CALIFORNIA

Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the trip’s activities, length and climate. Please click here to view the California: Urban & Wilderness Service packing list.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The group will work together to create each menu and prepare the meals throughout the duration of this trip, with occasional outings for local cuisine.

Vegetarians and medical dietary requirements (i.e. allergies) are catered for. It does help if we are informed of this prior to departure date.

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.

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.

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.