Unlocking Opportunities: Exploring the Benefits of Student Adventure Passes

Student Adventure Passes are initiatives designed to provide students with access to various opportunities and experiences, ranging from free transportation to access to state parks and recreational activities. These programs aim to enhance students' lives by increasing equity, building transit habits, and opening doors to new experiences. This article delves into the benefits of such programs, highlighting examples like the Metrolink Student Adventure Pass and the California State Park Adventure Pass.

Metrolink's Student Adventure Pass: A Case Study in Transportation Equity

In October, Metrolink launched the Student Adventure Pass (SAP), a grant-funded program providing free rides to K-12, technical school, college and university students. Since its introduction, the program has enabled over 25,000 students from more than 450 different schools and institutions to take advantage of the program. The impact of the Student Adventure Pass has been observed on both a macro and micro level, monitoring its effect on ridership and how it has helped increase transit equity for our youngest passengers. Individual stories from students highlight how SAP has made it easier to travel across the region during their free time, take on professional development opportunities or visit family.

Increasing Equity for Low-Income Riders

Ridership trends shifted quickly because of the SAP: users of the Mobility-4-All low-income discount program decreased immediately. The lower-income students on Metrolink were able to begin using Metrolink for free with SAP instead of using the 50% discount offered through Mobility-4-All. The SAP has made it easier for these students to travel to and from school, while providing them with financial breathing room that can help them pursue new opportunities. SAP use runs the gamut from commuter schools like San Bernardino Valley College and Cal State LA to universities with high percentages of on-campus students like USC or UC Irvine. Every dollar matters for these students, and the SAP provides them with more opportunity regardless of where they’re starting from or where they’re headed.

Building Transit Habits for the Future

The Student Adventure Pass offers both short-term and long-term benefits. By introducing students to Metrolink at an early age, we significantly increase the likelihood that they will continue choosing our system in the future. Students have embraced the service because of the SAP.

Opening New Opportunities for Exploration and Growth

The program gives students a measure of freedom to explore the region and take advantage of everything Southern California has to offer. The SAP also makes it possible for students to explore downtown Los Angeles, experience the magic of Disneyland or take the train up to Ventura to spend a day at the beach. SAP allows students to look further - to gain real-world knowledge at an internship downtown, attend a sporting event or take advantage of the entertainment and cultural experiences that are so plentiful in this amazingly diverse region we call home. It makes public transportation synonymous with possibility.

California State Park Adventure Pass: Connecting Students with Nature and History

With the school year just getting into full swing, California State Parks, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and the California Natural Resources Agency are inviting all fourth graders in California public schools to download the free California State Park Adventure Pass. This pass grants students and their families a year of free entry to 54 state parks. The California State Park Adventure Pass expands the opportunity for fourth graders and their families to enjoy the benefits of connecting with nature, each other and their communities. The pass for this school year’s fourth graders is valid until Aug. 31, 2026.

Access to Diverse Natural and Historical Sites

Among the picturesque state parks included: Henry W. Coe State Park near San Jose, Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park in the Central Valley, Silver Strand State Beach in San Diego, and Chino Hills State Park in the greater Los Angeles area.

Promoting Health, Happiness, and Stewardship

“As a mom, I know how much time in nature shapes a child’s health, happiness, and love for the outdoors,” said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “The California State Park Adventure Pass has opened the door for more kids and families to experience the joy and benefits of our beautiful state parks. “California’s state parks are true wonders of nature and human history,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “The Adventure Pass is an invitation to fourth graders and their families to discover the world of California. It’s your home.” “California’s natural treasures belong to all of us,” said California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot.

High Trek Everett's Student Adventure Pass: Tailored Recreational Experiences

The Student Adventure Pass is our most popular school option, for a few obvious reasons - it's fun, easy to plan, and can be tailored to meet your needs. They work with schools of all types and sizes - private, public, several dozen students to several hundred.

Advantages of the Student Adventure Pass

If you are looking to spend 3 or more hours, or participate in 3 or more of our offerings, it's a no brainer. In most cases, the savings is significant - most clients are saving 30% or more compared our already low non-profit prices - and the pass comes with all of the following benefits. If you're bringing a large group, making sure everyone has an opportunity to experience all of the fun can be difficult. That's why we handle it for you! Once a start time, end time, and desired activities are agreed upon, our talented program staff will handle making the schedule. We even schedule in aspects of program that are not specific to our activities - think time for lunch, snacks, expectation setting, and debriefing. Students couldn't be here if your chaperones weren't here. So we want your chaperones to join the fun. We offer complementary ropes course tickets to chaperones, up to a 1-to-10 ratio. As a part of a student adventure pass reservation, your group is reserved space under one or more of our tents (based on size). This is usually charged at $100+ per tent per hour, but is included in adventure passes. Once you book, our skilled program staff will be in touch to start preparing you for a successful day. When you arrive on site, you will be greeted by a dedicated program staff member. This staff member is your guide for the day - there to keep things flowing, troubleshoot problems, and answer questions you have.

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Pricing and Preparation

Our Student Adventure Pass offers variable pricing based on date and start time. By offering discounted rates at off-peak times, our hope is not to exclude a group from its preferred time, but rather to encourage groups to book at slower times where they can receive a price break. This way, more schools can have an amazing High Trek experience and groups on a tighter budget have options for a more affordable experience. Do review the information in this section, but also know that when you book a student adventure pass, our staff will be in communication leading up to the day of event. We will pass on necessary steps to prepare several times.

How to be Best Prepared

Please arrange to bring chaperones. We ask that your school bring chaperones at around a 1-to-10 ratio. If this isn't possible, reach out and we can discuss what makes sense for your school. Make a note of students and chaperones who have physical limitations that would prevent them from participating in our activities - this includes those with heart conditions, those with back and joint concerns, people who become lightheaded or faint easily, and those who are pregnant. These people should consult a doctor before participating and be prepared to not go up into the course. We are happy to modify their rotation so that they still have something to do! Everyone should have a completed waiver before they arrive. Waivers are online and can be completed anytime before your program. Have all students bring a sack lunch that does not require microwaving or refrigeration OR arrange for lunch to be delivered. Wear close-toed shoes. They are a requirement for all of our activities. Dress appropriately - you will be outside and active the entire time. Dress with layers as if you were going on a hike! Please have your students wear sunscreen as they will be outside for a while! Bring plenty of water, this is a high intensity physical day. Plan to arrive 15-20 minutes early to make the most of your time.

Requirements for Participation

All participants must weigh between 30 and 265 pounds. Participants must be at least 8 years old to participate. Those who have heart conditions or who are pregnant should not participate. Participants with joint and back conditions should consult a doctor before participating. Participants may not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Participants must have a valid High Trek Everett waiver completed within the past 360 days. Waivers from other High Trek locations are not accepted. A group waiver management link will be sent over upon booking.

Additional Free Passes and Programs

In addition to the California State Park Adventure Pass, all Californians can check out a California State Parks Library Pass by using their library cards to access more than 200 participating state park units. Families receiving California Work Opportunity and Responsibility for Kids (CalWORKs), individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and income-eligible Californians 62 and over can apply for the Golden Bear Pass.

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