Channel Islands Sea Kayaking (Challenging)
We are excited to again offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend three days kayaking in the remote and breathtakingly beautiful Channel Islands. The Channel Islands National Park offers some of the best kayaking opportunities in the sunny state of California. Choose this trip for the ultimate adventure experience. Upon arrival at Channel Islands National Park, you will get suited up for the adventure with a wetsuit, paddle jacket and helmet (provided). Once on the water, your guides will offer a thorough kayak lesson to assure everyone is comfortable. Each day you will spend 3-4 hours touring through 2-3 miles of beautiful kelp forests along rugged cliffs. You will see different sections of the park each day and may even paddle into sea caves if possible.
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Colorado River Canoeing (Moderate)
If you like the water and don't mind a getting a bit of a workout, then this trip has your name written all over it! You will canoe 10-15 miles down-river each day and camp out at different locations each night. There will be opportunities to jump off cliffs into the Colorado River, see wildlife up close and explore the many caves along the river. It does tend to get very hot on this trip, but you can always jump into the water to cool down as needed. No previous canoeing experience is necessary but students must be capable swimmers. There will be two canoeing trips this year.
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Santa Barbara Surfing (Moderate)
Keeping in line with the laid-back California lifestyle, what better way to spend your Wilderness Orientation Adventure than playing in the sand and splashing around in the ocean? Never surfed before? No problem. This trip offers a great foundation to surfing, focusing on the fundamentals of paddling, catching waves and riding them. We will be renting surfboards and hiring an instructor so all you really need to think about is your swimsuit! No previous surfing experience is necessary but you must be a capable swimmer. Like canoeing, there will be two trips offered this year.
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Rock Climbing (Challenging)
Rock climbing is back! For the first time in years, we will be offering a rock climbing WOA! Trip. The location has yet to be determined, but you can be sure to expect breathtaking views and amazing climbs. No prior rock climbing experience is required, but a familiarity with the sport is recommended. There will be a third party professional guide on the trip, and all necessary gear will be provided. We are very excited to bring this trip back. If you are interested, be sure to send in your application quickly as this was one of the most popular trips in the past.
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Big Bear Camping/Service Trip (Relaxing)
For the first time, we are offering a service-based WOA! trip in conjunction with the Center for Civic Engagement. Based in the Big Bear area of the San Bernardino National Forest, this trip will involve working on ecological restoration projects in the forest area during the day and returning to the campground at night for recreation time. Participants will have the option of hiking in the area or kayaking on Big Bear Lake. This trip is a good option for students interested in service-based work and ecological restoration.
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Sequoia/King's Canyon Backpacking (Challenging)
On this trip, you will find yourself hiking the gorgeous Twin Lakes trail, which provides all sorts of fun obstacles: walking on logs, rock-hopping across a river and even the occasional bear encounter. Upon arrival you will set up camp, hike into Clover Creek on the second day and set up camp there for the second and third nights, and finally hike to the lakes on the third day. Hiking beneath the unique and majestic beauty of the giant sequoias can't be beat! Backpackers of all levels are welcome; no experience required.
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Sequoia/King's Canyon Camping (Relaxing)
We have offered this trip for many years and it has become a program classic. You will spend the nights sleeping under the stars and redwoods at the Dorst Creek campground. Your days will be full of opportunities ranging from venturing out into the wilderness to explore the beautiful scenery to lounging around the campsite over a game of cards. This is a perfect trip for the person who wants to participate, but may not want the stress of carrying their camp site around on their back. Sequoia camping is always fun and provides students with an invaluable chance to bond with other people on their trip while enjoying nature.
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Yosemite Backing (Challenging)
This is another program classic. You will be hiking on the Yosemite Falls trail in the gorgeous Yosemite National Parks. You will be hiking around the famous Yosemite Falls and this will definitely be an adventure you won't want to miss out on! You might see a bear, swim in a lake sustained from melting glaciers or experience amazing, breathtaking views. You have to be prepared to hike a bit though - there will be a 5-8 mile journey each day. Students who have gone on this trip in years past always come back commenting on the fantastic views and amazing time they had. Beginning backpackers are welcome; no experience necessary.
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Grand Canyon Camping (Relaxing)
Have you ever wanted to personally experience the Grand Canyon up close? Well luckily you have the chance to do just that if you choose to go on this trip. Though still relatively young, this trip has received nothing but rave reviews. You will spend your nights sleeping under the stars at the North Rim campground. You will have numerous hiking opportunities or the option of simply lounging around the campground playing games and getting to know the other people on your trip. This trip is perfect for you if you want to go on an outdoorsy trip without having to worry about it being too strenuous.
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Yosemite Camping (Relaxing)
Yosemite camping is back! Don't miss out on your chance to spend four days on the Bridalveil Campground. With the intricate system of creeks running through and around the campground, awe-inspiring views are just a short hike away. Plan on spending days exploring the wilderness and nights sharing laughs around the campfire. We weren't lucky enough to secure this camp site last year, so don't miss out on this rare opportunity.
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