United States Summer High School Programs with Rustic Pathways

Such an amazing and unique group dynamic, was better than I could have ever hoped. Counselors made it super easy to fit in from the moment we arrived, and enriched the whole experience so much. I loved working in the gardens, swimming and snorkeling, and going on the hikes. The food was really good, and they were very accommodating for all allergy’s and preferences. The entire trip was filled with jokes, laughter, inclusivity, and friendship. The time flew by so fast, but I am so grateful to have been able to go on the trip.

Rustic Pathways was a great place to relax and get away from the usual stresses of life. Oftentimes I find myself worrying about the future and what i’m doing next, but I never focused on the present. This program really helped me do that my exploding my knowledge of Hawaiian culture and food. I loved just talking to everyone and being involved in meaningful activities. The program helped me learn a lot about myself, which I think overall helps me improve as a person. I made lifelong friends, some of which happen to be going to high school with me next year.

I really enjoyed all the activities that was offered for the program. Furthermore, I really enjoyed all the support and love the staff provided. Whether it was an injury or someone seemed to be having a hard time, they provided a safe haven for us students. We had a superb time doing all the diverse activities. They provided a diverse range of activities, from lei making to climbing a mountain. And the food that was provided were nutritious, yet very delicious. Overall, I enjoyed the program and would like to do it again.

Camp was really really fun I think we did a good balance of fun adventure filled activities and some service work to give back to the land. And the service work was still really fun and we got to eat fresh fruits and learn more about Hawaiian history, culture and food. I really enjoyed meeting the people in my group because I think that we all were so inclusive and fun and made camp a million times more fun and exciting. My favorite activity we did was probably snorkeling and going on the boat.

It was so much fun! The program leaders were so nice and funny! Everyone was so inclusive, supportive, and I have gained so many new friends!!! The planning of the trip was clearly very good because everything we did was so fun and there was never too much or too little going on! The boat day, fun service, and more were some of my favorite parts! The food was really good, even for picky eaters, they still thought it through! The exercises and talks we did were so community building and never boring! Hope to do another rustic trip again!

My Rustic Pathways experience in Hawaii was incredible! We traveled all over the Big Island, staying at an amazing ranch, a unique hostel, and camping under the stars. The Aloha Service trip allowed my fellow travelers and I to learn about the diverse ecosystem and effects of invasive species on Hawaii’s environment. We weeded, planted, and learned from experts. Not only did we work alongside passionate members of the community, we also were able to snorkel, surf, and hike in some of the world’s most beautiful places. We saw black and green sand beaches and amazing wildlife like sea turtles and eels. Rustic Pathways is a life-changing program that gives students like me a chance to meet new people and grow as a confident individual and steward of the earth.

A unique aspect of my Rustic Pathways trip over the summer of 2019 was not just meeting teenagers from across the United States, but in other places such as Vietnam and Hong Kong. I was very glad to meet two people that were from outside of the US because on my previous Rustic trip, everyone was from the States. It’s not often that you get to meet some really cool people from across the world. As the program progressed day by day, I learned about the Vietnamese and Hong Kong cultures and what their lives were like back at home. These topics lead to lengthy and intriguing conversations. So all in all, I was learning about the Hawaiians, the Vietnamese, and the people from Hong Kong, all at once! Establishing friendships and connections around the world, whether that be Texas, Chicago, New York, California, or Vietnam, etc. can be beneficial to have in the future.

If someone is considering this program, they should keep in mind that it did rain just about every day in Hawaii. However, it depends what areas of the island you’re on and at what elevation. For example, within the lower level elevation areas by the beaches, it was always hot and sunny, but up in the mountains where the base house was and where we camped, there were frequent yet light rain showers. That didn’t keep our spirits down, it’s just something to keep in mind.

When the time came for me to go on California Rush, I did not realize how much of a focus there would be on the environment. That absolutely was not a bad thing- I was just pleasantly surprised! I found that the trip was a place for me to put everything I had learned in APES to practical tests. Whether it was volunteering with Keep Tahoe Blue or Friends of the Inyo, decreasing my waste so that it would neither interrupt wildlife nor reenter the biosphere; overall my environmental consciousness increased. I would like to say the same about my peers, but I'm not so sure. At times I felt like the only student who cared about where my plastic goes. Eventually though, our team got to a level of environment consciousness. However, it lacked social consciousness. They were unaware of the privileges they carry. White, cis, straight, able-bodied, wealthy privilege. I struggled to bond with other campers, specifically male campers. We all came from places of privilege, but these kids... Man, they were the most privileged people I have EVER met. And it absolutely went unaddressed. I spoke with and confronted the other students about their racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, rape "jokes." And for most of the two weeks, I felt like I was the only one out of the group (including staff) who noticed. The guides did not become aware of the situation until one night, when half of the group was talking about me and my concrete beliefs behind my back. More specifically, outside of my tent. After bringing notifying the program leaders, they began to address the situation with individuals. By that time though, the trip was almost through.
It was a once in a lifetime experience, definitely. I traveled completely by myself, and I discovered how my experiences differ from others living in the US. I absolutely fell in love with California. With the Inyo National Forest, with Santa Cruz... I know now that that is what I want to do with my life. I am certain that I want to take a gap year so that I can go and do right now, just go and be with nature. I want to see more of the US, and to then travel with world. For that, I am grateful to Rustic. For those who are like me, and don't conform to heternormativity, to the gender binary; for those who care more about the biosphere than the Kardashians, this may not be the trip for you. All I know is that I spent my own time and money on this trip. I had been looking forward to traveling with Rustic for nearly 4 years. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. I do not regret it. I would not take it back. I would not travel with Rustic again.
It is so important for kids, teens, people to push out of their comfort zone and discover how they want to make an impact. I am not telling you whether or not you should go on a Rustic Pathways trip. What I will tell you is this: if you decide to travel with Rustic or any other company, do not compromise your values and beliefs. Be strong. Be amazed. Stay present. And please, come back here and tell the world about your trip.