30 YEARS AGO, Westcoast Connection began with a modest goal of using exciting, memorable travel to teach and inspire teenagers and to enhance their understanding of themselves along the way. We had a simple philosophy of “EACH & EVERY”. “EACH” focuses on respecting the individual, looking for what made each student unique and avoiding a one size fits all approach. “EVERY” reminds us that no matter how incredible a site Bryce Canyon or the Rocky Mountains is nor how exciting a day whitewater rafting or a night at a dance-club might be, the experience would fall below expectations unless we created tightly knit groups where everybody is included in an enriching program. Making enduring friends matters!

From that first trip that enabled 40 lucky teens to discover the National Parks and Western states and provinces, we could never have imagined how many thousands of teens would come to share in our spirited groups and travel with us literally across six continents!

Our philosophy of respecting the individual while also creating a bonded group is as important today as it was when we began. And even more important in today’s global community is the need for teens to travel beyond the classroom and away from home. By moving outside their comfort zone, our trip members experience different cultures and new adventures that encourage self-development.

25 summers ago we started our European programs and 10 years ago we launched our Australia trips and slowly it was time to recognize in our name what had been taking place in fact - we had succeeded far beyond the “Westcoast” of the USA & Canada. To celebrate that success and recognize our new global reach, we launched our 360° Student Travel brochure and website to host our growing number of Community Service and Language Programs.

Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. YES THAT MEANS WE BELIEVE HAVING FUN IS ESSENTIAL TO A MEANINGFUL SUMMER!

Under the direction of our caring leaders, our trips are balanced to include the most exciting activities and at a comfortable pace. We know the importance of helping teens achieve success, and we know even more important is a balance with playing!

Teens that choose to travel with us benefit from a genuine, geographically diverse enrollment. The certainty that everybody is not all from one area, knowing one another before the summer, helps eliminate cliques at the outset and establish an open environment that benefits all. Last season, over 85% of our travelers were from across the USA, with the balance from Canada and overseas.

The hallmark of a summer with us has always been special individual attention and extraordinary care devoted to each trip member. Our staff’s experience and “bag of tricks” bring together tightly bonded groups. Our greatest satisfaction remains the calls and emails we receive from our travelers and their parents attesting to the special care of our leaders. We look forward to hearing from you and sharing this with you too!