With 15 exclusive departures designed for students currently in 7th and 8th grade, there’s more options than ever for middle school students! The new Middle School Enrichment on the Campus of UCSD in San Diego is also open to current 6th graders, for those looking to get a head start on enriching summer programs. From action-packed North American road trips and unforgettable European travel, to volunteer experiences and enriching courses, each program is thoughtfully designed to help younger teens build confidence and independence.
The following programs offer middle school–only departure dates, so all participants are in middle school. There are additional options for 8th graders, as some departures group current 8th graders with younger high school students.
Explore our 15 Middle School Summer Programs with Exclusive Departures!
Teen Tours:
- Length: 28 days
- Overview: Travel from the Rockies to Canyon Country and the California coast on this teen tour. Experience exciting activities like surfing the Pacific, rafting Snake River, extreme tubing at Park City’s olympic park, breathtaking views along the Via Ferrata and learning to waterski with professional instructors.
- Lengths: 17 or 15 Days
- Overview: This middle school adventure travels through the Canadian Rockies and some of North America’s most iconic national parks. Along the way, teens take part in high-energy activities such as whitewater rafting or water skiing, a PEAK 2 PEAK gondola ride, flying down the longest zip-line in North America and visiting iconic Olympic sites such as Whistler Blackcomb or Park City, all while building lifelong friendships!
3. European Escape Middle School
- Lengths: 21 or 28 Days
- Overview: Designed for current 7th and 8th graders, this European summer program combines the exploration of iconic cities across England, France, Switzerland and Italy with exciting activities such as whitewater rafting the Isère River, climbing the Eiffel Tower and taking an authentic Italian cooking class. Teens will end this program feeling more independent and confident navigating new places and experiences.
- Length: 14 Days
- Overview:This California teen tour travels from Southern California’s coastline to Northern California’s mountain regions balancing city time with outdoor explorations. Explore San Francisco’s landmarks such as Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, waterski or wakeboard on Lake Tahoe, spend time on Santa Barbara’s beaches, enjoy thrilling rides at Universal Studios and Disneyland in Los Angeles, and go surfing in San Diego. Guided by experienced summer staff, the program is built around shared travel and a supportive group environment.
- Length: 21 Days
- Overview: Participants will explore San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, spend some time on Santa Barbara’s beaches, and experience the energy of Los Angeles and San Diego. The journey continues inland with visits to Bryce Canyon, Zion, and the Grand Canyon, plus stops in Las Vegas and Scottsdale. Along the way, enjoy hands-on experiences like a private cooking class, a day at Disneyland and Universal Studios and more! Teens travel through each destination as a group, sharing experiences that naturally build strong friendships along the trip.
- Length: 11 Days
- Overview: Embark on an adventure through the best of the American West. Explore iconic cities like Las Vegas, San Diego and Park City. Take in breathtaking sights at the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Horseshoe Bend all while experiencing unforgettable activities. Take surfing lessons, experience a Cirque du Soleil show, have a fun day at Belmont Amusement Park, go on the Broken Arrow Pink Jeep Tour and more. This Western Sprint experience is packed with excitement and so many memories.
- Lengths: 15 or 21 Days
- Overview: Experience an unforgettable East Coast adventure through the USA and Canada. Explore the magic of Disney World, take on the thrill of the Via Ferrata, and splash into excitement with waterskiing, wakeboarding, or tubing at Mont Tremblant. Paddle along Maine’s stunning coastline, discover hidden gems, and try activities that challenge you.
Global Adventures:
8. Greece, the Islands & Italy
- Length: 25 Days
- Overview: Discover the best of the Mediterranean on a summer adventure designed for middle school students who want to do more than sightsee. This program pairs ancient history, culture, and laid-back island time featuring activities like SCUBA and snorkeling off Naxos, soaking in volcanic hot springs, climbing the Milan Duomo, rafting the Alfeios River, and relaxing on Mediterranean, Ionian, and Aegean beaches.
- Length: 12 Days
- Overview: Experience this 12-day European journey that introduces younger teens to international travel in a way that feels exciting, balanced, and age-appropriate. Participants travel through three iconic regions, Spain, the French Riviera, and northern Italy and experience Europe through its food, architecture, and everyday culture. Highlights for this program include sampling authentic tapas in Barcelona, discovering Gaudí’s one-of-a-kind designs, spending time along the beaches of Nice, visiting the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and climbing to the top of the Milan Duomo. While traveling, young teens get to build independence, form lasting friendships, and get a taste of European culture.
10. Greece & Italy
- Length: 17 Days
- Overview: This 17-day program through Italy and Greece blends natural beauty, hands-on adventure, and ancient history. Middle school students travel from Italy’s beautiful coastline in Cinque Terre to the cultural landmarks of Greece, while enjoying delicious food and iconic landscapes. Along the way, teens will enjoy highlights such as whitewater rafting, beach time in Sivota, a tour of the Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens and visiting the historic site of the original Olympic games.
- Lengths: 14 and 20 days
- Overview: The Costa Rica Adventure blends outdoor exploration with cultural discovery in a small, supportive group. Middle school students will experience the country’s rainforests, rivers, and Pacific coastline while embracing the “Pura Vida” lifestyle through activities like ziplining in the cloud forest, whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River, rappelling down waterfalls, and learning to surf at Tamarindo Beach.
12. Greek Islands
- Length: 10 days
- Overview: Designed for middle school students, this small-group adventure offers a well-paced introduction to Greece’s islands and historic capital. Program highlights include snorkeling in Naxos, exploring Fira, swimming in the Aegean Sea, participating in an authentic Greek cooking class, and visiting the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens. Throughout the program, middle school students will gain a meaningful introduction to Greek culture and daily life.
- Length: 14 days
- Overview: From hiking the Flatirons in Boulder and whitewater rafting the Arkansas River, to exploring the breathtaking mountains and the alpine charm of Aspen and Vail, every day on this program brings new excitement. The adventure also includes time in Park City, with experiences like Olympic tubing, mountain rides and ziplines, and so much more. If you’re craving breathtaking views, high-energy adventures, activities, and lifelong friendships, this is the program for you!
Community Service:
14. Costa Rica Service & Adventure
- Lengths: 10 or 18 Days
- Overview: Volunteer alongside some of our long-standing service partners on various service projects. Middle schoolers will take part in supporting community infrastructure in the Central Valley, improving classroom spaces, caring for community gardens, and assisting with home-building efforts. This Costa Rica service trip uses a service-learning framework, where our staff provide guidance and reflection on the impact of the work we do throughout the program, while promoting the value of empathy and cultural sensitivity. Beyond service projects, students will embark on amazing adventures like whitewater rafting, canyoning in Arenal, learning to surf, ziplining in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, and taking part in a salsa dance lesson.
Middle School Enrichment:
15. Middle School Enrichment on the Campus of UCSD
- Lengths: 7, 14 or 19 Days
- Overview: Set on the campus of UC San Diego, this middle school enrichment program blends academic exploration with fun Southern California experiences. Students take part in engaging courses designed specifically for younger teens, with hands-on learning that encourages curiosity and creativity. Outside of class, the program includes outings that highlight the region including learning to surf, to visiting the San Diego Zoo, cheering at a Padres game, and spending time at Belmont Amusement Park. While living on campus and traveling with a supportive group, students build independence, form new friendships, and enjoy a well-rounded summer experience that balances learning and exploration.