Reviews by Program Type

We’ve crafted unique programs around different interests, and have a wide variety of summer experiences to choose from. Regardless of program type, we care deeply about the quality of your experience! Click the links below to read reviews by teens and parents about our amazing programs.

Active Teen Tours • Global Adventures • Pre-College Enrichment • Community Service • ON TOUR – Completing 11th & 12th Grades • Baseball Tours

Global Adventures

WCC has changed my life! I love traveling and exploring new places and Westcoast has allowed me to grow as a person and make new friends that I never thought I would. I have become a better person as a result and this was one of the best experiences I have ever had! Wouldn’t trade this experience for the world!
Logan Hall, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

Justin had the most wonderful experience. He loved everything about the trip, especially the friends he made. This trip boosted his confidence and heightened his love of travel. He is already discussing plans to visit friends as well as try to organize the group traveling together again next summer on a different Westcoast Connection trip. Thank you for providing this fabulous experience!
Kim & Steve Goldenberg, St. Louis, Missouri

This was Spencer’s third trip with WCC and he is already talking about one more next summer! He has made lasting friends each summer. We have only positive things to say about WCC and are so impressed by the planning and execution of these trips. We are grateful for these amazing experiences Spencer has had.
Tara Cook-Littman & Owen Littman, Fairfield, Connecticut

This trip gave me the most amazing summer of my life and it was better than I could have ever expected. I made the most amazing friends and saw Europe in a way that I never could have in another environment.
Mackenzie Matyas, Bethesda, Maryland

Leah had another excellent summer with WCC. Her trip was well planned and executed. The schedule was packed with plenty of free time. The other kids on the trip were all kind and staff encouraged new friendships. Her Director was wonderful, a fun, fair guide that was knowledgeable and passed on his love of traveling to Leah’s group. Really a dream experience all around. Thank you!!
Audrey & Marc Snyderman, Voorhees, New Jersey

Westcoast allowed me the opportunity of a lifetime, in which I traveled and experienced moments that would be impossible to get with any other trip.
Rachel Nasatir, Chicago, Illinois

According to Pippa, her Director was fantastic! I really appreciated that he was a tour guide as well as a director, giving the travelers an excellent overview and factual information at every site. He was very relaxed and flexible which my daughter appreciated. She learned so much as well as had lots of fun. She made a very nice group of friends and gained a wealth of knowledge about every site and place they visited.
Shirley & Mark Bridges, Toronto, Ontario

We were very nervous sending Alexandra on this trip as she was going alone and this was her first away experience! Westcoast Connection handled all the arrangements from start to finish very professionally. It was an amazing trip for Alexandra. The activities were very well organized and fun! The kids got to really see and experience Costa Rica! Alexandra made such wonderful friendships that I know she will have for a lifetime. She is already planning her next teen tour!
Faith & Crane Gladding, Pompano Beach, Florida

This is Saxon’s second adventure with Westcoast Connection. We cannot say enough about the incredible dedication and expertise in the staff that you have. It’s above and beyond! We thank you all!
Stacy Szlaga & Seth Dinowitz, Toms River, New Jersey

Tobey enjoyed every moment of his 3rd WCC summer excursion. He especially loved the new adventures he tried, IE SCUBA and waterfall rappelling!! Thank you for exposing him to these things and so much more. He has made lifelong friendships on his WCC trips. Your counselors are wonderful and I have hope that one day Tobey may aspire to work for you!
Rianne & Matthew Sappern, Fairfield, Connecticut

I had the most amazing time on my trip! The activities, food and staff were all amazing and I love all the friends I made and hopefully will remain being friends with! I was scared to try a bunch of activities like white water rafting and SCUBA diving but everything ended up being super fun and I loved it and I am now a more adventurous person! I ❤️ Westcoast Connection!!!!!
Zoe Seiferheld, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Honestly, I don’t think words can do fair justice. The trip was fantastic and I loved it! Couldn’t have been better!
Robbie Gerofsky, Toronto, Ontario

Sarah thoroughly enjoyed Croatia, Slovenia, Austria & Czech Republic. She really enjoyed the freedom that Westcoast Connection allowed, while obviously still remaining safe. She enjoyed the mix of cultural activities and action/adventure, and thought all the accommodations were better than she expected. Sarah made tons of friends with whom she will remain in contact…she has been sharing stories nonstop since she got home! Thank you for a great trip!
Cynthia & James Galvin, Suffern, New York

Great experience for Leo. He enjoyed it very much and had a great time. New friends, new environment and a great chance to grow up.
Andrea Faelli & Tullia Centauri, Rome, Italy

This trip allowed me to make friends of a lifetime. Even though it was only 26 days I became closer to the people here that I have known my whole life. A majority of the people come into this trip alone but leave with a new family. I am forever thankful for this trip and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Danielle was by far my favorite staff. She always had a smile on her face and has a very positive vibe to be around. She was always willing to listen to what we have to say. I would love to go on another trip with her as my Trip Director and everyone would love her. We had the best times together and she was a great Trip Director.
Olivia Goldberg Palm, Beach Gardens, Florida

Everything was great, and I had such a good time! I met so many new people and did lots of new things!
Jackie Nuchow, Stevenson Ranch, California

Not only did I get to see the most amazing places but I got to see them with the most amazing people. From the rapids in Auckland, to the mountains in the National Park, to the bridge in Sydney, and to the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, I couldn’t forget this trip no matter how hard I tried. Every single day brought a new adventure and new memories that were always incredible. I am beyond grateful and I will never forget my experience.
Sophie Kearney, Essex Fells, New Jersey

From the parent’s perspective, I was truly impressed by the program. I thought the substance of the trip was great, meaning the activities selected, structure, flow of the trip, etc. I also thought the social aspects were handled well – having the girls switch up their roommates, etc. Overall, this was a great experience for Amanda.
Marla & Jason Dubin, Brookline, Massachusetts

My trip to Peru allowed me to not only explore a foreign country, but also to make lasting friendships. The places we went to like Machu Picchu and Huacachina were spectacular and the staff was always there for us. I also enjoyed learning about Peruvian culture firsthand and their history.
Elle Mezzio, Atlanta, Georgia

Sara completely enjoyed the trip. The group of kids was wonderful and warm and she made friends easily. Everyone was exciting about the adventure and eager to just have fun. Westcoast’s staff and the local guides were all terrific. Chris is an incredible leader! My daughter felt very safe and confident on the entire trip. She said Chris was very knowledgeable, kind and just the perfect program director. The overall experience was excellent. The trips are planned and executed perfectly.
Michelle & Scott Popofsky, Roslyn, New York

I gained life experiences that I could not have achieved anywhere else and have helped shape who I am. The trip leaders and the trip itself made for the most unforgettable summer of my life.
Rebecca Clark, Avon, Connecticut

Ronen the director was extremely patient, hardworking and responsible. He’s the best. I really enjoyed traveling in such an authentic style. Backpacking Europe has taught me an endless amount of skills and responsibilities that I will be able to practice in future travels. The experiences I had this summer were only possible with the incredible Westcoast Connection group of leaders. Thanks for an outstanding summer experience!
Sophie Rosenblatt, Boulder, Colorado

This trip increased my confidence and desire to travel and learn different languages. The Staff was awesome and I had an amazing time!
Jordan Goodman, Monterey, California

I loved experiencing a different culture with a trustworthy and fun group!
Michael McGrew, Bethesda, Maryland

Backpacking is incredibly fun and enriching. The program was fantastic. The staff was intelligent, friendly, and prepared. The kids all had great attitudes and the sites were magnificent. I have gained the confidence to travel by myself now and am ready for future trips.
Michael Galka-Giaquinto, Brooklyn, New York

I learned a lot about the culture of Greece and about mythology and I made some incredible friends on this trip. They are all so amazing and I feel like I will stay in touch with them for a long time.
Carly Zomick, Deerfield, Illinois

You are able to experience things outside of your comfort zone. I learned how to travel around Europe using public transportation and gained many new friends. The activities are very exciting and the places to see are very interesting.
Megan Nathel, Woodbury, New York

Elizabeth very much enjoyed her time. She loved her group leaders and said they were wonderful. She had a fabulous time and made friends for life. She loved Italy and looks forward to going back someday.
Jean Ryan, Bedford, Massachusetts

Looking back on the first day of my trip, I now realize how truly incredible it is that complete strangers became some of my best friends. I’ve learned teamwork and the importance of being yourself to become close to others.
Jeremy Shapiro, Atlanta, Georgia

New Zealand was awesome, well organized, fun activities, overall amazing. Blue duck was the best part of trip! I liked the rafting, luging, zorbing, skiing and I visited the absolute coolest most amazing places.
Noah Letofsky, Toronto, Ontario

This trip was amazing, and I met the most incredible people! It is the best thing that ever happened to me! I signed up by myself and was nervous at what to expect, this trip blew my expectations away! I met my best friend on this trip and a ton of amazing new friends that I will stay in touch with for many years to come! My favorite activities were the small things we did as a group that brought us closer. Thank you so much for the summer of a lifetime!
Morgan Wagner, Henderson, Nevada

Community Service

The staff is super friendly! I’ve met many life-long friends! The community service projects truly impacted me in a way that was very enlightening. The adventure activities are very fun! They made me step out of my comfort zone! I personally think everyone should try WCC! I will definitely be returning!
Willow Ackerman, Carmel, Indiana

Sofia was able to gain a new perspective on how she interacts in the world and a sense of empowerment and confidence from working in the community.
Claudia Bates, Los Angeles, California

Carolyn had an amazing time. She loved helping the people, playing with the kids and all the fun they had.
Deborah & Robert Bayha, Sharon, Massachusetts

I’m really happy I did this program. The community service was extremely rewarding and the smiles we put on people’s faces were so special.
Liat Frumer, Teaneck, New Jersey

This program was life-changing. I felt comfortable to express myself and step out of my comfort zone. I can safely say that I was happy for 10 days straight. This trip made me proud of the work I did, and taught me so much beyond my expectations. I am forever grateful for this experience and know that that friendships, interaction, and lessons learned will be with me always.
Maya Granath, Atlanta, Georgia

I am really impressed with WCC – I felt my daughter was in great hands and safe throughout the entire trip. They had so many fun activities, both fun and important. As for the community service, Lucy was so inspired to build an actual house for a family – right alongside the family. Everything was really great!
Rachel & Charles Wray, Mount Desert, Maine

Stepping out of Sarah’s comfort zone to meet new friends, try activities in a safe environment that she otherwise would not have had the courage to do and the community service was extremely meaningful. She also enjoyed experiencing another culture that was very different from her own. Sarah was very happy with the program directors and felt that they were very connected to the girls in the group and was well cared for.
Ruth & Brad Rudin, Thornhill, Ontario

From a parent perspective, I was very pleased with how this staff managed to bring the trip together by really doing everything they could in the first few days to help them all bond. I liked that they would sit them at meals in different orders in the first few days so everyone could get to know one another. I also appreciated that the kids often had to leave their phones on the bus at certain venues. This is Maddie’s third teen tour and the one that bonded the most and I really believe it was due to the staff!! Thank you for another fabulous Westcoast Connection trip!!
Lisa & Kenneth Feinstein, West Bloomfield, Michigan

Rayna had a fabulous experience, met some great girls, and loved every minute of it!
Michelle & Brian Mastin, Birmingham, Alabama

These days in Ecuador were some of the best of my life. The friends that I made are some of the most amazing people I have ever met and I have learned more from the community service than I ever could have imagined.
Avery Franks, Dallas, Texas

This program is absolutely life-changing. I am coming out of this trip with some of the best friends I have ever made, and I cannot believe I didn’t know them 11 days ago. The service projects were beyond inspiring and rewarding. I loved every single second.
Sophie Shrock, Rockville, Maryland

My staff members were like parents that became friends and my friends became family.
Emma Tishler, South Glastonbury, Connecticut

The WCC Vietnam trip was overall an amazing trip. I had such a fun time through traveling to new sites and cities as well as making an impact through community service. I had such an amazing experience with all of my friends that will last a lifetime.
Brayden Gwartzman, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado

I never would have thought that I’d make such amazing friends in such a short period of time and learn so much about the world around me.
Caroline Bomback, Mount Kisco, New York

I loved community service at the schools and concrete mixing. I gained many new friendships and perspectives I will cherish forever.
Julia Tann, Oxford, Mississippi

Westcoast has consistently provided a wonderful and safe experience for both our daughters. The logistics and organization for each trip have been excellent. The environment created for the kids was of experimentation and discovery which was important to us. Great job.
Ritu & Raj Mathur, Syosset, New York

Westcoast Connection’s service trips exceed expectations in many ways. There was a perfect balance between impactful service and adventure which made the trip itinerary perfect. The trip leaders were not only great as role models, but friends as well. They were always willing to help in any way they could to make this the best summer possible for each and every trip member.
Daphne Baker, Westport, Connecticut

The trip was meaningful and adventurous and will leave a lifelong impact. My time with Westcoast Connection has been nothing short of incredible.
Skylar Katz, Ocean, New Jersey

Great staff – amazing community service projects, the conversations/reflections about the projects at the end of a work day really made an impact on her – awesome extra activities – life changing.
Tatjana Nugteren-Gijsbrechts & Nils Nugteren, Boxford, Massachusetts

Our boys felt it was a good balance of community service and fun activities; they made some terrific friends that they have stayed in touch with and even seen since the trip. They felt proud of themselves for the community service work they did and they also gained some strong feelings of independence as it was the first time they traveled by plane alone and the longest they’ve been without us.
Rich & Brenda Battista, Santa Monica, California

It was an awesome experience, far above what I expected and I would definitely recommend it to my friends. Anyone who doesn’t go is missing out. Phenomenal staff, lifelong friends, personal accomplishment – everything was just perfect. I learned how needed my help was in other cities. The kids seem to truly appreciate my service and that was the most rewarding thing of all!
Claire Yerman, West Bloomfield, Michigan

I really enjoyed the balance of service and adventure. This program is awesome because you enjoy the adventure and the beauty of Costa Rica. However, at the same time you are humbled by the community service. It’s the perfect mix of work and fun.
Carly Kempler, Clarksville, Maryland

Doing community service in Africa was the most rewarding experience I have ever had. The relationships formed with the kids during service will never be forgotten and I will always remember them.
Amelia Eskenazi, Indianapolis, Indiana

Alaska was amazing. It was beautiful and the community service was extremely rewarding. My favorite project was Peterson Bay because afterwards I got to see my work being used. Participating on this program has opened my eyes to the beauty of Alaska and helped me change the lives of other people. It is an amazing place.
Sarah Evan, Forest Hills, New York

The Boys & Girls Club was my favorite service project because I could see the effect I was making. I am more aware of diverse backgrounds and I have met people I will never forget. The community service was rewarding and I loved it. The friends I met in California are truly my best friends ever.
Micaela Berz, Chicago, Illinois

This program was better than what I was expecting. My favorite community service project was the Boys and Girls Club because we had the chance to have fun with little kids and make them smile, also to teach them some things. The staff was just so awesome. Making friends is not a problem, everyone is friendly, sweet, and it was great to meet them all.
Nour Amhal, Casablanca, Morocco

I got to see the immediate effects I was having on the community. It was really rewarding to see the kids smile as I was playing with them. Both the community service and adventure activities were amazing experiences.
Zoe Henry, Los Angeles, California

The impact I saw being made was incredible and the work itself was very fun. Painting the woman’s house was my favorite service; hearing her story was amazing. I have learned to be more thankful for what I have and want to be more active in my community. There was a perfect amount of service, adventure, work and fun which made the experience that much better. The leaders were very fun to be around and extremely helpful. I had an amazing learning experience with memories and friendships to last a lifetime. Being able to do amazing service work in such a beautiful place was incredible. Best summer of my life.
Sarah Togman, Thornhill, Ontario

It was a perfect combo of giving back to the welcoming community, seeing majestic beauty, and creating lasting friendships. This trip could not have possibly been better! I can honestly say that I’ve had the adventure of my life thus far. I’ve made so many friendships, had so many laughs, and feel so fulfilled. I know that the memories I have made will stay with me forever, and the experiences will shape the person that I will become.
Grant Besner, Davie, Florida

The community service program was incredibly rewarding and had a perfect balance of service and adventure. I loved the Boys and Girls Club because we formed bonds with the children. This program has made me more independent and more aware of how I can contribute to serving the community. Robyn was an amazing director! I made friendships that I know will last a very long time. I would recommend this program to anyone in a heartbeat!!
Allie Mayers, Montreal, Quebec

Sammi had the time of her life. She seemed to embrace and love every part of the trip. She truly enjoyed every minute of the trip, remarked that the community service piece felt genuine and has not stopped talking about the trip.
Michele Levin, Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania

Thailand was the best summer of my life. The Lahu Village service project was my favorite. It was so rewarding to see an entire building that we constructed in one day. It was so eye-opening. My experience on Westcoast Connection has been amazing. The relationships and friendships that I have created have been better than I ever could have imagined. Melissa the director was so much fun! This truly was the best summer of my life.
Carly Leiter, Summit, New Jersey

Baseball Tours

My kids had a blast and are already talking about wanting to do it again next year. Thanks for giving them an experience of a lifetime!
Allison & Matthew Golding, San Diego, California

Getting to explore the stadiums and get to the games early for batting practice and autographs was such a treat. And the non-baseball game activities were great as well. From playing catch at The Big House, to playing baseball/softball games with new friends, to seeing multiple Halls of Fame, the trip was a blast from beginning to end. Max had a fantastic time.
Matt Hesse & Marla Moskowitz-Hesse, Brooklyn, New York

The program was wonderful! Drew instantly made fantastic friends that he will keep in touch with long after the trip is over. The kids were kept active, but also had just the right amount of down time to relax and recharge. They saw so many amazing places and had so many wonderful experiences. The Director was fantastic! The kids were always engaged and having fun. He gave them just the right amount of independence, while at the same time always kept them safe. I couldn’t imagine a better summer!
Tracy & Richard Winkler, Needham, Massachusetts

Major League Madness was a terrific trip. It was full of fun games, activities, and adventures. I made a ton of new friends (counselors and campers) on this trip. I would highly recommend it to anyone that loves being active.
Brett Krauss, Birmingham, Michigan

Jason loved this trip. He was nervous about going alone and not knowing anyone, but within the first few hours, he said he felt very comfortable.
Lili Brillstein, Maplewood, New Jersey

Major League Madness was a fun trip with plenty of sights from the Pacific Ocean to the Golden Gate Bridge. The games were always exciting and I never knew how different all the ballparks were until I took the trip.
Noah Metz, Wilmette, Illinois

This trip was a great experience. It opened me up to many opportunities and taught me to be more independent.
Andrew Hess, Westport, Connecticut

Aden was very happy with the programming. He went on this trip not knowing anyone but met some friends and really enjoyed his experience. He really liked his Director, Skylar, he felt he was fun and supportive.
Corry & Jonathan Kreindler, Toronto, Ontario

I was blown away by this tour. I had an amazing time visiting these ballparks!
Justin Blattman, Roslyn, New York

Westcoast Connection’s Major League Madness is a trip of a lifetime. You get to travel the country and make new friends along the way. If you love baseball, I would 100% recommend this trip as you really do gain so much from becoming close to the counselors and other trip members. I have done this trip twice now, and hope even more people choose to do it in the future.
Adam Greene, Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Jagger loved the trip. He misses it. Loved the ball games, the leaders, the kids, the whole experience. He loved every aspect of the trip.
Andea & Jason Kimmel, Short Hills, New Jersey

Jordan had an amazing time… he has a huge smile every time he tells us a story from the trip. He bonded with other kids and trip leaders quickly, and then made some “best” friends on the trip. We were so impressed with the Director – very nice, personable, and outstanding qualifications to lead a trip with these boys. Jordan loved the “morning mix” playlist and still plays it every morning when he’s getting ready. I know the experience of these 10 days will last a lifetime for him. I expect Jordan will be on a WCC trip next summer too!
Michael & Alexandra Palgon, Dunwoody, Georgia

I only have positive comments regarding the Major League Madness trip. The communication from the office was extraordinarily clear, concise and positive. The trip had activities ALL of the time and the counselors (Skylar, Eric, and Tanner) promoted inclusiveness and empathy for every camper. Steven had one of the best experiences I think that he will ever have throughout his life. He enjoyed meeting people from different areas of the country who all share the same love of baseball. My overall impression is that the three counselors worked tirelessly to ensure a wonderful experience. They appeared to do this with extreme efficiency, kindness and all had a strong enjoyment of their job. I am extremely impressed with their leadership!
Linda & Alan Schwartz, Roslyn, New York