Reviews by Program Type

Active Teen Tours

I had the best summer ever and made memories that will last a lifetime with my new lifelong best friends. I thought that the trip had lots of balance and I learned a lot, while also having a lot of fun. Thank you so much for the best summer ever!
Ella Patti, Needham, Massachusetts

This trip changed my life and was definitely the best summer I have ever had. The staff was so welcoming, supportive, and fun. I made some of my best friends on this trip. Every location we went to was so unique from the one before and it truly changed my view on the world and traveling.
Madison Mccarty, Quogue North, New York

Joseph connected and looked up to his Program Director, Adam. He loved many aspects of his experience with Westcoast Connection – the destinations selected, having a knowledgeable tour director who served as a good role model, the clean and comfortable accommodations, and most of all expressed excitement about making friends from different parts of the U.S.
Shiraz Karaa, Atlanta, Georgia

Westcoast Connection gave me the strength of independence and the courage to branch out from my comfort zone. Doing adventurous activities and socializing with people from around the world was such an amazing experience. I left my program with a program family.
Juliana Simons, Chicago, Illinois

My summer with Westcoast Connection was incredible! I loved experiencing new places and meeting new people that I made lifelong connections with. I will cherish and look back on these memories for years to come.
Olivia Cohen, Bethesda, Maryland

Sarah said this was one of the best experiences of her life! She loved every minute. Loved all the activities – day and night. Made amazing friends and loved the staff as well. She couldn’t have asked for a better trip!!
Julie Shaw, Northbrook, Illinois

DJ absolutely loved his experience, and looks forward to trying a new one next summer. We can’t say enough good things about the trip, the staff, and the activities!!!! 5 stars all around.
Christy Schmitt, Bellmore, New York

Chloe and her friend were excited to go on their first Westcoast trip since we registered them in the fall. The build up was so strong. From the moment they arrived at the airport, it was a phenomenal experience. Weeks later, the girls are still raving about all the wonderful people they met and all the wonderful things they did. A memory they will cherish for a lifetime! My husband and I really appreciated the daily Instagram posts. It was really reassuring to see. This should definitely be continued in the future!
Nicole Manos, Saint Laurent, Quebec

This experience has helped me grow as a person and shown me a new part of myself. I learned how to step out of my comfort zone and be enthusiastic about new experiences. I loved getting to meet new people and seeing new things.
Emily Appelbaum, New York, New York

Westcoast Connection is the best thing that has ever happened to me. My staff were incredible and made me feel like I could try and do anything. My Program Director was so amazing and made everyone feel so special. The friends I made will last a lifetime and we are already planning our next teen tour with WCC. The activities are always so exciting and I loved trying new things that WCC planned. This experience has made me much more confident and I will remember it for the rest of my life.
Carly Goldstein, Atlanta, Georgia

This teen tour showed me so much about myself and others. I loved the relationships as well as the memories I made. California and the Canyons were places I will never forget.
Naomi Nisenzon, Richboro, Pennsylvania

Fiona had such a wonderful summer! She loved the trip, made lasting friendships, and liked all the counselors. She will definitely be taking another tour next summer. We really appreciated how they got the kids to meet each other and encouraged them to form a bond.
Shari Alexander-Sokol, Hartsdale, New York

Possibly the best tour of Europe available for teens around the world. I can’t recommend Westcoast Connection enough to my friends. This has not only been a transformational experience taking place on the transition to adulthood, but the experience of a lifetime, with people I will always remember.
Jack Dahan, Cedar Park, Texas

WCC is something else. The people, staff, activities, and overall experience are something I will never forget. I will be recommending this trip to all my friends and I really want to go on another one. I now have friends all across the country and know that I can do anything I set my mind to. This experience also built up my confidence as I’ve done things I never thought I could do!
Morgan Horowitz, Westfield, New Jersey

It was great to see Sam flourish on this trip – doing things out of his comfort zone safely, meeting a nice bunch of kids with caring, responsible and fun staff.
Stacey Pfeffer, Chappaqua, New York

This program was beyond incredible! The organization, the activities, the places visited, the Program Director, the friendships made, just beyond, beyond. Ella had the most incredible time! A++++ Westcoast Connection! Thank you!!!
Stephanie Patti, Needham, Massachusetts

This program was so special because of the amazing staff that were there to support me, the incredible places we visited, and the friendships I created.
Riley Barzakay, Plantation, Florida

I had so much fun meeting new people and getting to know the staff members. I was able to try so many new activities and learn so many life skills that I will take with me when I leave. Thank you Westcoast for the amazing experience!!
Jemma Dunn, Deerfield, Illinois

This company is truly amazing. I felt included right at the start and the experiences with friends and activities were over the top amazing. Once I met all of the new kids in the airport I knew this would be a fun summer.
Eli Goldberg, Gladwyne, Pennsylvania

My experience was amazing. I had one of the best summers of my life. I made so many friends that I hope to connect with when I get home. The staff were always supportive and encouraging making sure we all had the best time. We got to visit so many amazing places and participate in so many cool activities.
Abby Fisherman, Thornhill, Ontario

I made better friends on the program than I could have ever imagined. The people were amazing and so welcoming to everyone. The days were so full and fun with many different activities.
Anna Chaice, Larchmont, New York

This trip far exceeded our expectations and our daughter enjoyed every stop along the way. She met friends from all over that she is already planning to visit and stay in touch with. We appreciated the action packed itinerary – it kept the teenagers busy, engaged, and socializing. Fabulous experience and we’re already talking about which WCC trip she will do next summer.
Casey Simonoff, Atlanta, Georgia 

The California & the Canyons was a life-changing experience. I immediately made lifelong friends and saw the most beautiful places every single day. The memories I made were unforgettable, and even the little moments were just so precious. You will never experience something like this in your life, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Benji Cutler, Somers, New York 

This is the best trip I have ever done in my life. I got to visit and explore some of the coolest and most iconic places that exist. London, Paris, Pompeii Ruins, Florence, Annecy, and Sorrento were all highlights for me. I met so many new people who impacted my experience dramatically and helped me to enjoy these places even more
Jocelyn Levy, Bethesda, Maryland 

Westcoast is a place where you can explore new places, make the most amazing friends, and feel like you are living a dream life. For travelers, it is a dream come true to get to visit all the famous places you have seen in textbooks, but even more amazing to meet your best friends from all across the country. I loved my time this summer and can’t wait to continue with westcoast in the future!
Madison Slosberg, Livingston, New Jersey 

Making the decision to go on a Westcoast Connection teen tour was one of the best decisions of my life. I made so many new meaningful relationships with kids and staff. I will never forget the beautiful views I saw, friendships I made, and memories I created. Thank you Westcoast Connection.
Lara Shteyn, Côte Saint-Luc, Quebec 

This trip really was a great way to spend my summer. I loved getting to know everyone and exploring California. I would totally come back next year and spend my summer with Westcoast again.
Harlow Lowenthal, Saddle River, New Jersey 

Gavin had the most incredible summer. He met a ton of great people and had a blast. I’m so glad he was able to see all the sites and enjoy his time throughout the entire experience. A++ on all aspects. Thank you!
Gara Post, West Hollywood, California 

My teen tour was simply amazing! The staff are incredibly supportive, always there to guide us, and make the experience even better. The activities are a blast, they’re so fun and exciting. There’s never a dull moment. Teen tours are the best, they’re full of adventure and fun. It’s such a great way to make new friends and create unforgettable memories.
Theo Baltic, Port Washington, New York 

This trip really is a once in a lifetime opportunity! It allows kids to break out of the bubble of their hometown. It’s a great opportunity to meet new friends, do things you’ve never done before, and just see the world! The program is so welcoming and really creates a safe haven of fun and friends throughout the whole trip!
Wes Calhoun, Mountain View, California

Sam had a terrific trip experience and expressed a lot of admiration for the staff. A great program overall and wouldn’t hesitate to send another one of our kids in the future!
Emily & John Rakowski, Vienna, Virginia

My experience with WCC was amazing. The trip flew by, and I am sad it is over because I made such close friends and lots of memories with them. I learned a lot about myself and spending time with others that will help me out in the future.
Clair Hallock, Zionsville, Indiana

Ethan had the most AMAZING trip. He really enjoyed everything! He thought all the staff on his trip were amazing! The whole experience of traveling to spectacular places and sharing this with a whole new group of people he thought was really cool. He returned with lots of hilarious stories, a trip bond, new friends, and laundry skills 🙂
Elana & Lawrence Bibi, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey

My trip was really special because I made so many friends and for the 40 days it was like we were one big family. We are all really close and plan to stay close even after the trip ends. The staff were extremely nice and always wanted us to have fun and always put our safety as a first priority. The activities were so fun, and I will never forget this trip of a lifetime.
Zach Lang, Côte Saint-Luc, Quebec

Bella had the best summer of her life. She made friends and memories to last a lifetime. The staff was extremely attentive and made her safe and supported throughout…plus as Bella said, “they were fun!” Bella felt like the staff was more like family and it made it easy to communicate and trust them. The program helped her become more independent and yet we knew she was always being watched carefully. Bravo to the whole Westcoast Connection team!
Robyn & Jeff Brecker, Highland Park, Illinois

I am so happy I chose to go on this trip. I loved meeting new friends, I learned to branch out and be confident in myself, and I had a great summer.
Rachel Lacorte, Suffern, New York

I had an amazing time on the California & the Canyons!! Throughout the trip, I made so many friends and met so many cool people! This was truly the experience of a lifetime, and I will never forget all the memories I made along the way!
Megan Tate, Marietta, Georgia

This whole summer was incredible. The staff were all so helpful and kind, the kids so welcoming and fun, and the locations were all engaging. I wouldn’t trade this summer for the world.
Jared Abramson, Sharon, Massachusetts

The people, including the staff, were welcoming and nice and I was always comfortable and safe. The sights you see are amazing and experiences you couldn’t get anywhere else. Being able to be independent while traveling with new people truly made a difference in my life.
Alyssa Kessler, Potomac, Maryland

Drew had the most amazing experience on her Westcoast trip. She made many new friends and said the staff were caring, kind, approachable, and overall amazing.
Julie & Jonathan Dorfman, Birmingham, Michigan

Our daughter came home and said this was the best experience of her life. What more could we want to hear! From our perspective, the program was run fantastically. There are so many moving parts to have things run smoothly, and we were really impressed with how seamless it appeared. She really liked the staff and made some tight friends that she plans to stay in touch with. I think this was an excellent growth experience for her, and she certainly saw and did things that she will remember forever. We are so thrilled that we sent her on this trip and thank you so much for everything!
Tamara & Aaron Reed, Hollywood, Florida

Hailey loved her trip and we felt it was extremely well run. She made a ton of friends and loved the staff. She fell in love with Wyoming and with all the Parks that they went to. Watching her saying goodbye, with tears in her eyes, to her fellow travelers and counselors, was so sweet. Thank you for such a wonderfully put together and run program! We are definitely looking to do the European or Greece program for next year!
Jodi & James Acquaviva, Plainview, New York

Pre-College Enrichment

We were very impressed with the overall program at McGill. The classes, the activities, the diversity of the kids and the staff. Zach really had a fantastic experience. Moreover, we were more than impressed with WCC from the very beginning. Everyone I spoke with prior to signing up was kind and knowledgeable. If I left a message, I received a call back immediately. Communication during the program was outstanding. I never had to think about “what if’s” because WCC was always one step ahead of me. The pictures and social media posts were great. I have signed my kids up for many different summer programs, but I have to say this experience was probably the best overall. I wouldn’t hesitate to sign my kids up for another program or recommend WCC. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
Julie Sosin, Franklin, Michigan

I loved the amount of independence combined with appropriate supervision. Pre-College Barcelona was the perfect balance for a high school aged child.
Shannon Schmelzer, Tampa, Florida

Arielle LOVED the Social Hub. She also LOVED her Fashion Design teacher and the class. She said the other kids and counselors were A+! The Program Director seemed excellent! Arielle said she helped the older kids with advice about college.
Amanda Zaitchik, Scarsdale, New York

Dimitris was very excited about participating in the program. He made new friends, and the staff was very helpful and supportive. It was the first time Dimitris had been away from home alone, and it was a great experience for him. He found the subjects he attended very interesting and the whole experience exceeded his expectations. He is interested in joining another program with his new friends next year.
Elena Alexandri, Athens, Greece

I could not have hoped for a better experience for my kid. This program checked all the boxes.
Sari Peris, Mountainside, New Jersey

Pre-College is great for exploring the city of Barcelona and surrounding areas and beaches. The location of the residence is perfect for all the fun activities and food. I have met some awesome friends that I will definitely continue to talk to and hangout with back home.
Sam Spielberger, Boulder, Colorado

The pre-college experience really got me ready for university. From exploring the city and being independent, to making friends and managing my own day, this experience allowed me to be independent and get a slow introduction into the world of taking care of yourself. The staff was incredible overall and the program director, Mandi, was so accommodating and sweet and really kept the vibes of the trip so high.
Micah Bidner, Woodbury, New York

This experience was so special because the staff made sure to give us the best time possible. They remained positive, kept us safe, and they just brought so much joy to my time. I will miss them so much and I hope to keep in touch with them. I was able to make friends from all over the country and the world that I will remain in touch with and I can honestly say I made friends for a lifetime here. The locations we visited are amazing. I recommend this trip to anyone looking to travel to Italy, eat amazing food, get the chance to take a class of something you have always wanted to try, and visit and learn about the culture of Italy.
Kayla Gruenberg, Pikesville, Maryland

Westcoast Connection does an amazing job! I am so proud to have this opportunity to jump into independence, meet new friends, and explore new parts of our world! The Pre-College program truly gave me an insight on what college life will be like! I highly recommend this program!
Mia Dubin, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

I loved this program. It allowed me to connect with people from different countries and make new friends, while also educating me on a different culture and an interest based course. With a mix of fun, freedom, and safety, Pre-College Florence allowed me to expand my independence and prepare me for life in college.
Lilly Aronovitz, Cooper City, Florida

My son had a wonderful time. He made friends for life (his words not mine) and said it couldn’t have been more perfect. Great balance of fun and culture, very supportive mentors and gave him a taste of independence which he relished. Thank you, WCC!
Bethanie S Baynes, Brooklyn, New York

Pre-College Florence was an amazing program that truly taught me a lot. The staff was incredibly kind, and I learned so much living in the city of Florence for three weeks. My Travel Writing & Journalism instructor was so so kind and open to helping us all. I loved her and her teaching style!! I especially liked how she attempted to point out the similarities and differences between America and Italy through our writing. The food was also absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to return. By the end of the trip, it really felt like home.
Ryann Engel, Port Washington, New York

I highly recommend Pre-College Enrichment Los Angeles to anyone even partially interested. I learned a lot in my classes, made many new connections that I will have for life, and was able to experience things I might never encounter again. My instructor was super sweet, had very good methods of teaching, and kept the class engaged. Westcoast Connection gave me a summer I’ll never forget.
Jack Barnes, Palmetto Bay, Florida

Westcoast Connection Pre-College Florence program is an amazing way to prepare yourself for college and beyond. You have a ton of independence while also having a lot of support from staff and friends. Living in Florence was amazing and a great way to experience a new place. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn and enjoy a new place at the same time.
Orly Abel, Brooklyn, New York

I had an overall amazing experience. I grew, gained more independence, met people from all around the world, learned about a different culture, became familiarized with a foreign city, and met some of my best friends. My International Business & Leadership course was amazing. We grew as writers and learned more about each other, how to write, the place, and public speaking.
Liv Peris, Mountainside, New Jersey

I was able to gain perspective on the college experience and focus on fields that I am actually interested in while also learning about what it takes to thrive in college.
Caylie Kromelow, Chicago, Illinois

Such an amazing program! We were enriched by the culture as well as our amazing classes and the college abroad lifestyle. My Fashion: Florence Retail Management course exceeded expectations! So fun and interesting! I made amazing connections with so many people and got to expand my friendships.
Alex Greenholtz, New York, New York

My History of Art instructor, Patricia, was amazing! She was always there to answer my questions and made the class an educational and simultaneously fun and relaxing environment. I loved meeting new friends that I hope to stay in touch with, and I loved being in such a beautiful city surrounded by art and history. The moments in which we did get freedom were very fun and the staff was so lovely.
Hailey Rashes, Newton, Massachusetts

Pre-College Montreal was an incredible experience that I will never forget with unique food, places, and people.
Ethan Dandliker, Danville, California

I love Westcoast Connection so much. This trip made me regain my love for travel. I made meaningful relationships with peers and staff members that I will forever hold dearly. Thank you Westcoast Connection!!!!!
Owen Hufnagel, Ada, Michigan

Zach needs to be the poster child for Westcoast Connection. After 48 hours on the program, I received a text asking to be extended from the 14 day program to the 21 day program. Enough said. He had the time of his life. He loved meeting teens from all over the world and being exposed to their cultures. He made great friends, fell in love with UCLA and wants to go on another Westcoast trip next summer! Thank you to all for making this mom’s heart happy!
Lesli Greenberg, Atlanta, Georgia

Pre College Enrichment in Barcelona was awesome! An amazing way to experience the city and all it has to offer. I left with so many new friends and memories that will last a lifetime!
Jenna Savitz, Weston, Florida

The program was excellent in so many ways – fascinating course content, terrific friendships made, phenomenal chaperones, wonderful experiences getting to know Montreal and getting exposed to students from a variety of other countries. Honestly, the program offered far more than we ever expected. Thank you!!
Erika Francis-Raniere, Sudbury, Massachusetts

This program allowed me to fully explore the city of Montréal and meet new friends, all the while studying interesting subjects and preparing myself for college. This program is not only fun but builds your independence for college.
Dylan Fitter, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey

We loved the full Pre-College Enrichment itineraries for the two programs Amanda was on. The friends she made are great. It is obvious that so much thought and consideration is placed in all aspects! Including supervised independence. All the staff and Program Directors from this year at UCLA and last year in Barcelona were exceptional. WCC runs an unbelievable operation. Only positive comments from past and present program friends!!
Liana Backal, New York, New York

I like that my teen seems to have matured quite a bit in just 3 weeks. She found her STEM classes so interesting she would text me about them. A wonderful, positive experience meeting teens from all over the world. This experience has impacted her motivation & I predict a greater focus & sense of purpose this coming school year. The activities were a great mixture of fun & adventure beyond her usual. She loved Montreal & I loved that they truly got to explore the city.
Artilya Brown, Perry Hall, Maryland

The Florence program was excellent for Eden. She loved The Social Hub and having her own room and bathroom. She loved the art history and learned so much by going to all of the museums.
Cory Lebovitch, Short Hills, New Jersey

This experience changes the way people learn how to interact with peers and teachers. It creates lifelong bonds and is the perfect simulation of college life.
Gracie Raznick, Bloomfield Township, Michigan

I loved how the program was both Pre-College and traveling on the weekends and the last week. I loved how chill and easy going the leaders were.
Riley Mackiernan, Cherry Hills Village, Colorado

Pre-College Enrichment Los Angeles was the best three weeks of my life. I had so much fun with friends, staff, and everything in California. I loved staying at UCLA.
Sarah Erlichman, Bay Harbor, Florida

Mira loved everything about the experience. She made amazing friends and memories and had a great birthday. She said this trip is one of the best things she’s ever done.
Marci & Jeremy Silverman, Atlanta, Georgia

Julia had an incredible experience and all parent interaction with WCC was great – quick response and clear communication. She made a great set of friendships that I believe will persist beyond the program. WCC did a great job creating community and bonding within the group. Great program overall. Lots of options each day and weekend for students to opt in or opt out. But I was really impressed that they were kept active each day until midnight!! Julia raved about the location and quality of the residence. Again, everything was great!
Betsy & Eric Goldberg, New York, New York

Moira LOVED it. She learned a lot about college, made great friends and seems to have a better understanding of what she is looking for as she enters her Senior year of high school.
Erin Wathen, Stamford, Connecticut

Our instructor Myka was very passionate about what she taught. She came to every class energized and excited about teaching us something new. Thank you for all the effort and help you gave us to give us the best month ever.
Elena Chase, Wellesley, Massachusetts

The Pre-College Enrichment Montreal program is excellent, the activities they had were many and super attractive, the staff very attentive and the security and attention with the participants was excellent. My children had a wonderful and unforgettable summer.
Ana Maria Eastrada Baez & Omar Troncoso Ualera, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

William made lots of new friends. He LOVED the Student Hotel in Florence. He appreciated having a home base for most of the trip as well as a single room. He loved the cooking course and enjoyed touring all the sites throughout Italy.
Meredith & Robert Ohmes, Pelham, New York

Our child really enjoyed his experience in Montreal with Westcoast Connection. He made lots of new friends and loved the activities. He had an amazing time and became more independent and confident and these were all the things we were hoping for, so we were very happy!
Christy Vaughan & Charles Swartz, Boulder, Colorado

Ava had a nice experience. Programs, travel and food were good. She improved 200 points on the SAT prep which was the most important. The college prep and admission instructor was excellent – making that attendance mandatory was worthwhile. Ava was able to run every day either on the track or campus. She met an Olympic gold medal winner. How often does that happen?
Jeffry & Ernestine Biemuller, Howell Township, New Jersey

The location of Montreal is great. It is a beautiful city and we saw a lot of it. The staff was great, kind, and funny. The courses are really excellent, and the activities proposed by the staff were great.
Quentin Litou, Paris, France

I had the best experience on this trip. I made a bunch of new friendships, not only with the students, but with the staff. I 100 percent would recommend Pre- College Enrichment Montreal.
Lexi Wolf, Los Angeles, California

This experience was excellent. I had a great time taking classes and exploring the area. The friends I made will last a lifetime. The staff are all very caring and worked so hard to make this experience as good as possible. We visited so many locations, all of which were extremely beautiful and enjoyable. Highly recommend looking further into this program.
Ian Klimov, Merrick, New York

Community Service

Over these past three weeks, the Costa Rica Service & Adventure program has really expanded by mind and I have had so much fun. The food has been great, the locations, and even the staff. Everyone has been super nice and I could not have asked for anything better.
Daniel Esau, Dorado, Puerto Rico

The program and experience was an excellent mix of community and service. The friendships my daughter made were strong and she was sad to leave at the end. These are some of the best friendships that she has made in her life and at various camps that she has attended. The community service in the village was her favorite part of the service component of the trip and she felt like she truly made a difference. Ethan was an excellent counselor and went above and beyond to make the experience fun, safe and memorable.
Robert Lauck, Needham, Massachusetts

I really enjoyed all of the activities and service projects we did. There was a good balance between service and adventure, and I enjoyed the whole experience. I learned about the importance of putting myself out there and being myself around new people.
Jaymie Miller, West Bloomfield, Michigan

My son had many opportunities to get out of his comfort zone. He made new friends that he will continue to keep in touch with, thought the staff were great, loved interacting with the community, and had a great adventure side of things.
Laura Fields, Saint Louis, Missouri

I think this trip will be life changing for my daughter. She met children whose only wish was to have a soccer ball, and Sara was able to fulfill their wish. On a scale of 1-10, my daughter said the Costa Rica trip was a 10!
Nina Ariowitsch, New York, New York

Kai has spoken most about the appreciation for their service, how things that would be taken for granted here had such an impact on the recipients. Our family & friends were following the pictures & videos. I’ve had people tell us they were jealous, they wish they could have had this opportunity. The memories & friendships made during her Westcoast experiences are invaluable. The quality of the experience, the staff leadership, preparation & planning were exceptional. I loved the social interaction with the people there & the opportunities for the teens to interview each other & speak.
Artilya Brown, Perry Hall, Maryland

Ash had an amazing time making new friends, participating in service programs and enjoying adventures.
Audra Schweitzer, Irvington, New York

This was my first program and it exceeded my expectations. This program was so much fun and I would do it 1,000 more times if I could. Thank you Westcoast Connection for this incredible experience!
Melanie Lown, Austin, Texas

The program was extremely fun and I didn’t want to leave at the end of it. I got to meet so many new people from all across the country and discover the beauty of Costa Rica. The food was amazing and the staff helped make the experience even more special. I definitely recommend this trip.
Henry Kamer, Los Angeles, California

I enjoyed the balance of service days to activity days and felt like I made an actual impact. All of the staff were so friendly and supportive.
Michaela Stern, Scarsdale, New York

I learned what other communities are like outside of my own and how to ‘be the spark to make a fire’ when wanting to make change. I feel like I made a difference with my community service.
Savannah Maldonado, Waban, Massachusetts

I loved this trip and experience. The people and staff were very welcoming. The adventures were so fun, and the service was a very humbling experience.
Sydney Robinson, Bethesda, Maryland

The staff and food was amazing, the activities were so fun, and the programs were excellent.
Alec Butscher, New York, New York

This program allowed me to step out of my comfort zone while having the best time. The people on my trip were so kind and welcoming, I felt like I fit right in. The activities, especially surfing and swimming in the waterfall, were so fun and such a good bonding experience with my peers.
Lily McOmber, Glencoe, Illinois

I made lifelong friends and had wonderful experiences during Costa Rica Service and Adventure while conducting impactful service. The staff was helpful and compassionate along the way, while also allowing us independence.
Luke Betlow, Short Hills, New Jersey

I enjoyed doing service and gaining perspective. I loved going on adventures, taking risks, and creating friendships with the other people on this trip. I feel grateful for everything I have and loved being able to make an impact in the children’s lives.
Maya Joseloff, Bethesda, Maryland

The program was so fun and I felt like it was the perfect way for me to spend my summer. The places we went to were cool and pretty and I had a lot of fun in each place. The staff was amazing and they made the trip 10 times better.
Jesse Fried, Chappaqua, New York

Westcoast Connection exceeded my expectations. I had such an amazing trip with staff that were above and beyond. These 10 days were ones I will never forget. The places we went to, the service, and the people were so amazing and this trip will always hold a special place with me.
Kai Friedrich, Lake Forest, California

This experience was so amazing. I made so many amazing friends, the staff was incredible and all became my friends, and the service was so special.
Abby Bruhim, Englewood, New Jersey

This program was so amazing. I made such amazing friendships that I will never forget. The community service was eye opening, impactful and inspiring. I wish I could go back to the beginning and do my trip all over again!
Charley Levene, New York, New York

As my third Westcoast trip, this was a blast for me and I highly recommend it. The service you will do is very rewarding and the adventure activities are so thrilling and fun. No matter the activity, you will always be making new friendships and bonds with new people. Westcoast Connection staff are amazing and so fun.
Jade Reejhsinghani, Westport, Connecticut

This trip was so amazing. I gained so many new friends, experiences, and skills that are unforgettable. I would definitely recommend.
Sami Liszt, Boca Raton, Florida

SO AMAZING! Great staff, great service, and great activities.
Zoe Zaroff, Brooklyn, New York

This program is absolutely worth every penny. I signed up not having high expectations and was blown out of the water with how fun and well run every aspect of this trip was. The staff are amazing and with such a great group of hard working kids it is impossible not to have a great and impactful time working for and with others.
Finley Ainge, Wellesley, Massachusetts

Westcoast Connection was one of the best summers of my life. I made so many new life long friends and I will never forget this trip.
Lila Berman, Penn Valley, Pennsylvania

I think that Westcoast Connection is an amazing way to make new friends and learn new things. The staff, people, and activities were amazing. I learned about leadership and how to involve others better.
Betty Lovin, Austin, Texas

This program was so special because of the amazing group I was placed with and the teamwork and kindness everyone showed. They really made this trip unbeatable and I had a blast.
Cate Signorelli, Richterswil, Switzerland

Westcoast Connection is an amazing trip and experience. I made lifelong bonds, had my perspective changed, and now I want to better the world. Everyone should go on a Westcoast Connection Community Service trip!
Juliette Marcoux, Westmount, Quebec

My service trip to Costa Rica has been life changing. Getting to know such a lively community has given me a new sense of purpose that I’ll carry with me forever. The children I met during the service projects taught me to find fun in every activity. Despite any obstacles, these kids dance when there’s music, sing when there’s silence, and can make anyone smile. No matter where I am, I’ll always strive to be as joyful as them. I hope to return to Costa Rica someday to continue working with Siempre Amigos.
Annie Ravazzini, Reno, Nevada

This trip was an amazing experience. It is a perfect balance of community service and activities. You get to see such amazing things and help so many people. I definitely recommend people to go on this trip because it will be something you will never forget.
Amanda Brake, Plainview, New York

My kids loved their experience in Ecuador. They found the work to be very enriching/fulfilling, were enamored by the locals whom they met and interacted with, and were mesmerized by the natural beauty of all the sites they visited. They made lots of friends on the trip, and are already making plans with some of them to meet up next summer on another Westcoast trip. Nearly every day, we received photos and news from Westcoast showcasing the activities the kids were involved in. Thank you once again for an unforgettable experience.
Polymnia Galiatsatos, Montreal, Quebec

I loved this Hawaii community service trip so much! I met a ton of new friends and was so comfortable with all of the staff members. Surfing and snorkeling were the highlights of my trip, but I also loved working to pull up invasive plants from the ground with nature Jay. Overall the trip was amazing.
Addy Fiddle, Roslyn Heights, New York

This program was special to me because the staff made an effort to help us form relationships and become a family. The service that we did made me feel like I was helping a lot of people and I also enjoyed myself at the same time. The staff was very interactive with us and most importantly made us feel safe and comfortable.
JT Richman, Montvale, New Jersey

This trip taught me many things. Doing service in Hawaii showed me how important culture is and how Westcoast can really make a difference even if it is small. It showed me how important it is to take care of our earth and the people who live on it.
Evyn Firestone, Atlanta, Georgia

I loved meeting new people and exploring new places. The group becomes one big family, which makes it feel like home! I loved the service at Peterson Bay, Wynn Nature Center, and Beans Cafe because I really felt like I was giving back.
Brandon Belian, Northfield, Illinois

Excellent program. Very well-organized. Perfect combination of real community service and fun. My son had a blast – he made new friends and will have lasting memories from this trip. He reported that there was an abundance of staff and supervision and that they were great. Your company did a great job sending email updates. It was a perfect way for my son to start his summer. Worth every penny. Thank you!
Jennifer Stark & Adam Sisitsky, Framingham, Massachusetts

This trip with Westcoast was phenomenal. It was a perfect mix between volunteer work and fun activities. The different locations that we visited were beautiful, like the stunning waterfalls and gorgeous forests. We got to see the progress we made and the way we impacted the people we helped was heartwarming. The staff was great at planning debriefs and fun activities to get to know each other and make new friends. All of the kids were kind and inclusive and it felt like we were one big family. This was a great experience that helped me realize how much I can truly do to help those in need of it, and how much I can impact their lives.
Vasilia Polyhronopoulos, Montréal, Quebec

This trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m so grateful I took part in it. The friendships I made, the people I helped, and the memories created will last forever.
Kelly Griswold, Mequon, Wisconsin

This trip was really special, and I made a lot of new friends and forever friendships. I got to do things that I never would have done without this experience. The Costa Rica Community Service trip made me see what I could do to help different communities and people. It was really impactful to see how I could make a difference in this world from this trip.
Annica Harris, San Rafael, California

I loved how I was able to go out of my comfort zone and get the opportunity to have a change in perspective. Somos Picnic was my favorite service project because it seemed very genuine and the people who volunteered there and created it were very inspiring.
Tate Grossberg, Chappaqua, New York

The staff and the activities were amazing. The community service impacted me because it showed what the rest of the world is like.
Nathan Brooks, New Orleans, Louisiana

Nolan had a fun and very meaningful experience. He connected well with the staff, and also made an amazing group of friends who were able to share this unique experience together. Everyone involved in this program was excellent.
Justin & Sara Elder, Lakeville, Minnesota

This program has truly changed my view on life, and is the reason I made lifelong best friends, became a better person, and learned more about myself! I loved the environment and the staff, and this was truly an unforgettable experience!
Lilly Tourge, Newark, Delaware

Seeing all of the locals’ smiles and then being so appreciative was so heartwarming and brought so many smiles to us. The staff was amazing, they always had a smile on their face, always made sure we were doing well, and always made us laugh. What made my experience so special was creating such great friendships and being able to feel the happiness of helping other people. Overall, I loved this trip so much. It was the best experience I have ever had in my life, and I definitely will do it again next year.
Hailey Pinkus, Paradise Valley, Arizona

I gained a better understanding and appreciation for sustainable living on Hurricane Island. It was incredible to see a whole community thriving on pure renewable energy and I learned a lot from the people there.
Ayalah Spratt, Bronx, New York

I learned so much from both the trip staff and the people from the service projects that we worked with. It was such an amazing experience to work with all the service groups and all the people in my group.
Grace Trotta, Toronto, Ontario

I had the best time, and I would definitely recommend it. I made some great new friends, and the staff were amazing. All the activities were super fun. I’m so happy I signed up for the community service trip because not only were we able to explore Costa Rica, but we were also able to give back to the community.
Micayla Lowe, Boca Raton, Florida

My experience with Westcoast Connection in Costa Rica was great. I felt safe and happy around the staff. I would recommend this trip to others because it is a great experience and will change your view on community service. Building a water tank and getting to know the families at TECHO really was a great experience because the water tank will help the family for years. TECHO was a great service project because you feel like you are making a difference. Siempre Amigos was also very fun when we got to paint and play soccer. The community service was very meaningful, and we made a difference.
Kyle Sarran, Marlboro, New Jersey

Baseball Tours

The Major League Madness program was a dream come true for my son who is not interested in traditional sleepaway camp and LOVES baseball. Such a wonderful growth opportunity. Had just enough structure plus free time and support.
Noelle Santorelli, Dunwoody, Georgia

This program was a great way to spend two weeks. I got to see new cities, meet new people, try new foods, and just experience the great things that come with stepping outside of your comfort zone.
Jacob Mann, Roslyn Heights, New York

Our son definitely learned some independence and really enjoyed his first extended trip away from home on Major League Madness. He certainly connected with some of the boys on the trip and I’m hopeful he will keep in touch with those that are far away in some manner. He gave a shout out to their bus driver who sounded like a wonderful and patient person. He definitely enjoyed all the ballparks and meals as well.
Alison Handler, Livingston, New Jersey

Loved Program Director DJ! Major League Madness was the perfect program for our son. He loved every second and never had to do things he was uncomfortable with.
Ilana Engel, Port Washington, New York

Getting to explore the stadiums and get to the games early for batting practice and autographs was such a treat. And the non-baseball game activities were great as well. From playing catch at The Big House, to playing baseball/softball games with new friends, to seeing multiple Halls of Fame, the trip was a blast from beginning to end. Max had a fantastic time.
Matt Hesse & Marla Moskowitz-Hesse, Brooklyn, New York

The program was wonderful! Drew instantly made fantastic friends that he will keep in touch with long after the trip is over. The kids were kept active, but also had just the right amount of down time to relax and recharge. They saw so many amazing places and had so many wonderful experiences. The Director was fantastic! The kids were always engaged and having fun. He gave them just the right amount of independence, while at the same time always kept them safe. I couldn’t imagine a better summer!
Tracy & Richard Winkler, Needham, Massachusetts

Major League Madness was a terrific trip. It was full of fun games, activities, and adventures. I made a ton of new friends (counselors and campers) on this trip. I would highly recommend it to anyone that loves being active.
Brett Krauss, Birmingham, Michigan

Jason loved this trip. He was nervous about going alone and not knowing anyone, but within the first few hours, he said he felt very comfortable.
Lili Brillstein, Maplewood, New Jersey

Major League Madness was a fun trip with plenty of sights from the Pacific Ocean to the Golden Gate Bridge. The games were always exciting and I never knew how different all the ballparks were until I took the trip.
Noah Metz, Wilmette, Illinois

This trip was a great experience. It opened me up to many opportunities and taught me to be more independent.
Andrew Hess, Westport, Connecticut

Aden was very happy with the programming. He went on this trip not knowing anyone but met some friends and really enjoyed his experience. He really liked his Director, Skylar, he felt he was fun and supportive.
Corry & Jonathan Kreindler, Toronto, Ontario

I was blown away by this tour. I had an amazing time visiting these ballparks!
Justin Blattman, Roslyn, New York

Westcoast Connection’s Major League Madness is a trip of a lifetime. You get to travel the country and make new friends along the way. If you love baseball, I would 100% recommend this trip as you really do gain so much from becoming close to the counselors and other trip members. I have done this trip twice now, and hope even more people choose to do it in the future.
Adam Greene, Longmeadow, Massachusetts

Jagger loved the trip. He misses it. Loved the ball games, the leaders, the kids, the whole experience. He loved every aspect of the trip.
Andea & Jason Kimmel, Short Hills, New Jersey

Jordan had an amazing time… he has a huge smile every time he tells us a story from the trip. He bonded with other kids and trip leaders quickly, and then made some “best” friends on the trip. We were so impressed with the Director – very nice, personable, and outstanding qualifications to lead a trip with these boys. Jordan loved the “morning mix” playlist and still plays it every morning when he’s getting ready. I know the experience of these 10 days will last a lifetime for him. I expect Jordan will be on a WCC trip next summer too!
Michael & Alexandra Palgon, Dunwoody, Georgia

I only have positive comments regarding the Major League Madness trip. The communication from the office was extraordinarily clear, concise and positive. The trip had activities ALL of the time and the counselors (Skylar, Eric, and Tanner) promoted inclusiveness and empathy for every camper. Steven had one of the best experiences I think that he will ever have throughout his life. He enjoyed meeting people from different areas of the country who all share the same love of baseball. My overall impression is that the three counselors worked tirelessly to ensure a wonderful experience. They appeared to do this with extreme efficiency, kindness and all had a strong enjoyment of their job. I am extremely impressed with their leadership!
Linda & Alan Schwartz, Roslyn, New York