The Hostel Adventure Program is an environmental education program that introduces disadvantaged inner-city youth to the excitement of the natural world. Students love the open-air adventure, and teachers appreciate HAP naturalists who carefully tailor the program's activities to enhance classroom curriculum.
Each year more than 1,500 youth ages six through 18 encounter wildlife, tide pools, native plants and star-filled skies during overnight trips at three HI-USA hostels: HI-Marin Headlands, HI-Point Reyes and HI-Point Montara Lighthouse. The hostels are located in unique coastal settings that provide diverse habitats for hands-on learning and discovery.
More than 17,000 youth have participated in the program since it was established by HI-USA, Golden Gate Council in 1986. HAP is often the first opportunity of their lives to leave an urban environment and experience the great outdoors.
Goals and Objectives : Quotes from Students : Quotes from Teachers
Service Projects : Special Programs : HAP Fees
Hostelships : Sample Itinerary : Contact HAP
Goals and Objectives
Environmental Education
Through investigation of natural habitats, hands-on activities and discussions, youth develop an:
- Appreciation of and respect for nature
- Understanding of the principles of ecology and conservation, and
- Awareness of human impact and dependence upon the environment.
Interpersonal Skill Development
HAP participants gain greater confidence and insight into themselves and their community of peers and adults by building trust and interpersonal communication skills through:
- Problem-solving initiatives.
- Trust-building exercises.
- Cooperative games.
Intercultural Understanding
Staying at a HI-USA hostel transforms young people through community living. Students work together to prepare meals in the shared kitchen, complete simple morning chores and learn about other countries from international travelers.
HAP participants are encouraged to be aware of and sensitive to the needs of others.
For example, when an African American student from Horace Mann Middle School interviewed a Czech Republic man with limited English skills at HI-Marin Headlands, it was fascinating to observe the common ground that she found through simple questions such as:
- What do you like to do for fun?
- Do you like pizza?
- Do you like music?
Download Lesson Ideas for Teachers, our handy guide to get your students ready for HAP (PDF, 11 pages).
top
Quotes from Students
“I learned that you always have to respect nature and be gentle. And that nature is important because we use it and animals live in it.”
— 5th grader at George Peabody School (San Francisco)
“Thank you for teaching me how to work together with my classmates.”
— 5th grader at Lafayette Elementary School (Oakland)
“Youth hostels are the coolest – even doing chores was fun!”
— 4th grader at Sanchez Elementary School (San Francisco)
top
Quotes from Teachers
“Imagine the joy in my heart as I listened to my students share with each other what they had learned about various plants; watched them rush to the sea, play tag with the waves and fall in love with the ocean; and saw how their hearts and minds were touched by all that they saw and did in ways that no amount of time in a classroom can produce.”
— 4th grade teacher from Lafayette School (San Francisco)
“The Montara overnight is the most important trip of the year. Most of the children have never been away from home overnight. They are stunned, amazed, flabbergasted and overjoyed. They are simply different kids when they return: more worldly, more understanding, more helpful, more curious and they generally carry a magical smile for a long time. A lifetime.”
— 4th grade teacher from Marshall School (San Francisco)
“The team-building activities and games that we participated in were great for helping us learn to share and get along. Most of our students have real problems using these skills, and the games and activities helped them learn how to cooperate. I really noticed the difference in their behavior when we got back to school.”
— 5th grade teacher from John Muir School (San Francisco)
top
Service Projects
HAP service projects teach students about the joys of volunteering and illustrate creative ways to give back to the local community. HAP projects like exotic plant removal, native plant care and ground maintenance benefit the National Parks where HI-USA hostels are located.
Teachers from San Francisco Unified School District should inquire about scholarships for these service projects through Linking SF.
top
Special Programs
HI-Marin Headlands partners with the nonprofit Trips for Kids to offer HAP participants (grades 5 and up) with an unforgettable mountain bike ride. TFK provides the bicycles, experienced guides and a great environmental adventure for just $25 more.
top
HAP Fees
The cost of a Hostel Adventure Program per student is roughly HALF THE PRICE of comparable programs. HAP is run by Hostelling International USA, Golden Gate Council, a private nonprofit organization committed to keeping our programs affordable for all schools.
Programs based at Marin Headlands Hostel
$45 per day for students
$25 per day for chaperones
Programs based at Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel
$45 per day for students
$25 per day for chaperones
Programs based at Point Reyes Hostel
$34 per day for students
$14 per day for chaperones
(Prices include one overnight per person.)
Limited scholarship funds are available, based on need. Prices are subject to change. For complete pricing information, contact the Education Programs Coordinator.
top
Hostelships
HAP encourages teachers with limited resources to apply for a Hostelship. Our scholarship program covers one-half the cost of an overnight fee. You must register for the program first, and then you will receive a scholarship form.
HAP will contact the hostelship applicant and the selected HI-USA hostel after the review panel reaches a decision.
top
Sample Itinerary
Day One
- 9:45 a.m.: Arrive at the HI-USA hostel; put away gear/food
- 10 a.m.: Introductions; discuss guidelines and expectations; break into naturalist groups; snack
- 10:15 a.m.: Day program: name games, hikes to various locations with interactive activities
- 12:15 p.m.: Lunch on the trail
- 4 p.m.: Return to the hostel
4:15 p.m.: Chaperones receive hostel orientation
- 4:30 p.m.: Hostel orientation for students; free time; break time for naturalists
5 p.m.: Adults help coordinate dinner
- 6 p.m.: Dinner
- 7 p.m.: Night hike (April-Oct.: 7:30 p.m.)
- 9 p.m.: Night hike ends
- 10 p.m.: Lights out
Day Two
- 7 a.m.: Wake up
- 7:45 a.m.: Breakfast
- 9:30 a.m.: Day program begins; hikes and activities (possible service project)
- 12 noon: Lunch
- 12:30 p.m.: Closing circle
- 1 p.m.: Bus pick-up; depart for school
top
Contact HAP
Ali Cannon, HAP Coordinator
Hostelling International USA
Golden Gate Council
425 Divisadero St Ste 307
San Francisco, CA 94117
Phone: 415/863-1444 ext. 310
Contact Us
top
