Not Your Typical Field Trips 

Adolescence is the perfect time to broaden horizons and discover just how big and beautiful this world really is. Aveson's Rites of Passage trips (ROPs) take middle and high school students way beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom. 

These aren't your typical field trips to the local museum (though we love those too) – we're talking about life-changing adventures that turn teenagers into global citizens. Real learning happens when you step outside your comfort zone, connect with different cultures, and discover what you're truly capable of. Plus, these experiences create bonds between classmates that last a lifetime.

Warning: Your child may come home speaking Italian, obsessed with archaeology, or convinced they need to kayak on the daily. We consider this a feature, not a bug. 

Where Do We Go? 

Our destinations change each year because variety is the spice of life (and learning), but our purpose stays rock-solid: to gain new perspectives, deepen understanding of the world, and build the character traits that make exceptional leaders.

Past and Current Destinations:

Florence, Italy Ancient art, Renaissance history, and pasta-making skills

Navajo Nation Indigenous wisdom and connection to the land

Ecuador & Galápagos Islands Evolution in action and biodiversity beyond belief

Camp Fox, Catalina Island Ocean adventures and outdoor leadership

Peru & Machu Picchu Ancient civilizations and breathtaking mountain views

From exploring the cradle of Western civilization in Rome to hiking ancient Incan trails in Peru, our students don't just read about history and culture – they live it, breathe it, and bring it home with them forever. 

More Than Just Epic Travel Photos 

Sure, your kid will come back with some seriously enviable travel photos, but that's just the beginning. These trips are carefully crafted, immersive educational experiences with different histories, cultures, and natural environments. Aveson students learn that there are many ways to see the world and many ways to live in it.

Develop Leadership Through (Manageable) Challenges

Navigating airports in foreign countries, trying foods that definitely weren't on the Taco Bell menu, and working together to solve problems builds confidence and resilience that no classroom simulation can match. And nothing brings teens together like getting lost in a foreign city and finding your way back together (with adult supervision, of course), sharing a meal with a host family in Ecuador or working as a team to set up camp under a star-filled sky. 

ROPs = Me

The timing of these trips is no accident. As students transition to adulthood, they get space to reflect on their journey and consider their future path while standing on a mountaintop in Peru or watching the sunrise over the Mediterranean.

Fun Fact: Our recent Italy trip turned 34 juniors and seniors into expert pasta chefs. They also became amateur art historians, gelato connoisseurs, and champions at navigating ancient Roman streets. Not bad for a week's work! 

Do Students Have to Go? 

We want every student to feel included regardless of their circumstances. That’s why ROPs are free! Thanks to generous donations, we ensure everybody can go on Rites of Passage trips. And no, they’re not mandatory, but let's be real – they're low-key awesome. 

Is that the third time we’ve used that phrase on this webpage? Well then, it MUST be true.