FAQs

What is the kayaking like on the trip?

The kayaking can range from difficult to easy. It all depends on the wind and the weather. Sometimes, in the Johnstone Strait near Telegraph Cove, it can get pretty windy. Luckily for the most part we stay close to shore checking out awesome tide pools and little coves and thus are pretty sheltered. That said, there may betimes when we really have to buckle down and paddle! In the Deer Group Islands, it is usually fairly calm and crossings can be long but fairly smooth.

Who is this program designed for and how is it different than your other trips?

"The Marine Mammal Adventure is designed for participants who have an academic interest in marine mammals and marine science and want to delve deeper into the world of marine biology. High school and/or college academic credit is available, and includes requirements such as class time, field journals and tests. Lectures, lab work and marine research are complemented by learning out in field studies. You'll learn a lot on this program, but have tons of fun doing it! This program is also unique in that you have the opportunity to work alongside and network with world famous researchers in their related areas of expertise. This is an excellent opportunity to begin networking in the field of marine biology and a great resume builder!"

What will the academics be like?

Because Marine Mammal Adventure is accredited by Lesley University as a college course, you can expect to participate in academic activities such as lectures, naturalist hikes and assisting with ongoing research projects. This program requires completion of two exams, data collection and synthesis, a journal and service work. The academic work is designed to include both experiential and traditional learning, so while you may spend some mornings in a classroom participating in lectures and discussions, you will also spend a significant amount of time on hands-on projects and data collection. Students should be prepared to fully participate in the academics, regardless of whether or not they want to earn school credit. All academic assignments are Academic Treks course requirements.

Who leads the Marine Mammal Adventure?

We have several staff members leading this program, including professional marine biologists who have either a Master's degree or PhD in Marine Science. Two Academic Treks staff members will be with your group from beginning to end and both have relevant experience in kayaking, marine science and leading teens. At least one of the AT staff members is a certified EMT, WEMT or WFR.

Where do we sleep?

During the initial orientation and kayaking portion of the program we camp on the beaches of Barkley Sound off Vancouver Island. At the Bamfield Marine Science Centre, we live in dorms alongside the water. Throughout your service in Telegraph Cove and during the final kayaking expedition, we are camping under the stars.

What do we eat?

You eat a variety of food on this program and most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

What's the weather like?

The North Pacific coast is wet and lush. Mornings and evenings can be cool and damp while the afternoons warm up into the 70’s.

Are there prerequisites for this program?

Yes. We require completion of a high school biology or ecology course in order to participate on the Marine Mammal Adventure.

How many credits do I receive on this course?

Three college Natural Science credits through Lesley University; 10+ community service hours.

How am I evaluated on this course?

Two exams, a research project and a journal.

Can I earn credit for school or college?

Our academic programs offer high school students the chance to earn high school and/or college credit as well as community service credit, while also participating in a hands-on adventure. After the course, you will receive a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for some courses through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1907.

How do I get high school or college credit for this program?

In the fall after program, Broadreach will provide you with a transcript, as well as a letter detailing the course curriculum for your high school administrator. Most schools accept the credit after reviewing this course packet. Each academic institution has its own requirements, however, so we can't guarantee your school will accept the credit. We recommend asking for approval from your school administrator prior to program. You can also earn college credit for this course through Lesley University for an additional fee. To learn more about the school credit options, call us at 888-833-1907.

Do I need trip, travel or medical insurance ?

All participants on Broadreach programs are required medical insurance including coverage for international medical care. Since many personal medical policies do not cover international medical care and evacuations or have exclusions for certain sports, we have partnered with Trip Mate to offer a choice of travel insurance plans for our participants.
The minimum required policy includes coverage for medical care, emergency evacuation, lost or damaged luggage, travel delay, etc.
Most families also take advantage of our recommended tuition protection coverage , which offers 75% tuition refund FOR ANY REASON up to 72 hours before your trip departure and 100% tuition refund if you cancel for a covered reason.

Do you have any family discounts?

We do. We will give a 5% discount on the second (and any subsequent) enrollment in one summer. This offer is available to an individual student, or siblings. This 5% discount will be applied to the program of lesser cost, and cannot be combined with any other discounts.

Does your staff have emergency medical training?

At least one of the two lead instructors on each trip has completed training in either Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) courses. They are trained in managing emergency situations and field care and can handle most minor medical problems. In the unlikely event that your instructors can't handle your problem with their First Aid kit, they will take you to a local doctor for medical attention. We do our best to work with local medical personnel that we know and trust. However, it's important to understand that medical care can sometimes be delayed or inaccessible from our program locations. Note that the modernity of medical facilities and the number of medical services they provide will vary by country and location.

Can you give me the names of other families in my area that have done Broadreach?

Absolutely. Just call the office and we can put you in touch with past participants who have done the trips that interest you. Broadreachers past and present are part of a strong community that’s always there for one another. No need to be shy either, people will be glad to hear from you.

Where does everyone come from?

Broadreachers are a diverse group comprised of teenagers from across the country and all over the world. Very few participants know each other before the program begins, but everyone walks away with life-long friends at the end of the trip.

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Please feel free to call the Broadreach office if you have any questions or would like to discuss our adventures. We’d love to talk to you! You can also email us at questions@gobroadreach.com

• Our Address
• Broadreach
• 806 McCulloch Street, Suite 102
• Raleigh, NC 27603
• USA

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• toll free: 888-833-1907
• fax: 919-833-2129

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