectually, emotionally and physically the most amazing experience of her life. It was definitely memorable. She gained many insights. Not the least of which is how you can make do with the least of which, meaning, taking advantage of the elements and nature around you to survive and thrive “sustainably”. She also bonded closely with her group, making friends that may last a lifetime. I want to thank you for giving Jillian and the kids an amazing experience and adventure. Sustainable Summer staffed the experience with professionals and experts in Costa Rica. I knew going in that it was going to be an authentic experience (from the spiders to the scorpions to the white water rafting) and so it was, frankly, critical that the program had the right leadership and expertise “on the ground”. Anyway, Jill and I will be talking about it for days and weeks. But she thanked me profusely for the experience of a lifetime. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Kathy, New York, NY”] I cannot thank enough, Jeff, Anne and the host of other people, including the guides, that made this trip a success. Not just for me as a parent, but more so for the kids, I loved it, loved it, loved it. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Colleen, Port Washington, NY”] Thanks for providing Julia with an amazing summer experience; she is turning our house upside down trying to implement some of what she learned from the program! Cloth napkins, a compost bin, new food shopping routines, and less red meat to name a few. Please know that we appreciate all that you and your staff did this summer. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Jim, Tiburon, CA”] The program definitely broadened Jane’s horizons and helped her grow and develop independence. She had a memorable summer and her awareness of sustainability increased 100%. It was a great combination of learning and adventure. [/pl_blockquote] [pl_blockquote cite=”Jenifer, Wasatch, UT”] This was such a life-changing experience for Joe. He is just as fun, but so much more forward-thinking. You’ve opened a whole new world to him! [/pl_blockquote]