We cannot help but reflect on the time that has passed since we began this program many years ago. When we discovered we were going to be
a family, we paused, as any new parents would, at the changes that were in store for us. We purposefully sat down with a pen and a yellow pad of paper and made a choice to follow a dream. Our hope as parents and pioneers of an adventure travel program for youth was to create a one-of-a-kind experience that would transform the lives of young people around the world. We had no idea what our future would hold – we were young, passionate, and convinced we could make a difference.

As we look back almost two decades later, we realize that we could never have anticipated what was being created on that yellow pad of paper. We have grown into an internationally recognized company with adventure, service learning, language, leadership and global perspectives programs in 14 countries around the world. Over the years, thousands of young people have joined us on RLT. Our vision was to help young people believe in themselves and their individual and collective abilities to impact and shape the future of the 21st century. We wanted youth to get outside, seek adventure, experience challenge, make new friends, build a community and understand the world and its people in a different way. Our contribution was to give them the foundation to discover this for themselves in a safe environment. Those who join The Road Less Traveled learn they are far more flexible, adaptable, independent, interesting and interested than they ever thought they could be.

We love the energy, humor and spirit of youth; we love what we do, and we respect the world in which we do it. We are fortunate to have an educated, bright, insightful staff whose personal commitment has propelled youth into completing hundreds of adventures, and thousands of hours of community service around the world. We are inspired by the pride our leaders take in creating powerful, enriching experiences for students. Our work with children is serious business. Our commitment to safety is unrivaled and we always place quality before quantity. We make ourselves completely available as your primary contacts throughout your time on RLT, and our home base staff, with years of experience (and parenting), is unsurpassed.

It is not always easy – the world has changed. As complex and challenging as it can seem these days, we find that this great globe still provides us with possibilities beyond our wildest dreams. It is nearly twenty years later, and we continue to see the value of life on RLT. With sensitivity and compassion, curious minds and open hearts, our alumni are entering the world and contributing in powerful and significant ways. Their work has surpassed our greatest hopes.

Jim and Donna Stein have been seeking adventure, perfecting wilderness travel and teaching for over 30 years. As owners and directors, they have nurtured the growth, development and direction of The Road Less Traveled. Their concern for each individual participant and their commitment to the RLT mission are evident as they both personally oversee each program. Jim discovered his lifelong commitment to education and leadership in the wilderness at an early age. At age 15, he participated in a nine-week wilderness trip with Nelson Weiters, founder, director and pioneer of the first wilderness adventure program offered in the Western United States. After graduating from the University of Denver, Jim led and directed western expeditions for Nelson for nearly a decade. He is extensively experienced and involved in all aspects of expedition safety, management, program design and training. Donna’s love of the outdoors began at an early age in the north woods of Michigan where she spent her childhood. After graduating from DePaul University, Donna gained extensive business experience in corporations and non-profit organizations. She manages all development, operations and marketing and upholds the rigorous standards that support the mission, training, and policies of RLT.

Their children, Ben, Callie and Emma, are also ardent explorers. Ben led El Sendero this past summer in Costa Rica, while Callie traveled to India on Namaste. Emma revisited Tanzania in the spring, and Lucy (the Lab) travels every chance she can. Though truth be told, their favorite time of year remains enjoying the remarkable opportunity of spending two weeks living with RLT leaders during training each year.