The Overland Difference

Experience & Safety

For over 25 years Overland has provided safe, engaging and rewarding summer experiences for more than 11,000 young people. Evaluated on overall program quality and some 300 safety standards, Overland is fully accredited by the nationally-recognized American Camp Association, a distinction earned by few of our peers. Our superlative safety record over the last 25 years further demonstrates our commitment to our students' safety—the most important factor in all our decisions, from program design and planning, to leader selection and training, to program operation and support.

Small Groups

Overland has always offered the smallest group size of any similar program. While other organizations' groups range in size from 13 to more than 20 students, no Overland program has more than 12 students or fewer than 2 leaders. Keeping our groups small ensures superior supervision, individual attention and clear, consistent leadership while encouraging a family-like environment with strong friendships and spirited teamwork.

Careful Admissions

In our enrollment process, we check each student's references thoroughly, admitting only those whom we believe are a good fit for the experience we offer. We also take great care in putting students together into the best possible groups. Our goal is to build groups with a carefully considered mix of students in terms of age, grade, gender and hometown.

High Expectations

Our expectations of our students are high: play by the rules (no tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs), do more than your fair share of the cooking, cleaning and setting up, treat everyone with respect and consideration and try your best. An Overland group is a positive, wholesome place filled with energy and enthusiasm, guided by caring leaders with good values.

Superlative Leaders

Our detailed application, intensive interviewing and extensive training requirements ensure that each Overland group is led by dynamic and accomplished leaders who keep their students safe and secure, while inspiring them to be their best in every way.

Carefully Crafted Programs

We take great care to design and plan programs that allow our students not only to have fun and explore the world, but also to accomplish something—to experience the growth and fulfillment that comes from successfully tackling a challenge together. Every Overland program—from outdoors to service to language to writing—offers this opportunity for accomplishment to each of our students.

Committed To You

Anyone who has ever met an Overland director at a presentation, spoken to an Overland staff member on the phone or met an Overland leader in the field can't help but feel our deep personal commitment to our students and their families. All of us at Overland are 100% dedicated to making our students' summers with us the best experiences of their lives. Please join us!

“Little did our family recognize, when we attended an Overland slideshow, the impact that Overland was to have on Kathryn’s personal development in three summers and on her college choice.” Steve Deneroff, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan