GLOBAL ROUTES CUSTOM PROGRAMS:
Global Routes has been a pioneer and leader in the field of immersive international programs for over 50 years. In addition to developing 4-5 week international summer programs for high school students, we also specialize in developing Custom Programs for schools, camps, and groups. Each Custom Program we design is unique to the group taking the trip and built from scratch. We can tailor any Custom Program to meet the unique interests, goals, dates, destinations, and budgets of our partners.
LEADERSHIP-IN-TRAINING ALONG APPALACHIAN TRAIL:
This summer, we are excited to collaborate once again with three summer partners on these unique “Leadership-in-Training (LIT)” custom programs. These programs are thoughtfully designed with a time-tested formula to foster leadership development for young adults through the cultivation of hard and soft skills that are crucial for long-term success. Patience, listening, teamwork, responsibility and sacrifice are just a few of the soft skills emphasized throughout the program.
Over the course of this program, students embark on backpacking and rock climbing in the backcountry of northern Appalachia, and conclude the program by canoeing the Delaware River. In this setting, students are able to challenge themselves and go beyond their perceived “comfort zone” to build self-confidence.
They learn backcountry cooking, how to read a topographical map, set up camp, make safe decisions, and ‘leave no trace’ ethics. Each day, students engage in group discussions about what it means to be an effective leader. They are also presented with structured opportunities to step up into a leadership role for their peers and receive mentorship and feedback from our experienced guides.
Introducing our 2019 ‘Leadership-in-Training’ Guides: Alex Moore & David Ficke
ALEX MOORE
Alex is back for her fifth year leading trips with Global Routes, and she is ready for this adventure, her 4th year leading GR LIT programs! She received her B.A. in Global Studies from Hofstra University and has studied, worked, and volunteered throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. She is fluent in both Spanish and Italian. Outside of leading trips, Alex is a teacher, yoga and dance instructor, Thai massage practitioner, homesteader and permaculturalist. Currently residing in Detroit, Alex can’t wait to come back to her favorite campsite with her favorite co-leader on her favorite part of the Appalachian Trail!
What’s your favorite part about leading these trips? Why do you do it?
Seeing the same thing, doing the same thing, again and again…but for the first time through the eyes and experiences of my students.
What makes you believe in the power of immersive international travel experiences?
Human connection! Learning through the heart.
What’s your superpower?
I am only one drop, but I help others realize their capacity so that together we can makes waves.
If you could wake up anywhere on earth tomorrow, where would it be?
An ecovillage in Colombia.
What is one unique item you always bring with you on international journeys?
I never travel without my thermos, my yoga mat, and my journal.
What is one piece of advice you have for a Global Routes student?
Smile! Smile because an expectation isn’t met, smile because there was an awkward moment, smile because you don’t know how you’re supposed to react, smile because smiling can boost your mood and lower stress!
Lastly, share one quote that resonates with you and is a guiding beacon in your life.
“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty YES to your adventure.” — Joseph Campbell
DAVID FICKE
David Ficke is a veteran leader with Global Routes. He’s led countless programs including 3 years leading LIT programs, Ecuador, and Tanzania. He has also spent several seasons leading with Longacre Expeditions all over the US and Canada. His passion for travel and culture was piqued during a solo trip to Thailand, where he taught English. Since then, David has led many trips internationally and in the US. David has also studied abroad in the UK, volunteered with Americorps, spent three months traveling overland from South Africa to Uganda, and traveled all over Latin America on his own.
What’s your favorite part about leading these trips? Why do you do it?
I love sharing these transformative experiences with students!
What makes you believe in the power of immersive international travel experiences?
These types of immersive experiences have had an enormous impact for me personally.
If you could wake up anywhere on earth tomorrow, where would it be?
Zydeco dancing of course.
What is one unique item you always bring with you on international journeys?
My hat.
What is one piece of advice you have for a Global Routes student?
Write down your observations.
Lastly, share one quote that resonates with you and is a guiding beacon in your life.
Suspend your judgment. Evaluate your assumptions. Question the source.
Check out more information about our Custom Program Options for schools, camps, and groups.
Read more about our phenomenal trip leaders on our Staff Page.
Interested in becoming a trip leader for Global Routes? Start Your Application for Summer 2020.
