Voluntourism
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Voluntourism
Voluntourism is travel that includes volunteering for a charitable cause. It is a concept that accepts and embraces a belief in social responsibility. It is growing in popularity with individuals who have a social, ecological conscience and involves volunteering, personal growth and connecting to the planet in ways that help to preserve it.The purpose behind REACH Grenada’s voluntourism program is three-fold. First, increasing awareness of our programs through direct and self-sustaining channels. Second, providing additional manpower for charitable projects in Grenada including, e.g., painting walls, planting gardens, providing resources, etc. And third, promoting our mission while simultaneously cultivating strong donor relationships.
Parent child voluntourism trip November 23-27, 2010
This extremely successful intergenerational experience allows parents to expose their children to the needs of the underprivileged global, and, specifically, Grenadian, community. The four-night trip consists of three days of work programs at the Queen Elizabeth Home for abused and abandoned children, as well as other opportunities to explore the island and its culture. Volunteers contribute their energy and time to enhancing and preserving the physical structure of the home through painting, repairing and gardening projects. Children’s games are also organized so that the visiting children have the opportunity to interact in a fun and uninhibited way with the Queen Elizabeth children.
In the past, we have been lucky to have such caring and generous families on these trips who further contributed by carrying and donating needed items, such as games, clothes and soap in their luggage.
For more information, please email jared@reachgrenada.org.
Example voluntourism trip details
Volunteers will discover Grenada’s natural beauty and culture during the afternoons. Excursions may include a visit to a cocoa farm to learn about the origins of chocolate, how cocoa is processed into this delicious treat and-the best part-indulge in the locally made award-winning chocolate. Families will also enjoy the adventure of river tubing and partaking in a traditional "oil down", the colorful Grenadian national dish (see picture). Of course no trip to Grenada is complete without some fun-filled beach time with the additional options of an oceanfront yoga session and relaxing spa treatments. Please click here to view our voluntourism pre-trip video.
A typical day
- 08:00 - 09:00 Breakfast poolside at Grooms Beach Resort
- 09:00 - 12:00 Work Program at Queen Elizabeth Home
- 12:00 - 13:00 Lunch either at Home or traditional restaurant
- 13:00 - 17:00 River Tubing or Cocoa Farm or Beach
- 17:00 - 19:00 Relax at Grooms Beach Resort
- 19:00 - 21:00 Dinner at local restaurant or poolside at hotel
Accommodation
Volunteers stay at the lovely and family-friendly Grooms Beach Resort. There are several types of accommodations to choose from including standard rooms, deluxe studio rooms and two-bedroom villas. The resort boasts an inviting swimming pool alongside the open-air restaurant and is a 3 minute walk to the beach.What's included
• Round trip airport transfers• Accommodations for 4 nights
• Three meals a day, snacks and water
• Three afternoon tour excursions
• Gratuities for tour guides and hotel staff
• Work project materials and supplies
• Stainless-steel REACH Grenada water bottles
Travel information
Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport is served by the following airlines: American Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and LIAT to name a few.Arrival time: The programs start in the evening of arrival day. When making your flight reservations, please arrange for your arrival at Grenada’s Maurice Bishop International Airport no later than 8:00pm. That will ensure you can arrive at Grooms Beach Resort, a 5 minute drive from the airport, giving you time to check in before a light meal and trip overview together.
