

CALIFORNIA
WILDERNESS SERVICE & ADVENTURE
A 14-Day Service Learning Program







California

Program Details
Dates: | June 30 – July 13 July 18 – July 31 |
Duration: | 14 days |
Tuition: | $3,695 |
Arrive: | San Francisco, CA |
Depart: | San Francisco, CA |
Grade | 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th (Students Grouped According to Age) |
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Program Highlights
- Hike the Stunning Landscapes of Yosemite National Park Exploring Granite Cliffs, Stunning Waterfalls, and Picturesque Alpine Meadows
- Learn to Surf the Gentle Rolling Waves of Stinson Beach
- Work Alongside Forest Rangers to Protect Yosemite National Park
- Standup Paddle Board the Stunning Blue Waters of Lake Tahoe and Work With Local Conservation Organizations on Important Environmental Projects
- Paddle and Splash through California’s Gold Country While Rafting the Incredible American River
- Visit San Francisco’s Iconic Sights like the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf
- 7th & 8th Grade Program: 10 Hours of Community Service
- 9th-12th Grade Program: 15 Hours of Community Service
Spotlight Project
San Francisco Homeless Outreach
Despite efforts to eradicate homelessness in San Francisco, the numbers continue to be staggeringly high, including close to 900 unaccompanied children. In an effort to contribute to the health and well-being of this underserved population, we partner with nonprofit organizations to reach out in any way we can. Serving meals, organizing donations and conversing with patrons, we aim to make their life a bit easier while gaining perspective and knowledge throughout our service. After completion of this service, we use our new skills and knowledge to create, plan and carry out a homeless outreach project of our own. Not only do we spend the day helping others, but we leave with the tools and ability to bring this project home after the trip and implement it in our own communities around the world!
Program Overview
Experience the bounty of California’s most magical landscapes through exploration and meaningful service on this two-week adventure! Explore the splendors of Yosemite National Park while working alongside park rangers on important conservation projects. Standup paddle board through the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe, whitewater raft down thrilling rapids, and learn to surf at one of Northern California’s most enchanting beaches as you soak in the warm summer sun. Trek across the beautiful and iconic Golden Gate Bridge and explore the wonders of San Francisco. Take a journey this summer that will not be forgotten by you or those you impact!
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Photo Gallery
Program Details
San Francisco
Our summer service adventure begins and ends in the great city of San Francisco, which gives us plenty of time to explore this iconic metropolis and its beautiful natural surroundings. We cruise the city’s quaint streets visiting colorful neighborhoods and iconic destinations. We laugh at the sea lions playing below Pier 39, ride a cable car up the steep hills near Lombard Street, wander through Chinatown, and have a chance to pick up a few souvenirs from the famous Fisherman’s Wharf.
Yosemite National Park Exploration
Yosemite National Park was among the first National Parks created in America. Well known for its towering waterfalls and unfathomable granite spires, Yosemite is as wild as it is beautiful. We spend three days exploring the famous sights of this incredible landscape while also partnering with the National Forest Service to lend a hand on important park projects. Our community service programming gives students the opportunity to build, preserve, and maintain natural areas that grant visitors access to the outdoors.
Upon completion of our impactful projects, we take time to explore this extensive landscape, meandering through El Capitan Meadow, taking a refreshing hike along the picturesque Mist Trail, and watching the sunset behind the dazzling granite cliffs of Half Dome. Our adventures in Yosemite are sure to be among the highlights of our adventure!
Stand Up Paddle Board & Lake Tahoe Adventures
Lake Tahoe, where California and Nevada meet, is the gem of the Sierra Nevada. Surrounded by towering mountains that slip into clear sapphire waters, we spend three days in this amazing location playing and working hard! Joining local conservation organizations, we get our hands dirty on various environmental projects and help maintain local trail networks.
While in Tahoe we also have plenty of time to play, as we venture into the lush pine forests, take refreshing dips in the clear rivers, and have the chance to Standup Paddle Board the famous turquoise water that makes Tahoe such a popular destination.
Whitewater Rafting the American River
Traveling back towards the Bay, through California’s Central Valley, we find ourselves at the stunning American River. Weaving through lush mountain valleys, the American River is the perfect place to play in the summer heat. After some detailed instruction from our river guides, we learn how to safely navigate our rafts and inflatable kayaks through Class II and III rapids during this exciting day on the river!
Marin County & Surfing
Tucked across the Golden Gate Bridge only a few miles North from San Francisco lies a sprawling playground of coastal mountains, towering redwood trees, and secluded beaches! Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, this region has some of the most sought out destinations in California. Here, we have the exciting opportunity to search for wildlife along the Point Reyes National Seashore, climb the slopes of Mount Tamalpais for endless ocean views, or wander through the towering redwood groves of Muir Woods.
In Stinson Beach, we have a morning of fun in the sun while taking some surf lessons on the world-famous break of the Pacific Ocean! We also take a chance to explore the Golden Gate Bridge by walking under its bright red supports gaining spectacular views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the hundreds of sailboats dotting the waters below. Our time in Marin allows us to reflect on our adventure and soak in the new friendships created throughout our journey.
Program Reviews
“Isabel had the most amazing time on the trip. She made wonderful friends, loved the group leaders, and was emotionally moved by the community service projects.”
— Parent of Isabel Z., Sea Cliff, NY“Margo said the best part of her program was the day she collected tickets at the soup kitchen and got to talk to everyone who came through the door.”
— Parent of Margo S., Bala Cynwyd, PA“I don’t know how I survived without my child for two weeks but I did so mostly because every time we talked or I read the blogs, saw the photos, she was so happy!”
— Parent of Shayli K., Deerfield, IL“On this program, I have met people from all over, with whom I will keep in touch with for years.”
— Ethan M., Summit, NJ“An amazing experience; I met life long friends.”
— Margo S., Bala Cynwyd, PA“I think Tyler has had a great accomplishment, going on his own, experiencing a much rougher form of vacation than he’s ever experienced but it was so successful for him that I think he’s gained greater confidence and independence.”
— Parent of Tyler O., Pleasantville, NY“This program changed my life!”
— Shayli K. Deerfield, IL“He loved working in soup kitchen and had great experience understanding what it means to give and how people felt about receiving help. The tenderloin was an eye opener for Oliver.”
— Parent of Oliver M., Montclair, NJ“The California Service Program was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. The Leaders were so nice and enthusiastic and everyone in the group became like my second family.”
— Michelle K., Foster City, CA“I thought this program was a blast and everybody should go on the California Service Program!”
— Mirabela W., Fort Worth, TX“I learned that I can change someone’s life with simple acts of kindness.”
— Isabella Z., Sea Cliff, NY“This program has opened my eyes to much regarding the homeless. It has taught me to the less judgmental in general.”
— Sophia S., Brussels, Belgium
Group Journal Excerpts
Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their California Adventure and Service Program:
ARCC helps the California natural environment!
As I am writing this I am sitting in the white ARCC van with 14 other people. We just got back from a hike/helping clear non native plants from the hills of California 🙂 At first I was nervous that I wasn’t going to do as well as the other campers, but I proved myself…Read more
City Day in San Francisco
A few days ago, our service work at the Glide homeless center started early in the morning and proved to be a very humbling and powerful experience. Our day continued as we explored San Francisco, including Fisherman’s Warf, and some super cool looking seals! We then took a trolley to China Town and had a…Read more
GLIDE Foundation Service
Hey guys! Today was an amazing day full of eye opening experiences. We woke up at 5 15 with the very loud owls. We first went to GLIDE foundation, a good kitchen in San Francisco. Everyone was picked for a different task such as collecting tickets and serving food. My job was to hand out…Read more
Loving Lake Tahoe!
Monday was spent primary on the beautiful beaches of Lake Tahoe. We swam and played games all day long. It was our first totally relaxed day, and while it was fun, it did prepare us for our service with the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail. We built trails next to Heavenly Ski Resort in Nevada for…Read more
Our Last Few Days
Ahoy! The last leg of our journey proved to be amazing. It began with a beautiful drive along the shore of Lake Tahoe through Tioga pass to Yosemite! It was a long drive but it was worth it because along the way we saw an amazing sunset in Nevada and stopped to dine on the…Read more
Reflections on Our Two-Weeks
Upon arrival everything soon becomes shared. We share tents, responsibilities, and experiences. We share all these once-in-a-lifetime adventures and see out-of-this-world views and sights, helping out as we go. All of our experiences are unforgettable, but the times where we bond the most are those in-between moments. The long car rides, unique games, and intimate…Read more
San Francisco Treat
We took a cable car from where we were at Glide up the giant hills of San Francisco to Aquatic Park. We walked out to the end of a long wharf where we had a view of Alcatraz, the city and even the Golden Gate Bridge! Rafaela and Matt surprised us with ice cream from…Read more
Common Questions
What is the weather like in California?
Summer weather in Northern California can vary greatly. Expect warm weather throughout the itinerary (80’s to 90’s). Some areas can reach into the low 100’s. The coastal areas can be milder and in the mountains the days are generally warm, but the evenings can sometimes be chilly. All throughout the state, you may encounter fog (San Francisco), high heat (Cache Creek), chilly nights (Lake Tahoe) or afternoon storms (Yosemite.) Daytime temperatures can be as warm as 100°F and nights as cool as 40°F.
What are the service projects like?
ARCC has been operating programs in California for several years, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals, small communities and organizations who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups. On this program, we prepare and serve food to homeless communities in San Francisco, build trails in Lake Tahoe, and work alongside Yosemite National Park Rangers to help conserve the natural habitat.
Where will we sleep?
You will sleep in tents in National Parks, State Parks and beautiful private campsites. All campgrounds are “front-country,” meaning you will be close to the group van at every site. All campgrounds have restroom facilities and running water for cooking, washing hands, etc. Many campgrounds have showers on-site as well. You will sleep in groups of 3-4 in tents supplied by ARCC. Please make sure you check the California Service Clothing & Equipment List and remember to bring your own sleeping bag and pad.
How will we travel?
Each group will travel together, with their two leaders, in a 15-passenger van. If you would like to bring music for these rides, feel free to bring a music player or CDs. If you bring an iPod or MP3 player, make sure to bring a radio adapter, as most of our vans do not have a MP3 jack. In San Francisco, we use public transportation and our own feet to see the sights.
What is the food like?
The group will work together to create each menu and prepare the meals throughout the duration of this trip, with occasional meals out during travel days.
Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e. allergies) are catered for. It does help if we are informed of this prior to departure date.
How much spending money should I bring?
We suggest bringing spending money of roughly $75/week. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks and emergencies (lost items, clinic visit, etc.). A small amount of cash and ATM cards usually work best.
Do I need some sort of ID to travel?
If you are traveling to California from somewhere in the United States and are under the age of 18, airlines do not require photo identification. It is a good idea to travel with a picture I.D. if possible, but it is not necessary to bring a passport. A school identification card with your photo on it is best, but a library card or credit card with your name on it is also helpful. If you are traveling to California from somewhere outside of the United States, you will need to bring your valid passport.
Do I really need to bring a backpack, or can I bring a rolling suitcase on this program?
Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this trip, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. Throughout the trip the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. The group will be able to move much more efficiently if everyone is carrying their belongings on their back.
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19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, OR 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC
Contact Us
19800 Village Office Ct.
Suite 200
Bend, Oregon 97702
(415) 332-5075
Email ARCC