Daily Schedule

Monday - Thursday

Friday

Living on Campus @ UC Santa Barbara

The University of California Santa Barbara is an energetic campus located between the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains. During the week, this vibrant campus is our home away from home. Dormitory rooms are doubles, with a shared private bathroom connecting two rooms. Our dorm features an incredible array of facilities, including an Olympic-size swimming pool, computer room, recreation room with pool tables and ping pong tables, floor lounges with sofas and cable television, fitness room, linen service, and laundry room.

While on campus, the group will eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Portola Dining Commons, the dormitory dining hall. Portola is cafeteria-style, consisting of various stations with plenty of choices at each meal for all types of diets. Enjoy everything from made-to-order omelets to lasagna to delicious desserts. While traveling on weekends, breakfast and dinner are provided at our hotels and in various local restaurants.

Throughout our stay at UCSB there is time for visits to the Recreation Center, complete with soccer fields, racquetball courts, weight rooms, and fitness centers. You’ll also soak up the vibe at the University Center when we visit the bookstore, located at the center of this beautiful campus.

In Santa Barbara, choose ONE of the following Community Service Projects

Volunteer with Children

Project performed in conjunction with Boys and Girls Club of Goleta, Isla Vista Youth Project, Storyteller Children's Center, and Girls, Inc.

Build special friendships and relationships as you help underprivileged children build self-esteem and develop social skills. Activities will include teaching computer skills, playing sports, teaching arts and crafts, and reading to toddlers. This is your opportunity to have a life-changing experience and lasting effect on the children of the Santa Barbara community.*

*Please note that according to State of California law, any person volunteering at a child-care center (Storyteller Children’s Center and Isla Vista youth Project) MUST provide proof of the following: Pertussis immunization, Measles immunization, Influenza immunization, negative TB skin test within the last 4 years.

Volunteer at Unity Shoppe

Unity Shoppe operates a year-round free grocery and clothing store so people on the verge of homelessness can shop with dignity for their basic needs such as food and clothing. By supplementing these basic necessities, people have the ability to pay their rent and utilities and are then able to move their lives forward. Our volunteers will help by stocking food and clothing, working at the register, helping customers to shop for their families’ necessities, and more. This is a truly unique opportunity to experience the essence of “giving back.”

Protect the Environment

Summer Community Service Project performed in conjunction with Channel Islands Restoration and Municipal and County Parks and Preserves.

Our restoration project will increase awareness and promote individual and group actions to help the environment. Our volunteers will restore native plant-life to balance the eco-system, reduce weeds and shrubs that encroach upon local plant species, and beautify local watersheds. During this program our volunteers will also learn about the history of this beautiful area and the importance of keeping the eco-system in balance. All volunteer work takes place outdoors.

Week 1: Santa Barbara Days

Experience some of the fun activities that Santa Barbara has to offer. Each day will vary, with everyone engaging in exciting and enriching cultural and outdoor activities throughout the area. Bike along the famous California beaches, check out the scene on State Street, and visit the Santa Barbara Zoo!

Week 2: Santa Barbara Waves

During our second week in Santa Barbara, our participants will be introduced to several ocean activities at UCSB's own beautiful beach, Campus Point. Professional instructors will teach us the basics of surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, and sea-kayaking. All equipment is provided for each activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tour & Service Teen Travel Tour

What age do I have to be to travel with Rein Teen Tours?

Rein Teen Tours trips are age appropriate for kids finishing 7th through 11th grades. Many of our tours leave on multiple departure dates and each date corresponds with a specific age group to ensure that each traveler is with his/her peers.

How many teenagers will be in my teen tour group?

All of Rein Teen Tours groups are coed and most have between 40 to 50 participants.

Where do the kids come from?

Over the past few summers, Rein Teen Tours had travelers from over 35 states and 14 foreign countries. We love bringing people together!

Can I come with a friend?

The most rewarding part of a Rein Teen Tours summer is making new friends. While we do allow friends to travel together, Rein Teen Tours makes each tour a cohesive family. Along with safety and supervision, group dynamics is a main focus each day of our trips! Whether our travelers come with a friend or come alone, we strive to ensure that each teenager thrives socially.

Can I pick my roommates?

In order to make sure each teenager is comfortable in the beginning of his/her program, we assign roommates for the first few days of the trip. Friends who come on a tour together are placed in separate rooms for those assigned days. Most hotel rooms accommodate 2-3 people per room and every teen is guaranteed his/her own bed. After the first couple of nights, it's up to you to choose your roommates throughout the summer. You can change for each and every stop on your teen tour!

How do I choose a service project and an afternoon elective?

Once you have enrolled, we will email you descriptions of the different volunteer and elective options. We have several great service options to choose from, whether you want to work with children, help struggling families, or want to help the environment. Once you have chosen your project, you volunteer at that project for the duration of your program, allowing for a sense of accomplishment by the end of the experience.

What's the story with afternoon electives?

Each participant selects an elective, which take place in the afternoons. This is your chance to learn a new skill or improve upon something you are already interested in!

Can I bring my cell phone?

Yes, we allow cell phones. To ensure that cell phone use doesn't interfere with your experience, we have cell phone policies that we will share with you and your parent/guardian prior to your departure.

Who are the counselors and how are they trained?

We hire the BEST staff! We interview, reference check, and perform background checks on all of our eligible applicants. We hold a mandatory orientation each spring where our staff is trained on how to create the greatest summer for our teenagers, with a focus on group dynamics and safety. The majority of our counselors are in their mid-to-late twenties to early thirties and most return summer after summer. All of our staff live in the U.S. and are certified in CPR and First Aid.

What if I get sick while on tour?

Rein Teen Tours has relationships with medical facilities in all the areas we visit. In addition, each tour director has a file with every teenager's medical history. If a doctor's visit is required, your parent or guardian will be notified and you will be chaperoned by a same-sex staff member. During the visit, parents/guardians will have the opportunity to speak with the medical provider.

How do you handle allergies and special dietary needs?

We are able to accommodate teenagers who have allergies and dietary needs. Prior to the summer, all tour participants are required to complete a detailed medical history. If you have a particular allergy, please call the Rein Teen Tours office so we can discuss an allergy action plan.

Do I have to participate in an activity that makes me uncomfortable?

We will never force you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. However, we encourage our teenagers to participate in all activities. Touring is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something new and exciting.

What does tuition include?

Tour tuition includes all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, all recreation and entertainment, all ground transportation, inter-tour flights, gratuities and taxes.

How much is the deposit to hold a spot?

A $750 deposit is required to hold a spot. Click here to enroll online or you may call the Rein Teen Tours office at 973-785-1113.

How much spending money will I need?

Rein Teen Tours recommends that you bring about $100-$125 per week. This spending money will cover your daily lunches and souvenirs. The best option is to bring a debit card instead of cash.

Will I receive any type of acknowledgment that I volunteered this summer?

At the conclusion of your program we will send a certificate documenting the number of hours completed along with a letter explaining how you earned those hours. We are also happy to help with any paperwork or documentation that may be required by your school.