Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Accross America North Leader, Monique!


Here is Monique for you to meet:
Join Monique for hiking hills and biking thrills!
"Why Hello! 
My name is Monique and I am originally from Nova Scotia, Canada. I don't have a dog sled but I do play/coach ice hockey and I love tunneling in the snow.  I caught the biking bug last summer when I did a program about climate activism and biking was our primary mode of transportation. My team and I biked all around Vermont for 7 weeks and I loved every hilly mile of it.  For the past year and a half I have been working at a nonprofit organization, helping low-income students get into college and succeed.  I love camping, hiking, and sports in general.  I can't wait to get out there again this summer and see the hidden wonders that come with taking the back roads of the world!"
Wonder if Monique will pack this outfit for her Treks?

Monday, May 13, 2013

New 2013 Leader, Kyle!

Kyle is a Teen Trekker turned Leader, and a true champion of the Teen Treks way.  Here's what he has to say:
"Cheers Teen Trekkers!

I’m Kyle from Orlando Florida, and I am ecstatic to be a trip leader this summer.  I graduated in May from the University of Central Florida, with a degree focusing in urban planning.  I love examining how development impacts people’s behavior, and riding a bike gives you a front row seat!  I can’t wait to be back on the road, all the gear loaded on the back of my bike, and live the dream one pedal at a time.  I love all the spontaneous adventures that come from Teen Trek trips, as I have been on five of them including the Across America Trek.  They offer an unparalleled opportunity for personal reflection and growth, and I credit the trips for leading me to the field of urban planning.  Before Teen Treks, I had no idea you could have a full time job dealing with bike stuff! (Crazy right!?!) I must warn you, bike riding is addicting.  Once you experience all the fun and excitement of a tour, you can’t wait to do another.  I’m excited to have the opportunity to lead you on a fantastic voyage of bicycle awesomeness this summer!"

Thursday, May 9, 2013

New 2013 Leader, Cecelia!

Happy to introduce Cecelia to all of you!

A well deserved break for a great view.
"Hey there!

I’m Cecelia from the great Mitten State.  I’m beyond excited for our upcoming adventure together! After riding my bicycle across the country with Bike & Build in 2011, I knew one day I would love to lead a cycling journey myself! Traveling by bicycle is something special; a sense of aliveness you just don’t feel through most other modes of transportation (exception: piggy-back!).

Recently, I served in AmeriCorps where we traveled by team throughout the East Coast to complete a wide range of service projects. After Hurricane Sandy, we helped to operate shelters in New York City. This was an extremely eye-opening and powerful opportunity, it proved to be one of my greatest learning experiences thus far.

Laughter, hiking, creating, jumping around, kittens & pups, camping, ice cream, sewing, good tunes, yoga, being spontaneous- I love it all!

A young person’s imagination and creativity is enlivening, I enjoy being around that energy. I have worked with teens in schools and after-school programs, and also assisted youth at many different non-profits throughout the country. 

Anyways, enough about me, I’m ready to meet YOU! The road is awaitin’ us!"
Hills and water, excellent!

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

New 2013 Leader: Rose


Rose is non-stop! Here's why:  
Rose can't wait to get on the road again!

"Hey Teen Trekkers, 
I cannot wait to start biking with you this summer!  My name is Rose and I grew up in Brooklyn, New York.  I love traveling by bike because it is the best way to immerse yourself in a new place – from gorgeous natural surroundings to all the interesting locals you meet along the way.  Last summer I biked across America to raise money for young adults with cancer.  It was an incredible adventure!  In the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to explore Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary and Austria by bicycle. In fact, I loved Austria so much that, after graduating from Yale University last year, I up and moved there!  These days I spend my time hanging out with Austrian teenagers teaching them English, while I learn more German, bike the Alps, sew dresses, knit socks, cook soups and bake cheesecakes. Recent projects include working in vineyards, tending apricot orchards, starting a garden, and learning which spring vegetables to pick in the woods behind my house. "
Killer scenery!

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

New 2013 Leader, David!

Come meet our newest Trek Leader, David.  Here's what he has to say:

David, the rock climbing extraordinaire.
"Hey y’all!
I’m David, originally from Atlanta, GA and now living in Charlottesville, VA. I can’t wait for the summer: biking is my preferred form of travel since you can cover so much ground, yet still take in the sights and sounds of the region where you are traveling.
Summer is my favorite season. Since I was in high school, I’ve been lucky enough to do something different each summer, from going to the World Cup in South Africa to raft guiding in Tennessee to mountaineering in Canada. And a benefit of my job as a high school teacher is that I can keep adventuring during the summer! After working at an international school in the Dominican Republic for two years, I relocated to central Virginia, where I’ve taken up kayaking and rock climbing in addition to enjoying frequent (hilly) bike rides with the beautiful Shenandoah Mountains as a backdrop.
I love teaching in the classroom, but nothing beats the experiential learning and growth that comes from going on an adventure. I can’t wait to meet you and for our super-duper biking extravaganza to begin!"

Floating the days away...


Check back each day to meet another 2013 Teen Treks Leader! 

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Kicking of 2013


Teen Treks is Gearing up for our 2013 Season!
Welcome to all of our Trekkers joining us on this year’s adventures.

And for those who are thinking about a Trek, but holding off, please know that 2013 trips are filling up faster than previous years.  This year is shaping up to be a full one, so please, sign up now and avoid the disappointment of the dreaded “SOLD OUT” label on that trip you were eying up.
Please visit our Trips Tables for up to date information.

Teen Treks has some news to share with you all:
New Teen Treks Staff
Our veteran Trekkers probably remember Ben, spent two years as the Program Coordinator.  Ben has parted with Teen Treks so that he could pursue something exciting, frightening and tiring (but with far less biking): His MBA!  Go Ben!

Taking his desk and title is Alexa, who joins Teen Treks after spending a few years living in England and completing her master’s in management (University of Manchester/Manchester Business School), and working at an international art festival.  You will most likely be speaking with her as you prepare for your Trek.
And for all of you wondering about Trip Leaders: we are in the hiring process at this very moment.  We have a number of returning Leaders, as well as some great new leaders who have experience with youth as Fulbright Scholars, AmeriCorps members, teachers, camp counselors and are all around outdoor lovers!   Leader bios will be posted soon on this blog and on our Facebook page. 

Brand Spankin’ New Trips for This Summer
Yep, we have two new trips!  One in Europe: Amsterdam-Paris and one in America’s North East: D&R Canal.  Here are the details:

Amsterdam-Paris

Paris, the city of light, love, culture and food.
Do you dream about waffles and croissants in the lunch line?  Do you wish you had Marie Antoinette's indulgent wardrobe when you learn about the French Revolution?  Is your ideal wood shop project making a pair of wooden clogs?  Do you want to see the classic art that inspires your art projects?  Want to practice your French, or dare to learn Flemish or Dutch?

French pastries, from my own travels to Paris!
Our Amsterdam-Paris Trek travels the most bike-friendly part of the world, and starts in the world’s most bike friendly city, good old Amsterdam (http://tinyurl.com/amsterdambikefriendly).  This Trek is great for high school students, and has low/moderate daily mileage, making for a more casual ride.

Amsterdam glowing the evening away
The Breakdown
Starts in Amsterdam and ends in Paris over 16 days
Countries: Netherlands, Belgium and France. 
Cities/Towns: Bruges, Ghent, Amsterdam, Paris, Versailles
Places: Palace of Versailles, Eiffel Tower, Anne Frank’s house, Vincent Van Gough Museum, the Rijksmuseum, country villages, canal sides and small medieval towns sprinkled on the route.
Everyone bikes in Holland!



D&R Canal

 Calling all history lovers! Calling all outdoors lovers!  Calling all new riders!
The canal is it's summer glory
Ride along the historic D&R Canal, checking out farmhouses, granaries, and barns, groups travel between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  As a First Time Explorers trek, this adventure has been designed as an introductory course to the great sport of bicycle touring.
The D&R Canal Ride is our new trip for younger riders in grades 6-8. 
Visit farmers markets along the way!
So many great ways to experience the canal: land or water!
The Breakdown
Starts and ends in NYC over 6 days
Travel through Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Visit Princeton, Easton, Bethlehem and Trenton
Ride almost entirely on a bike path 
Trenton, NJ

For trip dates, prices and more info, check out the Trips Table at http://teentreks.com/tripstable.html or give us a call!  
 That's all for now, I'm off to interview a potential Leader.  Enjoy your day!

Friday, August 24, 2012

The 2012 Season Comes to a Close

We traveled from sea to shining sea and even across the pond. We biked around great lakes and though national forests. We hiked to the tops of mountains and pedaled over sand dunes. We hopped on ferries and jumped in the water. But the best things about this summer are all the amazing stories and friends we've made along the way.
Thank you from the whole Teen Treks staff for letting us share another great summer with you. 

See you next year!