Hiking Programs in United States

Participating in the program was an absolute joy! It was a fun and enriching experience where we not only made new friends but also gained valuable knowledge and skills. The activities were diverse and engaging, providing hands-on learning opportunities that made complex concepts easy to grasp. We delved into exciting topics, explored new cultures, and worked on team projects that were both challenging and rewarding. Overall, it was an incredible journey of growth, discovery, and unforgettable memories.

This was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done in my entire life. I would say with confidence that I had learned more during this 10 week program than I have in the two years of college that I have already attended.

I went on the polynesian gap year journey not knowing exactly what to expect. I remember a day before it hit me that i would be spending 10 weeks with complete strangers. However, these were some of the best people I have met and best friends for life. There were many experiences that one would unlikely ever experience without doing a programme as such and i therefore highly recommend it. Many people were put out of their comfort zones and had to take risks which caused them to growth as an individual.

My Polynesian journey with Pacific Discovery has helped me get over a lot of my fears and anxiety around social interaction and relationships as well as my physical fears and it has really helped me to grow as a person

Literally the time of a lifetime, never experienced something like this ever, and even though I’m young this will be something I will 100% tell my kids about. So much happened in only 10 weeks it’s hard to even fathom.

Eye-opening cultural experience! Really changed how I see the world. Made a real difference in the community too. Even if you can only do a short trip, it's worth it! Thank you Rustic for giving me this opportunity.

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewNovember 06, 2024

Hey Isabella! Thanks so much for traveling with us. We're happy that this changed how you see the world! We hope you travel with us again soon.

Really made me appreciate what I have in my own life. No doubt it was an amazing experience that developed by personality and boosted my confidence and morale. A life time journey that let me make new friends. Thank you so much for this incredible trip.

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewNovember 07, 2024

Hey Aaron! We're so happy that you traveled with us, and that you returned home with a deep sense of gratitude. What's even more awesome is that you got a confidence boost! Imagine all the things you can do now that you thought you couldn't do before? We hope you travel with us again soon!

It was fun that we could connect with locals and other volunteers and make an impact building houses. Hands-on experience that brought us all together to make such an incredible team. Learned so much in this exercise.

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewNovember 07, 2024

Hey Lucas! We're so grateful that you traveled with us and made a significant impact in the community you visited. That home you helped built will stand for a long time! It's something to be very proud of! We hope you have more positive experiences like this, and travel with us again soon.

This trip was top-notch. The staff went above and beyond—helpful, friendly, and always there when needed. I'd jump at the chance to do it again. I learned so much, and the team’s expertise was clear from the start. They had my back every step of the way, handling any issue I had with genuine care. Absolutely recommend it to anyone. Thank you Istvan and team.

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewNovember 01, 2024

Hi Gabriel! Thanks so much for joining us. We're thrilled to hear that you felt comfortable and supported by our team. We hope you travel with us again in the near future!

The place here was always kept clean. I had some concerns with another kid on my tour, but he was send home and then I felt super comfortable everywhere I went with the group, whether that be in the village, the forests, or in the city.

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewOctober 30, 2024

Thanks so much for traveling with us! We’re committed to making sure all students feel comfortable, and we’re glad you had an enjoyable time. We hope you travel with us again soon!

Loved my week with Rustic! I learned so much about myself when I was there. The staff was great and I'm planning to go back for more. If you want to learn to surf and do service and hang out in a beautiful place, this is it! I really loved the trip and was totally exhausted by the end

Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewOctober 30, 2024

Hey Dylan! Thanks so much for traveling with us. We're glad you had a great time surfing, and doing service. Hopefully you took a big nap when you got home. And we hope to see you on another trip soon!

I traveled with ARCC Programs on their Pacific Islands trip after graduating high school. Along with 8 other peers and two wonderful guides, I explored Bali, Fiji, and Sumatra through epic adventures, ranging from scuba diving to jungle trekking, as well as meaningful community service projects, such as teaching English in local schools, volunteering in rural hospitals, and helping with environmental conservation projects. ARCC’s primary focus is on five global themes: literacy and education, public health, urbanization and the movement of peoples, environment and conservation, and microfinance and economic growth. By engaging with these themes in country, I was able to learn and connect with locals and truly appreciate the diverse cultures I was so warmly welcomed into.

I have been a long time fan of Westcoast Connection (having participated myself in 1988!). My older son had a wonderful experience last summer on a 14 day California trip and Brett had, if possible, an even better time. I would tell anyone who asks that Westcoast Connection is a world class organization and continues to impress me.

I would say Alaska was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but because of this trip I definitely dream about going back. It took me a minute to adjust to the sun not setting and it still being bright at 3 am. But because it was so bright I could stay up later laughing, talking, exploring, and learning. I did not take this trip for granted. The staff and even kids on this trip encouraged each other to really observe where we were. I had never drunk so much water in one summer - everyone was really hydrated. The staff also really encouraged us to try new foods and drinks - I tried reindeer sausage! I felt a little homesick at times but this trip made me look beyond New Jersey and kept me in the moment. I now have a special place in my heart for Alaska.

Choosing to go to Hawaii with Pacific Discovery was one of the best decisions I could have made. After over a year of navigating COVID at college, I knew that I wanted to travel while learning something new and also being COVID cautious. There was never a moment on the trip where I felt unsafe in regards to COVID and I am so appreciative that Pacific Discovery found ways to make sure we could travel safely and connect us with local partners. One of my favorite things about Pacific Discovery is how much they emphasize the importance of education. All of the partners we worked with were amazing and eager to teach us about themselves and what they do in Hawaii. Not only do your instructors encourage you to learn about where you are, but they also encourage you to learn about yourself. While in Hawaii, I was able to think a lot about what I want to do after college. In fact, if you looked in the notes app on my phone right now, there would be a list I wrote while in Hawaii that incorporates what I learned and loved on the program and what I am studying in college. This has been something I have always been curious about one day figuring out, but having these first hand experiences with my peers encouraged me to put my thoughts into action. There is something about having these experiences with such an intimate group that is so impactful. I would highly recommend anyone to participate in a Pacific Discovery trip, you won’t regret it.

I came on this program for my gap semester and it was a great eye opening experience. I got to immerse myself in the culture and do fun activities! I became more in tune with myself and was able to enjoy everything offered.

I loved my experience on this trip! I learned so much about myself and the world around me and grew so much as a person. In this program i had to push myself beyond what i thought i was capable which was both challenging and extremely rewarding

I learned a lot about Hawaii but more so about myself. I made many friends and had a lot of great experiences. I learned a lot about Hawaiian culture and history. The people I met along the way made the trip amazing.

I had an amazing experience and learned so much about myself, as well as skills and life experience. I also learned so much about Hawaiian culture and gained many new insights and passion about the Hawaiian culture.

I had the most amazing experience taking a gap semester and traveling in Hawaii with pacific discovery. I learned so much about the history and culture of Hawaii while creating life long friendships, seeing amazing sights and hikes as well as surfing, agricultural work, and marine conservation.