PHILOSOPHY OF OUR SERVICE PROGRAMS

Our values are present and interconnected on all of the RLT programs. They distinguish the type of experience you will have with The Road Less Traveled.

COMMUNITY-DRIVEN SERVICE

We offer over 30 years of experience working with different cultures and communities on projects that are defined and directed by the individuals, organizations, and communities that we directly serve.

DELIBERATE LEARNING

We educate on more than just the local culture and concerns. Going a step beyond, The Road Less Traveled's service philosophy, programming, and cultural immersion experience is purposeful and distinct.

EXCHANGE

We teach and advocate experiences that foster a deep understanding of cultural assumptions, worldviews, and the fact that despite our differences we all laugh, cry, and share many of the same realities. These experiences often transform our outlook on the world with a newfound sense of selflessness and enhanced personal autonomy.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES

We process our travel experiences both individually and as a group, and examine how we each might work to build a world where human life is treated with more equity across the historical barriers of religion, ethnicity, nation, class, and gender. We encourage continued global service engagement beyond the RLT summer experience.

EXAMINATION AND REFLECTION

The questions we face while traveling are often difficult. Life moves, changes, begins, ends, challenges, questions, hurts, exhausts, inspires, connects, satisfies, and rewards. We teach our participants to ask themselves the tough questions, and to contribute to and be a part of the larger, worldwide conversation. We live with others, honoring the virtues and character strengths of humanity: love, kindness, and social intelligence. We work to make a difference in the world.

PRESIDENT’S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARDS

The Road Less Traveled is proud to be an official certifying organization approved to review, verify, and distribute one of the country's highest honors - presidential recognition of service. Each participant who follows RLT behavior guidelines and successfully completes a community service program with RLT, will receive a group PVSA for their contribution.

For students interested in pursuing an individual PVSA, additional hours may need to be completed throughout the calendar year in order to qualify. As a certifying organization, The Road Less Traveled is able to verify and distribute awards for service with other organizations as long as you have traveled with RLT. Please note, our PVSA service year runs from September 1st to August 31st each year. Awards will be ordered in mid-September.

AWARD ELIGIBILITY

Any individual, family, or group can receive presidential recognition for volunteer hours earned over a 12-month period or over the course of a lifetime at home or abroad. The following are the eligibility requirements for each age group:

  • Kids: Age 5-10

  • Teens: Age 11-15

  • Young Adults: Age 16-25

  • Adults: Ages 26 +

PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD CRITERIA: BRONZE LEVEL

  • Kids: 26 - 49 hours

  • Teens: 50 - 74 hours

  • Young Adults: 100 - 174 hours

  • Adults: 100 - 249 hours

  • Family & Groups: 200 - 499 hours

PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD CRITERIA: SILVER LEVEL

  • Kids: 50 - 74 hours

  • Teens: 75 - 99 hours

  • Young Adults: 175 - 249 hours

  • Adults: 250 - 499 hours

  • Family & Groups: 500 - 999 hours

PRESIDENTIAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD CRITERIA: GOLD LEVEL

  • Kids: 75+ hours

  • Teens: 100 + hours 

  • Young Adults: 250 + hours

  • Adults: 500 + hours

  • Family & Groups: 1,000 + hours

VOLUNTEER SERVICE DAYS WITH RLT

At The Road Less Traveled, service is at the heart of what we do. We make sure that our participants are inspired to continue their service beyond their adventures with RLT. Over the coming months, we will be hosting volunteer service days around the country. These service days will be a great way to give back to your local communities, hang out with old and new friends, and learn about the exciting travel and service programs we have in store for the upcoming summer. We welcome seasoned RLT alum as well as new families and friends. Stay tuned for service opportunities!

If you are interested in hosting an RLT volunteer event in your hometown, please email us at info@theroadlesstraveled.com.