Summer Leaps

4-WEEK summer programmes for 18-21 year olds

A Summer That Stands Out.

Where (and how) will you travel this Summer?

For students, it's adventure, friendship and unforgettable experiences.

For parents, it's confidence, independence and real-world experience.

Our 4-week Summer Leaps combine adventure travel with meaningful conservation and community projects, giving young people the chance to experience the world differently.

Travel with purpose, build transferable skills, meet inspiring people and discover what you're capable of when you step outside your comfort zone.

Because summer should be more than something you simply pass through. It should be something that helps shape what comes next.

Make Your Summer Count

Island hopping and festivals are great. But what if your summer could give you something more?

Our Summer Leaps combine adventure, cultural immersion and meaningful project work in some of the world's most inspiring destinations. You'll travel beyond the tourist trail, work alongside local communities and conservation projects, and experience parts of the world that most travellers never get to see.

Along the way, you'll build confidence, develop transferable skills, make lifelong friendships and create stories that stay with you long after summer ends.

Whether you're finishing school, preparing for university or simply looking for a more meaningful way to spend your break, this is your chance to make your summer count.

For yourself. For others. For whatever comes next.

Work Experience Disguised as Adventure

The best work experience doesn't always happen in an office.

Our Summer Leaps place you alongside conservationists, community leaders and social entrepreneurs tackling real-world challenges across the globe. You'll gain hands-on experience, develop transferable skills and build evidence of initiative, teamwork, communication and leadership — all while having the adventure of a lifetime.

For those looking to strengthen university applications, our programmes can also be combined with a Level 3 Diploma in International Volunteering, worth up to 16 UCAS points, and many qualify for the DofE Gold Residential.

Whether you're restoring coral reefs in Kenya, supporting wildlife conservation in Costa Rica or contributing to community projects in Cambodia, you'll return with far more than great memories.

Adventure now. Future value later.

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A Summer Worth Talking About

We believe that four weeks is enough time to do something meaningful, but not so long that it takes over your year.

That's why our Summer Leaps are carefully designed to combine adventure, cultural immersion and hands-on conservation work in a way that feels exciting, social and genuinely rewarding.

This summer, join us in Costa Rica, where you'll help protect wildlife, support conservation projects, explore rainforests, learn to surf and experience parts of the country that most travellers never see.

Adventure, impact and unforgettable experiences, all in one incredible summer.

Costa Rica Summer Leap

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION + COMMUNITY + Jungle + Beach
4 weeks
July

Embark on the ultimate 4-week, 4-location adventure where conservation meets pure adrenaline. Protect baby turtles on pristine beaches, work on forest and wildlife projects in lush jungles, then switch gears to surf epic Pacific waves, zip-line through soaring jungle canopies, and chase breathtaking waterfalls. Experience the thrill of Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity while making an impact you’ll never forget.

"Costa Rica was a dream come true! From saving baby turtles to zip-lining through rainforests, every moment was unforgettable."

explore costa rica summer leap

Every journey leaves a mark. Read about the experiences that changed lives.

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This trip has left me with a group of life long friends from around the world, experiences that will affect me forever and skills to help me through life. Everyday was a new adventure, from building hatcheries for turtle eggs to teaching English at a local school to playing volleyball with the Costa Rican coast guards to watching a turtle lay eggs. I would highly recommend this trip.
jessica - Costa Rica GAp
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A huge thank you for all you have done. My daughter has had an amazing time - I would say life changing in a way. She is even talking about applying to become a team leader after university. I know how much effort goes into all of this and you do it so smoothly
INES (PARENT) - peru GAP
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Our personalised itinerary had everything we asked for and more; we wanted our pupils to really immerse themselves in the local community and complete acts of service which would be genuinely meaningful and the Leap, who partnered with Ocean’s Alive more than delivered. I cannot recommend the Leap and the Kenya experience more highly.  They have given us memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Genevieve Ford - Kenya School Leap
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Travel that takes you further.
Adventure, challenge and real-world experiences that stay with you long after you've returned home.

Team of people indicating wellbeing and educational value of travelling with The Leap
Group of gap year students sitting amongst the ruins of Siem Reap, Cambodia - The Leap Cambodia gap year programme

Make Your Gap Year Count:
Discover, Grow, Explore

A gap year is more than just time off—it’s a chance to explore the world, gain real-life experience, and discover who you are. Don't just walk through life.

Explore Our Summer Leaps

Your Summer, Transformed

A summer break is more than just time off - it’s a chance to explore, grow, and make the most of your 6th form or university holidays. Whether you’re looking for adventure, hands-on experience, or a meaningful way to spend your summer, our 4-week programmes are designed to challenge, inspire, and create lasting impact.

Our Leaps are not your typical volunteering trips. They combine meaningful contribution, cultural immersion, and adrenaline-packed adventures, giving you a truly transformative experience. You’ll return not only with incredible memories but also with skills and stories that will set you apart in life.

Through our specially crafted itineraries, every Leap delivers:

  • Academic value: Gain a Diploma in International Volunteering, accredited and worth 16 UCAS points to elevate your academic and career profile.
  • Well-being benefits: Build resilience, independence, and confidence through challenging projects and unique cultural experiences. These journeys are designed to help you reset, refocus, and thrive.