Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to help! Many questions arise when planning activities and events.
The below questions are grouped by what applies to Participants, Volunteers, and Sponsors. There are also questions answered at the bottom that apply specifically to our two largest events, Day on the Beach and Camp Adventures.
To speak with a Shared Adventures representative, please contact us.
- Phone: (831) 459-7210
- Office Hours:Tuesday, Thursday & Friday from 11 am-5:30 pm
FAQ for Participants
Is transportation provided?
Shared Adventures does not provide transportation. If you need help with transportation to activities, you can call Liftline at (831) 688-9663 or ParaCruz at (831) 425-4664 which you may be eligible to use at no cost. Carpools can sometimes be arranged.
How do I sign up for an activity?
To register to activities contact the Shared Adventures office. Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:0 am – 5:30 pm. The office number is (831) 459-7210. Or e-mail us at [email protected]
Can family members attend SA events as well?
Family members are always welcome as spectators at events. Depending on the capacity of an event, there can sometimes be room for siblings or parents to participate as well. Priority will always be given to those with special needs. For more information, ask us about activities the whole family can participate in.
When can I sign up for Day on the Beach?
Day on the Beach registration opens a month before the day of the event, typically the 3rd week of June. Registration will be announced on our website and e-mail list. Join our e-mail list to ensure you are notified when registration is open.
When can I sign up for Camp Adventures?
Camp Adventures Registration begins in the spring. Families will fill out a preliminary registration form and notify within a month if they are accepted to camp. Then you will receive the full campership application, liability waivers, and camp schedule. Registration will be announced on our website and e-mail list. Join our e-mail list to ensure you are notified when registration is open.
Who do I send my payments to and what kind of payments do you accept?
Shared Adventures can accept cash, checks, and credit. Advance checks to activity payments should be made out to Shared Adventures and mailed to PO BOX 396, Santa Cruz CA 95061 Credits cards can be accepted over the phone during office hours (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 11:00 am -5:30 pm).
If I cancel an activity I signed up for, can I be reimbursed for payment?
At least 48 hours notice is required for cancellations. Less than 48 hours will result in no refund. With notice, you may also transfer your payment to a different Shared Adventures activity.
Do you provide scholarships and how can I request one?
Shared Adventures would like everyone to be able to participate in our program regardless of income level. If you are in need of a scholarship, please Contact Shared Adventures and send us your contact information, the activity you would like to attend, and why you would like to apply for a scholarship. Someone from Shared Adventures will contact you back shortly.
What ages are Shared Adventures activities for?
The majority of Shared Adventures activities are for people of all ages. If we do hold an activity that is explicitly for children or adults (i.e. Camp Adventures) we will state that in the activity description.
FAQ for Volunteers
What opportunities are there for volunteers?
There is a large variety of volunteer roles at Shared Adventures. Volunteers are always needed at our ongoing art, garden, and yoga programs. We also hold several large events a year in which 100+ volunteers are needed. See Day on the Beach or Day in the Sky for more information. There are a variety of activities happening throughout the year put on by volunteers, such as Indoor Rock Climbing, Kayaking, camping trips, dance parties, and so much more! Join our Volunteer E-mail List to stay updated on current volunteer opportunities.
If you or your group need to volunteer and have a special project or idea you’d like to collaborate with, please contact us at [email protected]
If you’re not sure what you’d like to volunteer for, contact Shared Adventures with your interest and skills. We’d be happy to give you more information about finding a rewarding volunteer opportunity suited for you!
How do I sign up to volunteer?
The best way to learn about upcoming volunteer opportunities is to join our Volunteer E-mail List. We send out e-mail announcements whenever we are looking for volunteers. If you find an event or class that you want to volunteer for, contact the Shared Adventures office. Office hours are Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 am – 5:30 pm. The office number is (831) 459-7210. Or e-mail us at [email protected].
Are background checks required?
Background checks are required to volunteer as a counselor at Camp Adventures. Volunteers may be asked to sign a liability waiver at certain activities.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Shared Adventures welcomes volunteers of all ages. Call our office if you would like to discuss volunteer jobs that are best for you. Several of our volunteer jobs require significant experience and better suited for adults.
Can I receive community service hours for volunteering?
Yes, you can earn community service hours for volunteering at Shared Adventures.
FAQ for Donors and Sponsors
Where does my donation go?
All funds donated to Shared Adventures will go towards creating and implementing Shared Adventures activities, purchasing supplies and food, renting facilities or equipment, entertainment costs, and outreach for the activities. Shared Adventures will also fund a Scholarship Program, so people with limited resources are able to attend Shared Adventures’ activities at no cost!
How do I sign up for monthly donations?
It’s easy!
- Choose a Program you would like to make your monthly donation to. The recommended donation for each program is $20 per month, but you are welcome to donate any amount you wish. You may also choose more than one Program to donate to.
- Complete the Application Form fully and send it to us. We’ll need a credit card number to put on file for your monthly donation. We also ask for a home address and/or e-mail address so we can keep you updated on how your donation is being used.
Can I donate anonymously?
YES! If you choose, you may donate as an anonymous sponsor. We still need your first name, last name, and other information to maintain data accuracy, but your name will not be used in any public newsletters, information, or online resources. You also will not receive Quarterly Updates or Scholarship information if you choose to be an anonymous sponsor.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
Shared Adventures welcomes volunteers of all ages. Call our office if you would like to discuss volunteer jobs that are best for you. Several of our volunteer jobs require significant experience and better suited for adults.
Can I receive community service hours for volunteering?
Yes, you can earn community service hours for volunteering at Shared Adventures.
FAQ about Day on the Beach
How do I get to Day on the Beach?
Day on the Beach is held at Cowell’s Beach, Santa Cruz (View it in Google Maps). You can also view directions on our website.
Where can I park?
You can see a map of all available parking locations here. Many spaces are metered or require a day fee (between$5 – $10). There is a loading/unloading zone to drop off and pick up people. >
Another alternative to parking near the beach is to park downtown and take the historic Santa Cruz Trolley. The trolley takes passengers from downtown Santa Cruz (infront of the Del Mar Theatre) and drops off right at Cowell Beach. Only 25 cents to ride! For more information visit santacruztrolley.com
I'm from out of town. Where should I stay?
There are many accessible hotels located in Santa Cruz. You can view information on hotels at the Santa Cruz Visitor’s Center website. Rooms fill up quickly during the summer, so reserve in advance.
How do I sign up?
Registration for Day on the Beach opens June 8th. You can sign up through the Day on the Beach website, or call Shared Adventures at (831) 459-7210. To participate in ocean activities, you must register online and complete the health form. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to participate in your first choice of ocean activity. Day on the Beach does reach capacity quickly. If you are unable to sign up for an ocean activity, you can still enjoy the free food, music, live entertainment, and games at the beach party!Sign up for ocean activities here.
If you are not participating in an ocean activity but are planning on attending the Beach Party, we ask that you still sign up online so that Shared Adventures can be prepared with the proper amount of food and water. Sign up for the Beach Party here.
If you would like to sign up as a volunteer, please do so through the Day on the Beach website. It is important that volunteers pre-register to ensure the most successful event possible. If you are signing up as a volunteer to assist with the ocean activities (outrigger canoe, kayak, SCUBA diving) someone from Shared Adventures will contact you to ask about your experience level.Sign up as a volunteer here.
Where do I go when I get there?
Please check-in at the participant or volunteer registration tables when you arrive. They will be set up with clearly marked signs at the entrance to Cowell’s Beach. Participant registration will be set up by 10:00 am and volunteer registration will be set up by 8:00 am. We recommend arriving as early as possible! Saturday Boardwalk Traffic & Highway 1 Traffic will be in full swing!
What should I bring to Day on the Beach?
We recommend bringing plenty of sunscreen, a sunhat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the Santa Cruz sunshine.
Water! We will have water available, but it is always good to keep some with you.
Extra warm layers. The beach will be foggy in the morning and clear up as the day goes on.
Beach towels, folding chairs, umbrellas for shade, etc. Shared Adventures will supply chairs and shade while you are waiting for your ocean activity and in the eating area.
A Swimsuit! Bring or wear your swimsuit to the event, especially if you’ll be participating in the ocean activities.
What time should I show up?
Volunteers will be arriving as early as 7:00 am to begin setting up the beach. Participants can arrive at any time but check-in will not be open until 10:00 am. We recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid boardwalk and Highway 1 traffic!
What is there to do at Day on the Beach?
There is plenty to do at the beach! Event activities include a free lunch and live entertainment. there will also be games set up on the beach including bocce ball, Frisbee golf, and sandcastle building
If you need a break from the sun, you can walk across the street to the Monterey Sanctuary Exploration Center. Less than a 5-minute walk from the beach, you can explore exhibits and interactive displays highlighting the sanctuary and its incredible underwater environment. Free tours of the sanctuary will be given to Day on the Beach participants throughout the day!
How much does it cost?
Day on the Beach is completely free of cost! Please visit our Sponsors page to see who makes this incredible event possible.
There will be a few items for sale at the event, including Day on the Beach T-shirts and other Shared Adventures’ merchandise. Please bring cash or a checkbook with you if you plan to purchase anything at the beach.
FAQ about Camp Adventures
What is Camp Adventures?
Camp Adventures is an overnight, 4-day summer camp designed for children with special needs to attend with their families or caretakers. The Camp is held at Camp Arroyo in Livermore, CA.
Does a parent or guardian need to attend Camp Adventures?
A parent, guardian, or caregiver must be present and care for any children during camp. Camp Counselors do attend camp. Their job is to host activities and ensure the over-all camp is running smoothly. If a child must be temporarily cared for, the parent or guardian must approve this time with the Camp Director first.
Who can attend Camp Adventures? And who cannot?
Family members of any kind are invited to attend Camp Adventures. Grandparents, siblings, cousins, uncles, etc. are all invited. We do limit the age to no younger than 5 years of age. There is also a limit of 6 people per group.
Does Camp Adventures provide food?
What about food allergies?
Camp Arroyo has a full-service dining hall that can accommodate all food allergies. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks throughout the day are provided to all campers, with individual plates for those with allergies. We ask that outside food is not brought into Camp Arroyo because so many of our campers have very sensitive allergies. If you must bring food or beverages into camp, they need to be checked in with the Camp Nurse and kept in the infirmary. Please contact Shared Adventures if you have more questions regarding food allergies at Camp Adventures.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Camp Arroyo has 12 fully accessible, modern cabins on site. Each cabin has 6 bunk beds (12 beds total) and 1 accessible bathroom and shower. Families will be sharing these cabins with other families at the camp. If you or a family member has special sleep-time needs or requires a bottom bunk because of their special need, please provide information on the registration form. You are responsible for providing your own bedding, and keeping your cabin and it’s bathroom clean throughout your time at camp.
What activities will be provided at Camp Adventures?
Camp Adventures will be jam-packed with activities throughout the days at Camp Adventures. Every year is a little different. In the past, we have provided Archery, Rock Climbing, Zip-Line, Pool Time, Horseback Riding, , Music Therapy, Arts & Crafts, Camp Fire with S’mores and Entertainment The Families will be able to roam through the activities that are open at the given time.
How do I get to camp?
Each family is responsible for their own transportation to camp. During registration, families may check if they either need transportation or are able to provide transportation. Shared Adventures will do our best to make carpool arrangements for families that are unable to drive themselves.
Do you provide scholarships and how can I request one?
Camp registration typically is $150 per family for the 4-day camp. Shared Adventures would like everyone to be able to participate in Camp Adventures regardless of income level. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please indicate so on the registration form. If you’d like to give more information about why you are in need of a scholarship, you may elaborate on the registration form. Scholarships for Camp Adventures are limited. In some cases, partial scholarships will be provided.
Any restrictions?
Camp Arroyo has some basic rules that all camps, including Camp Adventures, must follow. Not abiding by these rules will result in the inability to participate in future years, so we are very strict on following these rules.
- No abuse of any kind, including verbal, mental and physical will be tolerated.
- No smoking of any kind is allowed at Camp Arroyo. Smoking is permitted off-campus in the parking lot across the street from our lower, main parking lot.
- No drugs or alcohol are allowed at Camp Arroyo
- No diving in the pool .
- Certified Service Dogs are welcome. No other pets or animals may attend.
- Vandalizing Camp Arroyo property including, but not limited to, cabins, dining hall, equipment, landscaping, and pool areas are prohibited.
- Children must be supervised at all times.
- No misuse of phones.
- No entering of areas designated as “off-limits”.