BVI Voyages : Shipmate Reactions Never before have I gone to a camp program where the director was so positively involved. This trip is more than just sailing and diving, it is learning about yourself, and what you have to offer to others. ALLI SILVER Chicago, Illinois

Thank you so much! I had the best experience of my life and learned so much. I'll never forget this summer! CHRIS WANDELL Manotick, Ontario, Canada

I would like to thank you for making this the most memorable summer yet. ActionQuest has opened up a new gateway in my life to sailing and diving. This experience was like no other. Thanks for making it possible. BRENT BELOTE Petaluma, California

I liked the rotation days the most. They were always full of fun stuff to do. I also liked the parties. This trip was the absolute best time of my life. ANDREW FOLEY Birmingham, Michigan

Wow, this has been the best thing I have ever done. I got so much from this. From sailing to people skills. I love ActionQuest! MICHAEL QUANTRELL Camden, Maine

I love diving, it was the most exciting part of the voyage. I also enjoyed socializing with the other boats, meeting people from all over the world and getting to know a diverse group of people. The staff members are also awesome. MANDY RACE Winter Park, Florida

The best parts of the program were the diving and the sailing. The instructors were really good and the equipment was the best you could get. The whole trip was better than anything I could have expected. GIORGINA DE LIMON Brussels, Belgium

I am really glad I have the opportunity to express my thanks for all you and the whole ActionQuest program has brought to my life. Amazing people from around the world, lifelong friendships, skills and experience that others will work a whole lifetime for. The Lifeworks Forum has brought new thoughts and perspectives to the way I look at life. JESSICA ROBINSON Herndon, Virginia

The Lifeworks Forum really expanded my horizons as far as my future is concerned. I've always been nervous about what lies ahead for me, but the Lifeworks Forum built my confidence to where I can fully carpe diem. I made unbelievable friendships and also developed my self-confidence. ActionQuest is the most influential program I've ever participated in. CHRISTENA DOGGRELL Memphis, Tennessee

Learning to scuba dive was the best because it introduced me to another world. I also loved the dances! The most valuable thing that I learned was how to build trust in others while living with people from all over the world. ELLIOT HOVEY Manchester-by-the-sea, Massachusetts

JB and Sebastian Barbaroux had told me a lot of good things about ActionQuest but I did not imagine such a wonderful trip as this. I would like to say thank you for all the things you did for us to make it such a great voyage. FLORENT BUHLER Maisons Laffitte, France

The staff was awesome because they were upbeat, friendly and fun to be with. The sailing and diving was amazing and it gave us a sense of accomplishment to become certified in both. Also, I loved the dances, they brought everyone together to have a great time and let loose. I just loved everything! However, nothing can compare to the friendships I made, making this already-great experience unforgettable. STEPHANIE PINES Riverwoods, Illinois

Thank you for all you did for me and all my shipmates in making this one of the best summers of my life... I loved the diving, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, water skiing and laughing. I had a great time. JOSE AKLE Mexico City, Mexico

This has been the best summer of my life. I spent these past three weeks with an amazing group of shipmates and I have learned more about Marine Biology and done more diving than I ever thought possible. AARON MIHALY San Anselmo, California

This was one of the best experiences of my life. I have met friends from around the world that I will keep forever. ActionQuest has helped me fulfill my dreams and I feel so lucky that I have had the chance to experience paradise. Each year keeps getting better and better and I plan to return next year. Thank you for everything. COURTENAY EVANS Keswick, Virginia

^back to top^ BVI Voyages : Parent Reactions

ActionQuest encourages teens to explore new boundaries safely. You are a great organization for youth and parents. We need more things like this for our children. Stephanie had an unbelievable experience. She loved the staff and new friends she made onboard. Knowing how knowledgeable and caring all of you are make this the great experience it was for all of us. MRS. SUSAN PINES Riverwoods, Illinois

Dewey came home absolutely bursting with increased self-confidence and assurance. The encouragement and positive support he received to push himself, try new things, and actually become a leader gave him a fullness of self that defies description. Abbie said to me, I thought I would just learn new skills, like sailing and diving and water skiing, but what I really got was the opportunity to reflect on my life, my existence and goals... I can't thank you enough, Mom, for sending me to ActionQuest. Your continued interest and support throughout the year, your attention to each shipmate as an individual, and your ability to teach them at a young age the value of living proactively as opposed to reactively has given each one of my children a secret inner-strength that they will be able to draw upon for a lifetime. Both kids had great things to say about the staff, the classes, the food, the yachts, and the interpersonal growing that must be achieved to live successfully and so intimately with virtual strangers. Bravo and keep up the good work. MRS. SUSAN FOLEY Birmingham, Michigan

We are so happy with our daughter's recent experience with ActionQuest. It was not a spoil your teenager with a three-week cruise in the BVI's. Sarah gained skills and insights in many areas. Your attitude and manner of instruction gave Sarah a feeling of both competency and empowerment. She's dying to get into the water for more diving, she's proud of her new sailing skills and meditative over your motivational talks and exercises. And, of course, socially, she loved every minute. Thank you. MRS. KATHY NEWTON East Middlebury, Vermont

I like the independence you give the shipmates. It's a wonderful program. Kate has gained self-confidence and many great friends. Thank you! We have two more children at home who can't wait to be a part of your program. MRS. KAREN CAROTHERS Owensboro, Kentucky

Your program fueled Manuel's self-confidence and independence and also encouraged his interaction with his peers. I just wanted to thank you for making this experience so memorable for him. You did an amazing job! From what Manuel told me, everything was impeccable and, most importantly, fun! He specially valued your staff. He told me that they were among the nicest people he had ever met. MS. THERESA WETTER Chevy Chase, Maryland

The greatest asset of your program is your dedicated, teen-friendly and capable staff and the director's presence and participation. MRS. RONNIE SIEGEL New York, New York

I felt totally confident with the program and the safety based on the professionalism of all communication. It's rare! Staff was excellent. MR. AND MRS. DAVID PETERS Weston, Massachusetts

The entire experience provided such an opportunity for growth in so many areas. I have never heard the words best and incredible used so many times in my life. It's nearly a month since Andrea returned and these words are still flowing. One of the most amazing things is how the group felt like a family very early in the voyage. The kids formed an incredible bond from their experience. MR. THOMAS HARTMAN Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania

Terrific programs! - absolutely the best that any of my children have participated in. MRS. SARA LYNN POSTMA Spartanburg, South Carolina

The program exceeded our expectations. We expected Sam to improve his diving and learn to sail, yet he came back with increased self-confidence and sensitivity to others as well. MR. AND MRS. KEN KAPLAN Brookline, Massachusetts

Lisa came home full of wonderful stories. What more could we ask for? Lisa's self-confidence grew enormously. She gained insight and the valuable lesson of working together. Beaming is only word to describe Lisa when she came off the plane. This experience has taught her so many valuable lessons that she will carry with her always. She had the most amazing summer. MRS. LESLIE ZUCKERWISE Scarsdale, New York

Alli has done nothing but rave about her experience this summer at ActionQuest. There was not one negative -- she loved everything. As she put it, I don't recall anything that I didn't like... the entire trip was amazing!!! and I had the best time in my whole life! I am so glad I came. As a parent that is wonderful to hear. MRS. LYNN SILVER Chicago, Illinois

In my daughter's own words, the best time I have ever had in my whole life... I feel so good about myself. That makes me very happy with your program. I am pleased how positive this was for Gina. She gained insight into herself. She learned about sailing and she is dying to come back again. ActionQuest is far more than a vacation. MRS. BEVERLY SCAGLIARINI Ludlow, Massachusetts

It is a welcome pleasure in today's lifestyle to participate in a program that does everything it says it will and more. We were impressed with the staff, the quality of the boats, food, classes and how wonderfully organized it all was. Kudos. MRS. MARCI COHEN SCHWARTZ Elkins Park, Pennsylvania ^back to top^

Mediterranean Sailing Voyages

The Mediterranean voyage was the greatest experience of my life - I loved it... making new friends, communicating in foreign languages, learning to navigate and sail, cooking good food and especially traveling where few people ever get to go. ELIZABETH POSTMA Spartanburg, South Carolina

This was a trip beyond all trips. After doing the Caribbean last year, Victoria was perfectly prepared for the Mediterranean. She cooked, she navigated, she made friends. She called me frequently and I vicariously enjoyed many stops as I heard the horns blowing and the hustle and bustle of each town over the phone! The adult supervision was excellent. This was an educational, maturing and superb voyage. MRS. SUSAN VAN ROIJEN Orlando, Florida ^back to top^

Australia and Great Barrier Reef Adventures

Sydney is an incredible city - so full of life and excitement and urban adventures. I loved the opera, surfing, climbing the Sydney Harbour bridge... in short, everything. The Whitsundays were gorgeous. Marc and Ozy should be commended for their awesome work. They inspired us to make the best of ourselves, to enjoy every moment and experience, and to squeeze the most out of life. ALLIE MORAVEC Bethesda, Maryland

Thanks for the Australian experience... everything was memorable. We had our laughs, tears, and our spiritual experiences. I will never forget my friends, swimming with five Manta rays and whale spotting (the first sighting of the season). Thank you for giving the most wonderful gift of all - lasting friendships with wonderful people. LIZZEE HILL Kinston, North Carolina

As my fourth session of ActionQuest comes to a close, I can honestly say that these twelve weeks I have spent in your program are the biggest learning experiences of my life. I truly admire the integrity and sincerity you possess and encourage us to gain in our lives as well. Thanks again for the fabulous summers. GRETA HOCKETT Carmel, Indiana

The Australia Program was incredible as it was possible to learn so much in three weeks. Some of my favorite memories are climbing the vines in the rain forest, talking under the moon at 3 a.m., dancing with people from all over the world, playing with a kangaroo, watching in awe as manta rays, bull rays, turtles and whales swam by us, and of course getting to know everybody. DIANA SCHMIDT Marietta, Georgia ^back to top^

 

Galapagos Archipelago Expeditions

I feel extremely lucky to have gone on the Galapagos program. It was one of the most fascinating trips I've ever been on. The Amarjo Jungle was fantastic! This was truly a unique experience. JASON GINTERT Valparaiso, Indiana

The excursions in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands gave me a chance to set myself free. I thought the whole program was a life-enhancing experience. I got to go home with the feeling I did something exciting with my summer. JESSICA EDMONDSON Haverford, Pennsylvania

I was already a lover of nature and of the outdoors before going to the Galapagos Islands, but this trip elevated my passion and gave me a new perspective. The quantity and diversity of life that we saw, both in Ecuador and in the Galapagos, was phenomenal. We were able to come extremely close to all the animals in any location-they were so unafraid of people. This trip definitely broadened my outlook on life and on the world in which we must all learn to coexist peacefully. Thank you indefinitely for providing me with such an adventure. ALLISON NOVELLY Branford, Connecticut ^back to top^

 

Tahiti & French Polynesian Island Voyages

This is my 7th ActionQuest session and they all keep getting better. I learn something new on every trip. What I've learned has helped my self-confidence. ActionQuest has helped me to open up and have more confidence when I'm around people. RACHEL GODFREY Morristown, New Jersey

French Polynesia is an incredible area of the world, and I can honestly say that these three weeks are the best I've ever had. ActionQuest and the Tahiti voyage is a truly unique and wonderful program. LINDSAY RODMAN New York, New York ^back to top^