Therapeutic Gap Experience
Starting Your Gap Year Strong
Gap years or semesters are becoming increasingly more common as our young adults begin to make the difficult transition to young adulthood. Families often know that their student is not prepared for the rigor, stress, and maturity needed for a traditional college experience. Traditional gap year programs can be an option, but are often not the best stepping stone for emerging adults.
Pure Life Adventure offers an alternative to a traditional gap program. We offer the cultural, adventure, and leadership experience of a gap program with the added benefit of strong, research based, therapeutic support. Young adults often struggle with anxiety, isolation, fear of failure, and executive functioning issues during their early years of adulthood. Pure Life supports young people as they develop the skills and strategies needed to navigate this difficult time.
Our two to three month program integrates adventure activities (surfing, rafting, and backpacking) with cognitive behavioral therapy which help our students overcome challenges and build a ‘tool box’ for difficult times. In addition, we provide students with opportunities for cultural immersion, community service, and nationally recognized adventure certifications. Through this novel, nature based approach, we prepare young adults for the challenges they will face as they conquer college, career, and independence.
For more information and to learn more, please contact Carrie Weatherhead, Director of Admissions, at 617-605-5827 or by visiting our contact page.
“At the end of my senior year, I know that I wouldn’t succeed at college if I didn’t do some self-discovery and learn how to live with my anxiety in a healthy way. Pure Life was the best place to go to start my gap year because I got to work on myself and my mental health in the mountains, rivers, and oceans of Costa Rica.
I got to backpack, surf, raft, cook, and learn Spanish; and also have therapy and work on my well-being. Pure Life… allows you to grow while being in an incredible and unique environment.”
Pure Life Alumni – Summer 2018
A Sample Semester at Pure Life

Week 1
Surfing

Week 2
Rafting

Week 3
Backpacking and Cultural Homestay

Week 4
Wilderness First Aid Certification

Week 5
Surfing

Week 6
Rafting

Week 7
Backpacking and Community Service

Week 8
Technical Ropes and Rescue Certification

Week 9
Surfing

Week 10
Rafting

Week 11
Multi Activity Hiking Adventure

Week 12
Multi Activity Hiking Adventure

Week 13
Surfing

Week 14
Rafting

Week 15
Swift Water Rescue Certification