• Environmental Traveling Companions (ETC) opens the beauty and challenge of outdoor adventures to people with special needs. Every year over 2,000 people of all abilities join us to raft whitewater rivers, ski across alpine meadows, sea kayak the waters of the Golden Gate and sleep beneath the open sky. ETC trips enable participants to access the wilderness, gain environmental awareness, and share the adventure. We invite you to join us on a trip. Groups and individuals of all abilities are welcome to participate in our sea kayaking, rafting and cross-country skiing programs.

MISSION

Environmental Traveling Companions believes that everyone, regardless of physical or financial limitations, should have the opportunity to experience the challenge and beauty of the wilderness. Through ETC's Sea Kayaking, River Rafting, Cross-Country Skiing and Youth Leadership School adventures people with disabilities and other special needs overcome perceived limitations, attain greater personal freedom and confidence, and better understand themselves in relation to others and the environment.

WHO DO WE SERVE?
Every year over 2000 people with special needs join us on outdoor adventures. These are people of all ages, people who have hearing impairments; people who have physical, emotional or developmental disabilities and people living with serious illness, such as cancer or HIV/AIDS. ETC collaborates with over 80 social service agencies and schools who rely upon our programs to provide a vital extension of their own services. We also provide outdoor education programs for school groups and economically disadvantaged youth.

WHO ARE OUR GUIDES AND VOLUNTEERS?
Our guides are highly skilled and trained volunteers who are experienced in adapting outdoor adventures for people with special needs. They are professional, caring and love what they do. All guides are CPR and First Aid certified. Every year ETC trains interested people to serve as outdoor guides in each of our programs. We are committed to recruiting a diverse community of guides that reflect the diversity of people for whom we provide accessible adventures and strongly encourage people of all ability levels, ethnicities, and orientations to apply.