There are really many answers to this question that basically break down into the following categories:
Staff – Our Guides/Summer Camp Counselors are the key ingredient to success for Lasting Adventures. Although we all come from different backgrounds, we all share a passion for Adventures, National Parks, and sharing it with others in a way that will create memories to last a lifetime. We seek to hire staff with both wilderness experience and experience in working with youth. We have a rigorous and highly competitive hiring process which also includes a DOJ fingerprint background check. Additionally, we require that all of our Outdoor Educators hold a Wilderness First Responder certification as well as complete our own in house extensive, week long, staff training. This training includes positive youth development, risk management, outdoor skills/knowledge, and adventure-based programming.
Ratio – Our ratio of staff to youth never goes over 1:5 and is often times 1:4. Total group size never exceeds 12 people, including guides. Due to our small group size we are able to make group decisions based on the input from all the team members. Such decisions may include how far we travel on any given day, where we make camp, what and when we eat, etc. Unlike other camps that have over 300-500 campers a week, our program maximum (for the entire summer) is between 500-600. Thus, we get to know our participants well and run a highly effective program.
Safety – With any outdoor activity there is an inherit risk. Our staff is trained in ways to limit and respond to these risks. A basic requirement for all of our staff members is completion of a Wilderness First Responder (80-hour) certification. All leaders carry extensive first aid kits, a Satellite phone and/or text device, and have been trained in risk management, evacuation protocols, and crisis response. We are also fortunate to have the additional support from the National Park Service and local Search and Rescue to assist us if necessary. Lasting Adventures has invested in the quality of its risk management practices by participating in Risk Management Training offered by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), an organization with over 50 years of experience managing risk in wilderness environments. As a result of this training, while NOLS doesn’t endorse or certify our practices, Lasting Adventures is further enhancing its risk management strategy. We have invested time and resources in these practices because the health and well being of our participants is one of our highest priorities.
Knowledge – One of the biggest points that divides us from other guide services is that we have extensive backcountry experience within the few national parks where we operate. Unlike other youth adventure travel programs that lead trips all over the place, we have become experts in just these areas. Our leaders know the trails, weather patterns, terrain and what lies around almost every corner. We also have extensive knowledge on the locations of many secret locations (backcountry waterfalls, alpine meadows, amazing bluffs, and many awesome sunsets). We know the locations of all the ranger stations and High Sierra Camps should we need help. Additionally, we know the rangers on a first name basis, and they know us. Lasting Adventures guides more people into the Yosemite backcountry than any other single permit user, and we are en route to do the same in the new parks we are operating in. Frequently we are asked for assistance and/or knowledge from other organized programs also using the parks.
Price – Because we do not have an actual facility or camp, we are able to keep cost down and pass this savings on to you. Additionally, when compared to similar adventure programs, we strive to offer a better program at a lower cost.
