Family Adventure Summit – Teens Don’t Suck

So I sat down this morning to write a travel update and ended up with a deeply reflective piece on how other people’s perceptions can shape how we feel about ourselves, why that sucks, and how to stop caring. Oops. I guess you know what’s up in my head lately. ;)

Now for the travel update!

For the past 4-5 days, I’ve had the absolute joy of leading the Teen Program at Family Adventure Summit 2019 here in Ubud, Bali.

For those of you who don’t know, FAS is an incredible annual project to build community among traveling families, while answering some of the common questions about family travel logistics, socialization, financing, and so on. Families from around the world converge each year on a new location and spend time connecting, getting inspired, and learning together. So basically, the most epic house party of all time, with people who get it. It’s my favourite thing.

Last year I attended FAS as a speaker. I shared my travel stories and spoke to parents from the perspective of someone who had grown up on the road. It was fun.

This year, I started up and led the first Family Adventure Summit Teen Program. My dudes, it was awesome.

As usual, I jumped in way over my head on this one. I had suggested at the end of last year’s summit that we should set up a teen program, and when Brandon said, “Cool, do you want to get to work on that?” I (of course) said, “Absolutely!” A week later, I realized I had no idea what I was doing. At all. Classic. I spent the next year planning, re-planning, scratching out my lists of ideas, changing my mind, asking for more help than I probably needed, and going from overwhelmed to inspired. Big thanks to everyone who supported me on that journey, especially Theresa, Amy, Dhyani, and my mum. :)

If you read my most recent post, you’ll get this – I’ve unconsciously spent the last couple of years putting myself down and believing that I wasn’t capable on my own. The life change I’ve experienced over the last two months has been drastic. Two months ago I had serious doubts about my ability to lead this program alone. The first day of the program, I was energized and without a single hint of anxiety in my soul. Damn, this glow-up feels good.

Just under 40 teens joined the program this year, and our line-up was incredible.

Some of the kids had traveled extensively, some were just setting off on their first big trip. Guys, the teens of traveling families are the coolest. They were so kind, so open, so responsive and friendly and good-hearted. Most of them were deeply passionate about something, from acting to music to coding, and they were eager to share. Some were running their own legit businesses already and were able to lead a workshop for the whole group. Plenty had already taken solo trips. All were fun-loving and accepting.

There were no cliques. There was no drama.

Older teens reached out to younger teens or new kids who were nervous about connecting. I can’t even describe to you how heartwarming it was to watch. My job was easy!

Throughout the course of the week, I got to see teens push their comfort zones, build their own community, and set their values as a group. They chose Kindness, Acceptance, and Adventure as their most important values, and then they lived it. They danced together, volunteered together, and grew together. They soaked up the refreshing feeling of being around others with similar life experiences and educations. I witnessed so many acts of generosity and friendship and came away feeling proud.

If you’re a traveling teen, or even just a teen that doesn’t fit in perfectly where you are, listen up – there are others like you out there.

Trust me. Being “normal” is not actually the coolest thing – being authentically yourself and deeply passionate about what you value is. When you find others who also unapologetically care about things and pursue what *they* like, you’ll connect on a way deeper level than you will with kids who try to fit in at all costs. Those are the friendships that last. Keep on being yourself. It’ll pay off. :)

If you’re a parent and you’re worried about the teen stage – don’t be. Teens are awesome.

Teens are capable of incredible things if you believe in them and encourage them towards healthy independence and trust. Out of the 40 teens I led this weekend, there wasn’t a single jerk among them, and all were doing powerful things with their time. What do they all have in common? Free lives of adventure and parents who believe in their ability to do great things and show great kindness. When you are released from limitations, given respect, and trusted to make good decisions, plus the flexibility to learn from mistakes, you’re not going to feel the need to rebel or act out.

So yeah. Thanks for coming to my TedTalk. Teens are amazing. I’m so grateful for my role in this community as an older mentor and the opportunities I have to give back. Let’s do it again next year. :)