Summer Leaps

short summer programmes for 18-21 year olds

Escape. Purpose. Impact.

Where (and how) will you travel this Summer?

Sun, sea... and something that actually means something? That’s where we come in.

This summer, The Leap offers 4-week team adventures that go way beyond the usual getaway. Designed for school leavers, gap year starters, and uni students on break, these programmes mix adventure, culture, and hands-on volunteering in some of the world’s most inspiring locations.

You’ll travel with purpose, push yourself in all the right ways, and come home with more than a tan—think confidence, connection, and a serious CV boost.

This is summer, redefined.

Make Your Summer Count

Island hopping and festivals? Sure, they’re fun. But if you’re craving something with more meaning — something that challenges you, connects you, and sets you apart — then now’s the time to choose differently.

Our summer Leaps give you the chance to do more. To see the world beyond the tourist trail, to be part of something bigger, and to come home with real stories of impact and adventure.

This is your chance to make your summer count — for yourself, for others, and for whatever comes next.

Need help choosing the right adventure? Check out our guide to find your ideal programme.

UCAS Certified + DofE Gold Approved

Travel that works harder for your future.

Did you know our summer (and gap year) leaps are officially UCAS certified and qualify for the DofE Gold Residential?

That means you can boost your personal statement with a Level 3 Diploma in International Volunteering, worth up to 16 UCAS points, and tick off the residential section of your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award — all while having the time of your life.

Whether it’s rewilding rainforests in Costa Rica, supporting marine conservation in Kenya, or working with youth initiatives in Colombia, your summer can be social, satisfying, and seriously good for your future.

Its a win-win.

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Explore Our Summer Leaps

Each Summer Leap is intentionally located in one of the world’s most vibrant, adventurous places that ignite curiosity, connection, and a thirst for something more. Whether you’re drawn to beaches, jungles, or highlands, our destinations are the perfect launchpads for impact and exploration—designed to make your summer unforgettable and meaningful in equal measure.

Colombia Summer Leap

CONSERVATION + LOST CITY+ HISTORIC SITES + Beach
4 weeks
July

Brace yourself for a 4-week adventure packed with adrenaline, culture, and jaw-dropping scenery. Trek through the lush Central Highlands, dive into vibrant Colombian culture, and make a real impact through community volunteering. Then, take on the epic Lost City Challenge, a trek through ancient trails and misty jungles, before unwinding on the stunning turquoise shores of the Caribbean.

"The Lost City trek pushed me beyond my limits, but the sense of achievement was incredible. Colombia’s beauty and culture were unforgettable."

explore colombia summer leap

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

Kenya Summer Leap

beach + bush
3 Weeks
July

Get ready for an unforgettable 3-week adventure in Kenya with our award-winning NGO partners. Dive into marine conservation, protecting vibrant coral reefs and sea life, while contributing to life-changing community projects along the stunning Indian Ocean coast. Then, shift gears for a thrilling safari in the legendary Tsavo National Park, where vast landscapes and iconic wildlife create unforgettable moments.

"From snorkeling with dolphins to seeing elephants in Tsavo, Kenya was beyond my wildest dreams. I left feeling confident and inspired."

explore kenya 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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Five Stars to Milly and her team for organising a wholly wholesome and colourful time in Sri Lanka for our Midlife Leap. The blend of work and play suited me very well. Each bit of volunteering taught me a great deal about myself and my own strengths: it turns out I can do more and be more than I had realised. Thank you.
Emily - Sri Lanka Midlife
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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
google reviews 4.9 stars
We’re not just a travel company. We’re a movement.

A movement built on courage, contribution, and curiosity. A movement that dares you to go further, dig deeper, and leap beyond the ordinary.

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.