Summer Safaris was formed because of our love for travel and adventure and our enjoyment in working with teens.
As directors of Summer Safaris, we have both had the opportunity to work with a number of different camps and youth programs in the United States and Canada. Through these experiences, we believe we have developed a program that will inspire, excite, and build confidence, as well as, ensuring fun and lasting memories.
We want everyone at Summer Safaris to be happy. For everyone to truly have an enjoyable summer and gain the benefits from working within a group, all participants must feel included and welcome. In order to achieve this, we do not tolerate any type of bullying or intimidating behaviour. At Summer Safaris, we have a community where everyone belongs.
Although we will always encourage you to try an activity, we support the 'challenge by choice' philosophy. If there is an activity in which you choose not to participate, we will always find an alternative.
SAFETY
At Summer Safaris, safety is job one. We recognize our responsibilities for the safety of our participants. The care and well being of each will never be compromised.
We use only the most reputable companies and our staff are highly trained in first aid. Of the three leaders on the trip; all leaders are trained in Standard First Aid and CPR, two are certified Lifeguards and one is certified in Advanced Wilderness First Aid (Canadian equivalent to Wilderness First Responder)
Summer Safaris has one of the lowest counselor to participant ratios for teen travel programs, it is 1 to 4. We believe low ratios are essential for proper supervision.
Kelly Rogerson - Owner/Director
I was born and raised on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. From a young age, I have always loved the summer camp experience - first as a camper, then as a 'leader in training' and finally as a leader. I have worked at numerous summer camps in the United States and have had the opportunity to work with teens in both Australia and England. For three winters, I was a ski instructor for youths at Whistler Ski Resort. I have also instructed water skiing and swimming. I believe in the enjoyment and importance of traveling and the great life experience it provides. I have traveled in Australia where I lived for a year and have since returned many times. I have also spent two years living in London where I had the opportunity to travel throughout Europe. I enjoy many sports and activities. I am a certified in: Advanced Wilderness First Aid, Lifeguarding, Standard First Aid and CPR 'C'.
Walesca Darce - Director
I was born in Leon, Nicaragua and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. For the past five years, I have been involved with summer camps and youth programs. I have worked at a number of summer camps in the United States. During the school year, I work at an Outdoor Leadership School in California where I am the Assistant to the Director and an Environmental Educator. I have always been very involved with a variety of sports and activities including being on the varsity soccer team at the University of South Carolina. I have also worked as a water ski instructor. My love for traveling has taken me to Central and South America and I have spent time exploring Canada and the United States. I am a 'Project Wild Facilitator', a 'Leave No Trace Facilitator' and a 'High and Low Ropes Course Facilitator'. I am fluent in Spanish and have my certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR, and Blood Borne Pathogens.
We both believe there is no better job than being able to share our love for travel and adventure with teens and give them a summer experience of a lifetime!
