CALIFORNIA

San Francisco and the Bay Area

Our summer service adventure begins and ends in the great city of San Franciso, which gives us plenty of time to explore the iconic metropolis. We cruise the cities quaint streets visiting iconic destinations. We laugh at the sea lions playing below Pier 39, ride a cable car up the steep hills, wander through Chinatown and have a chance to pick up a few souvenirs from Union Square.

In the city, we have the incredible opportunity to volunteer at St. Anthony’s and the Glide Foundation to help their efforts to support the impoverished and underserved residents of San Francisco. Through our service, we help those in need to rise above their current circumstances by providing free meals, clothing, and technical job training programs. These programs, offered 365 days a year, are an integral part of the efforts to help alleviate poverty and suffering for people of all ages. We spend our time with these organizations sharing meals, smiles, and stories with these children, men, and women, as we brighten their days, and our own!

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park was among the first three National Parks created in America. Well known for its towering waterfalls and towering granite slabs, Yosemite is as wild as it is beautiful. We spend three days exploring these famous sights, from the dazzling granite cliffs of Half Dome to the serene waters of the Tuolumne River. As we venture around this amazing place we take the opportunity to frolic through El Capitan Meadow or take a refreshing hike along the picturesque Mist Trail.

In this region, we have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the National Forest Service to give back to this amazing part of our country. Our community service program gives students the opportunity to build, preserve and maintain natural areas that grant visitors access to the outdoors.

Lake Tahoe Basin

Lake Tahoe, where California and Nevada meet, is the gem of the Sierra Nevadas. Surrounded by towering mountains that slip into clear sapphire waters, we spend three days in this amazing location playing and working hard! Joining local non-profits, we maintain trails and work to build new ones for future generations to explore. We also have plenty of time to venture into the lush pine forests, clear rivers, and alpine blue lakes which make Tahoe such a premier destination.

Whitewater Kayaking and Surfing

Traveling back towards the Bay, through California’s Central Valley, we find ourselves at the hidden treasure of Cache Creek. Weaving through lush mountain valleys, Cache Creek 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 inflatable kayaks through Class II and III rapids during this exciting day on the river!

In the Bay, we also take a chance to explore the Golden Gate Bridge by walking under its bright red supports. Here we gain even more spectacular views of Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the hundreds of sailboats dotting the water. 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!

Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their California Adventure and Service Program:

Speak With the Regional Director

   Director for Domestic Programs

   Phone: 415-332-5075 ext. 227

   Email: eben@arccprograms.com