Overland Adventure Summer Programs for Teens, Hiking, Bike Tours, Language Study Abroad, Community Service

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a Program & How To Apply

Our Groups, Students & Leaders

Language Study Abroad Day-To-Day

Summer Writing Program Day-To-Day

Why Overland?

Experience & Safety

American Camp Accreditation Logo

For 23 years Overland has provided safe, engaging and rewarding summer experiences for more than 10,000 young people. Based in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and managed by a dedicated year-round staff of nine professionals, Overland runs over 90 trips each summer for more than 1000 young people. Evaluated on overall program quality and some 300 safety standards, Overland is fully accredited by the nationally-recognized American Camping Association, a distinction earned by few of our peers. Our superlative safety record over the last 23 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 two 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 admissions process, we check each student's references thoroughly, admitting only those students whom we believe are a good fit for the experience we offer. We also take great care in putting together 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 and focused on teamwork and friendship.

Superlative Leaders

Our detailed application, intensive interviewing and extensive training requirements (including Basic or Wilderness First Aid, CPR, lifeguarding and Overland's 10-day training course) 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—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.

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Choosing a Program & How to Apply

How should I choose the right program for me?

All of our programs are incredible, but it is important to pick one that fits your interests, time frame and desired level of difficulty.

Your Interests:
Choose the type of program that appeals to you: biking, hiking, service, language study abroad or writing. Think about the location of the various programs offered and decide if you can see yourself in one of these places this summer: New England, Nova Scotia, the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Rockies, the Sierras, Yellowstone and the Tetons, the Southwest, the Pacific Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Costa Rica or Europe.
Your Time Frame:
Consider the length of the program. Introductory programs are one or two weeks, while the American Challenge is six weeks. Overland also offers two-, three- and four-week programs.
Your Desired Level Of Challenge:
Many programs are rated on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 is easiest and 10 is most challenging). All programs require commitment to your group and a desire to engage completely in the program. Service, language, writing, hiking and biking programs all offer different types of challenges and rewards to participants.

Contact our office to talk with our staff about specific trips that you are interested in. We'd love to hear from you!

Can I talk with students in my area who have been on an Overland program?

Sure! Simply call or e-mail us at the office, and we can provide you with names and telephone numbers of recent students in your area. Please feel free to contact our references; they are always happy to talk about their experiences with Overland.

Is it possible for parents to speak with former Overland parents?

When should I apply?

Most Overland programs will have availability until mid- to late-January. Some programs will fill earlier, however, and others may have space available until later in the winter and into the spring.

How do I apply?

Complete the application on page 51 of our catalog or download an application.

Please use our mailing address: Overland, P.O. Box 31, Williamstown, MA 01267. For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address: Overland, 63 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA 01267.

Applications must include a $795 deposit and are not accepted via fax. Sorry, we do not accept credit cards, and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

How long does it take to hear from Overland once I have sent in my application?

We will email you within 48 hours with your trip placement, or we will call you if we have a placement issue.

When do students on the waitlist hear from Overland?

We will notify waitlisted students as soon as a spot becomes available.

Can I go on more than one Overland program during the summer?

Of course! Please contact us to make these arrangements.

Can I come on an Overland program with a friend?

We always encourage you to come on an Overland program on your own; we have seen that this makes for a richer experience for both you and your group, even if you are feeling hesitant about coming alone. Traveling with one friend is permissible, though, and some students will come with a friend (particularly in younger groups on trips like Cape Cod & the Islands). We will allow no more than two friend pairs per group (only one friend pair for small groups of eight students) so that the majority of the group is coming without a friend or even someone that they know. Friend pair slots are allotted on a first-come first-served basis. Please note that special requests of any kind must be made in writing at the time of submitting your application.

When are payments due?

A $795 deposit must be included with your application. The balance is due on or before March 1st; if you apply after March 1st, the balance is due upon acceptance.

Does the program fee include airfare?

No. We do not include airfare to and from the program start and end locations in the prices of our programs since Overland students come from nearly every state as well as foreign countries. Overland families are responsible for making travel arrangements; Overland's leaders, however, will be on hand at the airport on both arrival and departure days to provide supervision and assistance for our students.

What is included in the program fee?

All meals, accommodations, ground transportation and activities are included.

What is Overland's refund policy?

For withdrawals prior to March 1st, $295 of the deposit is refundable (notice of the withdrawal must be made in writing). For students who withdraw after March 1st, there are no refunds for any reason whatsoever (including, but not limited to, voluntary withdrawal, illness or injury prior to or during the program, summer school, security concerns or any other reason). Should a student leave a program after it starts for any reason whatsoever (including, but not limited to, illness or injury, discipline, security concerns or any other reason), there are no refunds.

Parents are encouraged to purchase trip insurance to protect their investment against illness or injury; Overland includes trip insurance information on page 8 of their enrollment forms. All insurance questions, payments and claims must be made directly to the insurance provider.

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Our Groups, Students & Leaders

How big are Overland groups?

Overland groups are small, with no more than 12 students and no fewer than 2 leaders.

What is the student-leader ratio?

Never higher than 6:1 and sometimes as low as 4:1.

How are Overland groups put together?

We spend a lot of time during the winter and spring trying to make the best groups possible. We check references for each applicant, mix students from as many different states and cities as possible, match ages and strive for an appropriate male-female ratio within the groups. We run multiple sections of most programs, which allows us to fine-tune the make-up of our groups. We will group students according to age within each section. Please see each program description for its age requirements.

Are all Overland groups co-ed?

Almost always. In recent years, a few sections have been either all boys or all girls. Enrollment directors are in touch with families if it looks like we will have a single sex trip section.

Who are Overland students?

Overland's students are adventurous-for many it's the first time they've tried something like this; they're explorers-they're eager to see new places; they're team-players -they understand that cooperation and consideration are essential; they're enthusiastic and resilient-these are the keys to making a group experience a success. They're great kids who want to do more, see more and experience more than most people their age.

Where are Overland students from?

Enthusiastic and motivated students from all over come to spend the summer on fun-filled and challenging Overland programs. Overland draws students from across the U.S. as well as several foreign countries.

Will I be placed with other students my age?

Yes. We work hard to put together age-compatible groups. Generally, we make up groups of students from just one or two grades (for example, students finishing 7th and 8th grade). Sometimes groups have more than two grades (for example, students finishing 10th, 11th and 12th grade). Since we run multiple sections of most programs, we are able to fine-tune the age and grade make-up of almost every group.

Will there be students in my group who have already done an Overland program?

Most likely, especially on the longer and/or more challenging programs. When putting together our groups, we pay attention to the mix of new Overlanders and Overland alumni so that we can have a good balance of the two.

Will there be students in my group who already know each other?

We seek to create the best mix of students traveling singly and in pairs in each Overland group. Sometimes there will be pairs of students who already know each other, either from school or from a previous Overland program. For group dynamics, we allow no more than two friend pairs per group (or only one if it is a smaller group) and in every case where there are such pairs, we take great care to ensure that the friendship does not detract from the group experience.

Can I come on an Overland program with a friend?

We always encourage you to come on an Overland program on your own; we have seen that this makes for a richer experience for both you and your group, even if you are feeling hesitant about coming alone. Traveling with one friend is permissible, though, and some students will come with a friend (particularly in younger groups on trips like Cape Cod & the Islands). We will allow no more than two friend pairs per group (only one friend pair for small groups of eight students) so that the majority of the group is coming without a friend. Friend pair slots are allotted on a first-come first-served basis. Please note that special requests of any kind must be made in writing at the time of submitting your application.

Who are Overland leaders?

Overland leaders are highly motivated, energetic and caring people who love to work with students and want to share their enthusiasm for the outdoors, their commitment to community service or their love of language and culture with young people. Most importantly, each Overland leader is a wonderful role model. Since Overland leaders are much closer in age than parents are to their children, Overland students see in their leaders elements of themselves a few healthy, cheerful, focused years farther down the road. Critical lessons of cooperation, consideration, selflessness, teamwork, determination, perseverance and pride are transmitted naturally. (And without making a big deal about it, either. All Overland leaders are equipped with a sturdy sense of humor.) No wonder 99 percent of our leaders are rated excellent by Overland students and parents!

What is the typical Overland leader profile?

The typical Overland leader is a recent graduate or currently enrolled student at one of the country's best colleges and universities (e.g., Williams, Amherst, Middlebury, Dartmouth, Bowdoin, Colby, Colorado College, Kenyon, Pomona, Stanford). In high school and in college, Overland's leaders are varsity athletes, team captains, student government officers, club presidents and top students. It is this profile that has been most successful for us: high achievers with high expectations and terrific interpersonal skills. This group truly is the best and the brightest, and experience has shown us that these are the people that we can count on. They are responsible, reliable, dynamic and fun. We love them, and so do our students.

How does Overland select and prepare its leaders?

Overland leaders are carefully selected and prepared to assure all students safe, enjoyable adventures. Our network of educators and former leaders yields candidates from America's finest colleges and universities who have distinguished themselves at every stage of their lives. All prospective leaders complete a detailed application, provide extensive references and undergo an intense interview process. Successful applicants complete Basic or Wilderness First Aid, CPR and lifesaving courses. All leaders also take our comprehensive 10-day training program in safety, first aid, conservation and group dynamics prior to the start of their program. The combination of our careful selection and thorough training ensures the success and safety of every Overland program.

Do leaders return for a second or third summer?

Yes, many do; in fact, there are a handful of leaders who have led for more than five summers! Our leaders love Overland and the opportunities they have to explore spectacular places with great groups of kids. So in any given summer, about half of our staff will be returning from a previous summer-some for a second year, others for a third, a few for their fourth and a couple for their fifth or sixth Overland summer. Nearly all of our leaders abroad (in Europe or Costa Rica) are returning leaders; about half of our leaders out West and in Hawaii are returning leaders and a small number of our New England leaders are returning leaders.

Does each program have a male and a female leader?

Yes. All trips have a male and female leader who work together.

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Preparing For Your Program

How will I know what to bring on my program?

See Packing Lists

How much spending money should I bring?

All meals, accommodations, ground transportation and activities are included in the program fee so there is no need for large amounts of spending money. However, students may want to bring some money for film, souvenirs, gifts, etc. Spending may vary by program location and student; in general, Overland recommends bringing $50 per week in the US and $75 per week in Europe.

Do I need identification, a passport or a visa?

• For all U.S. programs please bring a school ID, driver’s license or other ID (e.g. a photocopy of your birth certificate). Please do not bring your passport with you on a U.S. program (except Nova Scotia & Acadia and Virgin Islands Service).
• Nova Scotia & Acadia, all Costa Rica- and Europe-bound students must bring a signed, valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months after the program end date. For students on Virgin Islands Service, Overland recommends traveling with a valid passport. Please leave a photocopy of your passport at home. Visit www.travel.state.gov for additional passport information.

Do I need any special inoculations for programs abroad?

All Overland students must be current on their tetanus vaccinations. Overland does not require any other inoculations for students participating in our U.S. and European programs. Overland advises students traveling to Costa Rica to consult with their family physician on protection against Hepatitis A and malaria. According to the Centers for Disease Control, our groups in Costa Rica spend some time in regions with malaria; Overland recommends that students bring protection against malaria (e.g., chloroquine tablets).

Do I need to prepare physically for my program?

All Overland programs--from outdoors to service to language to writing--will involve some degree of physical activity. Your comfort, happiness and success, especially on our outdoor adventures and our more challenging service programs, will depend in large part on your pre-program physical preparation. We will provide guidance for your preparations in the spring; it is especially important that bikers get out for rides and hikers break in their boots to prevent blisters.

What equipment will I need for an outdoor adventure?

Students on our bicycle touring trips need to bring a bicycle, helmet, panniers (saddlebags for clothes and gear that fit on a rack over the back wheel) and a sleeping bag. Students on New England bicycle tours (Cape Cod & the Islands, Nova Scotia & Acadia and Vermont , as well as Berkshire Adventure and New England Adventure) can rent bicycles and/or panniers from Overland for the trip; bicycle rentals are not available on our other trips. Students on our hiking trips need to bring a backpack, a sleeping bag and hiking boots. Overland provides all group gear for all trips (including tents and cooking equipment). A detailed packing list is included in the information sent to all accepted students.

How will I pack all of my equipment for the flight to my program?

Students on bicycle touring trips box their bicycles and check them as luggage (see "How do I bring my bicycle on a biking trip?"); the rest of their gear is packed in panniers and checked as luggage on the plane. Students on hiking trips check one piece of luggage only-their backpack with their gear packed inside. Students on LSA and Service programs should pack in a carry-on sized suitcase.

How do I bring my bicycle on a biking trip?

If you are flying to the start of your trip, airlines will carry your bicycle as a piece of luggage for a fee of approximately $75 to $100 each way. Please be sure to call your airline and let them know that you are bringing a bike. Cardboard bicycle boxes are often available for free from bike stores. Overland will help arriving students assemble their bicycles; on departure we will assist with the boxing of bicycles. Most bicycle boxes are thrown away at the start of the trip and new ones are obtained by Overland at trip end; on trips outside of New England, therefore, it is impossible for us to accommodate hard-shell protective bike boxes.

How do I box my bike?

Box your bicycle at home before you travel to the airport. To box the bicycle:

You will need a pedal wrench or a long handled wrench that fits the pedal bolt and an allen wrench.
You will need to pick up a used box at a bike store (they give them away for free-get the biggest available).
Remove the seat and seat post as one unit by loosening the bolt at the neck of the frame.
Remove the pedals and mark them as left and right. Both pedals loosen in the opposite direction that the pedals rotate (left-hand pedal is not lefty-loosey). Place the pedals in a Ziplock for safe keeping.
Remove the front wheel and take out the quick release axle. Put the quick release axle and its springs in the Ziplock along with the pedals.
Detatch the handlebars by removing the screws and bracket that hold the handlebars in place (put the screws and bracket back on for safe keeping in transit). The handlbars will still be attached to the break and gear cables. Please do NOT disconnect any cables.
Turn the handlebars sideways and place them over the top tube of the bicycle (the top tube is parallel to the ground and runs from the handlebars to the seat post). If you have the curved "drop handlebars" you may have better luck hooking the handlebars around the front fork (where the front wheel goes).
Place the bike in the box along with the seat and seatpost, front wheel, Ziplock with pedals and quick release axle and anything else you removed from the bike. You can use scraps of cardboard to reinforce the sides of the box or place around the frame of the bike to prevent scraping from detached parts.
Put your name, address and phone number visibly on the box.
If you have trouble boxing your bike, you can have a bike store do it for a fee.

Will my bicycle be damaged by the airlines?

Experience has shown us that bicycles are rarely damaged by the airlines (we see very few incidents every summer out of hundreds of flights). Our research has shown that the major airlines will pay for damage as long as a claim is filed promptly, but be sure to check with your airline prior to your trip.

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Travel Arrangements

When should I buy my tickets?

Please do not purchase non-refundable airline tickets until you receive an email from us confirming that we have received and reviewed your school reference and transcript, the physical fitness reference, and the health information provided by you and your physician.

How will I arrange my flights?

You can use a travel agent or call the airlines directly.

Can I use frequent flyer miles?

Using frequent flyer tickets is acceptable; note, however, that frequent flyer tickets are not transferable to another airline. If you miss a connection, you’ll have to wait until your airline has another flight. Our advice is to use frequent flyer tickets only if your trip is non-stop, or if you can travel early in the day when there are later flights to your destination on your airline.

What if my program starts in one city but ends in another? Can I buy a round-trip ticket?

Sometimes it seems like you’ll have to buy two one-way tickets (for example, program starts in Seattle but ends in San Francisco). You do not, however, need two one-way tickets. Airlines call routings like these multi-city tickets, and they consider them round-trips.

Do I need identification, a passport or a visa?

For all U.S. programs please bring a school ID, driver’s license or other ID (e.g. a photocopy of your birth certificate). Please do not bring your passport with you on a U.S. program (except Nova Scotia & Acadia and Virgin Islands Service).
Nova Scotia & Acadia, all Costa Rica- and Europe-bound students must bring a signed, valid passport with an expiration date of at least six months after the program end date. For students on Virgin Islands Service, Overland recommends traveling with a valid passport. Please leave a photocopy of your passport at home. Visit www.travel.state.gov for additional passport information.

Should I choose a direct flight?

Yes, even if this means driving to an airport that is not as close to home as your local airport, we recommend purchasing a non-stop flight. For example, if you live in Richmond, Virginia, consider flying out of Washington, D.C.; if you live in Philadelphia, consider flying out of New York; if you live in Hartford, consider flying out of Boston or New York.

What if I must connect to reach my destination?

Choose a connection time that is longer than necessary (at least 90 minutes). If you are delayed on your first flight, a longer connection time could help you catch your second flight.
Consider flying with your child to the connection city. For example, if your child is headed to Europe, Alaska or Hawaii, fly with him/her to his/her connection in New York, Washington, Atlanta or Chicago.
Consider flying with your child to his/her final destination. Every summer, there will be a good number of parents who fly to Albany, Boston or Denver, for example. This is certainly not necessary, but it can make logistics go smoothly and it may help with the transition from home to Overland, especially for a younger student.
Coordinate your travel with another Overland student. Please e-mail or call our office, and we can let you know if there are other students traveling from your area on your travel dates.

Where do I go when I arrive at the airport?

All Domestic Programs

At the airport all students should go to baggage claim for their flight. Please wait there to be met by a member of Overland’s staff. We will be able to recognize you (we know your schedule and have your picture), and you will be able to recognize the Overland staff because they will be wearing Overland T-shirts and/or hats.

All International Programs

For programs abroad, at the airport all students should collect their bags and exit the secure part of the airport through customs where a member of Overland’s staff (in an Overland T-shirt and/or hat) will be waiting with your schedule and picture in hand.

What if I am flying alone for the first time?

For many Overland students, this is the first time they have taken flights without friends or family. Students and their parents should be assured that flying alone is fine. Overland's leaders meet all arriving students at the airport, and they assist with luggage collection. At trip's end, Overland's leaders assist with check-in, and they remain in the airport until every student has departed.

Do the airlines provide escorts?

Yes; however, where possible, we ask that you do not use an airline escort.

For years Overland students have flown without airline escorts—parents assist at check in, and we assist at the destination. Flying without an airline escort simplifies everyone’s airport logistics—Overland’s, yours, the airline’s.

Airline policies regarding escorts vary from airline to airline. It is absolutely essential that you contact your airline by phone to confirm their policy.

If you plan to purchase your flights on-line from your airline's website or from a travel website like Expedia (or Orbitz, Kayak, etc.), then you must contact your airline by phone before you make your purchase to confirm their escort policy to ensure that you are in compliance.

Most airlines have code-share agreements with other airlines. This means that you might think you are on United, when, in fact, you are on US Airways. The rules of the carrier, i.e., the company whose name is on the plane, not the rules of the code-share partner, apply. On the phone, confirm your carrier and make sure that you are in compliance with their rules.

Please note:

Many airlines do not allow students who are traveling alone to make a connection.
Some travel websites will indicate that your child annot travel alone or that your child needs to have an airline escort. We have found this information to be unreliable; please contact the carrier by phone to confirm their rules.

Can Overland put me in touch with others who are flying from the same area?

Yes, oftentimes there will be another Overland student on your flight, especially if you are coming from a major city. If you would like to coordinate travel plans with another Overland student, please call or email our office, and we can let you know if there are other students coming from your area on that travel day.

How will my parents know that I have arrived safely?

If you travel to your trip by air, an Overland staff member will meet you at the baggage claim area for your flight and will ask you to call your parents to confirm that you have arrived safely.

What if I have a problem during my travels before or after my trip?

We're here to help. The Overland office is always available to help you with any problems that you might have as you travel to and from your trip with us. Please be sure to carry our phone number, 800-458-0588, with you while traveling.

For more questions about travel arrangements, please see Getting To & From Your Trip

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Hiking And Biking Day-To-Day

How hard are Overland's hiking and biking trips?

We have identified the challenge level of each Overland outdoor adventure on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being easiest and 10 being most challenging. Please see the program descriptions in our catalog or on this website for our ratings. Any reasonably fit, highly motivated and enthusiastic student can succeed on and enjoy any of our moderate trips (those rated from 1 to 7). Our more challenging programs require a superior commitment to fitness and focus.

How many miles a day will I hike or bike?

This will depend on which program you choose and the terrain on a given day. Average daily miles on our biking trips range from 20 to 82 miles. On our hiking trips, daily mileage spans from 6 to 14 miles. Average mileage information can be found on the Biking Overview and Hiking Overview pages of our website.

Is previous experience required?

No. Every outdoor adventure is open to beginners, even our challenge trips. Most of our outdoor adventures involve activities that do not require specialized skills and even for those that do, students are not required to come with previous experience-instead the group will learn the necessary skills together from professional guides. Your Overland leaders will also help you, assisting everyone for the first few days with the basics: riding with gear on your bicycle, hiking with a backpack, cooking outdoors, setting up a tent, etc. By the end of the first week, it is hard to tell new Overlanders from the more experienced students. Furthermore, the spirit in an Overland group is one that is very supportive and welcoming. Students teach each other, encourage each other and share with each other.

Which trip should I choose if I have extensive experience?

If you are hoping to strengthen existing outdoor skills, look toward our more difficult adventures--those rated 6 and higher on our 1 to 10 scale.

What will the food be like?

Good food (and plenty of it!), excellent nutrition and fun are the goals of Overland's meals. Each group buys, prepares and eats all of its meals together. Our students, with their leaders' supervision, prepare all meals, giving them the opportunity to learn and practice outdoor cooking skills. While food is plentiful and nutritious, meals reflect the limitations of outdoor cooking and the students' preparation skills.

Typical breakfasts are: bagels (with cream cheese, butter, or peanut butter), juice and fruit; oatmeal with raisins and brown sugar; or cereal, juice and fruit. On days when time allows, the group might make a breakfast like pancakes. Some popular lunches are: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and chips; make-your-own sandwiches with deli meats and cheeses; and French picnics (bread, cheese, yogurt and fruit). The range of dinners includes: tacos/burritos (with beans, beef or chicken, cheese, rice); vegetable and chicken stir fry; pasta (spaghetti, macaroni & cheese, etc.); hamburgers and hotdogs; or soup, sandwiches and salad.

Please Note: Preparing meals for a group outdoors makes it impossible for us to provide separate meals for vegetarians, students with food allergies, vegans or students with any other eating restrictions. Vegetarians can expect to eat the same meals as the rest of the group but they can withhold the meat (for example, spaghetti with a non-meat sauce). Students with food allergies need to assess how their particular allergy might limit their meals. It is impossible for us to accommodate vegan or kosher diets. Finally, some students have come on Overland hoping to lose weight. This is not smart or realistic. Adequate nutrition is essential to health and safety.

Where will we sleep at night? Are there showers? What about laundry?

We design our itineraries so that our groups can stay as clean and comfortable as possible. Though you might not be as clean and comfortable traveling as you are at home, it's important for prospective students to understand that the tone at Overland is one that is relaxed and fun-focused. We want you to love your Overland trip and the outdoors so we pay close attention to the design of our itineraries, especially when it comes to camping, showers and doing laundry.

With the exception of the Cape Cod & the Islands (which stays in a hostel on two or three nights), all of Overland's outdoor groups camp out every night. Camping divides into three types: full facilities, limited facilities and no facilities. A full-facility campground has flush toilets and hot showers; a limited-facility campground typically has cold water only and pit toilets; and some camping has no facilities, as in the backcountry of a national park or national forest. All bicycle touring trips have a mixture of full-facility and limited-facility campgrounds in their itineraries. These are typically state parks (most with full-facilities) and national forests (most with limited facilities). The only exception to this is the American Challenge that spends many nights in places where campgrounds are not available. Sleeping on church grounds and in small town parks is common throughout the American Challenge. Even on this trip, however, we have made sure that showers are regularly available. Hiking trips camp in a variety of full-facility, limited-facility and no-facility campgrounds. When designing our hiking itineraries we pay attention to the balance of these types of campgrounds so that each group has regular stops in campgrounds with showers.

Each group will do laundry periodically; two week trips will typically do laundry once, three week trips twice, four week trips three times, and six week trips four or five times. Laundry expenses are covered in the trip fee.

Can I stay in touch with home and friends while with Overland?

Yes. We encourage you to write to your friends and family, and we encourage friends and family to write to you during your trip. In June you will receive an itinerary for your trip that will include mail stops (addresses--generally post offices--and the dates that you will be there) for parents and friends to write to you.

Upon arrival (for students who fly to their trips) every student calls home to let his or her parents know that he or she has arrived safely. After this phone call, however, we do not allow students to make or receive phone calls during their program (except in cases of emergency). Instead, students write letters home once a week.

The office staff is in touch with our leaders on a weekly basis. Parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the office.

Can I bring an iPod, MP3 player, cell phone or other electronic device?

An important aspect of every Overland program is our goal of helping our students to BE HERE NOW. We want our students to actively engage in all that their Overland program offers. To this end, we do not permit personal electronics on our programs (for example, cell phones and iPods). We do, however, allow students who fly to their program to carry a cell phone while traveling; on arrival, Overland's leaders will collect all cell phones for the duration of the program and return them for flights home.

How much time will we spend driving?

We take great care while designing trip itineraries to minimize driving time and maximize outdoor time. On some trips there is no driving time (e.g. hiking in Europe), on others there is typically less than five hours total (most New England programs and bicycle touring trips). Overland's hiking trips out West have itineraries that minimize driving as much as possible.

How safe are Overland's outdoor adventures?

Our small groups (of no more than 12 students) and capable leaders (there are always two with every group) help to ensure the safe operation of all of our trips. Overland's leaders are committed to the careful supervision of their students at all times. In addition, every Overland outdoor adventure leader has Wilderness First Aid, CPR and lifeguarding certifications; each leader completes our 8-day training program; and every group carries a cell or satellite phone. In over 20 years of operating trips, we have a superlative safety record.

What are the basic rules on an Overland adventure?

Our trips are wholesome, structured experiences with strong leadership and high expectations of the students' behavior. Overland students are expected to be enthusiastic, positive, helpful and supportive of each other. Overland's students understand that smoking, drinking alcohol or using any drugs (other than prescription medications) are strictly prohibited.

What happens if I become ill while on the trip?

Most Overland students stay illness and injury free throughout their trips. Some students do get sick or sustain injuries; most illnesses are brief and most injuries have little impact on a student's continued participation on a trip. These minor illnesses and injuries are typically handled with first aid administered by one of the trip leaders. Anything more serious results in a visit to a physician (typically in an emergency room) and a call home. The physician determines the treatment and recovery period.

What happens in inclement weather on Overland trips?

Weather rarely prevents Overland groups from continuing on their adventure; hiking groups continue hiking in the rain and biking groups ride on, provided that it is safe to do so. In more serious weather, including thunder and lightning storms, groups might need to seek shelter. Overland leaders are carefully trained to recognize signs of serious inclement weather and to take the necessary precautions. In addition, all of our outdoors leaders have Wilderness First Aid training, which teaches them how to find the safest spot for waiting out the storm.

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Service Day-To-Day

How hard are Overland's service programs?

All of our service programs require not only enthusiasm, focus and flexibility, but also a strong work ethic and a willingness to be physically challenged. A positive attitude and a willingness to work hard as volunteers are central to the success of our community service programs. Participants should be eager to take part in a variety of service projects and be ready for both the challenges and rewards that service work offers. All of our service programs have an element of outdoor work than can by physically demanding such as farming or doing trail work; however the work will be appropriately challenging for the students given their age and experience.

Is previous experience required?

No. The service opportunities we will pursue during our programs do not require specialized skills. Anyone with enthusiasm, focus, flexibility and a willingness to work hard is welcome on any of our service programs.

What qualitites do Overland service students need?

We expect a lot of our service students; they are integral to the success of our outreach to those in need in underserved communities. Not surprisingly then, service students are hard-working and positive, dedicated to serving those in need and enthusiastic about working within a close-knit and caring group to make a difference.

Can I get credit for my service program?

Yes, our students can earn credit for service hours. Please see the program description for the specific program in which you are interested for the approximate number of hours. We will provide you with proof of participation after completion of your service program. Note that you should check with your school to make sure that Overland's service hours meet the policy requirements.

Where will we stay during our program? What about laundry?

With the exception of Alaska Service and Rockies Service, our accommodations are in dormitories, cabins and hostels (there are always multi-bedded rooms, shared bathrooms and laundry facilities). Groups are responsible for keeping their living space clean and tidy; students share the responsibility and rotate duties (including cooking, cleaning up after meals and cleaning the group's space). Students should be prepared to share a room with one or more Overland students in their group. Alaska and Rockies groups will camp during their trail work. Two-week programs will typically do laundry twice and three-week programs two or three times.

What will the food be like?

Good food (and plenty of it!), excellent nutrition and fun are the goals of Overland's meals. Each group buys, prepares and eats all of its meals together. Our students, with their leaders' supervision, prepare all meals, giving them the opportunity to learn and practice cooking skills. While food is plentiful and nutritious, meals reflect the limitations of group cooking and the students' preparation skills.

Please Note: Preparing meals for a group makes it impossible for us to provide separate meals for vegetarians, students with food allergies, vegans or students with any other eating restrictions. Vegetarians can expect to eat the same meals as the rest of the group but they can withhold the meat (for example, spaghetti with a non-meat sauce). Students with food allergies need to assess how their particular allergy might limit their meals. It is impossible for us to accommodate vegan or kosher diets. Some students have come on Overland hoping to lose weight. This is not smart or realistic. Adequate nutrition is essential to health and safety.

Can I stay in touch with home and friends while with Overland?

Yes. We encourage you to write to your friends and family, and we encourage friends and family to write to you during your program. In June you will receive a detailed itinerary for your program that will include mail stops (addresses--generally post offices--and the dates that you will be there) for parents and friends to write to you.

Upon arrival (for students who fly to their trips) every student calls home to let their parents know that they have arrived safely. After this phone call, however, we do not allow students to make or receive phone calls (except in cases of emergency). Instead, students write letters home once a week.

The office staff is in touch with our leaders on a weekly basis if not more frequently. Parents with questions or concerns are encourage to contact the office.

Can I bring my iPod, cell phone or other electronic devices?

How safe are Overland's programs?

Our small groups (of no more than 12 students) and outstanding leaders (there are always two with every group) help to ensure the safe operation of all of our programs. Overland's leaders are committed to the careful supervision of their students at all times. In addition, every service leader has Basic or Wilderness First Aid, CPR and lifeguarding certifications; each leader completes our 10-day training program; and every group carries a cell phone. In over 23 years of operating trips, we have a superlative safety record.

What are the basic rules on an Overland program?

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Language Study Abroad Day-To-Day

How hard are Overland's language programs?

All of our language programs require enthusiasm, focus and flexibility. Students should possess a strong desire to learn a foreign language and a willingness to experience another culture. Students will be enrolled in a language school and be in class 4 hours a day. Any highly motivated student, with the appropriate prior language experience (depending on the program), can succeed on and enjoy our language programs.

Is previous language experience required?

Yes, all of our language programs require some previous language experience.

Three-week programs require a minimum of one year of language instruction at any level.
Four-week programs require a minimum of one year of high school language instruction.

Please call if you have any questions regarding our language program requirements.

Will there be a language pledge?

A language pledge is a promise to speak only the target language (French or Spanish) while on your program. Overland does not require this of LSA students. The success of our students, both in terms of language learning and group dynamics, is our main goal. Students should expect to speak only in the target language during their time at school. In addition, our leaders will organize group activities each afternoon that include 2 hours of practice in the target language. At many other times throughout the program, from meals to interactions with locals, students will practice and rely upon their ability to speak the target language.

Can I get school credit for my language study abroad program?

Upon completion of the program, Overland will provide each student with a certificate from their language school in Europe or Costa Rica that details the number of hours of language classes completed and evaluates the student’s progress made over the course of the program. You can then submit this to your school and, depending on your school’s policy, you may receive school credit. Students on three week programs will complete 56 hours of language classes, students on four week programs will complete 80 hours of language classes.

Where will we stay during our program?

Three and four week LSA groups will spend their time in France or Spain living indoors in apartments with the leaders. L & S Costa Rica groups will stay mostly in group accommodations in hostels or hotels; they will also have a one-week homestay with Costa Rican families. Groups are responsible for keeping their living space clean and tidy; students share the responsibility and rotate duties (including cooking, cleaning up after meals and cleaning the group’s space). They also need to keep in mind that they should be respectful of their neighbors close by, whether in apartment buildings in Europe or hostels in Costa Rica; this means keeping the noise level down, especially at night. Students should be prepared to share a room with one or more LSA students of the same gender in their group. Note that if friends come together, they will be placed in different rooms; experience has shown that rooming together makes it difficult for friend pairs to integrate effectively and fully into the group.

What will my homestay be like? (L & S Costa Rica : 3- and 4-week programs and LSA Spain, Seville: 3- and 4-week programs only)

An important part of our L & S Costa Rica: 3- and 4-week programs and our LSA Spain, Seville: 3- and 4-week programs is the opportunity to live with a local family. During your homestay, you will continue to participate in regular group activities and language classes every day, as well as group activities on the weekend. You will, however, spend each weekday evening with your host family, sharing dinner with them every night and breakfast with them the following morning.

Each homestay family is carefully selected from our language schools' pools of homestay families. While many students will be placed in a family with children living at home, we cannot guarantee this.

Living with a homestay family can be challenging at first. During the first couple of days, you have to adjust to your homestay family’s way of life. You also have to adjust to speaking only in Spanish. After a couple of days, however, it becomes easier to communicate with your family and settle into their routine, and you come to appreciate the value of living with a host family. If you make the extra effort to really get to know your host family, you find that your language skills improve dramatically, you learn more about their culture, and you leave your homestay having made great friends.

You can expect a short walk to and from your home from either the language school or a central meeting location where the van will pick the group up in the morning and drop us off in the evenings. Until you know the route and are comfortable doing it by yourself, your leaders can escort you to your homestay family in the morning and drop you off at the end of the day.

While living with homestay families, all students must continue to follow Overland’s rules and regulations. Under no circumstances may students drink, smoke or use illegal drugs. Furthermore, once students return to their homestay families for dinner directly after group activities, they may not go out again at night unless they are accompanied by one of their homestay parents.

The breakfasts and dinners that you will share with your homestay family are a great opportunity to taste the local cuisine and spend time with your family. Meals will most likely reflect the tastes of the local culture. Host families will be notified if their homestay student has any dietary restrictions so that these restrictions can be accommodated.

What will the food be like?

Good food (and plenty of it!), excellent nutrition and fun are the goals of Overland's meals. While living in group accommodations, each group buys, prepares and eats all of its meals together. Under their leaders' supervision, students will prepare all meals, giving them the opportunity to learn and practice cooking skills. While food is plentiful and nutritious, meals reflect the limitations of group cooking and the students' preparation skills.

While living in homestay families (L & S Costa Rica only) students will eat breakfast and dinner with their host families. These meals are a great opportunity to taste the local cuisine and spend time with the family. Meals will most likely reflect the tastes of the local culture. Host families will be notified if their homestay student has any food restrictions (allergies, vegetarianism) so that these restrictions can be accommodated.

Can I stay in touch with home and friends while with Overland?

Upon arrival (for students who fly to their trips) every student calls home to let his or her parents know that they have arrived safely. After this phone call, however, we do not allow students to make or receive phone calls (except in cases of emergency). Instead, students write letters home once a week. On LSA programs, you may also have access to internet at the language school. We will not take time away from our program to let you use email; however, there may be times during the day at school when you can get on a computer briefly.

The office staff is in touch with our leaders on a weekly basis if not more frequently. Parents with questions or concerns are encourage to contact the office.

Can I bring my iPod, cell phone or other electronic devices?

How safe are Overland's programs?

Our small groups (of no more than 12 students) and outstanding leaders (there are always two with every group) help to ensure the safe operation of all of our programs. Overland's leaders are committed to the careful supervision of their students at all times. In addition, every language leader has Basic First Aid, CPR and lifesaving certifications and excellent language skills. Each leader completes a week of leadership training prior to the trip start, and every group carries at least one cell phone during the program. In over 20 years of operating trips, we have an superlative safety record.

What are the basic rules on an Overland program?

Our programs are wholesome, structured experiences with strong leadership and high expectations of the students' behavior. Overland students are expected to be enthusiastic, positive, helpful and supportive of each other. Overland's students understand that smoking, drinking alcohol or using any drugs (other than prescription medications) are strictly prohibited. While living in homestay families (L & S Costa Rica and LSA Spain, Seville: Three Weeks for 8th & 9th Graders and LSA Spain, Seville: Four Weeks for 9th-12th Graders only), students must continue to follow these rules. Additionally, students in homestay families may not go out at night unless they are accompanied by their homestay parent.

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Summer Writing Program Day-To-Day

How much time will we spend writing, and how much time will we spend outdoors?

Each day, we'll start out by having breakfast together before meeting with our master teacher who will lead us through the process of expository writing- brainstorming, outlining, writing a first draft, reading out loud, editing, revising and producing a final product- in a fun and encouraging environment. Class will last roughly four hours every weekday.

Every day after class, we'll have lunch together and then our leaders will guide the group through various fun activities to get us out and exploring the beautiful Berkshires. The evenings will consist of eating dinner together and dessert circle, a time to reflect on the day's progress and growth. Afterwards, we'll come together for reading, writing and games. During our weekend, we'll camp outdoors and raft on the Deerfield River.

What qualities do Overland Summer Writing Program students need?

The Summer Writing Program requires a positive attitude and enthusiasm for writing. Keep in mind that your enjoyment of this trip will hinge on certain factors:

1. Your motivation for improving your writing. You will get out of this program what you put in!

2. Your commitment to teamwork. Overland programs require compromise, patience and selflessness. Support your program leaders and your peers, and you will find that you'll have a great time!

What will the food be like?

Good food (and plenty of it!), excellent nutrition and fun are the goals of Overland's meals. Each group eats all of its meals together. The Summer Writing Program will be eating the majority of their meals (breaksfasts and dinners) in a Williams College dining hall. Together we will prepare lunches and the meals on our camping trip.

Please Note: It is impossible for us to provide separate meals for vegetarians, students with food allergies, vegans or students with any other eating restrictions. Vegetarians can expect to eat the same meals as the rest of the group but they can withhold the meat (for example, spaghetti with a non-meat sauce). Students with food allergies need to assess how their particular allergy might limit their meals. It is impossible for us to accommodate vegan or kosher diets. Finally, some students have come on Overland hoping to lose weight. This is not smart or realistic. Adequate nutrition is essential to health and safety.

Where will we sleep at night? Are there showers? What about laundry?

Our accommodations are in Lehman Dormitory on the Williams College campus. There are multi-bedded rooms, shared bathrooms and laundry facilities. Groups are responsible for keeping their living space clean and tidy; students share the responsibility and rotate duties (including cooking, cleaning up after meals and cleaning the group's space). Students should be prepared to share a room with one or more Overland students in their group. During our weekend, we will camp; Overland will provide the tents. We will do laundry twice.

Can I stay in touch with home and friends while with Overland?

Yes. We encourage you to write to your friends and family, and we encourage friends and family to write to you during your program.

The office staff is in touch with our leaders on a weekly basis. Parents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the office.

Can I bring an iPod, MP3 player, cell phone or other electronic device?

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