Question 1

What is Beyond the City?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the City was created to inspire youth through the experience of travel and exploration. Our travel programs explore cities in and outside of Michigan. From cross country destinations to camping and college tours, we encourage teens to step outside their comfort zone and into new exciting experiences.

Question 2

How much does it cost for my youth to participate?

Accepted Answer

$0

All of our trips, excursions, adventures, etc. are FREE, FREE, FREE for our youth.

Question 3

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Applying is easy! Simply fill out our online application form here. Our team will be in touch shortly after with a decision and/or information about next steps.

Contact us if you would like to speak with someone before applying.

Question 4

What kind of youth typically participates in a BTC program? What are the requirements?

Accepted Answer

Typically, our participants are culturally curious  individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.

Our youth live in Michigan's Greater Grand Rapids Area and are between 13 - 17 years of age who have not had many opportunities to travel. Applications are open during the spring and winter seasons.

Question 5

What are your safety protocols?

Accepted Answer

The safety of our participants is our #1 concern, which is why we have only experienced community leaders running the show. We offer 24/7 communication throughout our programs and have detailed risk management and safety policies in place. Please review our policies here.

For information regarding our specific policies with Covid-19 please review our safety document here.

Question 6

Will I be able to communicate with the office or my youth's trip leader during their program?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our office is available to support you 24/7 throughout the summer. We have a designated “emergency line” we share with families that is monitored at all times so that parents can feel confident knowing they can reach us instantly if needed.

We will provide contact information for your trip leader but ask that you stick to emails and reserve phone calls for emergencies. Your trip leader will also be in touch with you with updates!

Question 7

What happens if a participant becomes sick while on a program?

Accepted Answer

If a participant becomes sick while on a program we will notify the parents immediately and make sure the participant is given the medical attention they need as quickly as possible, including a doctor or visit to the closest appropriate medical facility. Parents will be looped in with constant communication and updates.

If a participant needs to rest at the accommodation a staff member will stay with them and ensure they are taken care of unless alternative arrangements are made with the guardian's permission.

Our leaders are all CPR and First Aid certified.

Question 8

What happens after I apply?

Accepted Answer

After you apply, you will receive an email detailing if your youth's application will be moving on to round two or if they were not selected to move forward during this application round.

Youth entering into round two will be contacted to schedule a virtual interview. During the interview, youth will meet with on average 2 - 3 of our trip leaders including other youth who sit on the BTC board.

After completing the virtual interview, youth will be notified with Beyond the City's final decision on if they were or were not accepted into the program.

Final paperwork will have to be completed and signed by guardians once accepted into the program.

Question 9

Do you take photos of the participants during the program?

Accepted Answer

We will take dozens, if not hundreds, of photos during each trip. The best photos will be posted as regularly as possible to a private photo-sharing platform where you can follow along with the trip. You will receive instructions for enrolling in our photo-sharing platform after trip registration.

Question 10

Will the Trip Leader be in touch with updates?

Accepted Answer

The Trip Leader(s) will be in regular contact throughout the trips. internet willing, with our families. Emails will include fun detailed updates about the day’s activities and are a great way for families to follow along with the journey. Email or through our private app will be the best way to communicate messages to trip leadership.

Question 11

Are participants allowed to use their cell phones during the program?

Accepted Answer

Phones are permitted on our programs, we have a firm policy to reduce usage when in an environment that requires limited or no use. Participants may have their phones for emergencies and to utilize for photo opportunities but we expect them to be fully present and unplugged throughout the day and encourage them to live in the moment.

We find this policy works well to help teens and families feel safe knowing they have a phone if they need it while balancing phones not detracting from the actual trip.

Question 12

Who are your leaders?

Accepted Answer

Our team members are leaders and role models. We seek out two main characteristics – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and/or a passion for working with youth. They connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.

We only allow the highest quality applicants who truly feel passionate about the role and are not just looking for an opportunity to travel.

Question 13

What training does your team go through?

Accepted Answer

Our team all receive the same background checks as a school teacher. They are required to participate in an in depth training prior to the start of the season where we cover a variety of skills and topics including group dynamics, safety, health, communication, and executing the perfect trip!

Our leaders are all CPR and First Aid Certified.

Question 14

How do you promote healthy group dynamics?

Accepted Answer

Our leaders go through a very thorough training with a heavy emphasis on group dynamics. We start off every trip with icebreakers to help everyone feel comfortable and get to know each other. Throughout the trip we sprinkle in the perfect amount of group games and activities. Our leaders are masters at facilitating friendships!

Question 15

How do you handle bullies?

Accepted Answer

We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to bullying. Our trips are a friendly and inclusive environment where everyone can feel welcome. One of our five main rules is “no negative energy” and if someone is bullying another participant or bringing the group down and their behavior cannot be corrected they will be dismissed from the program.

Question 16

What are your group sizes?

Accepted Answer

Our group sizes generally are between 10-24 participants. This is the perfect size! Our groups are not too big that you ever feel lost in a crowd or “just a number” but big enough to meet plenty of new people.

Small group sizes allow for our leaders to know each participant as an individual. They allow for ease of movement as we travel around. We have greater flexibility to do things large groups cannot, including using public transit, eating at small local restaurants, and enjoying smaller group activities.

Question 17

Do you allow teens on your programs who may require extra assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are proud of offering an inclusive environment and if your teen requires any type of extra assistance we have several options available. If you believe your teen may benefit from additional help on the program outside of our typical leader duties please contact us and we can discuss your unique needs in more detail.

Question 18

For overnight trips, how many participants share a room?

Accepted Answer

On average 2 - 6 participants will share a room but this varies depending on the accommodation and the rooms allocated to us. Each participant will always have their own bed.

Question 19

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are fully prepared to accommodate dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, or other allergies. We invite you to discuss your dietary restrictions with us prior to departure.

Question 20

How do you get around on your programs?

Accepted Answer

Transport varies depending on the trip so it is best to reference the specific trip. We will always use the form of transportation that maximizes your youth's experience. For example, sometimes we may use rentals, private coach buses, other trips may benefit from us using trains or  public transit where it is appropriate.

Question 21

What are youth not allowed to bring on trips?

Accepted Answer

Anything illegal!
Anything that could be considered a weapon including but not limited to laser pointers
Laptops or iPads
We encourage youth not to bring expensive cameras, electronics or jewelry — YOU BRING AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Question 22

What are BTC's youth expectations?

Accepted Answer

All participants are required to sign our Code of Conduct Agreement before beginning their trip, which you can access via the link at the bottom of this section. Our agreements provide a framework for something that we all strive to live up to. We agree to be respectful of others, their property and beliefs. We also agree to abide by our zero tobacco, alcohol, and drugs policy.

Code of Conduct

Accepting youth applications for our 2026 programs. Apply Now!

Frequently Asked Questions