3 Things Most Families Don’t Know About California
California: Pacific Sun is a 14-day middle school trip for students completing grades 6 to 8.
The trip moves from the Pacific coast to the Sierra Nevada, with redwoods, whitewater rafting, Yosemite, backcountry trail work, Lake Tahoe, a ropes course, paddleboarding, and a final surf day.
It is designed for middle school students, but it still asks them to do full things: camp, cook, paddle, hike, work on trails, share space, and live without phones for two weeks.
Here are three things families may not know before reading the full itinerary.
1. The trip starts on the Pacific coast
Day 1 begins with arrival in San Francisco, meeting the group and leaders, and heading to the coast for games, dinner, and a first look at the Pacific.
Day 2 is orientation and Muir Woods. Students spend time getting to know the group in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, walk among redwoods in Muir Woods, and take in views of the Bay.
Day 3 is Mount Tamalpais. The group hikes to the top for big coastal views, then travels inland to the first camp.
That start matters. Students do not begin immediately in the mountains. They begin on the coast, with redwoods, ocean air, group games, and a few days to learn the rhythm before the itinerary moves inland.
2. Yosemite includes biking, hiking, backcountry camping, and trail work
Days 5 to 9 are the Yosemite and backcountry stretch.
On Day 5, the group leaves the river and heads toward the Sierra, arriving in Yosemite and setting up camp in the pines.
Days 6 and 7 are spent in Yosemite Valley. Students bike through the valley floor, then explore trails on foot, passing waterfalls, granite walls, and wildflower meadows.
Days 8 and 9 move deeper into the backcountry for two nights of remote camping and trail work.
This is where the service hours are rooted. The California trip includes 16 to 20 service hours, with students supporting trail work while camping and cooking together in a quieter part of the trip.
For middle schoolers, that is a strong combination: Yosemite first by bike and on foot, then time caring for the kind of trails they have just been using.
3. The Lake Tahoe stretch adds ropes, paddleboarding, and surfing
Day 10 is the transfer to Lake Tahoe.
On Day 11, students take on a high and low ropes course. They climb, swing, balance, and support each other through the elements.
Day 12 begins with paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe. After lunch, the group heads back toward the coast for one last night under the stars.
Day 13 is the final full day: a surf lesson, beach games, and a sunset closing circle.
That last stretch gives the trip a different pace. After rafting, Yosemite, and backcountry service, students move into group challenge, time on the lake, and the Pacific again before heading home.
What the trip looks like
Day 1 is arrival in San Francisco, meeting the group, heading to the coast, games, dinner, and a first look at the Pacific.
Day 2 is group orientation, Muir Woods, and views of the Bay.
Day 3 is Mount Tamalpais and travel inland.
Day 4 is whitewater rafting on the American River, with Class II to III rapids and riverside camping.
Day 5 is the transfer to Yosemite.
Days 6 and 7 are Yosemite biking and hiking.
Days 8 and 9 are trail work and wilderness camping.
Day 10 is travel to Lake Tahoe.
Day 11 is the ropes course.
Day 12 is paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe and a coastal transfer.
Day 13 is surfing, beach games, and the closing circle.
Day 14 is departure.
What families should know before applying
Trip length and grade range. This is a 14-day trip for middle school students completing grades 6 to 8.
Tuition. $5,195 for our 2026 California trip.
Service hours. 16 to 20 hours of service work.
Location. The trip travels through California, from the Pacific Coast to the Sierra Nevada.
Travel. Families book flights to and from San Francisco, California. We use SFO as the gateway airport. Do not book flights until RLT sends the official travel window.
Accommodations. Students tent camp for the majority of the trip, from the coast to the mountains. The group also spends two nights in a family-friendly hostel at the start of the trip.
Sleeping setup. Students sleep in shared tents or rooms, 2 to 3 per tent, divided by gender.
Bathrooms and showers. Campsites are simple, with rustic bathrooms at each campsite. Short showers are typically available every 3 to 4 days.
Food. All meals are prepared together at camp. Students rotate through cook crew, helping plan, prep, cook, and clean with staff support. Expect meals like burrito bowls, pasta, pancakes, sandwiches, and stir fry.
Dietary needs. RLT accommodates allergies and dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
Packing. RLT recommends one checked soft duffel bag, not a rolling suitcase, plus a small carry-on backpack. Students bring personal clothing, toiletries, and individual camping gear such as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. RLT provides group gear, including tents, cooking equipment, and specialized activity equipment.
Trip insurance. Trip insurance is not required for this domestic program, but RLT strongly encourages it.
Passport. A passport is not needed for this program.
Phones. This program is phone-free. Leaders collect phones and personal electronics on Day 1 and return them at the end. Digital cameras and GoPros are welcome.
Questions families often ask
Is this trip only for middle school students?
Yes. California: Pacific Sun is for students completing grades 6 to 8.
Does my student need prior camping experience?
Prior camping experience is not listed as required. Students should be ready to sleep in tents for most of the trip, help set up camp, cook meals, keep shared spaces clean, and live with a group.
Does my student need rafting, paddleboarding, or surfing experience?
No prior experience is listed as required. The itinerary includes Class II to III rafting, paddleboarding, and a surf lesson. Students should be ready to listen, follow instructions, and spend active days around water.
What kind of service do students do?
Students complete trail work during the backcountry section of the trip. The trip includes 16 to 20 service hours.
Where do students sleep?
Students spend most nights tent camping and two nights in a family-friendly hostel at the start of the trip. Tents and rooms are shared and divided by gender.
How to talk to your student about this trip
Before they go, you might say:
“You’ll spend two weeks traveling through California with a middle school group. You’ll start near the Pacific, walk through Muir Woods, hike Mount Tamalpais, raft the American River, bike and hike in Yosemite, do backcountry trail work, try a ropes course, paddleboard on Lake Tahoe, surf, cook at camp, and be off your phone.”
After they come home, ask:
“What was Muir Woods like?”
“What did your group work on during trail service?”
“What was Yosemite like from the bike?”
“What did you cook with your group?”
“What was the surf day like?”
Explore the California trip
For dates, tuition, itinerary, accommodations, packing details, paperwork, and the technology policy, see the full California itinerary.