We understand that parents want their kids to grow to be independent; capable of making positive choices that enable them to maximize their strengths, overcome their weaknesses and reach their fullest potential...
Perhaps the hope for their happiness and success is at its strongest as kids reach the formative teen years. This is a pivotal time in their lives because these experiences and influences build the bridge from the children they once were to the adults they will become. ActionQuest provides our shipmates with the tools they need to build a strong foundation for this transition. We do this by creating an environment that promotes self-discovery as well as social, emotional and intellectual growth.
Over the years, ActionQuest has received numerous letters from our shipmates and their parents that describe the impact AQ has had on them. Their words say more than we ever could about our programs.
The Palmer Family
"The self-confidence, leadership and ability to be proactive in both my work and personal life are skills I attribute to my AQ voyage over a decade ago. During one of the Lifeworks Forums, I had a defining moment where I realized I could be the kind of person that stands up and takes charge instead of letting others make decisions for me. I carried that momentum with me while studying advertising at Boston University, working at my first job, becoming a Senior Account Executive at the age of 23 managing over 120 accounts and today, as the VP of Marketing for the Citigroup Rewards Program, Thank you Network. ActionQuest isn’t just a summer adventure. It’s a life-changing experience that gives you tools that serve you throughout life and memories that last forever."
Alexis Zinberg (formerly Alexis Palmer)
"When Alexis came back from ActionQuest, it was clear that she had experienced an incredible transformation. She came back a self-confident leader. She became the VP of her youth group and then applied for early decision to college. I sent Alexis’s little brothers Brent and Jared to ActionQuest this last summer. They came back more self-confident, mature and responsible. Brent really began to take charge of his future after his AQ experience. And when he talks about scuba diving, his eyes just light up. He is absolutely a changed person. And Jared made so many friends. As a parent, you can’t ask for anything more. You don’t think of a summer program as having that kind of impact, but it does."
Debie Palmer
The Foley Family
"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 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."
Susan Foley
The Ach Family
"I felt [the program] inspired me to do new things in helping others."
Michael Ach
"Michael came to you as a bright, straightforward teenager, but I do not think he realized this. His father, brother, sister and I have always realized just what a wonderful young man he is. We sent Michael to you to show him what he could accomplish, the friends he could make (without judgment) and the person he has yet to be. All we can say is thank you, thank you, thank you. His experiences with his crew mates, staff and locals really changed him. We see a new, more vital teenager on our hands. We hope to send Michael next year so he can continue his ‘Quest’ into full adulthood."
Theresa, Paul , Chris & Sarah Ach
