Rustic's Unexpected Impact

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.