Adventure Treks consistently has the highest repeat rate of any similar program for both students (60%) and instructors (70%).
“In just a few days’ time, strangers turn to friends, friends to family, and on the last day you WON’T want to leave.”
– Sierra Cocoziello
Cedar Grove, NJ
Captain your sailboat on a wilderness lake, paddle a raft on a wild rapid, grab your friends and see if you can reach your arms around a giant Redwood, gaze at amazing views from atop a mountain peak. The California Explorer mixes a variety of activities with diverse scenery and great weather. This is the perfect trip for first-timers or for experienced students who want to discover the best of Northern California.
The stunning view from Black Butte, with Mount Shasta towering over the landscape, sets the stage for this amazing trip. Spend the next three days camping beside alpine lakes and hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail. Summit Mount Eddy at 9,025 feet for breath-taking views. Make lifelong friends as you learn the basics of backpacking.
Feel the grit of the rock beneath your fingertips as you climb. We set up a variety of routes in the cliffs near Mount Shasta so you can choose your level of challenge. Learn the fundamentals of climbing and see how quickly your skills improve. End the day with a refreshing swim in a nearby lake.
Eat and sleep aboard a sailboat on your 3-day voyage across the largest lake west of the Rockies. Here, snow covered peaks tower above the clear water. You’ll learn to sail a 24-foot Catalina Sloop and learn to captain the boat! Jump off the stern for a refreshing swim. After sunset, check out the clear night sky for shooting stars.
You’ll never forget your three days of fun on the Klamath River. Paddle inflatable kayaks or rafts during the day, and sleep under billions of stars on a sandy beach at night. Hike up a side stream to twin waterfalls with a swimming hole and jumping rock. This is sure to be the highlight of your summer!
The Lost Coast is simply magical! Backpack for four days with the ocean on one side, the spectacular King Range Mountains on the other, and sand beneath your feet. Explore an old lighthouse, see amazing marine life and dip your toes into the Pacific Ocean. Put your backpacking skills into practice as you take the lead, supported by your new friends.
Feel tiny as you hike among the ancient 2,000 year old California Redwoods. Explore this enchanted ecosystem amongst Jurassic ferns and huge trees!
Space is Limited. Call 888-954-5555 for more information about this trip and to check availability. Apply early to ensure the trip of your choice.
Flights:
ARRIVAL: Sacramento, CA airport (SMF)
Schedule arrival between 8 AM and 1 PM on June 24
DEPARTURE: from Sacramento, CA airport (SMF)
Schedule departure between 6 AM and 1 PM on July 13
Driving:
ARRIVAL: Terminal B Food Court at the Sacramento, CA airport
Schedule arrival between 9 AM and 10 AM on June 24
DEPARTURE: Terminal B Food Court at the Sacrament, CA airport
Schedule pick up between 9 AM and 11 AM on July 13
June 24: Students arrive in Sacramento, CA (SMF) by 1pm.
June 25: Day hike Black Butte. The amazing view, with Mt. Shasta towering over the landscape, sets the stage for the great scenery you will see throughout the trip.
June 26-28: 3-day backpack in the Eddy Mountains. Spend the days camping beside alpine lakes and hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail. You have the option to summit 9,025’ Mt. Eddy for spectacular views.
June 29 - July 1: Enjoy a 3-day sailing trip on Klamath Lake. We eat and sleep aboard the boats as we explore the largest lake west of the Rockies. Learn to captain the boat and enjoy lots of swim breaks.
July 2: Rock climb at Cantera Rock near Mt. Shasta. We set up a variety of routes so everyone, from beginner to advanced, can choose their level of challenge.
July 3: Logistics day (shop for food, do laundry, and clean vans). Drive to Happy Camp.
July 4-6: Enjoy a 3-day Raft trip on the Middle Klamath River with River Dancers. Paddle inflatable kayaks or rafts during the day, and sleep under billions of stars on a sandy beach at night. Hike up a side stream to twin waterfalls with a swimming hole and jumping rock.
July 7: Drive to the Redwoods through Eureka, CA.
July 8-11: Enjoy a 4-day Beach Backpack on the Lost Coast. The Lost Coast is simply magical! Backpack with the ocean on one side, the spectacular King Range Mountains on the other, and the sand under your feet.
July 12: Day Hike through the giant Redwoods and drive to Sacramento for a farewell dinner. Overnight at Fog Willow Farm and meet goats, bunnies, mini horses, and a mini cow named Smalls.
July 13: Students depart from Sacramento, CA by 1 pm.
We reserve the right to alter the itinerary prior to and throughout the trip as we constantly improve the Adventure Treks experience. Itineraries may change due to: Severe weather, student ability, motivation and conditioning, high or low rivers, high or low snow pack, unpredictable natural disasters and acts of God, vehicle breakdowns, road closures, volcanic activity, forest fires, illness, ever changing permit regulations, any potential threat to safety; even a brilliant idea from an instructor or student. In the event of a schedule change, comparable activities will be substituted when possible and you will be notified by e-mail of significant changes.
Is this the best trip for me?
This Explorer is a great introduction for students in 7-8th grade who want to experience a variety of outdoor activities, learn new outdoor skills, get to know a great new group of friends and be part of a tight-knit community.
Every single student from the 2007 California Explorer returned for a second Adventure Treks trip! The 2008 California Explorer had a 90% return rate!
What if I've never flown across country before?
Many of the students on this trip are first-time travelers. Learn more about Traveling to and From Adventure Treks and how we help to make it easy for parents and students.
Will I be the only new student on the trip?
Our Experience, Explorer and Adventure trips are mostly new students, and 90% of our students don't know anyone when they arrive. You'll be surprised how quickly you make friends at Adventure Treks. By the end of the first day, students often say they feel like one big family.
For more answers, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or call us at 888-954-5555. We’re always happy to help you out!
Amanda Cencak - Amanda joins Adventure Treks for her sixth summer as a Trip Leader. She is currently working on her Master’s in Professional Counseling from Westminster University. She is a graduate of Northern Arizona University with her bachelor’s in Parks and Rec. Management. Amanda has been a baker, rodeo queen horse trainer and master goat wrangler. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder, and has traveled extensively in Guatemala and Peru.
MegHan Ecclesine Originally from the Great Lakes State, MegHan majored in Spanish at Western Michigan University. She's traveled and studied Spanish in Guatemala and Spain. MegHan joins us from Western Massachusetts where she has worked for the Student Conservation Association teaching Environmental Education and maintaining trails across the state, as well as working as a Zip Line Canopy Tour Guide for the past two summers. MegHan completed the Outdoor Leadership Program at Greenfield Community College. She is a Wilderness First Responder, ACA Certified Canoe Instructor and Leave No Trace Trainer. In her spare time MegHan loves to paddle, hike, play ping pong, and cross-country ski.
Lauren Textor – Lauren is originally from Minnesota, and loves backpacking and sailing. She has been an outdoor guide in Alaska, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Minnesota. She has a degree in anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania. When not in the woods, Lauren researches health disparities and loves to make films. She is a certified Lifeguard and Wilderness First Responder.
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Neil Rudis – Originally from Chicago, Neil joins us for his second year. He holds a degree in History from Northern Illinois University where he was captain of the school's Ultimate Frisbee Team. He also spent a year at Southern Cross University, Australia where he studied Outdoor Education and Aboriginal Studies and surfed the East Coast. Neil coaches his climbing gym's youth climbing team. He is a graduate of the NOLS Outdoor Educator Semester and is a certified Top-Rope Site Manager, Leave No Trace Master, Wilderness First Responder, and EMT. His passion lies in surfing, climbing, and backpacking, which has taken him to almost every state in the country.
Troy Adams (T-roy) - Troy grew up hiking in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park as well as rock climbing, rapelling, and caving throughout the southeast. Troy has led outdoor all over the country since 1999, including backpacking, caving, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and bike touring. He has retraced the Lewis and Clark expedition by bike with high school students. He is a certified Wilderness First Responder, Whitewater Rescue Technician, and National Ski Patrol Mountain Travel and Rescue Technician. Troy is a professional cyclist and mountain biker and has competed throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico since 2000. He is currently working on a Recreation Management Degree from Western Carolina University.
*Instructors may change prior to your trip – we’ll let you know if this happens.
Adventure Treks is a program for teenagers, so we don’t allow any inappropriate language or content in our reviews. We do screen reviews for spam and legitimacy, and we will post all appropriate comments in full.
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Thanks for interest in Adventure Treks!
Our administrative staff welcomes the opportunity to answer any questions and help you choose the best summer experience for your child.
1. Fill out our online application or apply by phone by calling 888-954-5555 Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST. Submit an $800 deposit to hold your place on the adventure of your choice.
2. We intentionally limit the size of our program, so enrollment is limited. Please send in your application early to ensure a place on the trip of your choice.
3. Our acceptance process ensures a great peer group for your child. We require an essay and 2 references from each new student, and we may also arrange a brief phone interview to get to know your child better.
All deposits are refundable prior to March 1st, less a $200 processing fee, for cancellation for any reason. For cancellations after March 1st, tuition is non-refundable. We recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance for your protection. If a participant withdraws voluntarily or is sent home as a consequence of unacceptable behavior, no refund of any kind will be granted. It is the parents’ responsibility to cover any additional travel expenses.
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| Duration: | 20 days |
| Dates: | June 24 - July 13 |
| Grades: | 7-8 |
| Activities: | |
| States: |
California |
| Price: | $3595 |
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