Shoulder to Shoulder: New Orleands

shoulder-to-shoulder: new orleans wetlands

Age Range:

8th-12th Graders

Location:

New Orleans

Trip Duration:

7 Days

Dates:

June 22 - June 28, 2025

ID Needed:

NY REAL ID

Application Requirements

  • The application should take about 7-10 minutes to complete. Please view the registration steps here.

    For any questions, please contact Bill Cotter by email at wcotter@shouldertoshoulder.com or by phone at (970) 690-0093

  • A list of required documents and instructions for completing them can be found here.

  • There are no required orientations or workshops prior to attending this Summer Experience. Just make sure to attend your Goodbye Group to receive your equipment and travel itinerary, and to meet the other Summer Searchers who will be traveling with the same program!

About the Program

Shoulder-to-Shoulder gives students the opportunity to learn about the principle of ethical leadership from inspiring nonprofit leaders and to earn 35 service hours. Work alongside trusted community partner, Common Ground Relief, to help create sustainable, healthy, and functional coastal wetlands.

  • Your work with Common Ground Relief will be center at their nursery, helping with tree potting, planting and propagation efforts. You will work in the Louisiana wetlands as well, supporting planting efforts out in the water.

    When you are not working on coastal restoration projects, you will have the chance to learn about New Orleans on a trip to the French Quarter, on a swamp tour, and through conversations with local residents.

    Click here to view a Canva presentation with more information!

  • You will be staying at Common Ground Relief's volunteer house in the Lower Ninth Ward. Housing includes central air/heat, communal living and cooking spaces, wifi, bedding, towels, and groceries for three meals a day, plus snacks. Shared bathrooms with hot showers are available on-site, as are a washer and dryer (detergent provided).

  • This is an open enrollment program, which means non-Summer Searchers will be able to join your group and you’ll meet folks from diverse backgrounds. There may be a couple of other Summer Searchers attending the same program, but most people will probably not know each other!

  • You will not be able to use your phones or any electronic device that connects to the internet once you arrive in New Orleans with program leaders. However, you are allowed to bring e-readers, music devices that do not connect to the internet, and a digital or disposable camera.

    Parents and Guardians are always able and welcome to call the program if necessary — leaders always have working cell phones and service. Students will also create daily blog updates, which will be available to read on the Shoulder-to-Shoulder website.

  • You will need to travel by plane to New Orleans. A NY REAL ID is required for all plane travel.

    While you may have been chaperoned as a sophomore, juniors are not accompanied by Summer Search to the airport. Program staff typically meet students at the airport and travel with you to your final destination. Program staff will remain with you until you return to the airport for your return flight.

  • We recommend bringing no more than $100 for personal spending. You may want to buy snacks and souvenirs along the way!

  • This will be updated in March 2025. Check back in then!


This was so much more than a service trip; we were truly integrated into the community of New Orleans.
— Shoulder-to-Shoulder Student

Summer Search provides a variety of resources to support you in preparing for your Summer Experience. From travel tips to what to expect from outdoor activities to live events, we got you!

Remember that your mentor is always your best resource! Reach out if you have any questions or need help with your application.

Need to schedule office hours with the Summer Team? Create a Calendly appointment here!



Summer Experience Support Resources