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United States

USA: Good Works and the Grand Canyon — Custom School Trips

Groups of 8+ | Custom Dates | 0 Service Hours | Fully Supported | 4.9 on GoOverseas

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Millions of people visit Arizona each year for its iconic natural sights. With the tourism industry comes jobs in hospitality, which is an economic stimulator for the high season, but creates a cycle of instability for many families throughout the rest of the year. Contribute to the work of our partner NGOs operating in the fields of food security and educational support for young people. Explore landmarks like the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Sunset Crater, and spend an evening at the experimental community of Arcosanti in the desert. Shine a spotlight on the communities and landscape of the Southwest, gaining perspective on the world of tourism and economic sustainability.

 

Travel + Leisure: This Natural Wonder Is the 5th Most-Searched in the World

Custom School Trip

Contact us for a custom quote

Custom dates & duration. Groups of 8+.

Response within 1 business day

Anna Beckerman

Anna Beckerman

Head of School Group Travel

Dartmouth · 15 years at Rustic

321+ school partners since 2010

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

Welcome to Arizona!

Arrive into Phoenix International Airport (PHX) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to your hotel in Phoenix and settle in over dinner, relaxing after your long flight, and join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture.
2

Visit Montezuma’s Castle and Hike Trails

Drive to Flagstaff with a stop along the way for lunch to take in the beautiful Arizona landscape and Montezuma’s Castle or go for a hike just outside of town with lunch on the trail depending on your arrival the previous day.
3-5

Community Service and Explore Flagstaff

Work with our partners at the Flagstaff Family Food Center and Food Bank, which serves one hot meal each day to Flagstaff residents. Prepare dinner for community members and families and learn how to mix donated fresh and canned food to consistently create a balanced meal for a large group each day. Spend a day exploring Sunset Crater, an extinct volcanic cone crater that affords beautiful views of the desert landscape. Another day, take a hike in the area’s many desert trails that are perfect for capturing stunning photos and spotting wildlife. In the afternoons, spend time in Flagstaff, not far from the historic Route 66, the country’s first cross-country highway that helped populate the American West and create a tourism industry in remote corners of the desert like this one. Flagstaff is now a bustling international community with restaurants, cinemas, parks, and cafes. Join your group for a post-service debrief in the evening, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community.
6

Experience the Grand Canyon

Drive to the beautiful South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Watch the cactus and endless desert zoom by as you head toward one of America’s most breathtaking landmarks. Walk along the rim, take some photos, and explore! Hike on one of the iconic trails and catch some last shots of the sunset before heading back home to Flagstaff for another night of desert relaxation.
7

Discover Sedona and Arcosanti

Visit picturesque Sedona with its beautiful landscapes and fun swimming spots. Continue on to Arcosanti, a unique desert community that uses ecology and design to create a sustainable space for people to live. Take a tour of the town and art studios before sitting down as a group for dinner. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
8

Goodbye, Arizona!

Your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

Trained Program Leaders

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Customizable Itinerary

Custom dates and duration

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

United States

What Do School Organizers Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup and handles all in-country logistics.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who supervises the students?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can students contact home?

Yes. Rustic Pathways’ policy is that students can call, text, or WhatsApp anytime. Rustic Pathways is happy to defer to established school policies instead.

How do families stay informed?

Rustic Pathways sends daily photo updates throughout the program.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group?

Group size varies based on the school’s needs. Contact Rustic Pathways for a custom quote.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Rustic Pathways provides a room list prior to travel. Schools can assign rooming allocations or allow students to choose their roommates.

Program Details

Will students have unsupervised time?

Structured independence with staff nearby. No unsupervised time in public areas.

Can Rustic Pathways accommodate food allergies? 

Yes. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment and shared with all meal providers.

How much spending money should students have?

$150–200 recommended. Tipping is included, no extra cash needed.

Support

What if a student gets homesick?

Homesickness can be common during the first few days; Rustic Pathways is well-prepared. See how staff support students through homesickness

Does Rustic Pathways support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students. Read how Rustic Pathways supports neurodiverse students.

What Should Teachers Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.
United States offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.
How Do Flights Work?
School groups can arrange their own flights, or Rustic Pathways can arrange them as an optional add-on. In either case, teachers fly with students, and Rustic Pathways program leaders meet the group at the arrival airport and manage all in-country logistics from there.
What Meals Are Included?
All meals included. Dietary needs accommodated.
Included:
  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support
Not Included:
  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

United States Americas Conservation
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