Entering grades 7 and 8, July 28 - August 9

Whitewater Rafting & Backpacking

A Quest is a road trip full of friends and adventure. Sleep under the stars and visit some of the most spectacular places on earth. Learn new skills, like backpacking and whitewater rafting, in a supportive, small-group environment. This is adventure travel like none other - you pick the music, you set the menus, and you put together your own totally out-of-the-box Jewish experiences. Like a road trip with a dozen friends, Quest is the perfect balance of thrill time and chill time.

There's no application required - register on your own, or you and a group of friends can sign up together, and as long as there's space available, you'll all be on the same trip! Quests are a lot of freedom and a lot of fun.

For more information, please visit our FAQs.

This two-week adventure begins with a gorgeous backpacking trip through Yosemite. Next, head over Tioga pass to explore the Eastern Sierras, famous for natural hot springs, stunning lakes and granite peaks. Celebrate Shabbat and visit Mono Lake where you can float like you're in the Dead Sea or canoe up close to the tufas. Recharge on the breath-taking shores of Lake Tahoe and gear up for whitewater rafting! An adrenaline-filled ride down the American River concludes this journey on a high note.

Sunday

Meet your new friends and your Quest Leaders in San Francisco. Drive out to Yosemite, make camp and get to know each other around the campfire.

Monday

Take a day hike to a stunning view or sweet swimming spot in Yosemite. Don't forget your camera!

Tuesday to Thursday

Up, up, and away! Grab your pack and all the food, clothes, and gear you will need for three days in the mountains of Yosemite! On your backpacking adventure you will swim in mountain streams, lookout for wildlife, and see beautiful wildflowers. Sleep under the stars and get back to nature! The backpacking trip will bond the group as you conquer nature's challenges together.

Friday

Back in the vans, cross Yosemite on the scenic Tioga Road. Head to Mammoth Lakes for showers and celebrate Shabbat.

Saturday

Get up close to the famous Mono Lake and its disappearing tufas (unusual calcium rock formations found along the shore of the lake)! Then take a dip or float in the salty waters. Laundry, grocery shopping, and phone calls home make this a recharging day.

Sunday to Monday

On your way to Lake Tahoe, pass hot springs and incredible vistas. Explore Black Point and play hide and seek in the fissures or visit Bodie, one of California's true ghost towns. Then relax on the sandy beaches of Lake Tahoe near trails to stunning views of mountains, waterfalls, and lakes.

Tuesday to Thursday

It's river time! From your camp along the shores of the South Fork of the American River, you will spend 1-2 days paddling class 2 and 3 rapids with names like "Troublemaker" and "Satan's Cesspool." Wednesday might be a second day on the river or a chance for the group to conquer a new challenge: a high ropes course and zipline. Either way, it will be a blast. A few hours of volunteering with the American River Conservancy provide a chance for you to "give back" as environmental stewards. Thursday night, reflect on the all the adventures and fun you have shared with your group and celebrate your journey with a final banquet.

Friday

Return to San Francisco, where it all began. Say goodbye to your new friends and reunite with your family. Don't be surprised if you find you want to keep sleeping in your sleeping bag for a few more nights!