Teen Service in USA


The United States is one of the wealthiest countries on the planet, yet there are many Americans who need assistance in their everyday lives. In 2011, Rustic Pathways is proud to positively impact communities close to home and focus on service initiatives in New Orleans, Arizona, and California.

Service projects in the US will allow you to connect with Americans from different parts of this beautiful and unique country. Serve next to New Orleanians working to rebuild their city from the flooding after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and understand the social, environmental, and physical needs of rebuilding an entire city that was more than 80% underwater. Contribute to water conservation issues in Central California by helping to find ways to preserve the West’s natural beauty while maintaining Southern California’s intense need for water. In Arizona, students work on finding ways to work with the harsh desert environment to maintain the needs of families living around the majestic Grand Canyon. Experience the beautiful USA while helping out fellow Americans!

 

 
 

REBUILDING NEW ORLEANS - SUMMER


8 Departure Dates
available

15 and up


Earn up to 72 Community Service Hours
Contribute to the reconstruction of a great American city!  After the flooding that followed Hurricane Katrina in 2005, much of New Orleans was destroyed and continues to be rebuilt, more than three years later.  Work alongside local rebuilding organizations and volunteers from around the world to help New Orleanians rebuild their neighborhoods and celebrate their unique culture.  No construction experience necessary - come willing to work and ready to hear some world-class live music in this American gem.

BRINGING BACK THE BIG EASY


2 Departure Dates
available

15 and up


Earn up to 36 Community Service Hours
Due to an overwhelming response to our Rebuilding New Orleans program this summer, we have opened another (abbreviated) community service trip to the Big Easy! The trip will run for eight days, and will focus on rebuilding and enjoying the culture and music of New Orleans. Come be a part of the solution – rebuild the Gulf Coast!
 

SPRING BREAK AND THE GRAND CANYON


3 Departure Dates
available

14 and up


Earn up to 25 Community Service Hours
Do something good with your spring break this year! Come to beautiful Arizona to see the world’s most famous natural gorge, carved by the ancient Colorado River.  Learn about Southern Arizona’s food culture, see how people have adapted to the seemingly endless desert, ride bikes along the Canyon, and take a trail ride in the cool desert sunset. Give back to the people of Arizona through service at community centers and soup kitchens. Explore your country and lend a hand where it is needed!

REBUILDING NEW ORLEANS - SPRING BREAK


6 Departure Dates
available

15 and up


Earn up to 36 Community Service Hours
Spend your Spring Break in the Big Easy!  After the flooding that followed Hurricane Katrina in 2005, much of New Orleans was destroyed and continues to be rebuilt more than five years later.  Learn how to build a house, and come to understand what it really takes to rebuild an entire city. Hear live jazz and blues music, celebrate city festivals like a local, spend time down by the Mississippi River, relax in the historic French Quarter, and give back to this special city!
 

THE MONO LAKE PROJECT


4 Departure Dates
available

14 and up


Earn up to 25 Community Service Hours
This summer we are proud to offer an eco-service project within the United States! Mono Lake in Central California, unique volcanic lake on the East edge of Yosemite, is being drained to feed the water needs of Los Angeles. It has been a special ecosystem for native plants and animals for thousands of years, and has changed drastically since humans diverted its sources in the 1940s. Come learn about what happened and what needs to be done, see breathtaking Yosemite National Park, and get your feet wet in the slippery water of ancient Mono Lake.

GOOD WORKS AND THE GRAND CANYON


4 Departure Dates
available

14 and up


Earn up to 25 Community Service Hours
Visit one of America’s most beautiful natural wonders and give back! Explore Arizona’s culinary melting pot, learn about desert food culture, and do direct service in a great little city. Explore the cultures that have grown up in the desert and see how this part of the country celebrates its unique culture. See the Grand Canyon by bike, relax in slow Southwestern cities, and give some of your summer to the people of Arizona.

 

REBUILDING NEW ORLEANS - SUMMER : COLLEGE SECTION


1 Departure Dates
available

15 and up


Earn up to 72 Community Service Hours
Visit one of America’s most beautiful natural wonders and give back! Explore Arizona’s culinary melting pot, learn about desert food culture, and do direct service in a great little city. Explore the cultures that have grown up in the desert and see how this part of the country celebrates its unique culture. See the Grand Canyon by bike, relax in slow Southwestern cities, and give some of your summer to the people of Arizona.