Our Story

For nearly forty years, Overland has been more than simply a summer experience

— it’s a life experience with value and resonance that extends far beyond the boundaries of a single summer. In everything we do, we seek to show our students how beautiful and exciting, how full of promise the world is.

Having just graduated from Williams College, Tom Costley was inspired to offer experiences to kids with a focus on small groups, carefully crafted challenges, and clearly defined goals. In 1984, Overland became a reality with three trips in New England. In the decades that followed, new destinations and activities were added but a common mission remained: to provide young people the chance to work together in small groups to accomplish something of importance to them—hike the world’s most beautiful mountains, work with an underserved community, master a new language.

Almost forty summers later, Overland has grown wonderfully but remains true to its original inspiration. Rock-solid values—teamwork and selflessness—imbue an organization where the standards are high, the expectations clear, the tone adventurous.