Every year a group of students from American Field Service (www.AFS.org) come to Southern California. They do various activities during their stay but the high light of their visit is a visit to the Imperial Sand Dunes for dune buggy rides.
 

      Coordinated by Vicki Warren, president of DUNERS.org and Friends of Dumont Dunes, this event is a huge thrill for the students. Some students have been to the dunes more than one year and once they all return to there home states, the chaperones of the trip provide feedback on what a wonderful time the students had. The students often comment that this was their favorite activity while visiting Southern California.

      This year there were 20+ students and half dozen dune buggies. Once the students arrived, Vicki gave them a short lesson on the history of the dunes, plant and animal life, current land issues, and why we live for going to the dunes with friends and family. Once orientation is over the students run to the nearest buggy and buckle in. The 1st few rides are short rides, usually 10-15 minutes. This gives them a chance to experience the dunes and the drivers a chance to allow all the students to go on a ride. Once the short rides are complete, lunch is served and the day is completed by the offer of longer rides for the students interested in participating.

Getting ready to go for a ride.

      We noticed that most students wanted to go again and wanted to go faster! They thoroughly enjoyed their rides and seemed fearless. It's an event they are sure to remember for a lifetime! If you?re able to gives rides we always need more cars! This event is usually held the 2^nd weekend in February at Osborne overlook off of Highway 78.

Off on a ride!