Extreme California 2026

July 9, 2026 - July 17, 2026 -- 9 days (approximate dates)

Age range: for Girl Scouts entering 6th to 8th grades at the time of the trip.

Get ready for zip lines, bonfires, beaches, and unforgettable adventures—this is Extreme California!
This 9-day Destination for middle school Girl Scouts (rising 6th–9th grade) takes place across Northern California. You’ll hike, raft, explore, and even help shape your experience with two choose-your-own-adventure days. From San Francisco’s iconic streets to serene forests, mountain lakes, and the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, this trip blends adventure, reflection, and fun in true Girl Scout style.

• Start your trip in San Francisco with a day of exploration

• Connect with new friends at a beach bonfire

• Try kayaking, rock climbing, ziplining, and more!

Participants: Up to 20 Girl Scouts from across the U.S.

Fee: $2000/youth

• Applications open Aug 1, 2025  

• Priority Deadline: November 15, 2025

• Maximum Enrollment: 20 

Pandas and Pagodas

June 22, 2026 - July 3, 2026 -- 12 days

Age Range: For Girl Scouts entering 9th to 12th grade at the time of the trip

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of China, where ancient wonders meet modern marvels—and where you'll get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to volunteer at the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base. From walking the Great Wall and exploring imperial landmarks in Beijing to wandering the bustling alleys of Chengdu and trekking through bamboo-lined gorges, this trip is packed with immersive cultural experiences. The highlight? Rolling up your sleeves and working side by side with conservationists to care for China’s most beloved national treasure: the giant panda.

Trip Highlights

• Volunteer at the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base—support conservation efforts for this endangered species

• Walk along the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks

• Explore Beijing’s imperial past at Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven

• Enjoy a traditional Sichuan welcome dinner and Beijing acrobatic show

• Hike through the stunning Bifengxia Gorge, complete with waterfalls and bamboo groves

• Discover the engineering marvel of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System

• Take in panoramic views from Qingcheng Mountain via cable car

• Stroll through historic Chengdu alleyways and experience a local handicraft workshop

• Savor a Chengdu hot pot dinner and learn the art of Chinese calligraphy