in the course of our history,
we've answered our share of program questions.
below are a few of the most common general questions
we receive.
alternatively you can view specific staff and student faqs using the links in the navigation bar above. if you don’t see your question, or if you would rather speak to us directly, please call any time at 800.808.2115 or +1.941.924.2115.
- How long has Lifeworks been running programs for teens?
- What about safety?
- How many students participate and how do you divide up the ages?
- Is Lifeworks like a traditional summer camp or teen tour?
- How do I know which program is right for me?
- Is it common to come to Lifeworks for more than one summer?
- Can you give me references from Lifeworks alumni?
- What's the food like?
- What's the weather like?
- What do I have to buy to participate?
- Do you have a video or DVD?
- Can I bring a cell phone?
- Can I use tobacco products on a Lifeworks program?
- What are the Lifeworks rules?
- Does the price of the program include my airfare?
Collectively, Lifeworks and ActionQuest, our teen adventure program, are one of the oldest and largest programs offering these types of adventures for teens. We have been around over thirty years and, during this time, we have had thousands of students join us. We have a great reputation - in fact, 7 out of 10 students join us because they know someone, or have talked with someone who has done one of our programs. Each year, over 500 teens join us from all over the globe for both Lifeworks and ActionQuest. During the remainder of the year, we operate Sea|mester, our academic, college-level study abroad program for college students and high school graduates.
Safety is paramount and comes first in everything that we do. Our programs are adventurous, so there is an element of risk in some of the activities that we do. However, when you are aware of the risk, you can better control it and, in many cases, use it in your favor as many learn best when they are slightly outside of their comfort zone. Risk management is a key part of operating our programs and at Lifeworks we are constantly reviewing and fine tuning our programs. For more information on safety and training, please view our safety page.
Group size varies from 8 to 26 depending upon the location and the task at hand. Lifeworks accepts students ages 14 to 19, and the average age is around 16 or 17. We find that while working towards a common goal, all of our students grow together as a strong team regardless of any difference in age.
Lifeworks is not a traditional teen summer camp and is far from a teen tour. We are a hands-on community service learning program, and our programs have always been grounded in experiential education.
A lot of this has to do with you as a person... your interests, likes and goals. We offer a range of programs, each vary in geographic location, adventure activities and service projects. Some are more environmentally based and some more human based.
Broadly, over a quarter of our students return each year, and our record for a single student returning to date is 5 summers (and counting!). Lifeworks offers programs that not only span the globe but also range in focus. Counting Sea|mester and ActionQuest, we offer over twenty unique programs, so there are always plenty of new experiences to choose from!
While we guard our parents' privacy, 95% of them volunteer to act as references for new, interested parents. Lifeworks is the community service arm of ActionQuest programs which annually attract over 500 students worldwide. Upon request, we will gladly put you in touch with a past participant. Please contact us to request references, and also read through the Testimonials page of our website for comments written about our programs by past students and their parents.
Depends on who's cooking! In the BVIs, our home cooking menu consists of wholesome dry foods, which we supplement with fresh vegetables and fruit. In other programs it could be food prepared at local restaurants, hotels, home stays, or sometimes we may even be cooking by the campfire! Contact us and we'll send you a copy of the menu if you like.
The weather varies according to the destination you choose, so check the FAQs specific to the program that interests you for more detailed information.
You'll find pretty much everything that you need in your closet at home. We will send a packing list of general items to bring and information on minor spending money needed for stamps, souvenirs, etc.
Yes. Give us a call, or email our office with your name and address and we will be happy to send you our DVD, which is filled with footage from our global programs. The DVD is great as it adds another dimension and allows you to really see what it's like to join the team. Also, check the video section of our website as many of the DVD clips are available for download.
In many of the program locations, cell phones will either not work or calls are very expensive indeed. More importantly, a lot is learned through total immersion in the program and group activities. Personal phone calls can be disruptive to this process and, for this reason, we ask that cell phones are brought for use during travel days but not used or carried during the program.
No. For both health and safety reasons, any use, possession or association with tobacco products may be cause for immediate dismissal from the program, without refund.
At Lifeworks, we prefer to call these "agreements" rather than rules. Our
agreements provide a framework for living in community and are something
that we all live up to. We agree to be respectful of others, their property
and beliefs and, in the case of our staff, their responsibility. We agree
to hold our level of language to a high standard. We also agree to abide
by our smoking, drinking and substances policy. Lifeworks is strictly a no
smoking or drinking program, and any use or association with any tobacco
product, alcoholic beverage or controlled substance, including misuse of
prescription medication, may result in immediate dismissal from the program,
without refund. Please read the previous FAQ on tobacco usage for further
information or click HERE to download a copy of our Student Agreement Contract.
As our students fly from all points of the compass, the Lifeworks tuition does not include the cost of air travel. We work directly with a travel coordinator to assist parents in obtaining low cost flights to our program locations. Please click here for further information on travel and also see the FAQ sections specific to the program that interests you for more destination specific travel information.
