Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pali look like?
Pali is huge! With over 50+ cabins, extensive trail systems, and 5 ropes courses, it's easy to get overwhelmed at first. Here's a map you can check out
Are we near the beach?
We are about 90 minutes without traffic from the coast.
How close is the nearest store?
We have a few smaller stores right in town about a 3-5 minute drive. There is a full size grocery store about 20 minutes away on the mountain in Lake Arrowhead. If you would like to go down the mountain it is about 30 minutes to get to the bottom. There is a Walmart in Highland right before the exit on the 330.
Redlands has a Target,Trader Joes, Aldi, Sprouts, Stater Brothers, and a nearby Costco in San Bernardino!
What size bed will I have?
Twin-sized bed at your house and in cabin.
Do I need to bring bedding?
Yes, we do not provide any bedding.
Will I have a roommate?
Yes, you will have anywhere from 1 to 4 other roommates who are Pali Instructors or Activity Specialists. You will also have anywhere from 8 to 14 other people living with you in an off-site house.
*During training, you will get to know other instructors and you will fill out a form on who you would like to live with and which house you would prefer. We can't guarantee all your choices but you will get to live with cool people and in a beautiful home that's rent & utility free!
Is there a housing deposit?
Yes, we will take a portion of your housing deposit out of your first 2 paychecks. You will get your deposit back at the end of the season.
The deposit is $250
Do I need a car?
Nope! You do not need a car, but they are great to have for your freedom and personal time! If you do not have a car or do not want to bring one there will be plenty of people with cars to carpool to work.
What will I do on the weekends?
Whatever you want! There are so many things you can do on the weekends! Check out our "Weekend Warrior" page for ideas. The weekends are your oyster, you can do whatever you need to do to recharge to be ready for the next week.
Is there weekend work?
We do require that instructors work 2 paid weekends per season.
*If you're hoping to make extra cash, have retreat groups on the weekend and you can sign up to work a day or the whole weekend!
What do the cabins look like?
We have 3 different types of cabin accommodations which you'll stay in.
Jump Street Cabins -
Our new 12 person cottage-style cabins include a seating and table area, radiant heat, private showers and bathrooms and built-in wooden bunks. Most Jump Street cabins offer a private school teacher room or small classroom space on 3rd floor
Classic Cabins
Our 12 person classic camp cabins include radiant heat, private showers and bathrooms and built-in wooden bunks.
The Villas
Our largest and most central cabins, the Villas, offer beds for up to 28 students. The space layout offers separate rooms and dorm style shower and bathrooms. Like all of our cabins, the villas have heating and built-in wooden bunks. We typically stay in these during training.
Are we close to any National Parks?
So many! Bring your parks pass!
Joshua Tree National Park is about 92 miles away, around a 2 hour drive
Death Valley National Park is about 190 miles away, around a 3.5-4 hour drive
Pinnacles National Park is about 340 miles away, around a 6 hour drive
Sequoia National Park is about 280 miles away, around a 5 hour drive
Yosemite National Park is about 340 miles away, around a 6 hour drive
Kings Canyon National Park is about 315 miles away,
around a 5.5-6 hour drive
What does a day in the life of an Instructor look like?
Monday
8:00: Optional Instructor Breakfast - usually continental
8:30: Monday Morning Jobs - assigned by logistics leader
9:15 : Monday Morning Meeting - full staff meeting to prepare for the week ahead
10:30-11:00: Arrival and Introductions - Meet & greet your students!
12:30: Lunch
2:00: Afternoon Session 1 - Classes begin!
3:30: Break
3:45: Afternoon Session 2
5:15: End of Session 2
5:30: Dinner
6:30: Cabin Time - Play gaga, hang out at the field, get unpacked!
7:25: Line-up for Evening Activities
7:30: Evening Session - Night Hikes, Astro, or a Pali Dance, anyone?
9:00: Return to Cabins - time to get brush your teeth & get ready for bed!
10:00: Lights Out
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
7:00: Rise and Shine
7:45: Breakfast
9:00: Morning Session 1
10:30: Transition Time
10:45: Morning Session 2
12:15: End of Session 2
12:30: Lunch
1:15: Cabin Time
2:00: Afternoon Session 1
3:30: Transition Time
3:45: Afternoon Session 2
5:15: End of Session 2
5:30: Dinner
6:30: Teacher Time - a nice extra hour break for you!
7:30: Evening Session
9:00: Return to Cabins & (Pack Up on Tuesdays & Thursdays)
10:00: Lights Out
Friday
7:00: Rise and Shine
7:45: Bring luggage to meeting spots & Breakfast
8:00: Cabin Time
9:00: Morning Session 1
10:30: End of Morning Session
10:45: Load Buses & Wave goodbye!
11:00: Meet with your advisory groups to debrief your week!
12:00: All staff meeting & Lunch
1:00: Go home and enjoy your weekend!
*We do have a FULL DAY FRIDAY once a month where staff is asked to work till 5pm - Typically for specific ropes training and professional development .
Will I see any wildlife at Pali?
It is very likely that you will see all kinds of wildlife during your time here! Most commonly are birds, squirrels, chipmunks, deer and a variety of different lizards. Very rarely you may see a black bear, bobcat, or scat of a mountain lion.
What's the weather like?
August to mid-October the weather stays pretty warm during the day, but once the sun goes down it gets cold enough where you'll need a jacket and pants.
(high of 90° & low of 48°)
October-December is when it really starts to get cold and we start to expect snowfall or rain. This is when your winter layering techniques come into play.
( high of 50° & low of 20°).
January to March, & even April expect there to be snow on the ground and the air to be cold and very windy (high of 45° & low of 27°).
Do not fear! It starts to warm up again in April!
May and June it feels like summer, still a bit brisk when the sun goes down
(high of 74° & low of 46°).
What's the food like?
We have a variety of different foods options. We offer vegan and vegetarian options at every meal and can also accommodate most food allergies. There is a "staff fridge" that you will be able to access during meal times if you decide you want to bring your own food from home. You are fed meals buffet style when you are working. The only meals you will need to figure out yourself during the week are Monday's breakfast (optional) and Friday's dinner.
If you are "out of cabin" then you are expected to serve on the buffet line at meals.
We always have apples, oranges, and bananas available for quick snack.
Will I be able to get & send mail?
Yes! We have two addresses you can use for mail.
For UPS, Amazon and Fedex:
Your Name
Pali Institute
30778 CA HWY 18
Running Springs, CA
For USPS:
Your Name
Pali Institute
P.O. Box 2237
Running Springs, CA
