California Adventure 2011

View our 2010 Catalog On-Line

Explore California! From the peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the rocky wave-swept Pacific Coast, from the hustle and bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf to the spectacular beauty of Yosemite National Park, Bridge California combines outdoor adventure with service learning to offer adventurous students the opportunity to have tons of fun and learn to make a difference by giving back to the communities they explore.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the thrill of rock climbing during a two day ‘rock school’ with professional instructors from Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides.

• Spend five days and nights in the Ansel Adams Wilderness learning the basics of wilderness backpacking and mountaineering.

• Marvel at the raging waterfalls, sheer granite cliffs, lush forests, and alpine meadows of Yosemite National Park.

• Learn to make a difference by doing volunteer work for The Homeless Garden Project in Santa Cruz.

• Visit a migrant worker population in Modesto and learn about the challenges they face on a daily basis.

• Visit vibrant San Francisco, “The Golden Gate City”: eat a burrito in The Mission District, walk the streets of Chinatown, and dig into Ghirardelli chocolate at Fisherman’s Wharf!

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

Bridge California is designed for students who have a love for the outdoors and the desire to learn the skills associated with rock climbing, backpacking, and white water rafting. In addition, students should arrive with an open mind and a willingness to give back to the various communities we visit through service activities. Students will camp and cook over an open stove and carry all their belongings in a backpack for the five-day wilderness portion of the program. Students need to be ready for the challenges of working and living together in a small group.

What Alumni Say About California Adventure:

"I learned how to push myself even more to my limits, like on the backpacking program. When I wanted to stop more than anything I wouldn't, and didn't, and the next thing I knew, we were at our site."

"I learned that I am a stronger person than I thought and that I should never give up."

"I realized you have to give 110%, no just 99%, to make it in a group. I think I gave it most of the time."

"I changed over the course of the program because, unlike the rest of the year, I was not with my regular friends. I made new ones."

"I can't say enough good things about the leaders. My daughter had one of the best summers of her life. She grew and matured as a result of the sensitive and skillful leadership of these two individuals."

"I am happy to say that I feel much less material and more conscious of my impact on other people and the world."

"I have learned how to not just physically but mentally push myself."

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2011 details for this program are subject to change as new developments and opportunities arise. If you would like more information or have specific questions please contact Angus Whyte, Summer Travel Program Director, directly by email  or phone at   404-549-9197.