Positive Adventures

Positive Adventures offers overnight retreats, day programs, wilderness programs, day camps, school break overnight retreats, and summer camps in San Diego. Activities listed in the program facts include kayaking, ropes courses, surfing, hiking, environmental science, and on-campus programming. It also runs expedition-style trips in rugged backcountry settings and day programming on school campuses, ropes courses, or at nearby parks and natural spaces.

Programs

• Overnight Retreats — Overnight outdoor education experience for students to explore outdoor destinations, learn about the natural world, try new things, and gain independence.
• Day Programs — Day programming for clients on school campuses, ropes courses, or at parks and natural spaces nearby; can be developed for single or multiple days.
• Wilderness Programs — Expedition style trips in rugged backcountry settings where groups extend outside their comfort zones and develop a working team dynamic.
• Day Camps — ELOP-funded day camps with activities including kayaking, ropes courses, surfing, hiking, environmental science, and on-campus programming.
• School Break Overnight Retreats — Overnight retreats offered during school breaks for students to experience nature with classmates.
• Summer Camps in San Diego

At a glance

• Ages: 5–16 years old
• General schedule: Multi-day and overnight programs; day programming can be single or multiple days.

About the provider

Positive Adventures was born in 2004, and Jered Cherry joined as operating partner in 2007. The organization says its mission is to provide school partners with opportunities for student growth, personal achievement, and education through experiential learning. Staff are background checked, CPR/First Aid certified, and belay certified, and senior staff have Wilderness First Responder certifications, American Mountain Guide Association certifications, advanced degrees, and medical training. The organization also uses service learning and environmental stewardship and says it prioritizes acknowledging, appreciating, and learning about the indigenous groups of each area where it guides programs.

The organization states a commitment to safety, comprehensive risk management policies, and ongoing staff training. Core values include Family First, Efficient Excellence, Purposeful Programming, Constant Stoke and Community Do-Gooding, and Sustainability: Preserve, Conserve, CHANGE.

What families say

“I was very impressed with the program, I felt the leaders were excellent and very organized and the schedule, activities, and logistics were well-thought out and smooth. I SO appreciated the Day 1 check in between the chaperones and Course Director. It made me feel prepared for the rest of the trip!” — The Buckley School

“These students gained a lot from their experience with Positive Adventures. I especially appreciated the way you handled the closing ceremony. You have an ability to read a kid’s heart and it’s clear you have a deep sense of empathy and ethics.” — Pilgrim School

“The most impactful moments came during the hikes, rock climbing, and especially the skits. Each of these moments gave the scholars an opportunity to discover their inner strengths, talents, and find their voice.” — Equitas Academy

Last updated October 4, 2026.