Category Archives: Voluntourism

andBeyond Launches Philanthropy-Focused Itineraries in Tanzania, Kenya, South Africa

 

andBeyond travelers on the “Travel With a Purpose in Tanzania” program visit Ololosokwan Clinic, primary school, and Meirowa School, and can join a group of school children on a game drive and conservation lesson.

andBeyond, a leading luxury experiential travel company,  has launched philanthropic-focused itineraries in TanzaniaKenya, and South Africa to give guests a first-hand look at its core ethos of caring for the land, wildlife, and people. The activities range from adopting an elephant at the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Kenya to participating in local school conservation lessons in Tanzania to visiting the Grootbos Green Futures College in Cape Town, an organization that provides educational training to unemployed young adults in the city.

Tanzania: Travelers on andBeyond’s 9-day Travel with Purpose in Tanzania tour start the adventure off in Arusha before heading to andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge to explore the Mayoka and Moya communities by bike, and the new science labs at Kilimamoja School, funded by the Africa Foundation. The excursion continues to andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, perched above the edge of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, before ending at andBeyond Klein’s Camp on the Serengeti. Here, travelers will visit Ololosokwan Clinic, primary school, and Meirowa School, and can join a group of school children on a game drive and conservation lesson.

Kenya: andBeyond’s new Travel with Purpose in Kenya 12-day itinerary weaves travelers through the Kuku Group Ranch at the foot of the Chyulu Hills in Nairobi, Lewa Downs Conservancy in Laikipia, and the Masai Mara to learn about and engage in various conservation projects. Highlights include a private visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi to adopt an elephant, feeding giraffes at the Giraffe Centre, and a Maasai community visit led by the African Foundation Program Manager, in which travelers can interact with a Maasai family and visit a traditional boma.

South Africa: andBeyond’s Travel with Purpose in South Africa journey is a 10-day excursion spanning from andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve to Cape Town to the Cape Whale Coast. At andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, travelers take an excursion with Africa Foundation to visit projects in the Mduku and Mngobokazi communities, and assist in an exclusive rhino notching experience. Travelers then head to Cape Town for a half-day tour of Uthando, a non-profit that supports various community projects (day care, urban agriculture, environmental, and youth development programs), followed by a half-day tour of the city to explore Table Mountain, Greenmarket Square, and Company Gardens. The tour continues on to the Cape Whale Coast (known for its prime whale watching location), where travelers will have the option to explore the Grootbos’s Green Futures College or the Siyakhula Organic Farm, visit the African Seabird and Penguin Sanctuary, and of course enjoy a whale watching excursion.

In addition to these opportunities for travelers to engage in voluntourism, andBeyond offers Small Group Journeys  affording the opportunity to explore Africa, Asia’s and South America’s extraordinary landscapes in the company of an intimate group of like-minded safari enthusiasts, on a set itinerary. The newest is Land Rover Expeditions around Patagonia Lakes, and another around Chile/Argentina Wine & CountrySnow Leopard Expeditions (India) is on many travelers’ bucket lists and Botswana Mobile Camping Expeditions is THE way to see Botswana for the adventurous.

Also, andBeyond owns and operates lodges and camps in Africa. New lodges opening in 2018 include Bateleur Camp in Kenya, Tengile River Lodge in South Africa, Phinda Homestead in South Africa, Phinda Vlei also in South Africa.

Guests travelling to &Beyond lodges in Africa can take advantage of “Fly Me” offers where the entire package price, including flights, is known; others who build an itinerary lodge by lodge, can benefit from long stay discounts. And for couples who have recently celebrated their nuptials, there is a Honeymoon Offer where a partner only pays 50%.

Asia travelers also can take advantage of long stay and “Fly Me” offers on some Indian itineraries, showcasing the best of the region at great deals.

Established in 1991, andBeyond is one of the world’s leading luxury experiential travel companies, designing personalized high-end tours in 15 countries in Africa, five in Asia, and four in South America. andBeyond also owns and operate 29 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa’s iconic safari and island destinations. In addition, andBeyond operates small group, set-departure expeditions throughout Africa and Asia. This enables us to positively impact more than 9 million acres of wildlife land and 2,000 kilometres of coastline.

For information, visit www.andBeyond.com.

 

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Voluntourism: Wild Women Expeditions’ Elephants, Treks and Temples Tour Provides Opportunity to Help with Elephant Care in Thailand’s Chiang Mai Region

During Wild Women Expeditions’ Elephants, Treks and Temples tour of Northern Thailand participants get to help bathe, feed and walk elephants at both an elephant rescue center and in a Karen tribal village in the jungle.

CORNER BROOK, NL, CANADA– Elephants are the stars in a new-for-2018 multi-sport Thailand adventure for women-only hosted by Wild Women Expeditions.

Fall 2018 departures of Elephants, Treks and Temples tour of Northern Thailand (http://wildwomenexpeditions.com/trips/thailand-elephants/) will immerse guests for 11 days in the culture and landscape of northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai region on bicycles, and while trekking and coursing down rivers on bamboo rafts.  Stops enroute include helping to bathe, feed and walk elephants at both and an elephant rescue center and in a Karen tribal village in the jungle.

“Ethical, sustainable tourism is the Asian elephant’s best hope to survive. In the spirit of the #BeKindToElephants movement, we want to respect and protect these majestic animals and so won’t be riding elephants on any Wild Women tours,” says Jennifer Haddow, Owner/Director of Wild Women Expeditions. “This practice often relies on wild elephants being brutally tamed before they can be ridden and we are creating tourism opportunities with elephants that do not cause harm.”

The focus on elephants is part of a Wild Women Expeditions’ commitment to change the perception of elephants as beasts of burden for tourists. The company is supporting Chai Lai Sisters, a community-based tourism project to convert an abusive elephant riding camp into a sanctuary or rescue center for elephants that is run by the Karen tribal community near Chiang Mai. This company also benefits a second organization, Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation, supporting the work of the work of the first elephant hospital in Thailand to rehabilitate elephants injured by overwork and neglect in tourist camps.

Wild Women Expeditions’ Elephants, Treks and Temples Tour of Chiang Mai, Thailand, provides opportunity to help care for elephants.

Wild Women Expeditions has also thrown its financial support behind Chai Lai Orchid and a Go Fund Me Campaign to empower local women and rescue elephants. Donations are needed to save 13 Asian elephants from abusive conditions and to support a human-trafficking prevention program. For more details and to contribute see: https://www.gofundme.com/ChaiLai.

Elephants in this region are big business. The animals are enslaved to the tourist trade 365 days a year as cheap transportation carrying the weight of a heavy metal chair plus the weight of humans. Elephants are also in chains to logging interests, day after day dragging felled trees from the jungle. In the rescue center caretakers from a Karen hill tribe assure that the animals are well treated and have access to water for bathing. See: https://www.chailaiorchid.com/elephant-sanctuary/.

In Chiang Mai is the world’s first elephant hospital that is supported by a non-profit organization called Friends of the Asian Elephant. Here treatments cover the spectrum of what distressed elephants may require, from illnesses requiring antibiotics to injuries mandating surgeries and future prosthesis, to maternal and infant care. See: http://www.friendsoftheasianelephant.org/en/.

Thailand’s Chiang Mai is the gateway to access the country’s north. The Wild Women Adventure Tour will visit several tribal communities to get a view of the rural landscape through activities including cycling, rafting and trekking.

Rice paddies, orchards, bamboo and fern groves surround women on bicycles in Sri Lanna National Park. To cross a reservoir they board a longtail boat bound for lunch at a floating bamboo raft house. Atop Thailand’s second highest mountain they gaze across a landscape to neighboring Myanmar; they hike along a jungle trail and immerse themselves in the culture of a hill tribe whose business is maintaining tea plantations. The group will stay for two nights at Phu Chaisai, at an award-winning eco-resort crafted by bamboo in the jungle near Chiang Rai. One 3.5-hour trek leads to a Karen village hill tribe where elephants await new hands to feed and bathe them. Another day is spent at an elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai.  Omnipresent throughout this journey are temples – or wats – and the role that rivers continue to play in shaping Thailand’s trade and agriculture.

The per person double rate is $2,295 USD inclusive of 10 nights accommodation (including a home stay), most meals, services of an English-speaking certified female guide and assistant guides, drinking water and snacks, activity-related equipment, travel, including airport transfers, in private air-conditioned vans, sightseeing tickets and zone entrance fees, flight confirmations and luggage transfers.

A quarter century ago Wild Women Expeditions pioneered today’s steam-charged movement encouraging women to travel in small women-only groups. “Wild Women Expeditions gives women the opportunity to empower themselves amongst other women, connect with the natural world and make a positive impact in the communities we explore,” says Haddow.

For details, availability and reservations for these and all Wild Women Expeditions’ programs call 1 (888) 993-1222, email [email protected] or visit online at https://wildwomenexpeditions.com/.

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Avila Beach & Valley Along CA Highway 1: Enter Sweepstakes, Join Voluntourism Program

Avila Beach, on California Highway 1 (photo by Dave E. Leiberman/Travel Features Syndicate)

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif.– Don’t miss these ahh inspiring, must-see spots in Avila Beach where you can pick your perfect paradise along the CA Highway 1 Discovery Route. The quaint town’s breathtaking white sandy beaches, Mediterranean climate and warm ambiance set it apart from all others.

Locals call Avila Beach the land of ahhs because of all the ahh inspiring things to see and do. Located just off Highway 1 on California’s central coast, the road to Avila Beach takes visitors through a lush oak valley lined with transformative spas featuring natural, mineral hot springs, world-class massage, yoga instruction, and sense therapies. Journey just a little further and the welcoming paradise of Avila Beach appears. Avila Beach is a breath of fresh salt air, with amenity-laden hotels, charming oceanfront restaurants, magnificent local wines, and shopping and activities for all to enjoy.

“Choose from a number of fine oceanfront resorts or stay in the perfect family friendly vacation rental,” explains Cheryl Cuming, Chief Administrative Officer, CA Highway 1 Discovery Route. “In the fall, tour the apple orchards for the best of the season’s harvest. Check out the oceanfront 18-hole golf course and the Bob Jones Trail, which connects walkers and bicyclists along three miles of San Luis Creek, from the top of Avila Valley to a vibrant beachfront downtown.”

Enter To Win 
Win a $2,000 Avila Beach Getaway! Enjoy your choice of lodging and dining in the Land of Ahhs, plus a Spa Visit at Sycamore Mineral Springs! Just subscribe to the mailing list and reply to the confirmation email. Remain eligible for this and all future H1DR getaway offers by maintaining your monthly email newsletter subscription.

Stewardship Travel in Avila Beach
Stewardship Travel is your getaway to ‘Ah-Ha’ moments on vacation through activities and charitable donation opportunities that protect wildlife, habitat, and cultural heritage sites. As you plan your Avila Beach trip, consider adding an hour or two of fun volunteer time to your day, or schedule a travel adventure to a natural, cultural or historic site. Get the exclusive Avila Beach Free Stewardship Clean-up Kit & Tote Gift Bag,watch the sharks feed at the Central Coast Aquarium and visit the aquarium’s Jelly Tank, take the Pecho Coast Trail Docent Hikes to Point San Luis Lighthouse with PG&E and much more.

For all the must see and do things in Avila Beach, go to: http://highway1discoveryroute.com/avila-beach-visitor-guide/

 

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Rare Chance To Help Care for Giant Pandas on Natural Habitat Adventures’ Wild China Trips

nat-hab-china-panda

BOULDER, CO – Natural Habitat Adventures has introduced a new opportunity to get behind the scenes and assist with panda care on its China nature adventures. Guests can enjoy a one-day volunteer experience at a Chinese research base that has helped pull giant pandas back from the brink.

The optional caregiver opportunity takes place at Dujiangyan Panda Valley, China’s newest facility for panda research, education and conservation located outside Chengdu. It is included on both Nat Hab’s Wild Side of China Nature Odyssey and Wild Side of China Photo Adventure.

On both panda-focused itineraries, travelers have the rare chance to spend a day with panda keepers, enjoying pandas at close range while assisting with tasks that are part of the daily care routine, such as feeding pandas and cleaning enclosures.

This intimate contact comes in the context of a celebratory victory for conservation, as China’s giant panda population was recently downgraded from endangered to vulnerable. While giant pandas are still at risk, their numbers continue to rebound. More than 1,800 were counted in the wild in China’s 2014 survey, a jump of 17 percent since the 2003 national census.

Top naturalist Expedition Leaders provide insight into this success story on Nat Hab’s two 12-day itineraries, which offer the most panda-intensive and nature-centered exploration of China provided by any travel company. In addition to visiting three different panda research bases, guests are immersed in the giant panda’s wild native habitat, including two days in a remote mountain nature reserve in Sichuan Province that few tourists ever see.

On this rare expedition into the Minshan Mountains, walks and wildlife drives in this virtually unvisited preserve provides reveal the panda’s native environment, including lush bamboo forests, river gorges and waterfalls.

Because wild pandas are highly elusive, guests are not likely to see them, but approximately 60 live within this densely forested 100,000-acre sanctuary. The reserve is rated as a Grade I global biodiversity hotspot by World Wildlife Fund and is home 430 different mammal species including golden monkeys, Tibetan and rhesus macaques, musk deer, muntjac, serow, wild boar, blue sheep, and endangered moon bears and red pandas. More than 2,400 different plant species and 150 bird species are also found in the park, including the golden pheasant.

Both itineraries also include Jiuzhaigou National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and UN Biosphere Reserve, containing some of China’s most dramatic wild landscapes. Guided walks showcase steep peaks, ravines, forest, meadows, marshes and a multitude of lakes and waterfalls. The park’s most distinctive feature is its terraced limestone pools filled with turquoise water that flows in crystalline cascades from ledge to ledge.

Each departure is led by a Nat Hab Expedition Leader who has trained with WWF scientists and researchers, along with a top Chinese naturalist guide. Travelers benefit from a breadth of expert scientific knowledge, authentic cultural insight and attentive personal service. Photo tour departures feature personalized guidance from an expert professional photographer.

This unique itinerary also offers an unusual chance for Western visitors to witness rural Chinese life. In the Gansu Muslim village of Qing Xi, guests stroll among 300-year-old wooden buildings from the Qing dynasty. On an overland journey onto the Tibetan Plateau, they traverse a landscape dotted with fluttering prayer flags and chortens and share lunch with a Tibetan family. And on a visit to a small farm, they learn about a WWF-supported bio-waste project that uses agricultural by-products to create cleaner cooking fuels, reducing local wood consumption and preserving habitat for pandas and other wildlife.

The per-person rate, based on double occupancy, starts at $10,495, for both regular and photo departures. 2017 season departures are: April 2, April 6 (Photo Tour), April 16, April 20 (Photo Tour), May 1, May 4 (Photo Tour), Sept. 3, Sept. 17, and Oct. 7 (Photo Tour). Dates also available for 2018.

For information on all of Nat Hab’s trips, descriptive itineraries, date availability and reservations, call 800.543.8917 or visit http://www.nathab.com/. Click HERE to order a copy of the 2017 catalog.

Natural Habitat Adventures is a world leader in responsible adventure travel and nature-based ecotourism. Since its founding in 1985, the company has offered eco-conscious expeditions and wildlife-focused small-group tours to the planet’s most remarkable nature destinations. Inspired and created from years of scouring the planet for the singular and extraordinary, Nat Hab’s itineraries are artfully crafted experiences that are far from “typical.” Trips are guided by professional naturalist Expedition Leaders, and Nat Hab enjoys a longstanding reputation for hiring some of the world’s best guides. Conservation is at the forefront of everything NHA does, and its philosophy is simple: tourism must work with and benefit local communities, which will in turn find value in protecting natural resources and wildlife. NHA is proud to be the travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, sharing a mutual commitment to travel as a means of helping to protect the world’s wondrous natural places.  Nat Hab has donated more than $2 million to WWF and will continue to donate 1 percent of gross sales plus $100,000 annual through 2018 in support of WWF’s mission.

 

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African Travel Expands Safari with Voluntourism Opportunities

African Travel, Inc. is supporting National Volunteer Week by providing numerous opportunities for travelers to donate their time, expertise and physical labor to a variety of projects in Cape Town, Livingstone, and Tanzania.
African Travel, Inc. is supporting National Volunteer Week by providing numerous opportunities for travelers to donate their time, expertise and physical labor to a variety of projects in Cape Town, Livingstone, and Tanzania.

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. – African Travel, Inc. is supporting National Volunteer Week by providing numerous opportunities for guests to invest in Africa’s future. Travelers can donate their time, expertise and physical labor to a variety of projects in Cape Town, Livingstone, and Tanzania while enjoying African Travel’s award-winning collection, named one of Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best.”

“It’s our ultimate goal to provide our guests with the safari of their dreams while making a meaningful difference in the world,” said Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel. “We love the fact that our travelers want to give back to the communities they visit and leave their own legacy. We are heralding the age of voluntourism.”

National Volunteer Week 2016 will be held from April 10 through 17. African Travel guests can add voluntourism options to many of the existing brochure tours. One day is the most frequently requested addition, but travelers with more time can extend their opportunities.

African Travel also encourages the sustainable development of tourism by partnering with the TreadRight Foundation and supporting projects that benefit the environment, heritage and community of Africa. Other partners include the Amy Biehl Foundation, which contributes to community building programs in Cape Town, and WildAid, whose mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade by shutting down global consumption of wildlife products.

African Travel, Inc. is a 40-year-old safari operator, with operations in Africa and the USA, offering customized and locally-hosted safaris to Africa at all price points. The company’s focus is solely on planning and operating safaris in Africa. We have dedicated, experienced teams in Africa, Safari Specialists in the USA, an extensive transportation fleet, numerous hotels, camps and lodges throughout The Travel Corporation‘s Africa-based associate companies. Refer to www.AfricanTravelInc.com for a wide variety of ideas and safaris.

Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The foundation’s guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities.

TreadRight’s past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society’s inaugural “World Legacy Awards,” helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empowering individuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.

To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, visit TreadRight.org.

For more information and to book the safari, contact your Travel Professional, call African Travel, Inc. at 800-421-8907, or visit www.africantravelinc.com.

 

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Lindblad Expeditions-National Geo Offers Late Summer Galapagos Trips with Free Airfare and Opportunities to Participate in Conservation

Snorkeling with sea turtles is one of the highlights of Lindblad-National Geographic's Galapagos trip. Late summer departures also include special opportunities to participate in conservation, as well as take advantage of free airfare from Miami.
Snorkeling with sea turtles is one of the highlights of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s Galapagos trip. Late summer departures also include special opportunities to participate in conservation, as well as take advantage of free airfare from Miami.

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has launched their first, annual celebration of conservation in Galápagos –Conservation in Action |Galapagos – a series of late summer departures that will offer guests an enriched conservation experience and the “credentials” to make them a first-class Galápagos ambassador.

Lindblad is committed to protecting the pristine archipelago, and has raised with their guests more than $6 million to support conservation and education programs in the region through the Lindblad-National Geographic Fund (LEX-NG Fund). Conservation in Action |Galapagos was created with the initial goal of raising $250,000 for a new conservation initiative that will complement their long-standing stewardship efforts – while educating guests about the various programs available.

Now, guests can make a personal impact while having an extraordinary time:  Lindblad will donate $1,000 per person towards Galápagos conservation for any new reservation made for travel to Galápagos from August 15 to September 26, 2015.   Guests can also take advantage of free roundtrip air from Miami to Galapagos during those dates (up to $1,250 per guest value), valid on new bookings only and subject to availability.

In addition to the hallmark highlights of a Galapagos expedition – snorkeling with sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions; hikes among colonies of wildlife and birds unfazed by your presence; observing rare giant tortoises in the wild, and exploring the waters of the Galápagos by kayak, glass-bottom boat, or Zodiac, Conservation in Action |Galapagos guests will have the opportunity to:

  •  Transform trash into treasure to support local artisans. Guests will work with our Paper to Pearls team to learn an engaging, purposeful skill that benefits the human community of Galápagos—and make beautiful beads out of paper for artisans to turn into jewelry for local sale.
  •  Meet artist-in-residence Carlyn Iverson, an accomplished natural history artist/instructor, on board National Geographic Endeavour to learn how to truly see and represent the creatures of Galápagos. Carlyn will hold drawing classes in the field—the only place on Earth where wild animals calmly pose for their portrait—and provide expert instruction during the expedition. (on the August 21, 28; September 4, 11, 18, 25 departures.)
  •  See Galápagos’ nature through the lens of your camera. Become a conservation ambassador for Galápagos and share  the wonders with the world—your personal community of friends, family, and social groups—through your photos with our Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor. Develop your talents, or learn new skills, as well.

Rates for the 10 day/9 night voyages aboard the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour begin at $6,290 per person and on the 48-guest National Geographic Islander at $6,760 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.

For reservations or additional information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyages to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on Earth, visit expeditions.com, call 1-800-EXPEDITION (1-800-397-3348) or contact your travel advisor.

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Earthwatch Invites Public to ‘Citizens for Science Exposition’ at Harvard, Nov. 8

Earthwatch Institute enables ordinary people to work alongside scientists. In 2013, Earthwatch scientists and volunteers completed nearly 135,000 hours of research, on over 50 expeditions, across 57 countries on six continents.
Earthwatch Institute enables ordinary people to work alongside scientists. In 2013, Earthwatch scientists and volunteers completed nearly 135,000 hours of research, on over 50 expeditions, across 57 countries on six continents.

Earthwatch, a travel company that gives ordinary people the opportunity to work alongside scientists doing research, is inviting the public to its Citizens for Science Exposition which will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 as part of the Earthwatch Summit 2014.

The event will be hosted at the Harvard University Science Center and will allow the public to learn about Earthwatch scientists’ research, and its impact on the environment, community, and wildlife. They will also learn how they can have a positive impact through Citizen Science.

Some of the highlights of the day will include:

*   Opening Session: Rallying Call for Citizen Science with Opening Address. Speaker, Dr. William Moomaw, Chief Science Officer, Earthwatch Institute

*   Morning Address: Harnessing the Power of Citizens for Science I by Dr. J. Nichols, Marine Biologist and author of Blue Mind

*   Afternoon Address: Harnessing the Power of Citizens for Science II by Dr. Richard Primack, Boston University biologist and author of Walden Warming

*   6 Earthwatch Scientist Presentations a Q & A with Moderator, Dr. Meg Lowman, Chief of Science & Sustainability at the California Academy of Sciences

*   Poster Sessions: Take part in conversations about their research and practices, addressing environmental topics within an informal dynamic

*   Closing Address: Brian Rosborough, Founder, Earthwatch Institute

Those who are interested should register (by October 10, 2014).

Earthwatch: Hands-on Citizen Science

Powered by everyday people from all walks of life, Earthwatch is a community built on sound scientific inquiry, real environmental understanding, and impactful action.

“For more than 40 years, we have pioneered a unique model of hands on citizen science,” says Nicole Morrill of the Earthwatch Institute. “There is no other organization that offers the real, undiluted, and extraordinary opportunity to join scientists and volunteers in the field on environmental projects around the globe.

“Volunteers take part in life changing experiences in the field and return home inspired and empowered.”

In 2013, Earthwatch scientists and volunteers completed nearly 135,000 hours of research, on over 50 expeditions, across 57 countries on six continents. The research collected by Earthwatch volunteers has led to new conservation laws, preservation efforts, and environmental policies.

The expedition that is hardest to get on, and the most in demand, is Shark Conservation in Belize led by Dr. Demian Chapman.

“What is great about our organization is that all of the expeditions offer a chance for the volunteer to contribute to meaningful science that can lead to new laws and environmental polices. All of our expeditions offer life changing experiences on the field working with scientists. In short, Real Science Powered by Real People,” Morrill says.

For more information, contact Earthwatch Institute, 114 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134, 978-450-1267, earthwatch.org.

 

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New: Moral Compass: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Seeks Volunteers

© 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com
© 2014 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest nonprofit organization in Vermont to provide daily, year-round sports and recreation to people with disabilities, is seeking new volunteer ski and snowboard instructors for its winter programs at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, Bolton Valley in Bolton and Pico Mountain in Killington. This rewarding opportunity allows the community to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities seven days a week. Vermont Adaptive relies heavily on its more than 400 volunteers to provide and support more than 2,000 winter lessons to people with physical, cognitive and emotional or behavioral disabilities.

Volunteers are required to attend an off snow orientation at the mountain of choice in November as well as two days of on snow training in early December. Trainings are held on weekends. The off snow trainings are slated for: Saturday, Nov. 8 at Sugarbush, Saturday, Nov. 15 at Pico Mountain, and Sunday, Nov. 16 at Bolton Valley. Junior volunteers, ages 14 and up, also are welcome to attend training and volunteer.

Registration for off-snow training is required by signing up online. Guidelines and prerequisites can also be found online. For more details, visit http://www.vermontadaptive.org/volunteer_overview.php.

Volunteers will be taught about disability awareness, how to teach a ski or ride lesson as well as how to teach a specific type of lesson such as blind guiding, sit down skiing or working with participants with cognitive disabilities. Volunteers are expected to be a competent skier or rider prior to training. The program begins at all three locations on Dec. 26 and runs through the end of ski season at each mountain, typically the end of March or early April.

To sign up to volunteer visit http://www.vermontadaptive.org/volunteer_overview.php or contact Tom Alcorn, senior program coordinator at 802.353.7584 or [email protected].
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Adventure Vietnam Introduces New Voluntourism Program

Adventure Vietnam (adventurevietnam.com) invites travelers to join its new Volunteerism program named “Exploring Vietnam’s Charm – Bringing Smiles and Happiness to Disadvantaged People.”

Recognizing that it is difficult for volunteers to devote several weeks to work on a community projects, but would dearly love to give a little something to Vietnam, Adventure Vietnam has designed an eight day/seven night itinerary that enables travelers to spend a couple of days volunteering as well as time to explore.

“We work with a number of orphanages/disabled children centers across Hanoi, and you will be placed in one of them depending on need and availability. The children who live at the orphanages/disabled children centers are both male and female and are aged between 1 and 18 years, with the older children attending school during the day. We also work with a shelter specifically for boys as well. Some of the children living at the orphanages have special needs and you will also be volunteering with these children too. The centers that we work with can vary in size from 20 to 250 children, so be prepared for a busy schedule!” said Xuan Truong who became head of the new department in June.

Adventure Vietnam is also looking for people who would serve as a group leader and independently promote and sell the program as a representative of their country of residence. Group leaders would receive a net rate. (Contact Xuan Truong at [email protected].)

Adventure Vietnam has more than 10 years of experience in voluntourism projects for communities in Vietnam.

Adventure Vietnam, 5 Nguyen Truong To Street, Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam, Phone: +84.4.3927 4120  Fax: +84.4.39 27 41 18, Mail: [email protected], http://luxurytravelvietnam.com.

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