Stay safe while having fun: a powerful training to work with young minds
By Brandon Gonzalez | May, 30th 2025
Offbeat Travel 2025 summer training
Over 20 years of experience have taught us to…
The importance of the Offbeat on-site training orbits around building a conscious community of professionals in non-traditional tourism that understand and embrace the roots behind everything Offbeat does. The diverse expertise the team members bring to the operation makes this week a great learning environment full of purpose and a sense of belonging.
Honestly, there is just so much we went over in just a few intense days. Here are just some of the topics we covered:
Customer service and communication skills
Student engagementand behavior
Group dynamics and problem solving
Protocols and risk assessment
Sustainability and conservation
Community service and responsible travel
Cultural sensitivity
Healthy leadership, equity and inclusion.
While each of the topics is incredibly valuable and useful, one theme stood out to me the most: Safety & Fun. That was my biggest takeaway, and it is something that ties everything together.
We are working with young, capable, and energetic minds, individuals whose priorities and perspectives are often quite different from our own. Their realities are often shaped by the powerful experiences we help create. This is both a tremendous privilege and a serious responsibility. At the same time, we must not lose sight of the joy these experiences bring to both students and ourselves.
Regarding safety, Offbeat deeply promotes prevention at the core of every activity. This is reinforced through clear instructions, not only during orientation but also with daily reminders about expectations, do’s, and don’ts. One-on-one conversations are key when it comes to understanding accessibility needs and reviewing medical records. They also help us identify early signs that could lead to problems if left unaddressed. All our Program Leaders are certified in first aid and understand the prominence of mental health struggles in today’s fast-paced world. Always carrying the “big five” might sound silly to some, but I promise it makes a huge difference: sunblock, bug repellent, a bottle of water (with water), rain jacket, and closed-toe shoes. We have very clear and strict policies, along with serious repercussions, for sexual harassment and any type of aggression. We also understand the sense of calm it can bring to parents when they’re able to stay in touch, so we do our best to foster proper communication online throughout the program.
Regarding fun, Offbeat is intrinsically fun. Traveling abroad, engaging in hands-on learning, and meeting awesome new people naturally bring joy and fulfillment to every program participant. As leaders, we intentionally set the tone by tuning into the unique chemistry of each group. We start the day with energizing ice-breakers to build connection, foster profound and inclusive conversations that encourage empathy and understanding, and actively participate in adventurous projects and activities alongside the students. Throughout it all, we gently remind students to be grateful and to share a smile because it is free. This approach helps create a positive, welcoming environment for everyone where learning in a safe manner and having fun go hand in hand.
This training reminded me of the power we have as facilitators to shape experiences that leave a lasting impact. Whether it is guiding a difficult conversation, supporting someone through homesickness, or simply encouraging a group to laugh together, our presence matters. Safety and fun are not separate goals—they work together to create meaningful, transformative journeys for young minds and for ourselves.
I would like to finally thank Offbeat for inspiring both returning and new program leaders through conservation and community impact. It has been an honor.
Pura Vida :)