Included in tuition:
  • All meals
  • Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and all group gear
  • Guided activities
Not included in tuition:
  • Airfare to and from Sacramento, CA (SMF)
  • Trip insurance (more info here)
  • Personal clothing and items (packing lists available for enrolled families)
Travel information
  • Arrive in SMF on opening day between 9 am and 1 pm
  • Depart from SMF on closing day between 5:30 am and 11 am
  • Find more travel information here
Camping

About three-quarters of our nights are spent at "frontcountry" campsites, where we'll generally have a more developed campsite with running water, toilets, and sometimes cell phone service. This may be a public or private campground. We often stay at the same frontcountry site a few days in a row.

The other quarter will be spent "backcountry" camping, referring to wilderness locations where we are most likely out of cell phone service and away from our vehicles, electricity, and other amenities. Multi-day activities like backpacking and canoeing take place in the backcountry.

Challenge/fitness level

No experience necessary; all skill levels welcome! We'll teach students everything they need to know to be successful and have lots of fun.

Fitness and physical challenge are subjective, so Adventure Treks does not "rate" its trips based on challenge. However, because we’ll be engaged in different outdoor activities throughout each trip, our students have the responsibility to be physically fit. We know physical fitness looks different for everyone, but it’s important to come prepared so that you and your fellow students can succeed. One student not coming prepared with physical fitness will negatively impact the entire group. In the months leading up to their trip, students should develop a routine that emphasizes stamina and sustaining a moderate level of exertion for many hours, several days in a row. Running, swimming, bicycling, aerobics classes, and team sports are all beneficial and will help improve cardiovascular fitness in preparation for a student’s trip.

Christine Cafasso, Washington, DC

July 2024

I chose Adventure Treks specifically because of Amanda’s availability and responsibility to talk me through all of my questions, address all of my concerns with thoughtful and believable answers—it was my ability to have direct and frequent conversations with ownership that allowed me to place my trust in AT. Miezi had a holistic experience that allowed her to safely challenge herself mentally and physically. She spoke mostly of the strong friendships she forged and camaraderie among her peers. She was not really interested in going on this trip—but stepped off the plane back home with smiles and a positive attitude. It was the perfect mix of challenge and fun. For a teen who can’t wake before 10am, I was thrilled to hear about daily adventures that required them to wake early for mountain summits and other activities. She did it!


Lesley Sachs, Osprey, FL

July 2024

Sending your child across the country on their own to be cared for by strangers for three weeks outdoors is not a small or easy decision, but this was absolutely the best choice we could make for our son at this time in his life. The trip was a good mix of outdoor adventure activities that he loved like hiking, rafting, and rock climbing, and plenty of time to just be a kid outdoors with other kids (especially without phones and WiFi). This is the type of experience that builds children’s self-esteem and the confidence that they can tackle any obstacle with preparation, persistence, and plenty of snacks.


Amy Morosoff, San Clemente, CA

July 2024

From the very beginning, when my husband and I started looking into various trips for our boys, we were very impressed with everyone that we talked with at Adventure Treks. In particular, the directors, Dave and Amanda, couldn’t have been nicer and more informative and knowledgeable about the trips. Fast forward to post-trip, I am extremely pleased and actually in awe of all of the varied physical challenges, fun games, and true connections without electronics that both of my sons experienced on the trip. The communication from top to bottom has been just wonderful.

There are several things that I think they learned on the trip. I think they learned that they didn’t need their phones as much as they once thought. I also think that they learned to be themselves and be “free” of any peer expectation and felt accepted. I hope that in some small way this attitude of acceptance can translate to the real world (high school and middle school). Almost as soon as we greeted the kids at the airport on closing day, they both said, “We want to go back!” We never in a million years thought that our nervous and hesitant boys would have had this remark post-trip. Our feelings weren’t hurt, but rather our hearts were so full knowing that they truly enjoyed themselves and made new connections with their peers, leaders, and outdoor adventures. They are already thinking about the next trip in 2025! I couldn’t recommend this company enough. I am truly so grateful for the experience that they provided for my sons.

NEW! Now offering adult trips to Peru and family camps in the Pacific Northwest. Click here to view our new trips!
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