Found Oyster on the DofE approved provider list & signed our son up for the surf/conservation camp in Portugal. Slightly anxious about how solo travel would work but the website has lots of really comprehensive/useful information & checklists & we had a dedicated contact who kept us on track. Kate kept up regular comms with us throughout & was on hand with quick responses to queries. Our son said it was the best trip ever! Accommodation was great, location perfect, local staff really friendly & helpful. Really good orientation day at the beginning & a really good balance of independence & support. The surfing instruction was excellent & he really enjoyed the conservation work. Fantastic opportunity to have fun/be part of something worthwhile as well as make friends from all over the world. Despite being his first solo trip abroad we were reassured by the level of professionalism of Oyster & would definitely recommend/use again.
Adam, 1 week, July 2026
Ken here. My son Dylan had an amazing time in Lisbon volunteering and is planning to join Oyster again for his gap year to do rugby coaching in South Africa. perfect mix of adventure, environmental action and community impact.
Dylan, 1 week, May 2026
I had a really great time on my trip – made so many friends and enjoyed all that the programme had to offer. I also completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Residential section.
