Community Service California by 360° Student Travel

  United States

• Other Cities in United States: 
Sacramento,  Los Angeles

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: 21 days: June 28 - July 18 / July 6 - July 26; 28 Days: July 1 - July 28 / July 6 - Aug 2

Description: Our community Service programs are a great way to give back, help those less fortunate and make a difference in the lives of others. Be immersed in the local culture and experience glacier hiking in Alaska, spotting the "Big 5" in Africa, surfing in Hawaii, exploring Machu Picchu in Peru and relaxing in mud baths and hot springs in Costa Rica.

Highlights:
* Community Service
- Run arts and crafts for the kids of the Boys & Girls Club - a welcome distraction
- Build, paint, landscape with Habitat for Humanity
- Interact with children at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Monica bringing smiles to their members' faces
- Read to and play sports with children at the Orange County Rescue Mission
- Assist with daily tasks and prepare meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House

* How We Play
- Universal Studios
- Explore Venice Beach
- Hollywood - Mann's Chinese Theatre
- Raging Waters Waterpark
- Work-out on campus
- San Diego Zoo
- Cycle down Mission Beach
- Learn to surf with professional instructors

* Campus Life
Enjoy living on the amazing campuses of UCLA and UCSD. You will have access to fitness centers, soccer fields, pools, student union buildings (restaurants, cafes, place to chill among college students), and bookstore (great hoodies). Youll get a true taste for what it is like to be a student living on campus

* Amazing Details

Specific projects are confirmed in late spring  similar to those described. Duration may vary depending on their needs upon our arrival.

A Glance at our Service

* Orange County Rescue Mission
The Orange County Rescue Mission runs The Village of Hope which is a transitional housing program designed for homeless men, women, children and families.
In the past groups have run a 4th of July BBQ party with food and games for the residents and also organized a day of camp programming for the children. Some of the activities the participants led were sports, arts and crafts, games, and an ice cream social. Our group also ran a food drive at two grocery stores and helped create food boxes at the Mission's food bank.

* Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica
The goal of the Boys & Girls Clubs is to provide a positive and enriching space to encourage youth as they grow. Past groups have led programs and activities in all five areas of the club: a technology center, arts and crafts, a gym, a learning center, and a games room. This work was especially rewarding as the participants really developed close relationships with the children at the club.

* Habitat for Humanity
Work alongside the families that will one day live in these homes! These families rely on the support of dedicated volunteers. Whether you are landscaping, laying foundation, painting, or building, these days will be incredibly rewarding. Spend a day working at "ReStore", HFH's home improvement store that provides surplus new and used building materials and home furnishings to these families at an affordable cost.

* Ronald McDonald House
The Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides a home away from home for sick children and their families when they require treatments at nearby hospitals enabling families to stay together during difficult times without enduring the high cost of a hotel or sleeping in hospital waiting rooms. Play an integral role in the daily operations of the House by cleaning, gardening and cooking meals for the families. Cheer up the children and add warmth to the house. (Please note that the RMH project is on the 28 day program only.)

Adventure Highlights

* Los Angeles
Enjoy a world-class college stay at UCLA and spend some afternoons taking advantage of the incredible athletic facilities and exploring the campus. Speed down an eight-story waterslide, and splash through Thunder Rapids at Raging Waters - California's largest water park! Visit City Walk and dine at the Hard Rock Cafe after a day at Universal Studios. Participate in a customized program at the Museum of Tolerance including a tour, interactive and experiential games to raise awareness of various prejudices, and meet with Holocaust survivors to hear their incredible stories. Visit the famous sun and sand of Venice, Hermosa and Manhattan Beaches. Have dinner at Hollywood & Highland, and check out the Walk of Fame and Mann's Chinese Theater.

* San Diego
Settle into UC San Diego, located minutes from beautiful La Jolla beach, where we'll be sure to spend some time. Learn to master the waves during your 2-day (1-day on 21 day trip) surf school with certified instructors teaching you the proper techniques to have you standing on the long-board in no time! Visit Mission Beach's historic boardwalk amusement park Belmont Park, and spend a morning at world-famous San Diego Zoo. Cycle down to Mission Beach for a day of chilling at the beach and snorkeling. Enjoy evening activities such as ice skating and laser tag with your new friends.

Whether your trip finishes in Los Angeles or San Diego, we will enjoy great laughs with close friends. At our final banquet we reflect on all we have accomplished and shared together!

* Redlands (28 day program only)

In the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, visit Big Bear Lake where you will hike up a mountain, enjoy a gondola ride, speed down the alpine slide, and relax on the sandy beach.

Qualifications: Participants should be prepared for our program. Once you are part of a team, you are committing yourself not only to hard work on service days (from 6-8 hours) but also to your fellow volunteers and those we will be assisting. In sharing this rewarding experience, you are guaranteed to form lasting friendships and will no doubt take away much more than you give. You will receive a certificate of completion recognizing 30-80 hours (depending on program) of service and listing projects accomplished.

Cost in US$: USD 4,999 for 21 Days / USD 5,999 for 28 Days - Plus airfare to San Diego and home from Los Angeles

- Accommodations: College Dorms at UCLA & UC San Diego
- Certificate recognizing 60 hours of service and listing projects accomplished is issued upon program completion.
- Everybody participates together in each project.

* For 28 Days

- Hotel & College Dorms at UCLA & UC San Diego
- Certificate recognizing 80 hours of service and listing projects accomplished is issued upon program completion.
- Everybody participates together in each project.

Credit Available: yes

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to United States Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of limited up to 30 participants

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

360 Student Travel's Mission Statement: 360 Student Travel will allow you the opportunity to step in a new direction. Travel, volunteer, or improve your foreign language skills we are here to help you take that new step by helping you keep your other foot planted. Regardless of travel style, all programs are created with the understanding that no matter what you want to accomplish during the summer, it is still summer, and the challenges and experiences should be enjoyable as well as rewarding. On our Community Service Program you'll be making the world a better place and discovering the world at the same time - ziplining in Costa Rica, exploring a glacier in Alaska, or marveling at the "Big 5" in Africa. If you're open-minded and interested in achieving goals, volunteering, and helping others, then this will be a meaningful and adventurous summer for you. If you're thinking of studying Spanish or French and want the excitment of travel join us in either Spain, Costa Rica or France. On most of these language programs, we study at multiple locations within a country so you experience its full diversity. On our Pre-College Enrichment program get a sneak peek at college life while being immersed in the culture and excitement of Barcelona. We have teamed up with the renowned International House School, centrally located just steps from Plaza Cataluna, to bring you exciting courses from Creative Writing and International Business to Spanish Language, and SAT prep with Princeton Review. Join us on our Global Adventures if adventures are for you. We offer the most unique variety of activities imaginable that encourage individual growth and character.

Year Founded: 1992