For over 30 years, ActionQuest has offered water-based adventure training programs for teens around the world. When we first developed the program, our model was innovative and unique. As a result of our success and growing reputation throughout the years, many other programs have followed in our wake.
Today, ActionQuest remains the most trusted name in teen adventure programming.
There are many reasons why AQ outperforms every other summer experience. Here are just a few examples of what sets us apart...
Our Statistics
The numbers speak for themselves, seven out of ten shipmates join us because of a personal recommendation or are returning for a second summer. Seventy five percent of our professional staff return each year and over half were once shipmates themselves.
Experience
As the most experienced in teen adventure travel of this type, we know teens and the types of adventures that they seek. Our safety record, combined staff experience and long history of both shipmate and parent satisfaction make us the natural choice for teens looking beyond traditional summer programs.
Leadership
We take great pride in the knowledge that our full-time staff are some of the most highly qualified in the professional yachting industry. Directors Mike Meighan and Jim Stoll sail with our larger fleet in the British Virgin Islands every summer, preferring to keep an active role within the program that they created at a grassroots level. In addition, many of AQ's head operational directors during the summer are those who operate our year-round college program,
Sea|mester, during the rest of the year. The collective experience that these individuals bring is not only essential to the mission of ActionQuest but also unsurpassed in our industry.
Program Philosophy & Design
The AQ experience is centered on small, co-ed, age appropriate groups of 8 to 20 teenagers. This encourages close friendships to form while fostering a unique, hands-on experience. Programs are non-competitive, adventure-based and most are run full-time aboard sailing vessels. This is a core component of any AQ experience. Beyond the fun, living and learning aboard a yacht offers a perfect environment to develop leadership and communication skills, as there is nothing contrived about teamwork when working together as part of a tight-knit crew. Our programs have always been grounded in experiential education. Shipmates have a greater feeling of accomplishment from having completed things themselves. In addition, their self-reliance and confidence soar from achieving new skills and certifications.
Ninety percent of all activities occur within small teams, yet many programs sail as part of a larger group that provides a social and supportive backdrop. Shipmates have the opportunity to interact with as many as 120 teens and 40 staff from just about anywhere. This adds another dimension to the experience and is a lot of fun during activities like a beach party or friendly boat race!
Open to all ages & skill levels
No previous experience is necessary for the majority of AQ voyages. The thrill of sailing, scuba diving and discovering destinations like the British Virgin Islands and Australia is as accessible to beginners as it is to the most seasoned sailor or diver!
Performance Learning
All programs and certification courses are performance-based rather than time-based. This means that if a student is having difficulty with any particular skill, our instructors will work with them, one-on-one, until the skill is mastered. Each individual moves ahead as they demonstrate confidence.
Continuing Education
Unique to AQ is that in addition to our wide variety of adventure programs, we also offer two other distinct paths for those who wish to experience and learn more
with us. No other program offers this level of diverse instruction and experience.
Living full-time aboard our traditional schooners and sailing through extraordinary destinations that span the globe, Sea|mester teaches accredited academics unconfined by the four walls of a traditional classroom.Visit
www.seamester.com for more information.
Lifeworks combines international community service projects with cultural immersion, travel and outdoor adventure. Lifeworks is about people and making a difference. Visit
www.lifeworks-international.com for more information.
The Lifeworks Forum
A unique and fundamental element of all AQ programs is the Lifeworks Forum. Held at intervals throughout the voyage, the forum is designed to complement the learning that takes place through the everyday interaction aboard. Shipmates have the opportunity to participate in – and lead – discussions on topics like personal responsibility, values, integrity, communication and goals.
Of all of the skills that shipmates take from their voyages, it is the life skills that can carry them the farthest. At ActionQuest, we feel that while building one’s life, it is important to be sure it is based on a foundation of compassion and personal integrity. For many, it is the Lifeworks Forum that helps teens examine and strengthen this foundation.
Certifications Offered
Thanks to our excellent partnerships, AQ is able to offer our shipmates the best certifications in the industry. This means that they are well prepared to handle the fun as well as the responsibility that goes with activities such as sailing and scuba diving. Since our certifications are recognized internationally, once shipmates complete a program, they can easily build on their skills anywhere in the world.
Professional Affiliations
AQ's commitment to professional excellence requires affiliations with organizations that are as committed to safety and quality instruction as ourselves. We are proud to partner with PADI, International Yahtmaster Training, American Sailing,
US Sailing, American Water Ski Association, American Red Cross, Divers Alert Network and the United States Windsurfing Association.
