About USA for Middle School: National Park Adventure and California Program
Embark on an unforgettable 22-day journey across America's most breathtaking landscapes, designed specifically for middle school students seeking adventure, natural wonders, and cultural exploration. This comprehensive program combines the raw power of three iconic national parks with the diverse charm of California's coast, offering you experiences that will shape your understanding of America's natural heritage and regional diversity.
Your adventure begins in Jackson, Wyoming, where you'll use the charming mountain town as your base to explore Grand Teton National Park. You'll hike stunning trails suited to all skill levels, paddle board on the brilliant turquoise Jenny Lake, and test your courage on high ropes courses at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The adrenaline continues as you zipline through mountain scenery and ride the alpine coaster at Snow King, all while soaking in views of jagged peaks and pristine alpine lakes that showcase the raw beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Next, you'll experience Yellowstone National Park, where geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife create an otherworldly landscape. Watch Old Faithful erupt, soak in natural hot springs surrounded by vibrant mineral pools, and spot bison, elk, wolves, and bears roaming freely. You'll horseback ride through Yellowstone Valley and attend a traditional rodeo, immersing yourself in the spirit of the wild west while learning about the geological phenomena that inspired the creation of America's first national park in 1872.
Your journey continues to Glacier National Park in Montana, where you'll encounter melting glaciers, alpine meadows, and over 700 miles of trails. You'll experience the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, participate in whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, and hiking, and explore historic chalets and lodges that connect you to the region's human history. Along the way, you'll visit charming Montana towns like Butte and Missoula, experiencing authentic American communities beyond typical tourist destinations.
The program then transitions to California, where you'll discover the state's incredible diversity. In San Diego, you'll learn to surf, explore the charming Gaslamp District, and contribute to beach cleanups. Los Angeles introduces you to Hollywood glamour—walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, explore Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier, hike Runyon Canyon for views from the Griffith Observatory, and optionally visit Disneyland. Your road trip along Highway 1 is arguably the most beautiful coastal drive in the world, taking you through Big Sur, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz.
Your journey culminates in San Francisco, where you'll ride historic cable cars, explore diverse neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight Ashbury, cross the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, hike through towering redwoods at Muir Woods, and tour the legendary Alcatraz prison. Throughout this 22-day experience, you'll travel with a small group of like-minded peers, stay in centrally located, character-filled accommodations selected for their safety and personal touch, and enjoy all breakfasts and dinners prepared with authentic local cuisine. With professional chaperones and guides accompanying you every step of the way, you'll gain confidence, forge lasting friendships, and create memories of America's greatest natural and cultural treasures.