Supporting the American Teenage Experience Project


Earlier in 2015 we were contacted by 17-year-old Will Friend of Boston who was completely fired up about doing something to inspire his generation to at least talk about if not solve some of our most pressing global problems. Exploration and engagement seemed to him the best way to approach his need to do, and his research lead him to Ted Simon (jupitalia.comtedsimonfoundation.org) and then to us.

After reading his draft thoughts we scheduled a Skype call with Will, and that convinced us that this young person had the writing talent and drive and personality to make it happen, so we flew him out to Overland Expo to meet fellow adventurers and glean some tips on  how to turn travel into a conversation for change.

His project “The American Teenage Experience” is now underway, with a simple goal, expressed on Will’s Maptia page:

Exploration is the most important theme of my generation. 

Beyond the enduring exploration of one’s own identity, this generation of youth must embrace the exploration of the identities of those we are unfamiliar with in order to meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of our ever smaller world. 

My mission is simple: Explore the Nation I call home, and the lives of my peers who reside within it.  My methods are simpler: Ride Amtrak from New Orleans to New York City this July. Ask 10 questions of the teenagers I encounter along the way, in interviews of approximately 20 minutes.

Do you know a teen who can meet up with Will along his route? Please visit his project page for the link to the interview signup form.

https://maptia.com/willfriend/stories/the-american-teenage-experience-project-atlantic-to-gulf


ConserVentures, our sister charity funded in part by Overland Expo profits, is providing a small grant for the project.

Latest Stories

On the Hunt: Wildlife Photography with Matt Suess at Mountain West

On the Hunt: Wildlife Photography with Matt Suess at Mountain West

Chris McCormack will be speaking at four Overland Expo events this summer on travel photography, solo travel, and adventure moto…
Best Gear at Overland Expo PNW 2025

Best Gear at Overland Expo PNW 2025

Attending an Overland Expo provides the opportunity to see the latest and greatest gear from vendors throughout the country. With…
Want to shoot photos like a pro? Come learn from one! Chris McCormack to join us at Mountain West

Want to shoot photos like a pro? Come learn from one! Chris McCormack to join us at Mountain West

Chris McCormack will be speaking at four Overland Expo events this summer on travel photography, solo travel, and adventure moto…