This Destination is full and no longer accepting applications. If you completed an application before November 15th, you will be advised of your status by December 15th. Some Destinations still have space, or come back August 1, 2026 for new 2027/2028 Destinations listings. You can also look for summer 2026 adventures at camp, using the national Camp Finder.

Extreme California: July 9–17, 2026

Ready to go extreme next summer? Join Girl Scouts from across the country for a 9-day adventure through the wild, wonderful corners of Northern California! 

About the Trip

From bonfires on the beach to ziplining and high-energy days exploring San Francisco, this trip is packed with unforgettable experiences and just the right amount of chill. You’ll get to shape your own experience with two choose-your-own-adventure days, dive into exciting activities like rafting, kayaking, indoor skydiving, relax at iconic NorCal beaches, and bond with fellow Girl Scouts over campfires, shared meals, and unforgettable memories.This is your chance to unplug, explore, and make summer 2026 one to remember.

Travelers will land in San Francisco and spend the evening getting to know their team and the surrounding areas.  Day 2 is the first choose your own adventure where you will explore the things that interest you in small groups with some of our local Girl Scouts to help you navigate. Your time at the San Francisco base will include service, exploration, a nighttime zipline in the redwood canopies and of course some good Californian cuisine. 

From the San Francisco base, we will road trip to the heart of California for more high adventure with a ropes course visit, whitewater rafting and another choose your own adventure day from our Sacramento base. 

Just when you think you’ve done it all, we’ll move to our Santa Cruz base where you will skydive indoors, kayak with otters, and end the trip at the beach for a day of roller coasters & thrills.   

Who Should Apply?

• Age: Girl Scouts entering grades 6–8 in summer 2026. (Rising 6th graders are encouraged to apply with a buddy! Find a fellow Girl Scout, or encourage any friend to join Girl Scouts and come with you. If you are applying with a buddy, please mention their name in your application essay.) 
• Interests: A passion for teamwork, high adventure, and extreme activities. 
• Requirements: Open for adventures and new things of all types. Able to handle 2+ hour drives in a van, be supportive of fellow travelers, and comfortable working in teams. To be able to participate in all activities, you should weigh 45-250 pounds  (over 70 lbs for ziplining) and be 45”- 6’6” tall.  No hard casts for multiple adventures.
• Required equipment: Good walking shoes and a great attitude. Detailed packing list will be provided after acceptance.
• Ignite Your Passion! This trip is great for Girl Scouts who crave adventure.

The Cost

Total value of the experience: $2,000

Thanks to generous Girl Scout donors, we are excited to share that each participant accepted to this trip will receive a 35% discount, reducing the cost by $700. No extra steps needed — the grant is automatically applied once you're accepted!

You pay: $1,300

The program fee includes activities, lodging, meals, and transportation. Program fee does not include airfare. Girls will need to arrange transportation to San Francisco, CA. 

Deposit due upon acceptance: $250. (This deposit is included in your trip Program Fee, not in addition to it.)

Final payment is due in 2026, and February 1, 2026 is the last day to cancel and receive a refund (minus the deposit.) 

Financial aid may be available. Check with your local council.

Host and Contact Info

Girl Scouts of Northern California | https://www.gsnorcal.org/

Meridith Forristal, norcalgstravel@gmail.com, 510-600-3947