Project California: A Summer of Service, Friendship & Adventure!

Make a real impact this summer while making amazing new friends and exploring one of California’s most beautiful coastal cities! Project California is more than just a community service program—it’s a chance to give back, grow as a person, and create unforgettable memories along the way.

Each participant volunteers with the same project for the duration of their stay, allowing for deeper connections with the people and communities they serve. Whether you’re mentoring children, helping to protect the environment, or assisting at a local nonprofit, your efforts will make a meaningful difference. And it’s not just about giving back—you’ll also learn valuable life skills, gain new perspectives, and experience the reward of seeing the direct impact of your hard work.

With 40 hours of community service earned, your mornings will be dedicated to volunteering, but the afternoons and evenings are all about fun! Electives let you pursue new interests—whether it’s learning to surf, trying your hand at photography, or diving into a creative workshop. Evenings are packed with fun activities, from cosmic bowling to ice skating with your new friends.

Santa Barbara is the ultimate backdrop for this experience—where the Pacific Ocean meets the stunning Santa Ynez Mountains, and every day feels like a new adventure. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Weekends are spent exploring some of California’s most iconic destinations:

🏝️ Orange County Weekend – Chill on Catalina Island & experience the magic of Disneyland
🌊 Los Angeles Weekend – Discover Santa Monica, shop on Rodeo Drive & explore the best of LA
🎬 Hollywood Weekend – Take on Universal Studios & laugh the night away at The Improv Comedy Club

Project California isn’t just about what you give – it’s about what you gain. You’ll leave with new friendships, incredible stories, and a greater sense of confidence and purpose. Come with an open mind, a positive attitude, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone – you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish!

Are you ready to make a difference this summer? Join us for an experience that will stay with you long after the summer ends!

**Please note that the later two-week program runs concurrently with our Tour & Service program, which spends the second half of their trip in Santa Barbara. All participants from both programs will share volunteer experiences and activities during this time.

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Project California

Choose one of the following Community Service Programs:

Volunteer with Children
Protect the Environment
Group Size: The Perfect Balance of Community & Connection
Project California is designed to create a tight-knit, supportive community while still giving you plenty of opportunities to form meaningful friendships! With up to 40 participants, our program ensures a fun, social atmosphere during evening activities and weekend excursions—so you’ll always have a great crew to explore with.

When it comes to volunteering, we keep things more personal. Each service project consists of 5-15 participants, allowing for small group collaboration and one-on-one interaction at your project site. This means you’ll have the chance to truly connect with the people you’re helping while working alongside your fellow volunteers in a focused and impactful way.

With the perfect mix of group bonding and personal growth, Project California offers an experience where every participant feels valued, engaged, and part of something bigger!

Accommodations: Your Home Away from Home at UCSB
For the duration of the week, the University of California, Santa Barbara becomes your home base—offering the perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and fun! Our dorm is packed with top-notch amenities, ensuring you have everything you need to relax, recharge, and bond with new friends.

Take a dip in the Olympic-size swimming pool, challenge your friends to a game of pool or ping pong in the rec room, or unwind in the floor lounges, where you can kick back on comfy sofas and catch up on your favorite shows. Need to check in back home or get some personal time? The dorm’s Wi-FiM and laundry facilities are available to keep you connected and refreshed throughout your stay. Plus, with linen service provided, you can focus on making the most of your summer without worrying about the little things.

With a vibrant and social atmosphere, UCSB’s beautiful campus provides the ultimate setting to live, learn, and create lasting memories with your Project California crew!

Meals: Delicious & Varied Options for Every Appetite
Fuel up for an action-packed summer with fresh, diverse, and satisfying meals! During the week, you’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Portola Dining Commons, UCSB’s top-tier dormitory dining hall. This cafeteria-style eatery features a variety of food stations, offering something for everyone—whether you’re in the mood for a made-to-order omelet, a hearty plate of pasta or lasagna, or a sweet treat from the dessert bar. With options to accommodate all dietary needs, you’ll always find something delicious and nutritious to keep you energized.

On the weekends, the culinary adventure continues! Breakfast and dinner are provided at our hotels and hand-picked local restaurants, giving you the chance to explore new flavors and classic favorites while experiencing the best of Southern California’s dining scene. Whether you’re enjoying a casual beachfront meal or a lively group dinner in the city, every meal is an opportunity to relax, refuel, and share stories from the day with your friends..

Dedicated & Experienced Staff: Supporting You Every Step of the Way
At Project California, our passionate and highly qualified staff are at the heart of the experience, guiding and supporting you throughout your summer of service. Our team is made up of teachers, graduate students, and experienced mentors, all committed to our mission of giving back and making a difference.

From the moment you arrive, our staff is fully engaged, ensuring that every participant feels supported, inspired, and motivated at their volunteer site. A Rein Community Service staff member is always present at each service location, providing guidance and encouragement as you build meaningful connections with the community.

Safety is our top priority—all staff members undergo comprehensive training before the summer begins, with a strong focus on creating a positive, secure, and enriching environment. Program leaders are certified in Basic First Aid and CPR, so you can focus on learning, growing, and having fun knowing you’re in good hands!

Safe & Convenient Transportation
At Project California, getting around is easy, comfortable, and safe! We use professionally driven buses and vans to transport our participants to their community service projects, afternoon activities, and exciting weekend excursions. Whether you’re heading to your volunteer site or exploring the best of California, you’ll travel stress-free and comfortably with your new friends.

To make your experience even smoother, airport transfers on arrival and departure days are included at no additional cost. From the moment you land in California to the day you head home, we’ve got your transportation covered, so you can focus on making memories and enjoying every moment of your summer adventure!

Staying Connected
At Project California, we make it easy for both participants and parents to stay in touch! Our Rein Communication Center is available 24/7 throughout the program, ensuring that assistance is always just a call away.

Teenagers are welcome to bring their cell phones, and with free WiFi available throughout our dormitory, you’ll be able to check in with family, share your incredible experiences with friends, and stay connected whenever needed. Whether you’re sending photos from a weekend adventure or catching up with loved ones back home, staying in touch has never been easier!