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United States

Grand Canyon Service

8 days | Ages 13-16 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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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. Take a deep dive into the communities and landscape of the Southwest, gaining perspective on the world of tourism and economic sustainability.

Program Tuition

$3,095

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

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 National Monument 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. 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 goodbye 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

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

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

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

United States

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

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).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

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's supervising my child?

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 I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents 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.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

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 2026
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