What's it like
A typical day on this gap year project
Calling all history majors, enthusiasts and adventurers! If you're interested in American history, the great outdoors, or historic preservation, read on!
All About Volunteering in a Gold Rush Town
Familiarize yourself with the historical significance of the area while working on preservation initiatives led by local experts. Help preserve America’s historical and cultural resources for generations to come.
Walk down the deserted streets of Bodie, a town that once hosted nearly 10,000 people eager to strike gold! Bodie was named after Waterman S. Body who discovered a small amount of gold in the hills. Eventually, it was established as a mining town by the Standard Company in the 1800's. Only a small part of the town has survived, but hundreds of buildings remain, including a number of houses that look and feel almost as they did during the Gold Rush.
This placement is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about this period in American history, and the value the railroad brought to the town. You'll come to understand the conditions residents and miners endured.
On the weekends, explore Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park with your fellow volunteers.
Details, Costs and Deadlines
Start Date: September 12 to October 12
Costs: $4800
Requirements: Age 18+
Location: Bodie, California
What is included in those costs?
Accommodations: single tent provided (for you to take home after your program!) + weekend accommodations at a local lodge or hotel
Meals: 3 meals per day for the duration of the program
Airport: scheduled pick up and drop off from Reno-Tahoe International Airport
On the ground transportation for program activities
Pre-program preparation materials
On the ground training, including a safety orientation, project induction and activity training
Program activities: outdoor weekend activities in Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe
Support: 24-hour local support and accompaniment by a team leader
Laundry: stipend provided for laundry
Welcome package: tent, camp chair, water bottle, t-shirt
What's not included?
Flights to/from Reno-Tahoe International Airport
Health Insurance
Sleeping bags and ground mats
Visas (for international participants, if required)
Routine or country-specific vaccination if applicable
Any costs for COVID-19 PCR tests
Contact our Placement Advisors at info@kayavolunteer.com if you have questions about costs, inclusions or anything else!
What about traveling during Covid-19?
As we prepare for a responsible return to travel, our priority at Kaya Responsible Travel is safety. We care deeply about the safety of both our participants and our host communities on the ground. With that in mind, we have developed and implemented extensive plans for selected projects in the Americas, Africa, and Asia where we can safely continue to carry out important work with our participants. You can learn about our reopening plans here.
Highlights
Project Requirements
Project Benefits
