Volunteer Vacations: Get More Than a Great Tan
By: Chelsey Hennemuth
We all look forward to those one or two (or maybe more) weeks of, what we like to call, paid-time off—you know, vacation! We head for warm weather and sandy beaches, a relaxing mountain resort, or travel abroad to sight-see. Vacation is a time to relax, not think about real life, and just take a break. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, of course. We all need a break occasionally. But did you ever consider a getaway that is not only good for yourself, but for others too?
Introducing: The volunteer vacation.
A volunteer vacation, often called “voluntourism,” involves taking a vacation and participating in various activities that benefit a charitable cause or organization. These trips can be found across the globe and even here at home in the United States. Volunteer vacationers may work with adults, children, animals, or other forms wildlife; it just depends on the trip. Trips can also range from vacation-like living arrangements to more “outdoorsy” living quarters. Any interested vacationer should be able to find a trip that accommodates their interests and lifestyle.
The African Children’s Choir in South Africa is an internationally known, educational organization that welcomes volunteers from all over the world. The group has a two-fold mission: to raise awareness about the Nkomazi region of Mpumalanga, an area stricken by unemployment, drought, and HIV/AIDS, and to provide educational opportunities for the many children in this area. These young children are often orphans, responsible for their own well-being and those of younger brothers and sisters. The Choir has set up Music for Life Centers to provide “music and dance, tutoring, life skills training, and food” for these underprivileged children. And through its international concerts, the Choir works to raise awareness and funding for the programs back in Africa.
Chrisi Buono of McCandless, Pennsylvania had her first “voluntourism” experience in 2008 with the African Children’s Choir in South Africa. After attending a Choir performance in Ohio, Chrisi and her boyfriend (now, husband) decided to take advantage of the “short term volunteer” opportunity the organization offered. The pair inquired in April of 2008 and, by September, they were on their way to South Africa for a two-week volunteer vacation. During the first week, Chrisi and the other volunteers assisted with a Bible camp for the children. The second week consisted of an after school program; a time for the children to come and play and participate in a lot of fun activities. On the weekends, the volunteers “had the best of both worlds” and were able to sight-see and visit other areas of the country.
For Chrisi, this was a memorable, humbling, and uplifting experience. It was a chance to visit another part of the world, help others, and improve oneself all in one trip. “It was so sad, yet, so heartwarming at the same time,” Chrisi said. She loved having the chance to work with these children, who were in great need of some love and attention. The program allowed these children to learn and interact with caring adults. “It was nice to give them the opportunity to just hang out and be kids,” Chrisi said of the hardworking children, who often play the role of parents. But the trip required a bit of a childhood mindset for the adults. “It was fun to sort of let your adult worries go by,” Chrisi said. “We were thousands of miles away [from home] but, yet, the kids were just like kids here. So it’s not like we had to learn anything new, we just had fun with them.” Even the smallest gestures were appreciated by the children, who loved to opportunity to play like all kids do.
The two-week trip is something that Chrisi and her husband would love to do again. It was a “nice balance” of fun and work. The sightseeing trips on the weekends allowed for “vacation-like qualities” and working with the children took a lot of energy and dedication for two weeks.
Leaving the country for two weeks for such a trip is not an easy task. Again, it takes dedication and a willingness to give up certain luxuries. But the outcome is well worth it. However, for those vacationers not able to take such a giant leap, there are trips that are just as fulfilling here on our own turf.
A very popular volunteer trip here in the United States is through Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide, non-profit organization and Christian housing ministry, with more than 1,500 affiliates here in the United States. Volunteers partner with future homeowners to build them a new home. In the wakes of the many recent natural disasters, Habitat for Humanity has received volunteers from many church groups and community groups, as well as high schools and colleges. Individuals who are not affiliated with a particular group are encouraged to volunteer as well.
Cassandra Bartus, a teacher at Baldwin High School in Pittsburgh, had the opportunity to join the school’s Vision Club as a chaperone for this year’s Habitat for Humanity trip. This is the second trip for which she has volunteered and this time she had the privilege of building two homes during the weeklong trip to Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. For Cassandra, this opportunity is more than fulfilling. “The truth is, I believe that I have take away more than what I have put out,” Cassandra stated. “By going, I had the chance to see the destruction first hand. They are still rebuilding.” But its not just the work that’s satisfying, so are the relationships that are built along the way.
Cassandra enjoyed the physical aspects of the trip and the knowledge that her team’s hard work gave hope for another family. However, she also enjoyed working with her team and the residents of Bay St. Louis. “What I truly love is getting to know students who I don’t normally get to interact with at school. The students who attend are wonderful,” Cassandra said. When commenting on the residents she worked with, she was just as impressed: “The strength of the human spirit and community is amazing and is exhibited by the residents of Bay St. Louis. Their openness and gratitude are heartwarming.” Habitat for Humanity works to bring the citizens of our country together to build not only homes, but also new relationships and an appreciation for others.
For those women interested in a similar trip, there is a lot to consider before jumping on a plane to another state or country. According to Chrisi and her husband, research is key– just as it would be for any other type of vacation. Without proper research, your experience could be compromised and you could be left in the dark. Most important is researching the organization. It’s necessary to know the ins and outs of the organization and how it works. Some groups are more credible than others. You must also educate yourself on the geographical area in which you will be working. “Knowledge about the area is huge,” Chrisi stated. Knowing the area and culture will help you prepare for the trip.
The website www.idealist.org is a great site to help you get started with “voluntourism.” The site allows you to search for a trip that meets your needs, including location and type of volunteer work.
Volunteer vacations are not eight-hour lounge sessions on the beach with a drink in your hand. They are hard work. They take time, dedication, and often sacrifice. But the benefits of these vacations are worth more than a great tan. Take it from these two women. They knew from the beginning that this was a different kind of vacation. But from it, they brought home a suitcase full of memories, fulfillment, and the eagerness to do it all over again.
For more information about the African Children’s Choir or Habitat for Humanity International, visit their respective sites, www.africanchildrenschoir.com and www.habitat.org.
Chelsey Hennemuth is a graduate student in the Journalism and Multimedia Arts Department at Duquesne University. She received her B.A. in Graphic Design from St. Vincent College.